Alice and Max were nervous- when their father had told them they had bad news for them, he looked sad, very sad, and it frightened the kids terribly.
"What do you think it is, Max?" Alice asked timidly.
"I don't know, sis- we'll just have to find out," Replied Max bravely, but he couldn't hide his feelings for fright from his sister.
However, they didn't find out until later at night, when Paul took them to the sofa in the living room to explain, and he made each child sit on either side of him.
"It's about you mother, kids," He started, sadly. At these words, fear flashed in their eyes.
"What happened?"
"She's still coming home, right?"
"Is she okay?"
Paul raised a hand to silence them politely. "It wouldn't be easy to say this, so I'll only say it once. Kids, your mother...she...she died today, giving birth to your sisters," He continued. "I know it's not fair that this had to happen, but sometimes it does."
"So, she's...gone?" Max whispered, unable to believe their sweet, kind mother was never coming home to them- they'd never hear her sweet voice singing lullabies, they'd never taste any of her delicious meals, they'd never see her smile in pride at their achievements.
They would never see her again...
Alice broke down first. Tears streamed down her face before her grieved howls and sobs started, and Paul swore he heard her heart break the second they did. Max briefly fought with the struggle to cry, but lost and ended up puling in misery and sadness into his hands.
Paul, with tears once more streaming his face, pulled his elder children close to him to try and comfort them- let them know that he was in their position too.
The three Foggs cried and howled for hours seemingly, unable to be comforted by anyone or anything except each other's presence, before they all fell asleep on the sofa, with broken sleep- the cause of the breakage due to the haunting memories of Mary and her loss.
A few days later, Paul had to make arrangements for Mary's funeral. He knew that he might need some help in looking after the children for a few days, so he phoned his older twin brother- William 'Billy' Fogg.
"Hiya there, little brother!" Billy hooted cheerfully- he was that sort of person, the jolly and cheerful kind. He was married to a kind woman named Heather.
"Hey, Billy," He replied weakly. "I have some bad news to tell you."
"Are the twins alright?" His twin asked.
"They were born premature. The eldest, Ronny, will be fine, but her sister- Madeline- is very, very weak. Doctors are not sure what will happen to her." Paul explained, massaging his temple whilst memories of the tragedy unfolded once more- they just wouldn't leave him alone.
"That is awful, Paul. I hope they'll recover someday."
"Thank you." Paul answered, rubbing the back of his hand across his eyes as he felt tears emerging in his eyes. How was he going to explain his wife's death?
"It's Mary. She died giving birth to Madeline-from a really bad bleed." He said at last. It was so silent after that, he could have sworn that he heard Billy's world crash round his ears from the other end of the phone.
Then Billy muttered something softly that Paul was glad the kids couldn't hear. "That's just not right – it's not right for the universe to just take her away! She was a good woman Paul- it's just not fair having to bury her so soon. I'm very, very sorry to have to hear this."
Paul couldn't answer- his throat tightened at the remembrance of his wife's passing.
"Would you like me to tell Heather?" Billy asked, in a much gentler tone.
"Please," Paul managed at last. "Also, big brother, could you do me a favour?"
"Sure, - what is it?"
"If you are able to come to Mary's funeral, would you mind being one of her pall bearers?" He asked, tentatively. "Mary was immensely fond of you, and I know that you did love her like a sister..."
"Yes, I did. I would be honoured, brother."
"Thank you, Billy- this means a lot."
"No need to thank me- if it was Heather's passing, I would have asked the same."
Paul added "Billy, one more thing, if it's not too much trouble-but I need help looking after the kids, please."
Billy said "Paul calm down, little bro- we will be there as soon as we can. And I will call the rest of the family for you, since your hands are full right now."
"Thanks Billy –I don't know what I will do without you." Paul expressed gratefully.
"No trouble, Paul- Heather and I are both here for you. Anytime you need to talk before Heather and I arrive, just call, okay?"
Paul said "Thank you again- see you soon Billy," The two brothers said goodbye, and Paul hung up- just as Emma dashed in.
"Mr Fogg, we need your help in the nursery-some of the wallpaper is loose!"
"It can't be that wallpaper- it's supposed to stay up!" Paul exclaimed in frustration, but as He Open the door, he was to find that everything was set up- without his prior knowledge! Duncan, Leicester, Sophie and Emma and Rachel were all there too!
"Two cribs- how did you all get the nursery set up so quickly – and without me knowing?" Paul asked incredulously- unable to believe what he was seeing.
"We found one of Mary's old plans for the nursery," Rachel explained. "And when they become toddlers, just take the bars off, find a Bed Frame, and there are two beds ready and waiting!" She added proudly.
"Thank you all so much!" Paul exclaimed joyously. "I suppose the wallpaper was just a decoy?" He asked Emma.
"Of course sir- the wallpaper's fine." Emma answered reassuringly. "I do hope you're not cross."
"No, I'm too pleased to be cross- in fact, expect a bonus in your pay checks, all of you! I cannot thank you enough!" He beams broadly, more tears- this time of ecstasy- forming in his eyes.
"Forget the bonus, Mr Fogg!" Leicester exclaimed excitedly. "There is more to the nursery that you will discover when the twins are older!"
"Yes-there is a lot more then you think!" Sophie added, but Paul shook his head in confusion.
He said "Alice and Maxwell are too quiet today- I better go see what is up. My apologies, but I will be back directly." He left the nursery to find his elder children.
Alice said "Boy, won't dad be surprised to hear this speech we made for Mom!"
"Yes but how will Ronny and Madeline remember Mom?" Her brother asked her almost philosophically.
"Oh- I forgot about that, Max!" Alice exclaimed.
Then her brother suddenly clicked his fingers in triumph as an idea hit him. "I know- how about we make a scrapbook for them? We could write stories and poems about Mom, and stick photos and drawings in them!"
"That's brilliant, Max- how about we do two, so that they get one book each and wouldn't fight about it?" Alice added. "We could even have 'Ronny' and 'Madeline' in their books so they can tell them apart, and make them their own."
"That's a great idea, Al!" Max exclaimed triumphantly. "Here, let's get started!"
But they jumped as their father suddenly knocked on their bedroom door, before opening the door and entering,
"Is everything alright in there?" He asked in concern. "You're being very quiet."
"We're fine, Dad- we were just busy writing speeches for Mom." Max replied smoothly.
Dad- can Max and I make scrapbooks for Riley and Madeline - please?" Alice asked. "We thought about making scrapbooks about Mom so that our little sisters would have something to remember Mom by." And the duo proceeded to explain in detail what they planned to do for Ronny and Madeline.
Paul said "Alice, Max I like your ideas, but we only have a few family vacation pictures."
"But, dad-there has to be more downstairs!" Alice protested.
Paul simply nodded in acknowledgment and said "Let's go and see if we can more pictures," as they headed down the stairs.
"Rachel, I am getting worry about Mr Fogg. He hasn't been sleeping very much- just going from home to the hospital to check on Princess Ronny and Princess Madeline. But I digress- it is almost 2pm. We better go downstairs." Duncan said, and he Leicester left ahead of Rachel and the maids.
"We'll need a banner above each crib." Emma pointed out.
"Yes, one with each twin's names on for a while until we can tell them apart ourselves," Sophie added thoughtfully.
"That could work," Rachel agreed solemnly after hearing this proposition. "We'll start later on tonight, Sophie."
Meanwhile, downstairs, Paul realized it was time to check on Madeline and Ronny- as visiting hours had started. So he said "Alice, Max, I have to go and check on your sisters, but I will be home for dinner. Now be good, and no fighting, okay?"
"Okay," They agreed miserably. Paul gave each child a hug and kiss before grabbing his car keys from the front door and leaving the house, closing the door gently behind him.
As Paul drove to the hospital- hoping not only to see Riley, but also Madeline too- he had an idea how to show Alice and Max their new sisters. As he pulled into a park space and locked the Car door, he quickly fetched something from the boot and went into the hospital. He headed to the nursery to see Riley first.
"Mr Paul Fogg? Right on time! Nurse Anna just finished feeding Ronny. She sure does let you know when she is hungry!" Nurse Amy teased lightly, trying to make Paul smile.
Paul said "Aw- Nurse Amy, would it be okay if I take a picture of Ronny, please? My family and I are making a scrapbook for Ronny and Madeline each, and I'd thought it'd be nice to include a picture of them as babies."
"Of course, Mr Fogg," Amy agreed. "If you'll follow me please,"
So Nurse Amy led Paul down the rows of beds to where a red haired freckled nurse was holding a tiny and familiar baby girl.
"Nurse Anna? Mr Paul Fogg is here to see his daughter Ronny."
"Oh my goodness, yes-here you go...um, oh dear, Mr Fogg!" Nurse Anna stammered shyly, gently handing baby Ronny to him.
"Thank you, Nurse Anna." Paul answered gratefully- before realizing that he now had a squirming baby and a camera to hold (both very priceless!)
"Here, would you like me to take a photo for you, Mr Fogg?" Nurse Amy offered. "Then you and Ronny can be in the scrapbook!"
"Thank you, Nurse Amy- that's a lovely idea." Paul replies gratefully, awkwardly holding the camera towards her.
Accepting it carefully, she deftly positions it across her face, and after getting the pair to relax, takes a couple of snaps of the pair.
"Here you are, Mr Fogg- I took a couple. Just pick the best one."
"Thank you, Nurse Amy- wow, these are really good!" He exclaims, looking at the proffered camera and its new additions.
"Thanks," she replied, blushing. "I like taking photographs in my spare time- it's just a little hobby." She explained. "I took it up in college, you see, and I took a shine to it."
Paul nodded approvingly.
"Thank you again." He told her.
"No problem, Mr Fogg." Amy winked at him.
Paul said "Please, let me get a photo of you and Riley together so she can remember you in the future, please."
"Sure, Mr Paul Fogg," Amy replied, earnestly, but with a hint of cheekiness. "Here, I've got Riley. Come on, sweetie -smile for the camera! That's a good girl Riley." Amy cooed as Paul took a few pictures of Riley and Nurse Amy together.
Once Paul finished taking photographs of the kind- hearted Nurse Amy and his daughter Riley, he felt very satisfied with the results, and beckoned Nurse Amy to have a look.
"You know, you aren't half bad at photography yourself!" She admits, impressed. "You know, if you took classes, you'd be a pro in no time!"
"I suppose- but so long that these are good enough to put into my daughter's scrapbook I'm quite content with my photography skills at the moment."
"They're better than good enough, Mr Fogg." Nurse Amy tells him seriously. "These photos are fantastic- thank you, by the way."
"Why, whatever for, Nurse Amy?" Paul asked, surprised.
"Well, for wanting a picture me in your daughter's scrapbook to remember me by," She replied earnestly. "That means a lot."
"You're welcome- and thank you again, Nurse Amy." Paul answered.
Amy said "Anytime," as she nodded, her blond curls bounced prettily. "Well, I better going- I have to check on other babies. I will let you know if I see Madeline in her little bed. See you later...Paul."
As Paul tucked the camera safely in his bag, he said "Bye, Nurse Amy,"
As Nurse Amy walked away, Paul looked down at his second youngest child. "Hello, my little Riley. Well it looks like Mommy went to a better home, but Daddy loves you very much –daddy's just going to close his eyes for a little bit and rock you to sleep, Riley."
Paul closed his eyes and gently rocked his daughter in his arms, careful to keep himself relaxed, as he had done with Alice and Max before Ronny. Soon, little Riley was asleep in Paul's arms.
When Paul opened his eyes he sighed in relief to note that she was now in slumber land. "Whew that work every time," as father and daughter spent time together until 3:30pm, when he said softly "Okay, Ronny- it's time for Daddy to go check on Madeline... Shh, that's a good girl..." and he placed her back into her little hospital bed. "I will see you again before Daddy Leaves, my little princess," as he grabbed his bag and left for the Neonatal Ward.
Paul muttered "Two babies in different wards...quite exhausting..." As he slipped a gown on, he thought about Madeline, and how she was doing. He entered the ward, and quickly walked to Madeline's incubator. "Okay, Madeline daddy is here...Madeline?"
He had arrived to find her incubator empty.
"Please no- not my little honeybee..." He whispered in horror, his stomach folding in fear at the thought of losing Madeline so soon. His wife's funeral would be difficult enough as it is. How could he face burying his little girl in her grave before her first birthday?
"Excuse me, Nurse Jill -have you seen a Madeline Olivia Fogg here?" The anxious father asked, hoping that he hadn't lost her yet. "I'm her father."
Nurse Jill looked puzzled. "Sorry, Mr Fogg, but I cannot help you. I've not been in at work in the past few weeks- I've only just come back today."
On seeing Paul's face drain of color, Nurse Jill offered "But I could talk to a doctor and get him or her to help you. What doctor saw you before about your daughter's condition?"
"Doctor Wayne." Paul answered mechanically, unable to process what was happening to Madeline.
"Right- I'll find Doctor Wayne. Would you a coffee in the meantime, Mr Fogg? You look like you're about to faint." She offered awkwardly. Paul shook his head, unable to speak.
"Just sit here, sir- I'll find Doctor Wayne and let him know of your concern," And she left the ward to fetch him.
Paul sat there, mind and limbs numb at the thought of losing Madeline so soon. He thought of calling Rachel, or Duncan- but his mind shut down on him, and he couldn't move, or speak.
The only thoughts running through his mind were 'Madeline...Madeline...Madeline I can't lose you too! Please- you, your sisters and your brother are all I have of Mary..."
Feeling his nerves reach breaking point, Paul buried his head in his hands and wept inconsolably. How could he explain this to his children? How could he go on knowing he lost his wife and youngest child in so short a space of time? How could he face his baby's funeral?
"Mr Fogg?"
Paul jumped as Doctor Wayne came in, holding a clipboard with waives of paper clipped on. He looked concerned.
"I heard about you from Nurse Jill, and I'm afraid that things aren't looking so good for Madeline."
"Is...Is she alive?" Asked Paul weakly, his throat dry and sore from his crying, hoping and hoping with all his heart that God will spare his daughter from the unfair punishment of being born small and weak and that she will live a long and happy life with her twin and their family and hopefully do great things in the future...
"She is, Mr Fogg- but she's very, very weak." Doctor Wayne answered. "She's just hanging by a thread, in fact. If she survives the next two to three days, it'd be a miracle."
"How likely are her chances, Doctor?"
"Very slim, Mr Fogg- but I am aware of equally dire cases in which infants pull through and live long, fulfilling lives," Answered the doctor. "So Madeline may pull through- if she survives this, Mr Fogg, then her chances of survival may be higher than we previously considered."
"So what is happening to Madeline?" Paul asked, with the apprehension of the parent who knows that someone is hiding something terrible from them about their child.
Doctor Wayne gave him a grim look.
"I need you to brace yourself. She...she had a cardiac arrest, Mr Fogg."
Paul's own heart froze at this.
"She's in A & E being seen to right now, but her condition is making any possible of survival difficult to determine." Doctor Wayne told him sympathetically. "We are doing all that we can to save your daughter."
"When...when will I be able to see her, Doctor?"
"Not right now." Doctor Wayne warned. "I suggest you go home and rest, Mr Fogg- I will call you about any progress to her condition."
"Thank you, Doctor Wayne." Paul said numbly, and he hobbled out of the ward.
His little girl wasn't even a month old yet and she had a HEART ATTACK! His lungs felt as though they were being squeezed out of him. His head was swimming too- how could this be happening...
"Paul!"
Nurse Amy saw him and hurried over. "Goodness, I was just going to get supplies and you nearly fainted!" She gasped, grabbing him under the arms and helping him lean against the wall. "What's wrong?"
"Madeline...my honeybee...heart..."
"Slow down, Mr Fogg," Nurse Amy ordered. "What happened?"
"My Maddie had a heart attack..." Paul whispered painfully. Amy gasped.
"Oh dear...I'm so sorry, Paul! If I had known of it, I could have warned you instead of"- She blurted, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing could have been done, Nurse Amy. I would still have gone into shock." Paul answered shakily.
"All the same, you should have had some warning- didn't someone"-
"No," And Paul recounted everything what had happened after their departure, even though it pained him to say that Madeline had had a heart attack for the second time- the more he said it, the more real and grotesque it became to him.
"If there is anything I can do, Paul, I'll do it. In fact, I'll drive you home- you don't look fit to drive at the moment."
"No, I'll be fine- I can call a taxi"-
"But you can't leave your car here! Look, I'll get permission from my supervisor, drive you home and I'll head back, okay? I'm not leaving you to drive in a state of shock." Amy said stubbornly. "It shouldn't take too long."
Paul had to admit that Nurse Amy was stubborn as she was pretty and cheeky. "...Alright, so long as you don't get yourself fired," He conceded.
"If I do, Mr Fogg, at least it was for going above and beyond my call of duty." Amy grinned, and Paul managed a small smile back.
"Anna, I need to talk to the supervisor- can you stay with Mr Fogg for me, please?" Amy asked her friend.
"Oh-al...Alright, Amy, just...just don't get...get into...trouble...okay?" Nurse Anna stammered, barely looking at the blond nurse.
Nurse Anna asked timidly "Is everything okay, Mr Fogg?"
"No- Madeline had a heart attack and is in A&E right now so I can't see her." Paul replied.
Nurse Anna exclaimed "Oh I am so sorry Paul! I hope that"-
Suddenly Nurse Amy shouted from behind a door "Fine then, I quit! Mark my words- you will be getting a new nurse that does give a damn about work!" Slamming the office door behind her, she smiled at Anna and Paul. "Come on Paul, let's go."
"No, I need to see Ronny one more time before I leave- please!" Paul pleaded.
Amy said firmly "Tomorrow, Paul, let's get you home before you faint. Nurse Anna will be here still."
"Of course - and I will call you, Mr Fogg, I promise." Anna replied. "I'll miss you, Amy."
"Aw, I'll miss you too, freckled egg," Amy replied affectionately. Anna smiled at this nickname- the origins of which were obscure to Paul.
"Thanks Anna. I'll see you later- and please let Ronny know I will be back tomorrow." And he left with Amy.
"Amy, I am sorry about your job." He sighed regretfully.
Amy replied "Don't worry about it, Mr Fogg. This was my last year here at the hospital anyway- I'm going to become a full time photographer. May I have your key, please, Paul?"
"Oh, sorry Amy – here it is." He handed it to her. "At least I got Riley's photo with you- I hope to have Madeline's photo taken with you too Amy."
"Paul, I have an idea- don't start on the scrapbooks yet!" Amy exclaimed. "I want to take the girls' pictures with your family and of yourself holding both Ronny and Madeline in your arms."
"Amy that isn't a bad idea," Paul remarked in surprise. "I'd like to do that."
As Amy started the car and backed out of the Parking lot, she began "So Paul, tell me about yourself"- But Paul was out like a light in the passenger seat, and snoring lightly.
"Well, man just sleep when I'm talking-sheesh! But he would be tired having two children in different places and one on the brink of death, so he'll need all the sleep he can get. Besides, he looks cute when he's sleeping," she smirked cheekily to herself as she kept driving until she came to a house with two kids watching curiously. "This is it!" She thought, checking his hastily scribbled address on a shopping receipt.
Feeling the lack of motion, Paul stirred and immediately said "Sorry Amy, I must have dozed off-how did you find my house?" He didn't remember telling her where he lived.
"Max, who is that woman driving Dad's car?" Alice hissed to her brother curiously.
"Beats me," Replied Max, bemusedly. "Come on, we'll find out!" And the duo started a sprint to their father's car.
"Medical records," Amy grinned. "I had access to your records, as Doctor Wayne and Doctor Francis assigned me to take care of Ronny, along with Nurse Anna and several of my collea...ex-colleagues. It's going to weird saying that from now on. Are those your kids?"
"Yes," Answered Paul. "Come on, I'll introduce you to them."
The two climbed out of the car, and slammed the door shut just as Alice and Max came running up to greet their father and investigate the mysterious woman.
"Hey Dad, who is this woman who just drove you home?" Alice asked curiously.
"Alice, Maxwell- meet Amy. Amy, these are my eldest children, Maxwell and Alice." Paul quickly introduced.
Almost instantly Amy knelt down to be eye level with the two children.
"Hello you two," She beamed.
The two children felt a bit shy, and didn't say anything at first. Instead Maxwell turned to his father and asked "Dad, when can Alice and I see Ronny and Madeline?"
"Well you can meet Riley through a photo- see for yourself." Paul replied, digging out his camera and showing the picture of Amy holding her.
"Huh- there is none of Riley lying in her little bed- just Amy holding her! No, this won't do -you are replacing Mom already!" as she took off angrily.
"I am so sorry about Alice Amy." Paul said, shocked. "My children found things hard after their mother's death- and they're grieving for her still."
"That's alright – I can talk to Maxwell. Alice needs you Paul, do go on." Amy urged, sending him away to catch up with his daughter.
Maxwell asked, in a strangely upfront manner "So Amy, are you dating my dad now?"
"No Maxwell I am not dating your dad- why do you ask?" Amy asked, grinning a little. She forgot how funny kids could be sometimes, after working with babies for so long.
"Well, you took Dad home, and you were in a photo with Ronny." Max pointed out.
"Well, honey, I was just bringing your dad home because he was in shock."
"Why?"
Amy realised her mistake on that one innocuous question. She had no idea if Paul would want to tell the kids about Madeline's condition, but she decided to keep things brief.
"Your sister's Madeline sick." She revealed gravely. "Very, very sick- we don't know what's going to happen to her."
"Oh...will she be okay?"
"Hard to say, but we mustn't give up hope, Max." She replied. "As for the photo, well, your dad wanted to take a photo of Ronny and myself- can't imagine why. Now, Max, I am sorry that I've upset your sister. I don't want to replace your mom, okay? I'm just a friend of your dad's."
"A friend- how come we haven't met you until now?"
"Your father and I haven't been friends for that long. We just met due to Ronny, as I was assigned to her care..." at this she started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Max asked, his childish curiosity overcoming everything else.
"Well, I quit today- my mom wouldn't approve!" She replied. "Sorry, I didn't mean for it to be so rude, it's just- she and I haven't gotten along...you see, Max- I used to be a nurse."
"What happened, Amy?" Max asked curiously.
"I woke up as one, and I'll go to bed as a woman between careers. I was a passionate photographer in my teens, and I wanted to take it as a career. But my mother felt it wouldn't work out, and told me to get a more respectable job, so I took on a nurse position. I learned lifesaving skills, made new friends, and seen more joy, love and tragedy than a soap opera can provide...but nursing wasn't my passion, so I decided to make this my last year in nursing and become a full time photographer. My mother is very traditional, you see, and she didn't like my creativity very much."
"My mom always liked us being creative." Max said wistfully. "Alice and I loved painting, and making things with glue and paper and things like that..."
Amy laughed. "All the things my mother is adverse to! I just wish my mother had been as open and encouraging about my creative passions as yours was." She sighed sadly, before she perked up again and said "Let's go and find your father and sister, okay Max?"
"Let's try our clubhouse in the backyard- come on!" Max called impatiently.
Amy said "Okay, Max I'm coming!"
"Amy, how come there are no pictures of Madeline on Dad camera?" Max asked curiously.
"You know how I mentioned she's sick?"
"Yes..."
"Well, she has to undergo medical treatment and photography is not allowed in A & E." She explained.
Meanwhile, in the backyard Paul said "Alice, please- Amy and I aren't dating, sweetheart. We've not known each other that long."
Yeah but I want pictures of Riley by herself in the little hospital bed!" Alice huffed angrily.
"Alright, Alice, I'll be going back to the hospital tomorrow to see Riley again, so I'll take a picture of her in her hospital bed- but only on the condition that you apologise to Amy. I know you're upset about losing your mother, and so am I, but I have intention of replacing her. If I was to marry again, it would be after a respectable amount of time, and it would only be if I love her, you love her, and she loves all of us."
"But that would mean more baby-making and us losing another Mom!" Alice accused.
Paul said "Alice, that won't happen- I promise you. Riley and Madeline are the last babies I am making, because I am not willing to go through this hospital stuff again- it has exhausted me going to two different wards."
"...Dad, did you see Madeline today?" Alice asked.
"No, Alice, I didn't- but come on, you need to apologize to Amy." Paul replied quickly, not wanting to dwell on Madeline's condition.
Thankfully, Alice said "Okay, Dad." As they walked back to the front yard, they ran into Max and Amy halfway. After exchanging a quick greeting, Paul gently nudged his eldest daughter forward to encourage her to apologise.
Alice said "Amy, I am really sorry about earlier. I didn't know you aren't replacing Mom."
"That's alright, Alice- I've been working with babies for so long, I forgot how kids can be." Amy replied, looking at her friend, who looked quite anxious on telling them about Madeline.
"Amy, would you mind helping me explain what is going on with Madeline to the rest of the family, please?" Paul requested.
"I would like to, Paul." Amy replied, though her pale brow was creased with worry.
"Um, Max, what's up with Madeline?" Alice asked her brother.
"Alice, did you hear of A&E?" Max questioned.
"Max, that is the TV channel name," Replied his sister, confused.
Paul said "Maxwell, Alice, come inside, please-we need to talk to you and the family."
Once inside, as Paul gathered the staff in the living room and introduced them to Amy, the beautiful ex-nurse pondered how she was going to address the issue of Madeline's heart attack sensitively so as not to frighten Max or Alice.
"Right, everyone, we called you all here to tell you of something important." Paul began. "My friend Nurse Amy will help me explain, but it is bad news, I am warning you now."
Murmurings arose amongst the party present, until Amy cleared her throat. "It is news about Madeline." She continued. "Paul was told by Doctor Wayne that Madeline went into cardiac arrest."
"What does that mean?" Max asked.
"She...she had a heart attack." Paul revealed.
Gasps of shock rippled round the living room at the news.
"But she's too young!" Emma protested.
"I'm sorry to say that I have heard of babies having heart attacks before." Amy replies sadly. "The worst news is, with her current condition, we have no idea if she will be okay or not."
Just then, Amy's phone rang. "Excuse me." She said awkwardly. She was about to turn it off, when she saw the caller I.D- it was Anna!
"I need to take this," She told them, and exited to the kitchen.
"Anna, what is it?" She asked.
"It's Madeline," Anna answered. "Well, about her...anyway..."
"What is it? Why couldn't you have called Paul?"
"I...I'm sorry...I...couldn't reach him."
Amy groaned. "What is it- I swear the last thing I need to hear is about the death of"-
"Madeline survived!" Anna burst out, leaving Amy breathless, before she broke into the biggest grin.
"Why, this is incredible- what happened?" She asked, forgetting her earlier irritation, and holding the phone to her ear instead, unwilling to miss a detail.
"Well, she...we nearly, um lost her. Her heart stopped after we stopped her heart attack, but then she...just when we thought we lost her, she just started moving, ever so slightly! Doctor Wayne was so happy, and everyone was crying...even Nurse Sophie!"
"Really- well, I thought she was a boulder." Amy joked, though her own eyes were filled with happiness. "Will she be okay?"
At this, Anna's voice wilted. "We...we still don't know- she's still pretty weak. The fact that she survived the heart attack at all...it's...it's phenomenal...but..."
"But what, Anna- spit it out!"
"She's still not out of danger yet."
Amy exhaled a hiss of sympathy. Well, at least Madeline did survive the heart attack- a miracle in itself considering how weak and small she was. This girl was obviously going to grow up to become a fighter. "So when can Paul see her, Anna?"
"Soon- if Doctor Wayne is keen, he might get to see her tomorrow or the day after, but I can't make any promises." Anna replied.
"Fair enough," Amy answered. "Farewell, freckled egg." She grinned.
"...You're not going to let that go, are you?"
"Nope- that was the most valuable piece of comedy gold ever, Anna- shall we say, the golden egg of all humorous disasters..."
Anna huffed good naturedly. "Well, Madeline's resting now- she'll be back in her incubator."
"Okay, thanks Anna- I'll tell Paul. Bye."
"See you later, Amy."
Amy ended the call and almost whooped with joy at hearing the miracle-she couldn't wait to tell Paul!
