Chapter 3
The following morning Joe came into the office a few hours earlier to get some peace from all the screaming matches over the phone with Celine regarding custody of the kids. The first thing he noticed when he entered was the light to Vera's office on. He walked over and saw her sitting with her eyes closed. He opened the door quietly and went inside.
"Vera". He said. Softly.
"Mmm. Joe. Your in early pet". She replied. Opening her eyes.
He walked round her desk and knelt down beside her. Noticing her hands resting on her abdomen.
"I was up half the night on the phone with Celine".
"Everything alright".
"She wants full custody of the kids. She can't do that, can she. She can't take them away from me. I'm their father for christ sake".
"You have a good job Joe. It's well paid. You have flexible hours if you need them. The judge will see that and you'll be heard fairly". She smiled.
"You haven't been here all night have you". He asked. Changing the subject.
"I must have dozed off".
"Vera".
"Joe I know. I don't need a lecture alright".
"Well clearly you do. Sleeping in your office chair isn't good for you or the baby. You need a proper nights sleep in a bed".
"Well I'll make sure that I make it home tonight. Okay".
"I know you will because I'll be driving you there myself".
Joe looked at how tired she was. He hated to see someone he cared about unwell and knowing that there was nothing he could do about it than to let it run it's course.
"Look. I'm sorry if I keep on at you. I just worry".
"I know you do pet. It's fine. Your right. I'm just that used to thinking about myself. I keep forgetting there's a baby in here". She said. Running a hand over her stomach.
"It's so wierd all this. You having a baby. I know yesterday didn't exactly go the way you'd hoped but the others. They were just in a bit of shock. You know they'll all help you out anyway they can but you have to remember that you can't be proud to ask for it. It works both ways".
"I know love and your right. So having said that I'll make a start now shall I".
"How do you mean".
"I've got my first scan next Tuesday and I really don't want to go on my own".
"You want me to come".
"You don't have too. Only if you have the time. I know your a bit tied up with the divorce and the kids".
"No. Listen ofcourse I'll come. I'd be happy too".
"Thanks pet".
"Come on". He said. Helping her up.
"Where are we going".
"Downstairs for some breakfast".
"I'm really not that hungry love".
"Ahh. What have we just been saying. Your eating something. Come on".
Tuesday came around quicker that Vera had expected. Joe sat beside her as they waited for the Doctor to arrive. Joe glanced over at her and saw the anxious look on her face.
"You okay Vera".
"Just a little nervous".
"Don't worry. It'll be fine".
"My age is against me though isn't it and the angina".
"I thought you said the angina was under control".
"It is".
"So you have nothing to worry about then have you".
"Miss Stanhope. The Doctor will see you now". The receptionist said.
Vera gave the young woman a warm smile as she and Joe made thier way through to the Doctor's office. Once inside the Doctor instructed Vera to lie out on the examination table. Joe stood at her side unsure of what role he should be playing here.
"So Vera. How have you been keeping". Dr Perkins asked.
"Okay I think. The morning sickness has been pretty bad but other than that I feel fine". She replied.
"Well we'll sort you out with something later to help with that. So who's this then". He asked. Making eye contact with Joe.
"I'm DS Joe Ashworth. A friend and colleague of Vera's. Just here for some moral support". He smiled.
"Well I'm glad she has someone to lean on. I know how stubborn she can be". He smirked.
"Oi you two. I am right here you know". Vera said. Interuppting them.
"Right. Yes sorry. Okay Vera. If you'd just like to lift you top half 'll get started". Dr Perkins said.
Vera did as she was told and Dr Perkins applied some gel to her stomach which caused her to jump suddenly. He gave her an apologetic smile and began running the ultrasound. He moved the device over her abdomen and as she and Joe were staring at the screen the sound of the baby's heartbeat began and as they looked closer at the screen and the outline of the baby finally came into view. Seeing the baby infront of her finally made the whole situation real and no words to describe how she felt at that moment and the tears began to form.
"Hey. You okay". Joe asked. Taking hold of her hand.
For a moment she couldn't speak. The tears threatening to fall. Eventually she got enough breath to turn to him. Squeeze his hand and utter her reply.
"I couldn't be happier pet. Thank you for being here with me Joe". She said. Smiling back at him.
To Be Continued...
