1.91 Being fussed

Kay was getting food when she felt arms wrap around her, “Still mad at you Jake.” 

He wasn’t going to let go and quietly said, “I know but can we talk now.” 

She spun around and said firmly, “I’m listening.”

“Do you have any ideas on names?” Kay just stared at him and said, “I like the name Andrew but I think your sister might want to use that. Michael is a nice name too…”

“Don’t like Michael but agree that we can’t use the name Andrew. Please can we stop arguing?” Kay rolled her eyes then smiled, “Fine but we still need a name,” 

Kay kissed him and waited for an answer. “We have four months left to decide.”

Kirsten was finally home after the bleeding had slowed right down but was told to rest and the doctor would give her a home visit the following day. When Kirsten tried to get off the chair Andrew firmly said, “Sit, what do you want?” Kirsten looked at him and replied, “I want a drink.”

“Stay there and I’ll get it.” Andrew Snr knocked the door and walked in, “How are you feeling?”

“Tell your son that I’m fine.” Andrew sat next to her and said, “I can’t do that because I agree with him. You and that baby are important.”

“But he’s driving me crazy, he carried me from the car and that is silly.” Andrew snr could see she was frustrated and calmly said, “Enjoy it.” Kirsten sighed, “Not you too, Jakey said that. This will be one long pregnancy.” When Andrew saw his Dad he asked if everything was ok at the base and was informed that he was being given the week off. Suddenly they heard Kirsten say, “Oh the joy.” 

Andrew sat next to his wife and said, “I know you think I’m fussing but I want you and this baby to be ok.”

“I know but I’m not a porcelain doll and that is how you are treating me.” Andrew looked at her and quietly said, “I’m sorry but I’m really worried about you.” 

Andrew helped his son in tidy up and said, “Go easy on her.”

“Dad I…” Andrew broke down, “I never thought losing a child would feel like this and I can’t lose the other one.” He stepped closer to his son and said, “Andrew losing a child is the most unbearable pain you can imagine. Losing you was heart wrenching. I know you were alive but I wasn’t allowed to see you and you know why but I’m lucky because I was given a second chance to have you in my life. I know you lost a baby but you have to think you are still going to be a father and you need to be there for Kirsten.” 

Andrew wiped the tears away and said, “I know Kirsten was right, they tell us you are having twins then at the same time take it away. How do I tell my son years to come he was a twin?”

“When the time is right you and Kirsten will know what to do there.” 

Kirsten had listened to the conversation when she heard Andrew breakdown she came in with tears down her face and when he saw her, Andrew went straight to her and said, “I love you.”

“I love you too and I don’t think you fuss that much.” 

Andrew smiled slightly and kissed her. Andrew Snr watched them wrapped in each other’s arms for a few moments and wished Louise could see them together and how great their son had turned out. It was moments like this that he missed her the most. It was then he decided to leave the army, he missed everything with Andrew and he wasn’t about to miss anything with his grandchild. He wouldn’t interfere but if they wanted a babysitter or his grandchild wanted him the answer would always be yes.

“Kirsten how long do you have left,” he asked once he saw an opportunity. Kirsten looked at her father in-law and with a smile, “Coming up five months. Jake will be a Dad about a month before I’m a mum.”

“So you get to play Aunt first?” 

Kirsten smiled again and replied, “I guess I do never thought of it like that.” He smiled at the both and said his goodbyes and left when Kirsten heard her Mum call out and Kirsten turned to Andrew and asked, “Hide me please because she will be worse than you.”

“Promise to rest.” Kirsten felt slightly trapped but agreed. 

They came from the kitchen to find her parents looking at them. “Kirsten why aren’t you resting?” Kirsten took a deep breath and replied, “I have been but I was just in the kitchen…” Laura interrupted her, “No hun, you need to rest and Andrew she should be in bed.” Andrew was about to say something when Dan said, “Sweetheart I think Andrew can look after our daughter.”

“But…”

“Laura the baby will be fine. Kirsten do you need anything?” Laura had been asking Kirsten what she wanted for the baby since day one and Kirsten had finally decided, “I need a cot and pushchair.”

“Dan held his daughter, “Now that I can do. You tell me what you want and I will pay the bill.” Laura had to ask, “Any names yet?” Andrew answered, “We are still talking about it besides we have time.” Laura was telling them that they didn’t have time when Dan firmly said, “They have plenty of time and don’t you remember Kirsten was eight weeks before she finally got her name.”

“I just don’t want them to go through what we did.” Kirsten could see this turning into an argument and quickly said, “Mum, we have a few ideas but we will get a name.” Laura sighed, “I know you will I just…”

“Mum, everything will be fine now I have to rest.” 

When Kirsten lay down on the bed Andrew held her and said, “Your Mum will back off, right.” Kirsten squeezed into Andrew and said, “Eventually.”

1.89 Holding on

Jake came home to find Kay asleep on the sofa, “Beautiful it’s time for bed.” 

He lifted her up and carried her to their room. When he lay her on the bed her heard her talk in her sleep, ‘Must get baby clothes, haven’t got enough time…’ Jake whispered in her ear, “Kay you’re talking in your sleep again. Everything will be fine,” then he kissed her before climbing into bed.

Jake was sound asleep when the phone rang at the side of his bed, he looked at the clock and it read four o’clock then looked at the phone and it was a video call from Kirsten, “Sis everything ok?” 

Kirsten was in tears the other end and said, “I have been bleeding what do I do?” Jake yelled with panic, “For fuck sake sis get Andrew and go to the hospital now.”

Kay stood by the door and asked what the yelling was all about and when Jake told her she spoke to Kirsten, “Listen you need to stay calm and get Andrew. I will ring the doctors for you ok.”

Through the tears Kirsten agreed. When she put the phone down Kirsten frantically rang Andrew, “Hi Andy, can you come home? I think something is wrong.”

“Kirsten, Andrew is on the field what’s wrong?” Andrew Snr just about discovered that Kirsten was bleeding and thought she was losing the baby. He told her to sit down and Andrew would be home straight away. He pulled his son off the training field and practically threw Andrew into a trunk and drove through every red light because he didn’t want to lose his grandchild. Andrew just sat there staring out the window in shock.

Kirsten was being examined by the doctor when Andrew found her in their bedroom. The doctor turned to Andrew and asked, “Are you the father?” 

Andrew steadily answered, “Yes and is everything ok?” The doctor would only say, “Kirsten is being taken to hospital for further tests.” The doctor gave a half smile to Kirsten and left the room to wait for the ambulance. 

Andrew looked at Kirsten and nervously asked, “What did they say?”

“They won’t tell me anything…Andy I want our baby, it’s going to ok right?” 

Andrew kissed her forehead and said, “Our baby will be fine,” but he wasn’t sure about that statement and hated the feelings that he was having. He quickly rang Jake who told him he’d ring his parents.

When Laura saw the consultant enter her daughter’s room she froze, “Dan that was the doctor who broke the news about Ava.” Dan squeezed her and quietly replied, “Everything will be fine. We need to be here for Kirsten.” 

When the consultant opened the door he saw Dan and Laura and knew instantly who they were. Laura was his first patient in the maternity unit and it broke his heart to tell them about their baby and slowly approached them. He shook Dan and Laura hands and calmly said, “Kirsten is your daughter, right?”

Laura was starting to cry but stopped and heard, “I hated telling you and I’ve never forgotten. I will do everything I can to make sure Kirsten and baby are fine. I’m going to do the ultra scan now.”

“You did everything you could and for that we are grateful just please do everything for our girl in there.”

“I will do.” 
When they entered the room Kirsten was looking at Andrew and when he looked up he gave a nod. “Jake is on his way.” Laura smiled, “He doesn’t like Kirsten upset.” Everyone accept Andrew had to leave the room while carried out the scan.

Everyone outside the room was quiet, hoping and praying for good news. Kay was cuddling into Jake while holding her stomach and thought, ‘Stay there for Mummy, I love you so much.’ She felt Jake’s hand over hers and heard a whisper, “I love this baby.” Kay glanced at him and he kissed her.

After the nurse left with the machine the consultant said, “Kirsten and Andrew I took pictures and after looking very carefully I have news.” They both listened intently as the consultant spoke, “Did you know you were expecting twins?” They looked at each other and then back at the consultant and Kirsten said in shock, “No we didn’t, are they ok?” She felt Andrew squeeze her hand as he was on edge waiting to find out what was going on.

“I’m sorry to say one baby has died and that is why you are bleeding but the other baby is doing well. I know it’s not the best news but I would like you to stay overnight so we can keep an eye on you.”

Andrew finally spoke, “I’m not leaving them…” The consultant was going to argue but he saw no point and because it was a private room agreed that Andrew could have a cot bed. 

Kirsten and Andrew held each other for a while until the crying stopped, “Kirst, we have a baby that we need to look after.”

“I know but they tell us we are having twins then rip our hearts out.” Andrew held her and answered, “Baby I agree but we can’t lose both of them so please try and stay calm for the baby.” She kissed Andrew back and promised to stay focused. Dan and Laura opened the door and asked if they could come in and Kirsten smiled. “Sweetheart what did he say?” 

Kirsten looked at her Mum and said sadly, “I was having twins but now I’m only having one baby. Dan closed his eyes for a moment then said, “Are you both ok?” Andrew sighed, “Shocked but ok I guess. He wants Kirsten to stay so I’ll be here with her.” Laura offered to get Kirsten’s things so Andrew didn’t have to leave and Kirsten appreciated the gesture and thanked her Mum.

When they were alone Andrew said, “I was so worried about you.” Kirsten held him tightly, “I was too but I’m glad you are here. And, what shall we name this baby?”

“Do we know if it’s a boy or girl? Kirsten looked at him, “We could ask before we pick a name!”

“Isn’t that cheating?” Kirsten smiled slightly, “After what’s happened I want to know.”

“Same here.”

1.79 Babies

The weekend came too quickly. Matt and Hazel had arrived at his parents rather than go home so they could help out Tracy. 

Charlie was a few months old and had grown so much since Matt had last seen his little brother. The moment Charlie saw him he waved his hands in the air indicating that he wanted to be picked up.

Matt fed him but Hazel asked if she could put him to bed. Matt agreed and waited a few minutes before he entered his brother’s room to watch Hazel. 

He quietly opened the door and watched Hazel read Charlie a bedtime story, he saw how comfortable she was with Charlie and how her face lit up when they were together. When Charlie finally fell asleep Hazel noticed Matt in the door way and was surprised to see him. 

She walked out of the room closing the door behind her, suddenly she felt Matt pulling her towards his bedroom, “Matt, you don’t have to pull me.” 

He closed his door behind them and pulled Hazel onto the bed with him, “You looked so at ease in there tonight, I just wanted you to know that I noticed.” Hazel smiled at him and replied sweetly, “Thank you but you could have told me out there rather than drag me in here.”

“I thought you deserved some personal attention,” Hazel smiled as he kissed her then they heard crying. 

Matt rolled on to his back and said, “He’s been fed, changed and you read to him…what does he want?” Hazel giggled, “Maybe his big brother.” 

Matt sighed as he walked back to his brother’s room. “Right, little bro! This has got to stop, we all need our sleep and you can’t keep doing this to Mum and Dad.” 

He played with Charlie for the next hour or so before returning his room. 

When he came back, Hazel was fast asleep and he thought, ‘Great, thanks a lot bro now I won’t be having any fun tonight.” Matt undressed and got in beside Hazel and just cuddled up to her.

The following day Kay arrived at the house with Jake for lunch in the hope she could tell them about her pregnancy. “Kay, you haven’t touch your food, are you ok?” She looked at Tracy and said, “No I’m not… this is hard,” 

Jake held her hand and gave the look of reassurance so she would continue, “Dad, Tracy I’m pregnant.” She sat there waiting for the yelling to start and the, ‘How could you be so stupid, what were you thinking and what about university,’ but the response she got was different.

“Kay sweetie, congratulations,” as Spencer smiled

“But I thought you’d…”

“Be mad, angry and more?”

“Well yes…” Tracy looked at her and said, “You forget we were 16 years old when we had Mathew so we are no position to judge. Besides you and Jake have been together a while now and seem very happy so whether this was planned or not, if your happy then we are happy for you.”

Spencer looked at Jake and asked, “Have you told your parents?”

“Not yet because my Mum will start on planning everything for this baby but I guess I will have to tell them soon.”

“My advice Jake; sooner rather than later.” Jake looked at Kay then asked, “Could I invite them here to tell them now.” Spencer nodded and watch Jake phone his parents. 

Within 20 minutes Dan and Laura had arrived and the first words Laura said, “Jake is everything ok?” He hugged his Mum and whispered everything thing is fine.” 

Jake took Kay’s hand and said, “Mum, Dad we are having a baby and…” Kay squeezed his hand so he stopped. Jake turned to her and said, “It’s ok now they are both here we can tell them together.” They all looked at the couple and Spencer said, “There is more than you being pregnant?”

Kay looked at him and said, “We are engaged too.” Dan got in before Spencer could and replied, “You don’t have to be engaged because baby is on the way.”

Jake looked at both father’s and said, “I know but I love Kay and wanted to ask her a few months ago but with everything going on at the time I put it off…”

“Until now,” Spencer finished.

Laura was just too excited, “My baby is going to have a baby of his own.” She hugged Jake and asked, “Did you tell Kirsten?” Jake got suddenly nervous and said, “No because she and Andy have been trying since their wedding and…”

Laura looked at Dan and when he nodded Laura said, “I know they have been trying for 3 months but you need to talk to her after all you are close. Besides she phone me this morning and has been trying to get hold of you. She finally found out she is expecting, she is only 4 weeks,” She turned to Kay and asked, “How far you?”

“We haven’t had a scan to confirm it but we think maybe 6-8 weeks.” Laura had a big smile on her face and hugged Kay, “Two grandchildren only a few weeks apart. You need anything just let me know. Have you found a place yet?”

Kay smiled, “No and I don’t know what we can afford…” 

Laura interrupted her and said, “Jake can afford a nice place for you…”

“Mum, how can I?” Laura looked at him in shock, “You did become a partner with Kirsten in your Dad’s business or did you forget?” Jake looked taken aback as she continued, “Even though you signed the papers you haven’t touched your earnings.”

Jake looked at Dan and said, “But I thought I had…”

Dan laughed, “You thought you earned so much and took it but unlike you, you forgot to actually check so I’d like to think you were saving but you have $500,000 waiting to be collected.” 

Kay stayed glue to the sofa and said, “We can get a house and everything for the baby?”

Jake knelt in front of her and replied softly, “It looks like we can.”