PART ONE
Chapter 1:
Pregnant Incentives
So, to set the stage, I was in this dream...
I was looking over a baby cradle, the baby's features hidden by the overhanging frills. I turned around to look at two very proud parents: Amy Pond and Rory Williams. As of three years ago, Rory and I had become the best of friends. We worked together, and started to hang out at our local pub. And on Saturdays we'd go out and play football (soccer) with our co-workers. Over the next few months, I started to get to know Rory very well. I knew him from somewhere else, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
One day, when the rain was a bit colder than usual, and the wind had a bite about it, Rory told me of his and Amy's stillborn child. The whiskey had numbed his mind, so his secret was now mine. For such a terrible loss, they hid it well behind smiles and laughter. I couldn't believe something so bad had happened to such good people. Well a few months rolled by, and at a house party hosted by the Ponds, I overheard them talking in their hallway.
"We've got to be strong Amy, they can't know."
"I can't be anymore Rory, I want her back. I want Melody in my arms, right now."
"I do too Amy. The Doctor's done all he can. We just have to sit and wait."
"I'm tired Rory!" Amy's voice raised, but no one took notice, the music and chatter were just too much, "I'm tired of being the 'Girl Who Waited'. I'm DONE!"
At this point I heard stomping, and proceeded to step away from the hallway door. Amy stormed to the kitchen, while Rory sulked back into the living room. I knew to say anything about it then wasn't right, so I just jabbed him in the arm and started conversation. Soon I could tell Rory couldn't take all of this socializing, so I asked him if he would have a word outside with me in private. As we walked outside, I had the feeling that something else was going on between Amy and Rory.
"You okay mate?"
"Yeah, just a bit under the weather. Nothing that won't pass."
"Look, I didn't mean to, I was on my way to the loo, but I overheard you and Amy having a row. About the stillborn baby. Was that her name? Melody?"
Rory's mask of pleasant host dropped to the ground. I had cut through.
"You heard us?"
"Yeah, about how the doctors couldn't do anything for her. I realize this must be hard. I've never had a really serious relationship, let alone a baby. If there's anything I can do for you and the missus, let me know yeah?"
When I got done saying this, Rory's expression went from alert, to complete relief. Was it something I said?
"You're a right good mate, you know that? I -"
"RORY! Time to clean up, and drive these silly drunks home!"
Amy's fiery head popped out of the door, a beautiful smile on her face. A person just walking by couldn't have guessed that she'd been crying over her stillborn child not 20 minutes ago. How peculiar...
"Alright Amy, just hold on, they're not going anywhere."
"I'll be seeing you Rory, I think I'm gonna walk home, need the exercise." I lied. I just needed to think for a while.