Chapter 4:

Hopefully the night had been a quiet one. Nobody had to go out in order to bring a child into this world. Cynthia was more then grateful for that, they were all mourning, not the best way to welcome a new life. Around 6 o'clock Sister Winifred took over the phone duty. «You should go to your room and rest.» had suggested the young nun. Even though she was exhausted, Cynthia felt she wouldn't be able to sleep. How could she? Alec died just yesterday, and Jenny… Cynthia closed her eyes for a moment. The sorrow she had seen on Jenny's face when she and Peter had collected her at the hospital. She didn't utter a word when they helped her up and took her back to Nonatus house. Returning to reality, Cynthia felt that a hot drink was exactly what she needed. She headed toward the kitchen, expecting to find it empty this early in the morning. She was surprised to see Trixie sitting in one of the chairs, a cup of hot coco in her hands.

«You look as if you hadn't sleep a wink all night» said Cynthia, her usually kind voice tainted by melancholy, taking the seat next to the blond nurse.

«How could I?» muttered Trixie lighting a cigaret «I couldn't stop thinking about…» her face distorted into a somber simply utter his name was unbearable. Alec's death had taken a toll on every inhabitant of Nonatus, sisters and nurses all alike. Thought there grief was great, they all appreciated the young man, none was greater then Jenny's.

«I never saw her like this» murmured Trixie, There was no doubt on who was ''She'' «when she was in sister Julienne's arms, unconscious…» her head was now resting on Cynthia's, both women needing comfort from each other, remaining like this for a while.

«We have to be with her» stated Trixie breaking the embrace.

«Let's go to her room» suggested Cynthia

«Not now ladies» the voice made both nurses nearly fall out of their seats.

«Sister Julienne! How long have you been here» exclaimed Trixie «You scared the day light out of us» aded Cynthia

The nun slowly entered the kitchen. When passed a ray of sun shine, the young nurses could see dark circles benith the Mother superior's eyes, whiche were also red, as if she had been crying. Sister Julienne give them a sad smile.

«I'm sorry to have startelled you girls. And to answer your question nurse Franklin I've just arrived» she sat down. Trixie and Cynthia went next to her.

«Sister you look exhausted» pointed out the brunette

«I'm Nurse Miller. Sister Evangelina and I never left Jenny's side. We just left her.» whispered the nun. Cynthia grabbed the tea pott and poured some in a mug before giving it to Sister Julienne.

«Thank you very much my dear» she took a ew sipps, letting the warmth speed trough her aching body. Sitting against a hard wooden bed will do that to you.

«How is she Sister» asked Trixie worried. She had only seen Jenny for a minute or two last night, before she had been dragged out of the room by Cynthia

«Still sleeping, that's why I want you to leave her be for the moment.»

«But Sister…»interjected the young woman

«No Nurse Franklin. Wait until she wakes up» Julienne's tone was a little harsh, she felt guilty for that, she knew the nurse had only her friend's best interests at heart, but Jenny needed to sleep as long as possible.

Trixie was, at first, taken aback by the nun's reaction. She then realised that she was right.

«You are right Sister. I'm sorry»

«No it is I who should be sorry. I know you both care for Nurse Lee, as much as I…We do» said Julienne putting her hands upon Cynthia's and Trixie's «She will need you, and I know you will not fail her».

Trixie and Cynthia looked at each other and smiled.