A/N: Welcome back to the next instalment of Drill life. I hope some of you are still with me. I'll be honest and say I debated carrying on but decided I enjoyed writing this little universe too much to stop, and I like to share. Not begging for reviews but we all know they're encouraging & I do like to know what people think, that includes ideas so drop me a line if you like. My plan is once story a month over a year (which may include multiple chapters) Happy reading and thank you
"Almost there Imogen, push."
"You can do this Darling, another couple of minutes and she'll be here. And we're right here with you, aren't we?"
From where she was perched at her mother's left side, holding her hand and supporting her back at the same time, Abby nodded at her Mama's words. "Yes, we're here. You're doing so well, you're so strong and there's just this little bit to go."
Abby still couldn't quite believe it, four hours ago they had been having a family tea to celebrate her grandfather's birthday. Now, she was here with her mothers, watching the strangest and most incredible thing she could ever imagine, her sister being born. She glanced at the clock to check the time.
"Come on Mum, let's give Granddad the best birthday present he could ever imagine."
Imogen smiled weakly through the pain, like her daughter she couldn't believe how fast things had happened this time around.
Earlier that evening.
"What's up honey?"
Abby sighed. "I wish I could have gone to the pub with Granddad and the others. Not to drink obviously but just to make the evening last a bit longer."
Imogen laughed and pulled her eldest into a hug. "I know. But despite the fact you're too young, you've got school tomorrow. And as for me, well I think that's obvious."
"Are you feeling okay?" Her Mum had experienced a few twinges and a lot of heartburn earlier. Once her sisters were in bed her Mama had gone to the lab to make up a relief potion but Abby wanted to do something to help.
"Yes, I'd love a cup of tea though. Will you make me one please while I nip to the loo?"
Abby had just put the cup on the coffee table when she heard her name being called.
"Mum?"
Imogen was stood in the doorway between their bedroom and bathroom, her hand on her stomach and a puddle of water at her feet.
"Honey, I need you to pass me my phone so I can call Dr. Ravenscroft. Then I want you to get Mama and when you're back phone Granddad and ask them to come home because my waters have broken."
Abby's heart was pounding as she helped her Mum to the chair before handing her the phone. Then she ran as quickly as possible to tell her Mama the news.
"She still has eight days to go doesn't she?"
"Yes.", Constance confirmed as they entered their rooms. "But don't worry, the baby is considered full term now and we made sure everything was ready just in case."
The words gave Abby the reassurance she needed and as her Mama rushed into the bedroom she stayed back to phone her grandparents. She had only hung up when Dr Ravenscroft appeared.
"I hear you're going to be my helper?" The doctor smiled kindly at Abby
"If that's okay?" She badly wanted to be in the room but her parents had said they'd need to wait until the time came to decide. They had however said she could help Dr Ravenscroft get things set up.
"I always need a good helper." The medical witch followed Abby into the bedroom where she greeted her patient. "Looks like things are underway."
"Sure does." Imogen was standing again, she had just experienced a strong contraction and wasn't ready to sit back down yet.
"I phoned Granddad, they're coming straight back with Stephen and Gaby."
"Thanks honey. What about the girls?", Imogen asked Constance.
"I'm not sure, I'm inclined to say let them sleep for now."
Abby thought back to a conversation she'd had with Ava and agreed. 'Wouldn't it be amazing if they wake up and the baby is here?"
"Let's see how close we are to that happening.", Dr Ravenscroft suggested. "Abby, the first thing I need you to do is make us all some tea please. While you're doing that I'll examine your Mum and we'll see where we stand."
As it turned out Imogen was already 6cm dilated. That rapidly progressed to 8cm and an hour later it was almost time for delivery to start.
"I love you pumpkin.", Tom whispered before saying goodbye.
"We love you too Dad. Bet you didn't expect this today did you?"
"No but I couldn't be happier. Be safe."
"She will be.", Constance promised. "Abby and I will make sure of it."
"Me?" Abby was flabbergasted.
"Only if you want to honey."
Wild horses couldn't have stopped Abby from staying and along with her Mama, helping her Mum through this birth. She thought she had been fully prepared, she had watched a video and read lots of books and articles online but there was one thing she hadn't been ready for. The intimacy.
Giving birth seemed like the most intimate thing in the world. She was seeing a completely different side of her parents, not just the soppy side she so often teased them about. She saw their nerves, their vulnerability, their excitement but mostly their closeness. And even though this was something deep and personal, somehow they made her feel included, not like an intruder or a little girl. It felt like they were in this together and even though it was scary, especially when it came to the delivery stage, she knew that this was a life changing experience for them all.
"I see her head.", Constance gasped before kissing Imogen's hair.
"Okay Imogen, just shoulders and then the hard work is done. Ready?"
"Yes." Imogen held her wife and daughter's hands before bearing down for the most difficult push.
"Oh, oh, oh." Abby's eyes were like saucers as she watched the doctor gently ease the baby out. "She's here."
As if to confirm her big sister's words, baby Drill made her presence known by letting out a cry.
"She sure is." Dr Ravenscroft was beaming as she clamped the cord and wiped the child down before wrapping her in a towel. "Constance?"
From where she sat still holding her wife, Constance shook her head. "Abby, will you pass your sister to her Mummy please?"
Abby was overwhelmed at being the first one to hold the newest family member. "Hello you. I'm Abby." She looked at her parents who were watching her, each with shining eyes. "I think Granddad is going to be extra happy."
Imogen laughed as happy tears rolled down her face. "He certainly is and I'm sure Stephen will have plenty to say as well." She took the baby from Abby and kissed her forehead. "Hello little girl, you're a bit early but that's okay, we've been so excited to meet you and I guess you knew that. We love you so much."
"We certainly do.", Constance added as she bent down to kiss her daughter's rather full head of hair. "We'll love you always."
There was still one stage of labour to be completed but to Constance's absolute relief, unlike with Zara this time the afterbirth was fast and problem free. With the placenta delivered it was time for the doctor to complete some tests.
"Six pounds three ounces so a good weight. Everything else looks great, I think she was just ready to join her family."
Imogen could barely tear her eyes away from the baby who was now curled up in her other parent's arms. "Thank goodness."
"Abby, will you help your Mama give the baby a bath while I help Mum freshen up?", Dr Ravenscroft prompted.
Constance looked at the clock, it was five to midnight on March 16th. "Before that, why don't you let Granny and Granddad know she's here?"
With a massive grin on her face Abby eased the door open to find her Granny along with Stephen and Gaby were all dozing. Tom however was wide awake, a nervous expression on his face as he saw his granddaughter emerge from the bedroom.
"Happy birthday Granddad. She was born at 11:16. I'll tell you more after I've given her a bath and we've woken the crazies but I wanted you to know that you have a birthday twin."
"She's okay?"
"Your little girl is perfectly fine and so is hers. You tell the others." With another hug Abby was gone, ready to carry out her next sisterly duty.
"Her hair reminds me of Ava's." she shared as she carefully poured water over her sister's head. "Davina was right about what was causing Mum's heartburn wasn't she?"
"Apparently so. She has light eyes like Ava too." Constance noted. "But she reminds me of Zara as well, long legs and those eyelashes. And she has the same nose as both of them."
"Mum's nose and your mouth." Abby grinned. "She's so cute."
"Just like her three big sisters." Constance reached for a fluffy towel and smiled at Abby. "Shall we dress her?"
Once she was dressed in a new white baby grow and the same hat her sisters had worn to keep her extra warm, baby Drill was passed over to her freshly dressed Mummy while her Mama and eldest sister went to break the news to some very important people.
"Up you get little one." Constance eased Zara out from under the covers.
"Morning Mama."
"Its not morning yet Zee.", Abby told her. "Let's go get Ava."
They bypassed the sitting room for the rarely used hallway entrance into Ava's room. True to form she was fast asleep surrounded by her doll Katie and several soft toys.
"Noodle, wake up."
Ava stirred and automatically reached her hands out. "Do you want to sleep in my bed Abby?"
"Little one." Constance sat on the edge of the bed with Zara on her lap. "We have something very exciting to tell you."
One green eye peeked out from under the duvet. "Mama? Where's Mummy?"
Once she was sure that Ava was fully awake Constance explained, "Mummy is in our room waiting with someone who is very excited to meet you."
"Who?", Zara demanded, her eyes dancing with excitement at her midnight adventure.
"With our baby sister.", Abby told them, watching as their mouths dropped open.
"She's here? The baby is here?", Ava shrieked.
"She is. She came very quickly but she's here. Would you like to see her?"
Ava was already out of bed. "Yes, yes yes!"
"Then come on." Abby held both her sisters' hands as they followed their Mama into the sitting room where they were greeted with hugs and kisses from their grandparents, uncle and almost auntie.
"My sister is in there.", Ava told Amelia as they hugged.
"Well, you'd better not keep her waiting.", the delighted grandmother grinned.
Zara just had one question before they entered the bedroom. "Absy, you still love us?"
"Oh Zee, I love you two crazies more than I can tell you. And now that there are four people in our sister club things will be even better, I promise." Abby hugged them both tightly. "We're going to have so much fun aren't we?"
"Yeah.", the two younger girls agreed.
"Ready?" Constance smiled at her daughters before opening the bedroom door.
"Here they are." Imogen was exactly as they had left her, propped up against several pillows with the baby dozing in her arms.
"Mummy, you had a baby while we were asleep.", Ava whispered.
"I did poppet, but we're very glad you're awake now. Come say hello."
Seconds later an awestruck Ava and Zara were on the bed staring down at their baby sister.
"Wow.", Zara whispered.
"Do you love her Zara?", Ava asked.
"Yeah, do you?"
"Lots and lots. Can we give her a kiss please?"
Imogen couldn't reply, she was too overcome at what was happening so Constance answered, "Of course, nice and gently like with Fionn and Cillian."
Once the sisters had become acquainted, which included both Ava and Zara getting a chance to hold the baby with their Mama's help, it was time for the other family members to meet the new addition.
"Your surprise arrived just in time Dad.", Imogen laughed as she hugged her father.
"She would have been worth waiting for regardless.", Tom reassured her as he took the baby.
"Show Granddad the other surprise.", Abby told Ava who was watching everything with her mouth wide open.
Ava leapt up and stood next to the chair where Tom was sitting. "Look Granddad, she has hair like you. And Stephen and Gaby."
Everyone laughed with delight as the baby's hat was removed, revealing the full extent of her thick strawberry blonde mane.
"Just like you when you were born." Tom told his son.
"Good genes.", Stephen grinned. "She's gorgeous."
Amelia was in complete agreement. It had been a tough few months since the trauma of Agatha's death but this baby had been one of the many reasons she had to push through the pain. Now she was finally here and just like her older sisters, was the light in her Granny's life.
"Honey, do you want to carry out our tradition?", Imogen prompted.
Abby nodded frantically, she had been dying to share the baby's name since they had decided on it over Christmas. She cleared her throat ready to make the announcement.
A/N: I know,I know but I wanted to give you something important to come back to. (And the chapter I wrote was far too long so splitting seemed like the best option)
I won't leave you hanging for long though, I promise ;)