A/N: This chapter seems a little weak to me, but I've read and re-read a billion times and can't find anything to fix. Hope you enjoy! You're all so generous when it comes to reviewing!

-Hannanball13 (drown-out-the-crazies)

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We had all been through difficult times, and it would be fair to say we'd all had our share of rougher days. We'd all experienced sadness, and faced dangers. We all were witnesses to horrible things, traumatic incidents, and long lasting, fazing horrors. In midwifery, although it was deemed a magical career with babies, and happy mums, and wonderful endings, there was so much more underneath the shiny, blissfulness of a new life. Especially, here in Poplar where poverty reigned powerful, and it was even more known that babies added to already heavy workloads.

But, the difference between us and ladies of Poplar were we always and definitely had someone beside us, willing to help, always loving. We were lucky, because not many people had what we did, not many people could say they were living in a home with as much love as we did ourselves. We were all wonderfully busy with Little Fred, perfectly content with our workload, and entirely there for each other.

It seemed it was Shelagh whose turn it was to need us all. What we thought was joyous news was turning out to be more a charade in the Turner household. We all hoped for a change of heart, or sparkling realization from the Doctor himself, but it all seemed too out of our reach. All we could do, as friends first, was be as supportive for Shelagh as possible, and as midwives to her second, make sure she was receiving the most meticulous antenatal care in all of the East End.

It became our obligation to be comforting to her, but Chummy, along with Baby Fred seemed to be one out of two Nonnatus House residents to help the most. The other, was not surprisingly, Sister Julienne. It was with motherly grace she tended to Shelagh at her touchiest, and gave to her the God ridden advice which she longed for, as well as encouragement she deserved. Together, we moved through each day as one, we garnished each other with hope, confidence, and most of all- love. It is safe to say, none of us would have thrived without help from our Nonnatus Family, and we were all more than thankful. That's why we lived each day prosperous, and more than willing to assist each other in any way possible.

XXX

She felt a chill make its way through her spine, and she shivered a bit before entering the lusciously warm official quarters of Sister Julienne, who after lunch had excused herself momentarily to speak with Sister Monica Joan about her behavior during the meal. This was nothing new, as the rambunctious Lady of God always seemed to have a great deal of mischief she wished to cause, hidden in her own mind, which all of them believed was as foggy as the cobblestone streets of Poplar in late evening.

Shelagh lowered her bottom to the chair, and her hands rested satisfyingly on her middle, basking in fullness, and feeling blessed from her friend's reactions only moments before.

Realistically, she and Chummy should be running along soon, but this was the only time which the Sister could spare, and for any second of her day, Shelagh was more than appreciative. And Chummy wouldn't mind. She was more than excited at the prospect of spending a few extra moments with Baby Fred. Today, she had time to give him a full feeding without one interruption- she hadn't needed to whip away in a flash for any reason, and for the first time in what felt like a very long time for Chummy Noakes, she was able to perch upon a rocking chair, sun peeking through the curtains just enough to light the room, as her child suckled happily at her breast, instead of on a bottle. She would never admit, out of prudish embarrassment, that this is when she felt closest to him, the most needed, the most motherly.

Shelagh had her fingers of her left hand intertwined in the fingers of her right, and she could hear the creaking floor boards of Nonnatus House giving her a reassuring warning that Sister Julienne was well on her way to take care of the matters Shelagh called upon her to discuss.

She stood as the elder woman arrived, smile coming upon her lips at the sight of the curiosity sparking in the blue eyes of the thin nun. "My Dear Girl, what seems to be the trouble?" she asked, stepping closer, until she could sit beside Shelagh rather than across from her on her own desk chair. "It must be important," she added, "for you've barely said a word all day, aside from sharing your news."

Shelagh gave a cringe without realizing, looking to her lap as she did when things became a little too overwhelming for her. "Chummy has been assuring me that Patrick will come around to this idea.."

"Well, it surely isn't an idea any longer. It's real, Doctor Turner must know that by now," she chuckled softly, before turning quite serious, "Are you saying that he isn't thrilled? I can't imagine then he'd be anything less than jumping up and down for joy."

"That's precisely what worries me," she quivered. "But Chummy mentioned something to me this morning, about how you've known him for so long…"

Sister Julienne nodded, "Yes?" she coaxed, carefully studying the young midwife as she worked her way into the reason for her visit.

"… I was hoping, perhaps you could remember what he was like when Tim was born. Were you acquainted with his first wife well enough?" she wondered hopefully, easing through every syllable, apparently nervous of asking such things behind her husband's back. But, the guilt she'd feel later for nosing into his past would never compare to the hurt she felt at this moment, carrying a child that was both hers, and his, and not receiving appropriate help in the process. She was already weakened so much, and she hadn't at all felt like she'd been with child.

The Nun was tender, resting her bony hand upon her forearm, "I was not often in the same room with her, no," she replied, "but, I did deliver Young Timothy, and I will say he never looked as proud until he held his son in his arms. What I believe is he requires time, that may not be the advice you were searching for from me, but I'm afraid that's all I can supply to you at this time."

"I'm not sure how much time I will be able to give him," Shelagh shuddered, accidentally letting a tear stream down her face. "I know I cannot do this by myself."

Sister Julienne frowned, taking her two hands into hers, staring her frankly into her glossy, wet eyes, "I trust you see that you're not alone. We all will be here for you, without question. I am absolutely certain that Doctor Turner will realize the error of his ways, and sweep you off your feet. Men like him will always respect the woman who carries his child, and the level at which he loves you is wholly inconceivable to all of us! Indeed he will come around, My Dear Girl."

Shelagh could not argue with such optimism, especially when it was coming from the woman who had molded her into who she was today. The Order affected her substantially, religion still remained to be a good part of her life, but it seemed those around her took more of her time, her relationships; those especially with her stepson, and husband were first in her mind, always there, always awaiting another thought. "Thank you very much, Sister." She gently pulled away, and began to wring her hands together again, "I'm sure I may be seeing more of you in the future, Nonnatus House still feels very much like my home."

"It will always be your home, here. That will never change." Sister Julienne smiled, "Now you must get Nurse Noakes and hurry along, there are women in need of you both!"

xxx

"My, my, there Nurse Noakes, Little Fred does not seem so little to me anymore!" Doctor Turner grinned, "You must be very proud of how much he's grown. What is he? Nearly four and a half months old, now?"

Chummy held the chubby, sleeping little boy closer, "Yes, I do believe he is growing up right too fast. But, of course, I'd rather him be the tiny little bundle he once was, then he wouldn't be so tiring to these overworked arms of mine!"

They both shared a laugh in the empty clinic, and when it subsided Chummy turned inquisitive, "Speaking of little ones, Doctor, how has Shelagh been faring around the house? Is everything still in tip-top order? I do know how tiresome the first few months can be.."

Patrick loosened his collar with his index finger as he was laying his tools in the sink to be washed, "She's been… well." He glanced over his shoulder at the taller lady, "Timothy has been very helpful since he's found out, and I've done all I can to keep her comfortable."

The midwife sensed the obvious stress in his tone; it was the same as Shelagh's, who she talked to on a daily basis. She felt Freddie's fine hair against the back of her hand for solace, while contemplating something more to say. "She is coming in rather soon, if you'd like to wait, we get to take a glimpse of that filled out tummy of hers, what could be more exciting?" she asked gushing, staring down at her own lad, anticipation in her voice, relaying her excitement for them both.

"I do have some evening rounds today, Nurse," he responded quickly. "I would very much like to be here, but it is a matter of scoring. I cannot be two places at once, is all, and Shelagh understands." He wiped a few instruments, seeming to write off the question, only focused on placing the sterile apparatuses in his bag.

Chummy knew she had no reason to be this peeved of his reply, but she countered indignantly anyway, "I'm not sure that's quite the truth."

It was apparent to him that all the Nonnatuns were a little upset with him, and how could they not be? He was being mysteriously foolish.

His speechlessness was enough for Chummy's vindication, and she found herself straying from the back room to the only remaining exam area set-up. She should have put Little Fred into his pram, but, after such a long day in clinic, she couldn't bring herself to put him down. "How could anyone be displeased knowing they have one of you on the way?" she wondered softly to the snoozing boy in her crook. She heard the Doctor leave even before Shelagh arrived, and she hoped they were on speaking terms, for if not, a woman of Shelagh's condition would be a wreck, and Chummy only wished for a pleasant smile from her colleague who now so oft frowned.

She heard the hinges of the Church Hall moan as another entered, poking her head around the drape, she suspected Shelagh, but it was not. Peter approached her with a content smirk, "I didn't see the Pram outside, so I figured you must have the little bean in here with you. It wouldn't hurt for him to get some fresh air on such a beautiful day like this."

"Yes, but, you know I can't let him go! It's been such a long day, Peter, all I need is a good cuddle. Just to get it out of my system!" she pouted adjusting the collar of his uniform, and then placing her attention back to the baby. "Besides, he's been out in the garden all day with Jenny; he can spend a few moments in a stuffy, old church hall with his mum, can't he?" She was entirely polite, honest, and not at all argumentative. She sincerely felt that way, and PC Noakes of course was considerate of her flighty emotions, and he planted a very tender kiss upon her forehead.

He then, ran his index fingertip across the chin of Little Freddie, soft in his eyes, melting with the touch, "I must be off on patrol! Camilla, I love you," he whispered, "Please go easier on yourself. You look exhausted."

"Don't worry, Peter. All is well with me, now you run along! I wouldn't want your superiors to find any reason to scold you!"

He kissed her one last time, quickly but pressing forcefully, so that her lips tingled afterward. She smiled to herself, and then realizing the time, called, "And Peter!?"

The Constable turned, midway to the exit, "Yes?"

She raised her voice, "If you run into Shelagh Turner, could you tell her to speed it up coming my way, not to be impatient, but I would very much like to walk home in the daylight!" The words echoed throughout the room, bouncing to his eardrums, so that he complied with a nod, and another smirk.

Chummy only had to wait a few, short flashes before she was hearing the groaning of the doors again. This time, it was exactly the lady she was looking for.

The woman was beaded with perspiration, clearly having been in a rush, "I apologize for my tardiness, Chummy. It was Mrs. Shulman with some first baby woes, I'm afraid…" She clicked across the solid flooring toward the other midwife, arms swinging vigorously by her sides. Chummy reluctantly placed Baby Freddie in his Pram, and then slipped her gloves on. Shelagh brightly acknowledged the growing boy with a coo, and then went down to personals.

Shelagh was already upon the cot, readying herself for examination. She knew the drill, pants off, sheet on lap. It was only sensible she need not be instructed, although Chummy, out of habit was still muttering the unneeded directions at the already prepared woman.

"Can't hear anything yet, but that's absolutely normal, we'll find it your next visit!" she said referring to the babies heartbeat,

Looking unsurprised, she said, "Well to be fair, I didn't expect a 'thump,' 'thump,' 'thumping' during my first trimester. I am as trained as you," Shelagh giggled, seeming to be in a lighter mood, but still quite unhappy. She covered her middle, and scooted around to make herself more comfortable.

Chummy giggled along with the joke, as she began to tidy her space, whistling a tune.

"Oh, please, let me help!" Shelagh insisted, but the woman was already gone, rinsing up everything.

It was then, Baby Fred caught her special deliberation, and the wide awake babe made it so it wasn't long until she was completely dressed again, wonderfully excited to feel the warmth of the small chap against her body, much like every soon-to-be mother's, Freddie (and all other tiny tots) made her heart flutter with amazement.

Chummy was relieved to see the sight from afar, and felt rather proud it had been her little Fred which caused the contented awe in her friend's expression, but her ears perked up, and it seemed the mild mood would be spoiled, for it was Doctor Turner, pink in the face,

"It's just me," he cautioned them both, and then gradually he made his way toward his wife. "Shelagh," he inquired softly. "I believe it's time I admit I've been a fool. Would it be a bother if I pulled you away for a long-awaited chat?"

The grin turned to a meager curvature of her mouth, but didn't completely fade, "Of course, Patrick. I would never say 'no.'"

XXX

Finally, some Turnadette action! Hope you enjoyed! I hope you all enjoyed, please review and tell me what you think! I hope I don't disappoint you!