Timothy Before the Wedding

Based upon Call The Midwife, developed by Heidi Thomas

Part 1 of a 3 part story

- - Poplar, Early Spring 1959 - -

They parked directly in front of the church. Tim supposed they were entitled to. He, after all, had these wretched calipers on his legs, and it was Dad's wedding.

Dad rushed around to his side of the car, in an attempt to help Tim out of the vehicle, but Tim was determined to do it by himself. He hadn't ridden in the car since coming home from The London. And on that particular trip, he had laid down in the back with his head on Mum's lap. At the time, he hadn't been very tired, but they insisted. Tim had to admit (secretly, to himself) that he had enjoyed the sensation, and had very much enjoyed the way she ran her fingers through his hair. And Dad had carried him into the house and deposited him into his bed. Tim had fallen asleep before Mum could bring him a cup of tea.

All that was behind him now. Dad had assured him that the strength in his legs would return, and that the calipers were just a temporary measure. Temporary or not, Tim wasn't going to let them dictate his life. So he got himself out of the car.

Tim looked up at the stairs leading to the massive front doors of All Saints Church. It looked like a higher climb than it had once been. Glancing up at Dad's smiling face, he started up the stairs without another hesitation. After all, it was Dad's wedding day and they didn't want to leave Mum waiting.

When they got into the narthex, there were a few people milling about. They were instantly greeted by Constable and Mrs. Noakes, who had agreed to be the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies at the reception. Tim wasn't quite sure what a Master or Mistress of Ceremonies did, but he was pleased that they had agreed.

"Everyone's here," Constable Noakes said, making a gesture in the general direction of a closed door off to the left.

Dad looked down at Tim, "Why don't you pop in an let everyone know we're here. They were concerned about us being late."

Timothy smiled. "I may get around slower these days," he tapped his calipers, "but it's you they were concerned about being late."

Dad grinned back. "Hold your cheek, Son. Or perhaps we'll leave you at Nonnatus House while we take our holiday. I'm sure Sister Evangelina could use some help with not only cleaning equipment but on the district roster as well."

"I wouldn't mind," Timothy warned in an equally playful tone, "The Sisters have better rates than you do."

Dad laughed as Timothy made his way to the closed door where the girls were supposedly getting ready. He didn't particularly understand why they had to get ready at the church. Why couldn't they get ready at home like normal people did?

He knocked twice.

"Who is it?" Nurse Franklin called from within.

"Timothy," he called back.

The door was immediately cracked open, revealing nothing but her face. She glanced about, then quickly opened the door and ushered him inside.

Tim was going to make a comment about the odd behavior, but then he saw Mum.

The dress was white.

He swallowed hard, meeting her gaze across the room. She turned and stepped towards him, he saw the skirts of the dress move as she turned and trail behind her slightly. She was smiling.

Tim realized he was smiling too.

She crouched in front of him, her skirts expanding somewhat around her. As she wasn't tall to begin with, the motion brought the top of her head level with his gaze. She ran her hand across the back of his collar and then tugged on both his lapels, straightening his jacket. "Oh, Timothy, you look so handsome."

At last, he found his voice. "Mum, you look . . . " he trailed off. He didn't know the correct word to describe her. "Beautiful." He settled on. It sounded stupid, and he ducked his head for a second but his gaze was drawn back to hers.

"Thank you." She released his lapels and grasped his hands tightly.

He was so enraptured by her that he didn't even notice that all the nuns and nurses had congregated in the corner of the room and were staring at them. Again, not really knowing what to say, he spoke and felt stupid as soon as he did. "Dad told me to come and tell you we were here so you wouldn't be worried about us being late."

Mum laughed softly, and Tim realized why he was dumbfounded. "You look like an angel," he realized aloud.

At this, Mum bit her lip and ducked her head for a moment. "I wasn't worried about the two of you being late. I knew you'd get him here on time," she said, ignoring the angel comment.

Tim nodded.

She glanced at the clock, "Are you ready?" she asked.

He nodded again.

"Why don't you go take care of your father. We'll finish getting ready here, and I'll meet you up at the altar."

Tim nodded a third time. He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. "We'll beat you up there, Mum, I promise."

Mum laughed, and cupped his cheek for a second before she stood.

Tim headed back into the narthex. Constable and Mrs. Noakes had made their way into the Sanctuary, and Dad was speaking with Sister Julienne. Tim hadn't even noticed she wasn't in the preparation room with the others.

"Is Mum alright?" Dad asked.

"Smashing," Tim said, having seemingly recovered his powers of speech. "She wanted to make sure we were at the altar when she got up there."

Dad laughed.

"Enough milling about," Sister Evangelina said, heading across the narthex and heading into the Sanctuary with Sister Monica Joan on her heels. "We've all got a wedding to attend."

Sister Monica Joan paused in the doorway, and peered at Dad. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves." She paused and turned to gaze at Timothy. It felt like she was looking through him. "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

After a second, Dad responded, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and he shall be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

It certainly sounded like it was from the Bible, Timothy was surprised his father knew anything from the Bible. In any case, Sister Monica Joan smiled and headed into the Sanctuary without another word. It wasn't unusual for Timothy to not understand a thing that the old nun said, but it was odd for Dad to be equally enigmatic.

Timothy watched the clock on the wall. When it was time, he looked up at Dad and spoke, "Dad, it's our turn."

Dad took a deep breath and a grin overtook his face. He glanced at Sister Julienne before stepping forward to the Sanctuary. "And I'm very glad."

- - END - -

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Genesis 2:24