Harry spent the next five hours alternating between seeing his wife and his son. He was just thankful that they were on the same floor because he didn't think he had the energy to go up and down the stairs, or the patience to use the lift. Shockingly enough, Ruth looked fine. She looked like she was sleeping, except that Harry knew she always slept on her side. He spent more time with his son, knowing that Ruth would want him to. She'd be saying something along the lines of what use are you to me when I'm unconscious? Because of this Ruth was alone when she came out of her coma.
Her eyes flicked open and she knew she was alone. She ached everywhere and she hated that she couldn't move to sit up. Harry. He had to be alright. If he had been injured in the crash… But he had to be injured, otherwise why wouldn't he be here with her? She curled her hand and moved it to her stomach which wasn't fat anymore. She was no longer pregnant. I can't have lost it, she thought. Oh God, no. She stayed that way, in an agonised state of unknowing until Harry came in five minutes later.
"You're awake," he said relieved.
"Harry… the baby," she said quickly. "I'm not pregnant anymore. Tell me I haven't lost it…"
"No, no," Harry said taking her hand tightly. "The baby is fine. Trust me."
"You sure?"
"Who do you think I was visiting when you woke up alone?" Harry asked. Ruth allowed herself a smile. "You had to have an emergency caesarean, so you could be taken into surgery and they could save you. But its all okay. I promise you."
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Mm," he said, kissing her cheek. "Just one cut."
"Boy or girl?"
"It's a little boy," Harry said smiling. "He's small but he's strong. He'll be just fine. Erin's with him."
"What about their honeymoon?
"She said you were more important."
"She didn't have to do that. Have you given him a name yet?" Ruth asked.
"How long have I been unconscious?"
"Only a few hours. No I haven't named him. I didn't want to do that without you. What name do you want?"
"I want to see him first." Harry sighed and closed his eyes. "Are you lying to me?" she asked as he didn't respond straight away. "Is he dead? Please don't let him be dead."
"No, I promise," Harry said squeezing her hand. "I swear to you that he is fine. But you can't see him."
"Why?"
"You have an infection, they don't know how it developed. Our son is too small to have a properly developed immune system yet. If you see him, you'll pass on the infection which he won't be able to fight off… and it'll kill him."
"So…" Ruth said slowly. "You're telling me, if I see my baby, he'll die?"
"I am so sorry," Harry said, unable to believe how difficult this was for her.
"I can't see my own son?"
"No," Harry said.
"Joseph Adam Pearce," Ruth said as the tears fell down her face unchecked.
"Is that the name you want?"
"Yes, for the two people I miss most," she said nodding. "We'll shorten Joseph to Joe. If its okay with you?"
"Yes," Harry said. "I'll get them to change the name tag he's got."
"What does it say at the moment?" Ruth asked.
"Baby Pearce, that's all."
"Okay," she said scrubbing her tears away. "I want you to go." Harry looked at her with unbearable sadness, wondering if she was locking herself and her feelings back up again.
"Ruth, don't push me away…"
"I'm not," she said quickly. "Go and see him and get me some photos," Ruth said as the tears fell down her face again. "Just take some pictures for me Harry. So I can see him. So I can know what the shape of his face is. So I can see whether he curls his fingers yet. So go. Please."
"I love you," he said, kissing her hair.
"I know," she replied. "I love you too. And please tell our son that I love him."
"I already have," he said. "But I'll tell him again."
"Thank you." Ruth closed her eyes as Harry left her alone, feeling empty and desolate. But luckily she felt so exhausted that she slipped into sleep before she could dwell on the depression for too long.
Well guessed about the name theoofoof! I have written most of this one now, so shouldn't be too long between updates. Thanks for all the reviews so far! xxx
