Where's Nurse Browne?

Silence fell on Poplar. The day was drawing to a close, the light was nearly lost. Boats docked for the day, men evacuated the docks, returning home for a nights kip. The wind was wild and howled through the crack in the window of Sister Julienne's office. She sat there patiently waiting for the return of the two midwifes. It had been 6 hours since she had sent them, she had heard nothing of their whereabouts, and was naturally starting to worry. A knock came at the door and in rushed Sister Bernadette; 'Chummy is trapped, in that retched house. Sister Evangelina just telephoned. Oh Sister Julienne what are we to do?'

'We must keep calm, did Sister Evangelina say anything else? Is she coming back here?'

'No, she is going to stay by the house. It seems as people are hurt. Dr Turner is on site too. Sister, the nurses are all asking questions, what do I say?'

'Can you arrange for them all to join me in the dining room. I want to tell them all at once.'

'Of Course Sister.' Sister Bernadette bowed slightly and exited.

She rounded up all the midwives and of course Fred. They gathered in the dining room just as Sister Julienne had asked. Gossip flew across the table, each midwife having heard a different story of events. Fred on the other hand was just sat, wringing his hand with worry. He knew nothing of Chummy's situation and all the talk was scaring him. 'Will someone please tell me what's going on?!'

'Nurse Browne was called out to an unusual house call, some six hours ago now. There has been some complications. I do not know all of the details, but Sister Evangelina is still there, as is Peter. The building Nurse Browne was called too has become unstable over time, we did not know the extent of the damage before we sent her, if we had known this was going to happen, well, I wouldn't have sent her!'

'What has happened?' Shouted Fred who was becoming very anxious.

'Nurse Browne has become trapped within the building.' Replied Sister Julienne calmly, knowing that Fred's anger was in no way aimed at her and was just a result of the worry he has for his dear friend.

'Oh my. She must be terrified.' Gasped Jenny.

'Nurse Browne is a strong character, I'm sure she will surprise you.'

'I would be nothing more than a quivering wreck!' Added Cynthia.

'If it is any comfort to you, she is not alone. It seems as though Peter may have found a way into the building, he is with her.'

'I'm afraid Sister knowing that two of my dearest friends are trapped in a derelict building gives me no comfort at all.'

'Of course not Fred, but the fact that Chummy is not alone gives me huge comfort.' Defended the Sister. 'Now I would like you all to return to your duties and for you not to believe or even listen to any gossip.'

The head Sister left the group to mull over the hoard of information and returned to her office in the wait of more news.

'Peter!' Shouted Sister Evangelina as she spotted him appearing from the alleyway. 'Where's Nurse Browne?'

Peter and Harry gently placed the stretcher on the floor and signalled for Dr Turner, who checked over mother and baby. Peter waited only for a few moments until a clean bill of health was given for both of the patients then ran straight back down the alleyway. 'I have to get her out!'

Dr Turner followed. 'Peter, come on, lets not do anything silly!'

'I need to get her out! She could be seriously hurt! Please, just let me do this!' Shouted Peter as he hurtled into the garden, dodging all the thorns once more.

Dr Turner stopped in shock as soon as he saw the garden. 'How are you going to get in?'

'The window!' Replied Peter.

The door was again blocked by rubble and debris, but this time Peter didn't have the ladder. It was still inside. He was going to need his friend's help. He stood by the shed, waiting as Patrick battled with the overgrown weeds and thorns. Peter had thought, and suddenly he started to kick the shed door down.

'If you help me up on to the roof, I will get in through the window.' Said Peter as he pushed the door on to the roof. Patrick placed his bag on the floor and positioned himself knees bent, and hands together. Peter placed his right foot onto Patrick's hands and took hold of the roof, Patrick pushed Peter up,and Peter scrabbled onto the roof. He perched the door across the shed and onto the window ledge then crawled across.

'Be careful!' Shouted Patrick as Peter disappeared into the house.

Peter slid down the stepladder, he could see a small beam of light in the corner of the room, but that was all he could see. Everything was black. He knelt down and felt around, he couldn't feel anything except rubble.

'Camilla, can you hear me?' Its Peter! Camilla I've come back to get you out! Camilla can you hear me!'

A sound came from the far corner, he could not make out what it was but the sound continued. Peter shot to his feet and ran to where the sound was coming from. He stumbled as he came to the wall, hitting his head. The small beam of light started to dim, then came a blackout.

'Peter?' Cried Chummy, as she pushed her hand through the rubble.

She had shielded herself by using the door from a nearby wardrobe. She emerged from the rubble, battered and bruised. She sat and gathered her breath. The air was thick with dust. The two were only metres apart but neither knew because of the darkness. Chummy decided it was now or never. She had to get out! She stood, treading carefully over the rubble. Her energy flailing, her body shook. She knew she had previously heard Peter's voice but had no idea where it came from. The torch started to flicker again, a lifeline. The small amount of light reappeared and was shining straight on Peter. Chummy gasped and ran straight to him. He was bleeding for a small cut on the back of his head, he was awake but very dazed.

'Peter! You silly thing! Why on earth did you come back?' She cried as she ripped a piece from her skirt. She placed it upon his wound. He flinched as the wound started to sting.

'Now I couldn't let you have an adventure all alone now could I!?' Peter grabbed her hand and kissed it. 'I love you!'

'And I love you Mr Noakes!'