Then Bernadette called, too. "Howard!" she screamed. "Howard, come quick!"
"Keep the change." Howard threw two twenties at him and ran upstairs, with Raj hurrying after him, still pressing Howard's phone to his ear. "Yeah, that was Bernadette," he told his sister, as he launched up the stairs at Howard's heels.
They exploded into the room to find her leaning over the bed, gripping the blanket. "Let's get you to the hospital," Howard said, trying to sound calm.
"Is there time for that?"
"There has to be!" He and Bernadette followed Raj, who hurried ahead of them and made sure all the doors were wide open. Outside, they all paused at the car. "Where are the keys?" Howard asked.
"I don't have them!" Bernadette answered.
Howard hurried back inside and grabbed his keys.
-0-0-0-0-
Amy was laying on her bed, staring up at the ceiling when her cell phone went off, mildly startling her. She hoisted herself up onto her elbows and answered. "Hello?"
"Amy, it's Raj. Bernadette's gone into labour, we're going to the hospital."
"Okay. Thanks for calling."
He disconnected first and Amy slowly hung up. She knew it was a joyous occasion for Bernadette and Howard - at least, she hoped it was - but she felt isolated from the happiness. She knew it was wrong, perhaps even rude, but the only thing she felt was jealousy. Bernadette was off to have a child, before she was even due, and Amy was still alone. Still having relationship issues. Not pregnant, and getting too old to be.
Her hands trembled as she put the phone back on the bedside table.
-0-0-0-0-
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry for how short this one is. Unfortunately it's Thanksgiving and company will be arriving soon, so I'm cutting it short. Didn't know where to take it next anyway, but I'll continue later...