The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Springtime in Tanger province was very much like spring on Earth.
Green, luscious grass replaced the snow and ice of winter. Pockets of vibrant colours scattered the meadows and misty mornings heralded the brighter, albeit shower filled, days.
It was time for planning, planting and re birth.
For Lilly and Ben Ashton, it was also a time of change.
Their lives would never be the same again; soon they would be a family.
Lilly's pregnancy hadn't been an easy one. Her morning sickness had persisted throughout the nine months, resulting in a loss of weight rather than a gain and there had been concern over the size of the baby. A trip to Earth and a visit with Janet Fraiser had put their minds at ease. The baby was fine and growing normally. She had diagnosed Lilly with Hyperemesis, a condition that resulted in constant nausea and weight loss. There was little they could do other than making sure she drank as much as she could to keep hydrated. There were no drugs she could safely take to help and it would resolve after the birth of the child.
Ben had stepped in and covered Lilly's shifts at the hospital as his wife had been too weak and unwell to continue with work. He knew she hated not working but due to her debilitating condition Lilly had spent the longs dark days either curled up in bed or resting on the sofa.
Her due date was now three weeks away and the time had come for Lilly to return home and prepare for the birth. On Mandana the grandmothers acted as midwifes to their daughters or daughter in laws if necessary. Lilly and Ben were going to move in with Sergi and Hanah for the last few weeks and Ben was looking forward to a relief of the stress and strain of trying to keeping everything going. Not that he'd ever complain, Lilly was his life and their unborn child their priority but, tending their small holding, working and training at the hospital while caring for his sick wife was taking a toll and he longed to rest and sleep. He was going to do one more day of training and then take some leave to prepare for the arrival.
They were going to leave Niall Wenton in charge of their animals and crops, something he was looking forward to doing and they were going to do nothing but concentrate on the new life that was on it's way.
Xxx
Lilly rested on the lounge chair on the balcony and waited for her husband to return home. The early afternoon sun was warming and the calling of young birds comforting. The countryside looked magnificent, the green lush meadows stretched for miles again, a welcome change from the heavy snow that had fallen over the last few months. It had been a particularly harsh winter this year, temperatures had barely risen above freezing and travelling had been difficult due to the icy conditions. The nights had been long but now, thankfully, things seemed much brighter, the sun was shining and life stirred once more.
It had been such a hard time for Lilly, a time of illness and worry but she could now see an end to it. This time next month, she and Ben would be proud parents with exciting years ahead of them.
They were as ready as they could be. This baby was lucky enough to have best of both worlds. Hanah and Mari had been busy knitting while Janet and Sam had been busy shopping. Denim joined handmade shawls and embroidered gowns, disposable diapers joined Mandanan towelling the two cultures collided and precedence was set.
Ben and Lilly's spare room, soon to become nursery, was full of everything they could possibly need. Woven moss basket, a hand carved crib, various mobiles and enough plush toys to last a child a lifetime. Everything was ready. They just needed the baby to complete the picture.
Lilly was lightly drowsing, enjoying the sun on her face when she heard the familiar sound of Hector trotting down the lane. Ben was home early, as promised. There was much to do before they left for Gowton, animals to tend to and last minute packing to complete. Lilly had been under strict orders not to lift a finger and, to be honest, she hadn't had the energy to do anything other than light cleaning and sorting of baby clothes again today. She was really tired now and very grateful to have her husband home.
"Hey Lillyput."
Lilly returned the smile and wave Ben gave her as he clambered out of the buggy.
"You ready kiddo?"
"Think so," Lilly replied, struggling upright.
"Stay put, Lil's. Won't be a sec."
Lilly grinned as she watched Ben practically sprint into the house. The past few months had been tough on her husband. He'd had to take most of the responsibility of the chores while continuing to work and she knew that her parents were more than happy to be able to take the load off his shoulders. She had been amazed that Ben had agreed to stay with them actually. Being from Earth, his views of parenthood were very different to the Mandanan and he had struggled to accept the involvement of others but, Lilly's mother was a very important part of her life, both as a child and now as she prepared for her own child. She had to finally put her foot down with Ben after a particularly bad storm had him struggling to cope with the animals, which had, in turn, caused so much stress that her blood pressure had risen to a dangerous level. She knew he hated to admit defeat but was grateful that he saw sense and allowed others in. Stubborn was Benjamin Ashton's middle name.
Lilly eased back down onto the lounge chair and closed her eyes again, her exhaustion pulling her back towards sleep. She was just beginning to drift off again when she felt familiar hands on her stomach.
"Hey," her sigh was one of contentment.
"Hi, Lilliput."
She opened her eyes and smiled when Ben knelt at her side and rested his ear against her stomach. She reached down and ran her fingers through his fine hair. "Bumba's been very active today," she stated softly.
Ben glanced up and smiled. "What about you? Have you been very active?"
Her husband's touch was very soothing and Lilly found it hard to keep her eyes open. "No, I've not been active," she mumbled on the cusp of sleep. "Sorry, I've been so very tired," she yawned and was then aware of gentle hands lifting her legs onto the lounge chair followed by a blanket being tucked around her.
"Sleep then."
She felt a feather like kiss on her forehead and wanted to protest, she wanted to get up and help but her body was having none of it. She turned onto her side with a sigh and gave into her exhaustion willingly.
Ben was here now.
Xxx
These next three weeks couldn't go quick enough for Ben. Whereas he was very excited about meeting his child, he was more concerned about the health of his wife. Lilly's exhaustion had been constant and she looked so pale and delicate. Her naturally thin frame didn't look strong enough to carry the growing child, the bigger the baby got the worse Lilly felt, and the fact that she willingly rested was so out of character for the normally vibrant outgoing young woman. Ben felt sorry for her as she should be enjoying this special part of being a woman and they were both counting down the days to the birth so Lilly could get herself well. He was slightly concerned about her giving birth at her parent's home too. If he had his way she would be tucked up in a hospital bed with all the medical equipment necessary on standby but he understood how important it was to Lilly that she go through the birthing process per Mandanan tradition.
He sat for a while and gently brushed Lilly's curls off her pale forehead, watching her sleep. This was a normal position for him recently. He'd leave her sleeping in the mornings and return to find her curled up in front of the fire in the evenings. Normal life had been put on hold.
Their family had been so supportive, though, Mari and Hanah had stepped in to provide hearty home cooked meals, Sergi and Greta had lent a hand with the crops and animals during the blizzards and Niall had kept Lilly company when Ben had to work late.
It was now time to move forward.
Ben reached over, snagged another blanket from the back of the chair and spread it over his sleeping wife. He had much to do and, after softly kissing Lilly's forehead, he went in search of the packed bags and baby equipment.
Xxx
"You are sure that Niall does not mind?" Lilly shifted to find a comfortable position. The buggy's seats didn't offer much padding at the best of times, and Lilly's nine-month-pregnant body was uncomfortable to say the least.
"He's fine." Ben clicked Hector on. He'd made quick work of packing and had woken Lilly at the last minute, hoping that she was rested enough to with stand the hour journey to her parent's house.
"It is a lot for him to do..."
Ben turned, smiled and placed a reassuring hand on Lilly's leg. "He offered," he nodded.
"I know, but it's still an awful lot for him to do." Lilly repeated as she fidgeted again. Her back ached and the baby was kicking so much that her stomach felt bruised. The added feeling of exhaustion and constant nausea was making her feel really miserable.
Ben inched over to the far side of the seat and urged her to rest her head on his lap. She struggled to lie down and soon felt the gentle fingers of her husband carding through her hair as she curled up at his side. She let his soothing, reassuring voice wash over her.
"We went through everything. He knows what he's doing and Conrad is going to help..."
Ben was in charge, he knew what to do and Lilly was happy to rest knowing everything was in good hands.
"Is she sleeping?" Hanah passed Ben a cup of coffee.
"Yeah," he nodded and took a sip.
"Good." Hanah pulled up her chair and joined her son in law at the kitchen table. She'd spent days preparing everything for her daughter's arrival. Lilly's old room had been cleaned and aired, new linen had been made and extra storage found of Ben and the baby. The room looked lovely and fresh flowers finished the welcoming look very nicely. Not that Lilly had noticed though. She'd staggered in, kissed her mother on the way to her bed and had been sleeping within minutes of her head hitting the feather pillow. Ben had given her the once over and, after being satisfied that the baby was fine, and that Lilly was just exhausted, he'd left her to rest.
"You look as tired as my daughter Benjamin," Hanah continued as she cut Ben a huge piece of pie.
Ben shrugged as he accepted the plate. "Yeah, I am," he conceded. "Think I'll take a nap after I unpack the rest of our things." He yawned and stretched.
"That is a very good idea," Hanah smiled kindly as she watched Ben pick at his food. "Supper is in hand and Sergi will be home at sunset. You have time to rest."
Ben glanced up and returned the smile. "Thank you," he sighed, reaching for Hanah's hand. "We appreciate everything you've done of us," he gave her hand a quick squeeze.
"That is what families are for, young Benjamin," Hanah nodded. "Let us step in now; you and Lilly need to rest and gain strength for the baby. We will take the strain for a while."
"Thank you," Ben repeated and yawned again. "The pie is lovely but..."
"You are tired. Go and rest. I will call when supper is ready." Hanah patted his hand.
Ben stood, walked round the table and kissed Hanah's cheek. "Thanks..."
"Enough with the thanks," Hanah scolded light heartedly. "Get out of my kitchen, young man," she grinned, playfully shooing him away. "Your father in law gets very grouchy if his supper is not on the table on his return home."
Ben smiled, knowing that he was being teased. "So I've heard," he joined in. "Lilly told me that he wouldn't speak for hours if he was kept waiting."
"And she's right, time for me to busy myself." Hanah stood and grabbed the dirty mugs off the table. "Vegetables do not get prepared by themselves," she sighed.
Ben chuckled when Hanah winked at him. "I'll leave you to it then," he said, backing out of the room.
"Sleep well, Benjamin."
Xxx
Lilly sat in the window seat, absent-mindedly stroking her stomach while watching the sun dip below the horizon. She had very fond memories of hours spent at this window, waiting for her father to return from his numerous trips beyond the province. The small town stretched toward the naquada mine and the outline had changed greatly over the years, the twin towers of the hospital now framed the road to the stone ring and new brick dwellings joined the older style buildings, adding to the growing development. She remembered a time when there were only a handful of families living here, a time of space and adventure. Much had changed over the years and much will be changing for many to come, as it should.
She turned from her memories and watched as Ben sighed and turned in his sleep. She hadn't heard him come to bed but she hadn't been surprised to find him snoring softly at her side when she woke. He had been so tired and she knew that her mother would have insisted that he rest as well. The fact that he'd not even changed clothing before lying down had proved how exhausted he'd been. Her husband was a very neat, organised young man, everything had an order in his life, everything was measured and precise, from the way he dressed down to the way he taught and cared for others. There was no corner cutting or clutter and this was something that Lilly had struggled slightly to adapt to. She was a 'free bird' in comparison. Her life had been carefree and bordering on frivolous, days spent roaming the countryside, hours lost to books with no restriction or regiment. Life on Mandana was peaceful and gentle and Lilly was, by nature, both. A dreamer but hard worker and she'd sometimes be so caught up in something that any thought of life outside her focus would be forgotten. The baby would change all this and she knew that she'd have to adapt to her husband's way of thinking and hope that some of her mother's homemaking traits would begin to show themselves, not that she was confident about that. Cara was the practical sister, content to cook, sew and generally run a home whereas Lilly was wistful, happy to lose herself in her work or in a book. Yes, she pulled her weight round their small farm but the time spent tending the animals was more day dreaming rather than working hard. Ben took up her slack happily though. She knew that he often despaired but he understood her and that was why they lived so happily together. Her 'happy place' was the hospital. She felt at home tending to the sick, it was her calling and it was something she excelled at.
The Ashton's actually complimented each other and their marriage worked because of it.
A tap at the door drew Lilly's attention. "Come." She smiled when her mother popped her head round the door.
"Supper is ready."
"Hi, ma." Lilly greeted, struggling off the window seat.
"You look rested," Hanah crossed to her side and helped her to her feet.
"I feel much better," Lilly nodded, rubbing her mother's arm and gaining her balance. "I see you managed to persuade my husband to nap," she giggled as she grabbed her robe.
"There was no persuading to do," Hanah shrugged and helped her into the robe. "He was nearly sleeping at my table."
"He's tired."
"Yes he is."
They both stood and watched as Ben mumbled and turned restlessly.
"I hate to wake him but if I do not he will not sleep tonight," Lilly sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.
"I did promise him that I'd wake you both for supper."
"I'll wake him then." Lilly turned and smiled. "He will only grouch if I don't," she added and reached to open the curtains. "Is pa home?"
"He is just washing up," Hanah nodded.
"Cara?"
"She is in town with Edward," Hanah crossed and hung Lilly's discarded dress in the closet.
"They seem to be getting serious," Lilly straightened and rubbed her lower back, willing the usual ache to lesson.
"Yes they do," Hanah agreed and picked up empty water pitcher from the bedside cabinet. "It is nice to see her happy and he seems to suit her well. Now, come on Lilly Lou, supper will be on the table in ten minutes," she advised as she turned to leave.
"Okay."
Lilly waited for the click of the door closing before easing down on to the bed at her husband's side and tenderly brushing her fingers through his hair.
"Hey, sleepyhead," she whispered softly, "time to wake up." She watched as Ben mumbled and smacked his lips. "Supper is ready," she continued and Ben rolled onto his back and stretched.
"Lillyput?"
Lilly smiled as he turned his head and opened his eyes. "Hey there," she greeted tenderly.
"Time is it?" Ben yawned.
"The sun is dipping and supper is on the table."
"How long have we slept?"
Lilly stood as Ben sat up. "I do believe we have been sleeping most of the afternoon," she stated as she folded down the quilt.
"Oh."
Lilly giggled as she watched her husband frown at his attire. "Yes, my dear. You did sleep in your clothing."
"Why would I do that?"
"Because you were tired," Lilly shrugged.
"Oh."
"Ma says supper will be ready in ten minutes. You have time to change," Lilly crossed to the bathroom to freshen up. "Pa is home." She poured a pitcher of water into the sink and grabbed the soap. "Cara is out for the night so it will be just the four of us," she paused when she felt familiar arms go round her waist.
"Uh huh."
The familiar hands then stroked her stomach.
"How you feeling Lil's?"
She stared in the mirror at their reflection. Ben rested his chin on her shoulder and she leaned into his embrace. "Much better," she nodded. "Nausea is gone and I'm actually hungry for once," she smiled.
"That's great!"
Lilly sighed in contentment as Ben started to nibble her neck and she arched it slightly so he could gain better access. She felt loved and contented in his arms and wished she could freeze this moment for a lifetime.
"I love you," she brought her hand up and stroked his cheek.
"Ditto," Ben replied, turned her head and kissed her passionately, his hand continuing to stroke her stomach. He grinned and pulled away when he felt the baby kick.
"I think someone is not happy that papa is showing mama some affection," he laughed and Lilly added her hand to his.
"Someone has been very active today," she sighed. "I hope the child is not this active when he or she is finally here."
"Children, supper!"
Sergi's call interrupted their musing and Lilly grinned at Ben.
"Think that's our final warning," she giggled.
"You go," Ben kissed her forehead. "I'll be down after I change."
"Don't be long."
"I won't."
Lilly pulled out of his arms, quickly splashed some water on her face and waddled out.
Ben shook his head and grinned at the sight of his heavily pregnant wife as she turned and winked at him.
She'd never looked so beautiful!