February 25th 1963
It seemed that day was the busiest in terms of how many babies were delivered. Trixie delivered three, twins and a boy, Nurse Crane 2 girls, Barbara, a girl and a boy, Patsy triplets, and Nurse Busby a little boy. It was no surprise that it was the nuns who were all on call that evening.
Trixie and Charles had taken their night off as an opportunity to dine in the West End, at a glorious new restaurant just off Carnaby Street. It had excellent reviews according to Nurse Crane, who read as many newspapers as there were possible, and it ended up being her revealing what was going on in the world of politics, sport and crime. Nurse Crane always seemed very particular, so both Charles and Trixie thought it would be worthwhile eating there.
It was after Charles had asked for the bill, that Trixie decided to talk to him.
'Charles, I need to talk to you,' she said leaning her head on her hand which had scrunched up. 'I went to the doctors yesterday, not in Poplar, but to a new clinic which had just been built off the commercial road.'
Charles seemed worried at first, but suddenly remembered what happened four months ago. He beamed, despite the fact he didn't know what she was going to say.
'Are you ready to be a Father?' she asked, her face turned from straight, to a smile full of excitement, hope and promise.
Before Charles could say anything, the waiter came with the bill, and he immediately gave the money.
He stood, put his coat on, and Trixie did the same. He showed no expression, and Trixie was expecting the worst, even though she was sure this was something he wanted. He grabbed her hand, and walked down the street before turning down an alley.
'Charles! Talk to me!' Trixie was starting to get angry, and slightly scared. He pushed her flat against the wall and stared into her eyes. They were about the only thing he could see on her face it was so dark.
'We needed privacy.' he said, once again with the plainest expression.
He broke out into laughter, and wrapped his hand around his wife, and kissed her. Trixie gave a huge sigh of relief.
'Of course I am ready. This is all I've ever wanted! From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the girl I wanted, to marry and have babies with. Come on, let's get a taxi home. There's so much to discuss! Oh, how many months?' he beamed.
'Four, it's why I went, when I was getting dressed, when I looked in the mirror, it suddenly dawned on me that I might be expecting' she replied.
The kitchen light was still on when they arrived back, and there was the Horlicks powder left out next to the hob, and pan ready to do its job. Patsy was aware that the couple always had Horlicks before bed, and had kindly put them out for their arrival. The fire was only just glistening, and was about to die out, but there were candles lit throughout the room, filling the room with a cinnamon sensation. The silence was a sense of relief for them both upon their entrance to the kitchen. Trixie just laughed when she saw everything laid out next to the hob.
Trixie reached into the fridge for the milk like no one was there, watching her every move. But there was. Charles simply leant against the wall, gazing at her while his eyes adjusted to the light after being in the dark for so long. Once she had poured the mild into the pan, she prepared the mugs with the powder. Charles saw her eyes glistening and could not resist her. Before Trixie had the chance to pour the heated milk into the mugs she found herself enclosed in Charles's arms.
'You,' he whispered, 'are amazing. I love you. I love you.' He repeated. It got fainter and fainter. 'I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.' He buried his face into the crook of her neck. He released himself from her hug and looked down towards her stomach, which was slowly developing in size. He placed his hand firmly on it. Perhaps a little too firmly.
'Careful.' She whispered into his ear.
'Sorry. You stay safe in there my boy' he replied.
'Boy is it? You do realise it could be girl!' she laughed, but Charles sensed some restraint in her excitement. He wondered if ther was a problem, but chose to ignore it.
Trixie had to move his hand so she could go and make their drinks. Charles was completely besotted with the idea of fatherhood.
'When do you suggest we tell everyone?' he asked. 'Tomorrow perhaps? The Turners are coming round to celebrate Patsy's birthday.'
'Oh god! I completely forgot it was her birthday tomorrow. I haven't got anything and I'm on call all day tomorrow! Have you got her anything?' Trixie cried.
'Of course not! I thought you would have!' he stated.
Both Trixie and Charles were working all day tomorrow, and there would be no time to run and get something. Trixie dashed upstairs to try and find a piece of jewellery she rarely wore, and just hoped Patsy wouldn't notice.