Chapter One – Regular As Clockwork?

Charlotte York-Goldenblatt looked lovingly into the crib where here daughter Mae was sleeping peacefully. "We're so lucky" her husband Harry whispered as he stood beside her. Smiling, Charlotte turned and kissed Harry on the cheek. It was perfect.

Later on, Charlotte tidied their apartment as Harry relaxed in front of the TV. Charlotte liked to feel like a proper housewife. Unlike her friends, she didn't mind doing all the housework herself, to her it just made everything more perfect – she was a typical housewife and mother caring for her husband and baby daughter. Domestic bliss. It had been a chaotic day in the York-Goldenblatt household as Mae had celebrated her first birthday. Everyone had enjoyed the day immensely, especially Charlotte. She had taken the party in her stride, planning social events had always been on of Charlotte's favourite things, but this time was different and more special as it was a celebration of her dream being fulfilled.

As she put more used wrapping paper into the bin in the kitchen, Charlotte glanced up at the calendar and smiled at today's circled date, November 27th. As she turned to go back to the living area, she stopped in her tracks and returned to the calendar on the wall. She frowned to herself as she counted back the days in the month. "28, 29, 30…" she whispered to herself as she counted "... 34, 35. 35 days?" she questioned herself. She stood in confusion until she felt Harry's arms around her waist.

"Are you okay honey" Charlotte turned swiftly, "Yes" she said aghast and smiled "Yes, I fine, I was just thinking what a wonderful day it was today"

"Yeah it was" smiled Harry. He kissed her on the cheek. Harry wasn't stupid, he knew something was bothering Charlotte but for now he was going to wait and see if she told him herself. Harry went to the kettle leaving Charlotte, still looking confusedly at the calendar.

"Would you like some tea honey?"

Charlotte forced a smile "Sure" she answered "I'm just going to go to the bathroom"

Charlotte walked though her flawless apartment to the bureau in her bedroom. She opened the drawer and pulled out a small diary. She sat down and opened the dairy at todays date, and once again counted back, again 35 days.

Feelings of fear and excitement rose in the pit of Charlotte's stomach as the realization hit her like a truck; she was a week late.