Episode 7.10 – Pressure.
Michelle woke up ridiculously early, uncomfortable again. She tried to roll over and relieve her aching back, but to no avail. At almost 36 weeks, Michelle was feeling every moment of this pregnancy, noting that it was very different to when she was pregnant with James. Ethan sensed her shifting, and put an arm over her, caressing her.
"Are you okay?" He whispered.
"I'm fine. Go back to sleep; I'm just going to the bathroom." Michelle eased herself up and padded towards the bathroom. She thought that she may be in early labour, but couldn't tell just yet. She finished in the bathroom, and returned to the warmth of the bed.
Maybe just a little longer…
It was raining heavily when Ethan and Michelle arrived at work the next morning. Mark and Cassie were there as well, the transition period starting for them, Cassie having returned from her holiday with Vince, and Mark would be moving into Ethan's position as station co-ordinator.
"Shouldn't you be at home Michelle?" Asked Cassie as Michelle tried to get out of the car. Cass came over and lent her a hand, Ethan holding an umbrella to cover the pair.
"I would, but there's so much I need to get finished before I hand things over to you two, and I need to get it done," said Michelle as they headed inside. She violently punched the buttons for the lift. Any other day, she would take the stairs; not in her current condition. The lift creaked up to the third floor, and Michelle waddled out, heading straight to her office.
"Seriously, Shell, you're on borrowed time. Shouldn't you and Ethan be at home?" Asked Cassie, taking her seat on the other side of Michelle's desk, pulling a stack of paperwork towards herself.
"I would be Cass, but I need to get some of these things signed off. Mark hasn't been signing off properly, and I want to make sure everything's okay." Ethan was listening outside Michelle's office, and shook his head. Mark snickered, and returned to putting together duty rosters. Ethan's phone rang, and he picked it up halfway through the second ring.
"Hello?" He took notes on a nearby pad, scribbling quickly. He said goodbye to the caller, and then dropped the phone back in the cradle.
"That was the RTA. There's been an accident on the M5, near the toll gates; it's blocking all lanes. Dispatch needs at least three teams out there," said Ethan.
"Right. How about Dean and Lara, Heidi and Jordan, and Chase and Xavier?" Asked Mark, looking over the list of names. Ethan shook his head.
"I want Xavier here; he has a tower of paperwork that he needs to log, and I need it sooner rather than later. Jess called this morning; Chase has the flu, and he won't be coming in. Send Anna and Kieran instead," decided Ethan. He pressed the intercom.
"Deano. You, Lara, Heidi, Jordan, Anna and Kieran. Callout to M5 toll gates. Give me an update when you get there."
"We're on it Ethan. Update in fifteen minutes." Mark consulted his list again.
"Right. Kate and Lachie are scheduled to do oxygen tanks this week, and there's an entire crate of ropes that need washing. They can be on call if we really need them," said Mark. Ethan nodded as his phone rang again. He picked it up, answered quickly, and scribbled out some details before hanging up.
"Right. Need another team; SES need help. A large tree fell on top of a house, and there's a family trapped inside. Who've we got left?" Asked Ethan.
"Bex, Daniel, Graeme and Joey can go," replied Mark. Ethan organised it quickly and efficiently before his phone rang again.
"Another callout? How often is it that you get three in one day?" Asked Mark.
"It's never happened," replied Ethan, before answering his phone. Mark looked at who was left; if they required anything more than four people on the team, he and Cassie were going to have to go. Ethan hung up.
"Five car accident near North Sydney Girl's High School; who have we got left?" Asked Ethan.
"Liam, Andy, Lachie and Kate," replied Mark. Ethan grimaced.
"We're going to need a bigger team out there," said Ethan.
"Cass and I can go. We're still active; we were helping train Penrith Unit after Elite closed," replied Mark.
"Go," said Ethan, standing up.
"You be okay here?" Asked Mark.
"We'll be fine. Mish hasn't shown any signs of going into labour, and she'll let me know. Besides, you'll get to know the rest of the team better," said Ethan. He knocked on Michelle's office door.
"Cassie, you're needed on a callout. We've got all teams active," said Ethan.
"Seriously?" A flash of lightening, and a crack of thunder responded to her.
"Yep. Storms making it a little crazy out there, and we've got three major incidents. We've got a team out at the tollgates on the M5, a team out at a house in Dulwich Hill, and you guys are about to head out to a five car accident near North Sydney Girls High School." Michelle's hand flew to the side of her stomach, and her face scrunched up a little.
"You okay Mish?" Asked Ethan, concerned. She nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry. Cass, Mark, gather the rest of the team, and head out. Keep me updated, yeah?" Mark and Cassie nodded, and left the office, glancing at each other as they left. A flash of lightening, and another crack of thunder; closer this time. Xavier came up the stairs with Lizzie, walking behind her to make sure she didn't fall back. She opened the door carefully, her own baby bump getting in the way.
"Hey Michelle. Can I get your help with the last biology question?"
Dean pulled up first at the accident on the M5. It was pouring rain, and closer to Sydney, he could see some lightening, and hear the thunder. The air was unbearably warm, and Dean knew it was going to be one hell of a storm. He turned back to face the accident site. It was crazy there; all ten lanes were blocked, a large truck blocking three, and a small pileup of cars blocking the others.
"Lara, take the truck driver. Anna, Kieran, assess patients in those cars. Heidi, Jordan, assure the drivers who are blasting their horns at us that they'll get through eventually, but we need to deal with this now!" Dean moved to help Anna and Kieran, and Lara, Jordan and Heidi walked away to their jobs.
It was going to be a long day…
Bex, Daniel, Graeme and Joey pulled up at the location of their callout. The house had nearly been cleaved in half by the fallen tree, and screams could be heard inside from one of the younger occupants. Daniel met with the SES worker at the site.
"Hi. I'm Daniel, head of this Rescue team. What have we got there?" He asked.
"We've got a family of eight. They were in the dining room when the tree fell. We have the youngest out, but there's still seven others. Haven't had a chance to get names yet, just glad you guys are here to help. We're flat out today," replied the worker before moving away. Daniel turned to his team.
"Right. We need to triage the patients before we start. Let's go!"
"Three in the first car, two in the second car, four in the third, one in the fourth and fifth. This is going to take forever. Work out who's critical, and who can wait, and go from there!" Shouted Mark, tossing medi-packs out to the team. Cassie nodded, catching one of the kits easily, and moved to assess. Mark felt alive, adrenaline pumping through him. He loved being active again; he hated working the desk job, but did it because it earned more money. He reached his first patient.
"Hi. I'm Mark. How are you doing?"
Lizzie sat quietly at her desk, and laid a hand across her abdomen. She felt strange, odd, like something was going to happen. She suddenly felt like she'd wet herself, and her face flushed. Michelle noticed, and gave Lizzie her undivided attention.
"Are you alright?" She asked. Lizzie started to shake her head, and then gasped. Michelle stood up carefully, not feeling the best herself, but ignoring it for Lizzie's sake.
"What's wrong?" She asked. As she spoke, the lights flickered, and went out, pitching them into the darkness. A loud crack sounded from outside as a tree was struck. It toppled and fell, blocking the only way out of the building. Xavier came running up the stairs, a flashlight in hand, more in his other hand. He tossed one to Ethan before opening Michelle's office.
"Are you two okay?" He asked. Lizzie shook her head before dropping it to her chest, trying to breathe evenly. Michelle laid a hand on Lizzie's abdomen, and then looked at Lizzie, concern etched on her face.
"How long have you been having contractions?"
Dean glanced at the patient he was trying to save. She wasn't making it easy for him, struggling against his every move, and it was frustrating him to no end. Heidi came over to him.
"You got the driver out a few minutes ago, didn't you?" Asked Heidi. Dean nodded, still trying to help the patient he was working on.
"Yes Heidi. Why?" He asked irritably.
"Because he woke up. She has a movement disorder, that's why they were in the accident. He was trying to help her with something, and got distracted. He noticed the stopped truck, and swerved to try and avoid it," said Heidi breathlessly, coming around to the other side of the car to help Dean.
"So what you're saying is that this is two accidents?" Asked Dean. Heidi nodded.
"The truck was the first. The other cars were because of this one." Dean sighed.
"I was right. Today's going to be a long day." As he spoke, the lights illuminating their accident sight went out, and they were left trying to work in poor lighting conditions.
"Power's out. Hope it's not like this in Sydney." Heidi shrugged her shoulders. Jordan was working on the car next to them, his patient looking oddly familiar.
"Miss, I've got to put a collar around your neck in case you've got a spinal injury," said Jordan professionally.
"You don't have to be like this with me Jordy. I know the drill," replied the girl, flashing him a smile.
Then it clicked…
He knew who she was…
Freya…
"Stay with me Joyce. You can do this," coached Bex. Joyce Benson was trapped under the remains of her dining table and the large tree that had fallen. She was shaking as she sobbed, the pain and terror affecting her badly.
"My kids. What'll happen to my kids if I don't make it?" She pleaded.
"Joyce, don't think like that. We're going to get you out, and you'll be able to look after your kids," replied Bex, watching as Graeme and Joey worked on her eldest daughter. An SES crew member started the chainsaw to cut away part of the tree to make it more manageable. Another two members of the SES crew pulled a tarpaulin up and over the damaged roof, protecting everyone inside from the pelting rain. Bex sighed internally. The pressure to get this family out was building up, and she knew this would result in one of the longest reports she'd ever written. Daniel was a small distance away, dealing with the youngest girl of the family. She'd been knocked unconscious, and Daniel was trying to determine the extent of her injuries. As far as he could tell, she was okay, just the bump on her head. He shifted her out before moving on to one of the other children…
Today was going to be a long day…
"Defib!" Called Mark, compressing his patients chest. Andy brought one over to him, setting up the pads, and charging the device.
"Clear!" She called. Mark lifted his hands, and Andy pressed the charge button. The patient jumped, and nothing happened.
"Again!" He ordered. Andy kept working on the girl, but eventually had to succumb to the fact that she wasn't going to be saved. Not today. An ambulance crew came and carried her away carefully. The coroner would determine the extent of her injuries and what killed her.
"Come on Mark, We've got a patient over here that we need to get out now," said Andy. He nodded and stood up. The pressure to perform well was starting to get to Mark.
"I knew today would be a long day." Andy nodded as she pulled the combi-tool out of the patrol.
"We all did. Hey, have you heard from Ethan yet? He was supposed to check in a little while ago. Do you think they're okay?" Asked Andy. As she spoke, the city seemed to go dead.
"Power's out."
"I can't do this Michelle. I need Lara, or Lachie, or Kate," sobbed Lizzie.
"Shhhh. You're doing great Lizzie, you're almost completely dilated, and you're doing it all by yourself," soothed Michelle. Xavier rubbed Lizzie's back, trying to alleviate her pain. Michelle's hand flew to her own abdomen, and she grimaced again.
"Mish, is everything okay?" Asked Ethan. She nodded.
"It's fine," she snapped. Lizzie felt another contraction coming on, and tensed up in apprehension, gripping Xavier's hand tightly.
"Relax Lizzie, you'll be fine," said Michelle gently. She nodded, and breathed through the contraction, before relaxing again. Xavier wiped down her dampened brow.
"Is there any way of getting her out?" Xavier asked Ethan. Ethan shook his head.
"Nope. The only exit out of here is that front door, and it's blocked by that gum tree I thought I liked. Now I'm starting to hate it," replied Ethan.
"Couldn't we just ring Dean or Mark or get someone to get us out of here?" Asked Xavier, feeling his fingers being crushed again by Liz.
"I would if I could, but phone lines are down as well. We're stuck here, and the storm is only getting worse. Mobile phones aren't working either," said Ethan. His attention was diverted back to Lizzie.
"Michelle, I feel like I need to push," said Lizzie urgently.
"Looks like this show is about to get on the road!" Exclaimed Michelle, her face nearly betraying her secret again. Xavier held out both his hands for Lizzie to hold on to as she bore down with the contraction. Michelle encouraged her on, supportive, like Lara would have been if she was there. After the contraction finished, Lizzie fell back against Xavier.
"Good girl, well done," said Michelle, before standing up. Ethan moved to follow her.
"Just let me move around for a moment. I'll be back; stay with Lizzie," said Michelle. She walked around the room and leant against the wall. She'd been in pre labour for almost two days now, and it had become more active late last night, but even more so early this morning. She was trying to hide it from Ethan, but she knew she was in trouble. Only two days ago the doctor had told her that the baby was in the wrong position and that it could be a very difficult labour. She didn't think she was in labour, but the pain she was feeling was indicating otherwise. Her own contraction passed, and she stretched before returning to Lizzie. She was winding up for the next contraction, and Xavier was encouraging her, speaking quietly in her ear. Ethan glanced over at Michelle, concerned, but didn't voice his apprehension. She ignored him, checking on Lizzie.
"I can see the head Liz, you're doing great!" Lizzie felt a powerful contraction build up, like a wave, and it crashed over her. She felt like she was going to be broken in two, and let out a scream as she pushed. Ethan caught her baby as Michelle leant back, her own face blank, distracted. Lizzie's baby greeted the world with a loud cry, and Xavier sighed with relief.
"It's a baby boy Lizzie, a healthy baby boy!" Exclaimed Ethan, rubbing the tiny baby down vigourously with a towel. He passed him to Lizzie, and she cradled him close to her chest as she relaxed against Xavier.
"He's gorgeous," she said softly, tears falling gently. Xavier wrapped his arms around Lizzie and her little boy.
"Congratulations," he said tenderly, kissing her cheek. Lizzie glanced up at Michelle, but she wasn't there.
"Ethan, where did Michelle go?" Asked Lizzie. Ethan had been distracted watching Xavier, Lizzie and their baby, and hadn't even realised she'd gone.
"Will you two be okay here?" Asked Ethan. Xavier nodded.
"I'll clean them both up, and move her to one of the couches." Ethan nodded and stood up. A crash upstairs alerted him to Michelle's whereabouts. Ethan was torn; he wanted to go upstairs, but knew he might need Xavier. He stopped, returning to the young girl and her baby.
"I might need you Xav; I'll help you get Lizzie up and settled, and we'll go find Michelle." Xavier nodded.
"Throw one of the towels on the couch," directed Xavier. He crouched down and scooped up Lizzie and her baby, and deposited them on the couch. Her baby boy had already fallen asleep on her chest, and Lizzie was close to sleep as well. Xavier kissed her forehead, and covered her with the light blanket Michelle had draped over the back of the lounge. Ethan headed towards the stairs, and motioned for Xavier to follow him. A crash was heard from upstairs in the offices.
"We'll be back," he whispered as he followed Ethan upstairs to the main office area. Michelle was in distress in her personal office, tears falling thick and fast down her face, contorted in pain. She picked up another photo and tossed it at the wall, trying to release her frustrations at her body and what it was doing to her. She screamed at the wall as she fell to her knees, holding her abdomen.
"Why? Why now?"
Dean packed up his gear, and handed over to the tow trucks lined up to remove the smashed remains of cars. They'd lost two patients, but the others had survived. He tried his radio again, but the power still hadn't come back on, and the towers were down. He glanced in Sydney's direction; the storm was raging harder, and the clouds darker than they were before.
"Jordan, whatever you're doing with that patient, finish it up. She should have been out of there by now!" Yelled Dean. He wanted to get back to base and write the report for this accident; it was going to be a long one, and he could pretty much guarantee that the accident they were attending would be one of many.
"Yeah Dean, I'll be finished shortly," said Jordan.
"Freya, you need to go to hospital," said Jordan, transferring her across to the spinal board with Lara's help.
"I know Jordy. Can you come with me?" Asked Freya sweetly. Jordan glanced over at Heidi and then back to Freya, then shook his head.
"No. I've got to clean up here, and then head back to headquarters," said Jordan. Freya looked defeated.
"Okay. Bye Jordan," said Freya as she was loaded into the back of the ambulance. Heidi crossed over to Jordan.
"Was… was that Freya?" Asked Heidi. Jordan nodded.
"Yeah, but she's no worry. Have you packed up the combi-tool?" Asked Jordan.
"Yeah; looks like it needs re-oiling again. I'm pretty sure it has a leak," said Heidi, tossing the leftover tools into the patrol. She closed the doors, and turned to face Jordan, a serious look on her face.
"Promise me that you won't go back to Freya." Jordan nodded, and pulled her close, kissing her forehead. He touched his forehead to hers, looking into her eyes.
"I promise."
Bex, Daniel, Gray and Joey were soaked, but the Benson family were finally free, and with minimal damage. Bex breathed a sigh of relief, glad that they'd accomplished what they had to do.
"This storm is crazy," said Joey, crossing over to her with an umbrella.
"Yeah; I wish were out on the M5. At least it wouldn't be raining quite as hard," commented Bex.
"You did good today," said Graeme, joining them. He wrapped an arm around Joey's waist.
"Thanks guys. You did most of the work," laughed Bex, crossing back over to the patrol. Daniel was loading gear inside, and was talking to one of the SES members as he packed up. Bex caught the tail end of his conversation.
"Friday night sounds good Holly. I'll pick you up at eight." Bex slammed the back doors shut, and waited for Daniel to climb in.
"Kenzie's been forgotten then?" She asked, turning the key in the ignition. Daniel shook his head.
"She's still in my mind every day. She doesn't even answer her phone anymore; Nolan does. She doesn't reply to emails, and Dee Why's Unit Leader said that she's resigned. I can't stop thinking about her; I was angry and upset before, but now I'm more worried than anything," Daniel replied. Bex laid a hand on his.
"She'll be fine. You know that."
"Good job team," called Cassie, taking notes down on her clipboard.
"Geez, I forget how much of an adrenaline rush it is to work out in the field again. Training people is a different matter, but out in the field? It's just crazy," said Mark, leaning against the wet patrol and instantly regretting it as his uniform darkened.
"You get used to it after a while," said Andy, leaning against Liam. Lachie and Kate were standing next to them.
"I've been here the longest out of you guys, and you never get used to the adrenaline rush. Seriously, it's incredible how much you can accomplish when you're on a high," remarked Lachie.
"But you come down hard afterwards," replied Kate, throwing ropes into the back of one of the patrols.
"True. Drinks are on me tonight; you guys performed amazingly well today, and I'm happy to reward that," said Mark, pulling off his jacket.
"Should head back to base first though, see what's going on there; the radio's been very quiet," said Cassie.
"It's probably the storm; the powers out, and I wouldn't mind betting that the towers are out as well," said Liam.
"Well, we can head back and see what's going on," suggest Cassie. Mark nodded.
"Good idea."
"Mish, you've got to tell me what's going on," said Ethan desperately. Michelle had her teeth gritted, trying to ride out another contraction, doubled over. She didn't want this to happen here, but it was beyond her control now. Beyond anyone's control. Ethan rubbed her back, trying to ease her. Xavier returned from downstairs, slightly breathless.
"The tree is blocking the door and the garage door. I'm really hating that tree now Ethan. The radio's out, the power's gone, and phone lines are cut. We're not in good shape Ethan; we've got to hope that one of the teams gets back here to get us out. Lizzie's not looking good either," said Xavier. Michelle shook her head.
"I can't have my baby here," she said fearfully, tears streaming down her face.
"You don't have a choice Mish; Xavier and I will coach you through it," said Ethan, trying to be supportive, but knowing how the situation could change in an instant.
"Our baby won't survive it; the doctor said so," said Michelle. Ethan crouched down in front of her as she took a seat for a moment between contractions.
"What do you mean?" He asked, concerned.
"Our baby hasn't moved; he's sitting breech and posterior. The doctor said I had to go in for a C-section; it was scheduled for tomorrow," she said, tears falling freely. Xavier crossed over to them, finally grasping why Michelle was so stressed.
"Are you saying your baby hasn't turned?" He asked. She nodded, gripping onto Ethan's hand as another contraction started.
"I did a year in the maternity ward, and six months in delivery before I moved to trauma surgery. We can do this Michelle," said Xavier, crouching down next to Ethan. She nodded, exhaling slowly.
"Can you leave me for a moment?" Asked Michelle. Ethan and Xavier nodded.
"Sure. Xav, you grab what you need, and I'll get the towels from the locker room." Ethan and Xavier left the room, and Michelle hobbled over behind them, and locked the door. Ethan heard the click, and turned to face the closed door.
"Mish, what are you doing?" Asked Ethan, concerned.
"I can hold it off; I know I can. I'm not ready for this!" She shouted as Ethan watched her crouch down again. She was closer than she thought, and Ethan knew every moment she fought this would be dangerous for both her and the baby. He turned away to see Xavier return with a medi-kit and his own personal medi-kit.
"What happened?" Asked Xavier, dropping the packs on the floor.
"She locked the door. She thinks she can hold this off on her own." Ethan heard a thump, and turned to face Michelle's office door.
"Mish? Michelle?" Called Ethan. He and Xavier crossed over to the door, and peered through the small glass window. Michelle was lying on her side, unconscious, a small pool of blood gathering around her. Xavier turned to Ethan, concern etched on his face.
"She's bleeding out. We need to get in there now!"
The three active teams headed back to base, each absorbed in their own work. Dean, Lara, Heidi and Jordan pulled up first.
"Um, how are we supposed to get inside with that blocking our door?" Asked Jordan, indicating the large tree.
"Don't know, but we need to get in," commented Dean.
"What makes you say that?" Asked Lara. He pointed to the small visible sliver of the door, where Xavier had posted a slip of paper.
HELP
Mark and Cassie pulled up next to them.
"Oh no," said Mark, getting out.
"What do you think we should do?" Asked Dean. Mark glanced at the patrols, and then back to Dean. Andy, Liam, Kate, Lachie, Bex and Daniel pulled up, Graeme and Joey not far behind.
"We need to get in as soon as possible. There are chains in the back of each patrol; get them hooked around the tree, and we'll use the patrols to pull it away. I hated that bloody gum tree too," grumbled Mark. Dean nodded.
"Lachie, Chase, Jordan; hook up the chains to patrol one. Liam, Daniel and Gray, to patrol two, and myself, Mark and Joey to patrol three. We need to get in there!" Yelled Dean. The wind was picking up again, the storm winding itself up again.
"Cassie, see if you can wrangle us an SES truck to get this tree out of the way!" Yelled Mark over the howling wind. She nodded, pressing her phone to her ear. Lara paced up and down the short driveway, wringing her hands nervously. Andy and Bex sat to the side in the pouring rain, trying to stay out of the way of the boys as the worked to move the tree. Kate followed Lara down.
"Lara, are you alright?" Asked Kate.
"My sister is in there, and there's nothing I can do to help them get into her! How do I know that she's not the one in trouble?" Asked Lara, her tears getting lost in the rain that was drenching the group.
"If she is, she's with Xavier, Michelle and Ethan. The three sanest, most level-headed people we know. If she's the one in trouble, you know that they'll look after her," said Kate calmly.
"I know, I just feel helpless," said Lara. She watched as the nine men scattered, each moving to patrols or to step aside. The accelerators were floored, and the tree slowly moved away.
Perhaps not fast enough…
Xavier shouldered the door, and it flew open. He dropped to his knees next to Michelle, pressing two fingers to her wrist.
"She's got a pulse, and she's still breathing," announced Xavier. He looked back to realise that Ethan was frozen on the spot, not moving. Xavier recognized it as shock, and groaned internally.
"Ethan. ETHAN! I need you to get an oxygen tank and mask for me," directed Xavier. Ethan shook himself out of it, and headed downstairs. Xavier felt Michelle's abdomen; still contracting, desperate to get the baby out into the world. He recalled her saying the baby was in breech, and inhaled deeply at the thought of such a difficult delivery.
"Why were you even here Michelle?" He questioned quietly. If he had been her doctor, he wouldn't have allowed her to even come to work, instead admitting her to hospital. Though, knowing Michelle, she probably refused. He pulled a pair of surgical gloves on, snapping them over his hand. He checked her cervix; fully dilated, and the baby was making it's way down the birth canal.
"Guess we're doing this whether we like it or not," said Xavier to himself. He wasn't sure where the blood was coming from, but it wasn't life-threatening. Ethan returned.
"Put the oxygen mask on her, put the flow to medium. I want you to sit with her, okay?" Asked Xavier. Ethan nodded, speechless. He put the oxygen mask on Michelle, and then held her hand tightly, whispering something to her. Xavier ignored him, focussing on Michelle and her baby. She stirred a little, moving her free hand to caress her abdomen.
"Michelle, can you hear me?" Asked Xavier. She nodded, barely coherent.
"Listen, when I say push, I need you to push. Can you do that for me?" Asked Xavier. Michelle shook her head, her eyes closed tightly.
"Why not?" Pressed Xavier.
"It's too early. He won't survive," she said quietly.
"He's not going to survive if you try and hold this off," replied Xavier.
"He needs to survive," she whispered.
"I know that Michelle, and I want the same thing. We can do this, but I need you to listen to me. Can you do that?" Asked Xavier. He could hear patrols revving downstairs, and ignored them, focussing his attention solely on Michelle. She looked conflicted for a moment, the confusion evident in her tear-filled eyes. She nodded once, squirming slightly as the pressure built up.
"Xavier, I need to push," she exclaimed through the oxygen mask.
"Not yet Michelle, not yet," said Xavier. She pulled herself up a little, and Ethan sat himself behind her, supporting her back and head.
"Please Xavier, I need to push," said Michelle. Xavier nodded.
"You can push Michelle. Ride it out," said Xavier. Michelle pushed, a scream escaping from her pursed lips. It echoed through the building, and penetrated the glass doors. Lara felt a chill go through her spine, and she and Kate sprinted for the door. When it didn't budge, Andy pulled out a combi-tool, and forced the doors open. Andy turned to Dean, who had just climbed out of the patrol.
"Toss us a medi-pack!" She ordered. Dean acquiesced, tossing the bag to her. Lachie grabbed an extra two packs and followed his wife and sister-in-law upstairs.
"Oh God, Lizzie!" Cried Lara as she realised her sister was on the couch, a baby resting on her chest. She looked to be barely breathing, and her lips were turning a faint shade of blue. Her baby was moving weakly, and as Lara picked him up, she realised how cold he was. Kate got in around her with Lachie, and started to assess Lizzie. Lara turned to Dean, who had appeared behind her.
"Dean, take your nephew, hold him to your chest, keep him warm until we can get an ambulance here," said Lara, passing Dean the shivering infant. Dean cradled the newborn carefully, and unzipped his jacket. He held the tiny boy to his chest, and Andy appeared with a small warm towel.
"Where did you find a warm towel?" Asked Dean.
"Held it near the heater in one of the patrols." He nodded.
"Lara, where are Michelle, Xavier and Ethan?" Asked Kate. Lachie was pulling a blanket around Lizzie, and was holding her, trying to get some warmth back into her. She was looking so weak and frail. Another scream was heard from upstairs.
"Kate, come with me. Dean, stay down here with Lachie. Andy, can you go out and get Cassie to arrange an ambulance crew to get out here as soon as possible, and get a paediatric unit on standby," ordered Lara. Andy nodded and left, and Lara and Kate grabbed their kits and headed up the stairs. They moved closer to Michelle's office, where the door hung haphazardly off its hinges. They could hear voices.
"That's it Michelle, you've got a little boy!" Exclaimed Xavier. Lara and Kate appeared in the doorway.
"Michelle!" Xavier stood up, massaging the infant's chest.
"Come on little buddy, I know it wasn't easy coming into this world, but you've just got to breathe for me," said Xavier, trying to encourage the tiny boy to take his first breath. Ethan still held Michelle's hand, and then realised she'd gone limp.
"Mish? Michelle!"
Lizzie was pressing uncomfortably against Lachie, and he shifted, trying to get her more comfortable. She moaned, a hand flying to her abdomen.
"Liz? What's wrong?" Asked Andy, crouching down next to her. Lizzie gritted her teeth for a moment; to her it seemed like an age since she'd given birth to her little boy, but in reality, it had only been about fifteen minutes.
"Andy, where's my baby?" She asked, trying to change the subject.
"Dean's warming him up, but he's okay. He's quite small though," commented Andy. Lizzie nodded.
"I know. The ultrasound technician commented that both of them were small," said Lizzie, trying to breathe through the contraction. Andy's jaw dropped.
"Wait, Liz, are you having twins?" She asked softly. Lizzie nodded, trying to get up and away from Lachie.
"Why didn't you tell Xav? He needs to know," exclaimed Andy. Lachie rubbed his younger sister-in-law's back; she was in pain now, and Andy had finally figured out why.
"Because I only found out yesterday. Our little boy has been covering her up, and her heart is weaker than his." She let out a cry as the contraction peaked, and then fell away.
"I'm going to get Lara," said Andy, standing up. Lizzie grabbed her hand in a death-grip, pulling her down.
"There isn't enough time. Grab some towels," said Lizzie quickly. Andy nodded, and dashed up to the storage cupboard next to the kitchen, pulling down the last two towels. She set one aside for the soon to be born little girl, and set the other one underneath Lizzie.
"Lizzie, tell me what to do," begged Andy. Lizzie dropped her head, concentrating, breathing, and a scream tore past her lips as she bore down. A tiny infant girl slipped out, pale blue, not breathing. Lizzie fell back against Lachie as Andy rubbed the little girl vigorously, trying to spark some life back into her. As she was concentrating on that, Lizzie delivered the placenta, Lachie moving the towel away; it would be disposed of later. He turned to see Lizzie collapse on the floor.
"Andy!" He yelled. She turned to see Lizzie unconscious, and she passed him the little girl.
"Keep working on her; if you get her awake, keep her close to your chest and keep her warm," said Andy. She pressed two fingers to Lizzie's throat, feeling for a pulse.
"She's still got a pulse, and she's still breathing." A weak cry sounded from the infant, and Lachie pulled her to his chest, trying to keep her warm. She was so small, so fragile.
"Where are those ambulances? We need to get them out of here now!" Exclaimed Andy. She grabbed her radio, thankful they worked no matter what.
"Andy to Cassie, where are those ambulances?" Asked Andy.
"They've been delayed by an accident; they should be here shortly. Why?" Andy sighed in frustration.
"Because Lizzie was told some news yesterday. Listen, can you send Gray and Joey up?" Asked Andy.
"Sure. They're coming to you now." Andy could hear footsteps.
"Andy, what happened?" Asked Gray, dropping down beside his cousin's girlfriend. He moved her hair aside. She looked so tired.
"Gray, Liz got some news yesterday at her doctor's appointment that she didn't tell anyone until about ten minutes ago," said Andy. Gray looked at her, concern in his eyes.
"What? What's wrong with her?" Asked Graeme. Lachie pulled back his jacket a little to reveal the tiny baby snuggled against his chest.
"She was having twins Gray. A boy and a girl. She hasn't even told Xavier yet, and she only told us moments before delivering her. Doctors think she has a heart condition; they didn't find her on ultrasounds until yesterday," replied Lachie, pulling his jacket back over the little girl.
"I'll go downstairs and get Cassie to hurry up those ambulances. Has anyone heard from Xavier upstairs?" Asked Joey. The group shook their heads collectively.
"Nothing. I'm concerned though; it's awfully quiet." Joey nodded to Andy.
"I'll duck down and get Cassie to hurry up. Gray can stay with Lizzie if you want to go up and check upstairs," said Joey. Andy nodded, getting up from the floor stiffly. She hadn't realised how cold it was getting, and was shivering slightly as she took the stairs to the second floor. She found Lara and Kate working to resuscitate Michelle, Ethan sitting in a corner, staring blankly, and Xavier rocking an infant. He spotted Andy, and passed her the squalling boy.
"You need to stop the bleeding Lara!" Exclaimed Xavier, re-joining them.
"How far away is the ambulance Andy?" Asked Kate, spotting her friend.
"Should be here soon," she replied, rocking the baby boy. Xavier turned to her, his hands and the gauze he was holding stained red.
"Tell Cassie if they don't arrive soon, we could lose both of them!" He shouted. Andy nodded, leaving with the boy still in her arms. He had settled a little, finally warm, no longer as agitated as he was earlier. Andy moved down the stairs swiftly, meeting with Joey.
"The ambulances are pulling up now," said Joey breathlessly.
"Direct a crew upstairs; Michelle is bleeding, and Xavier says if we don't get her to a hospital soon, they could lose her," said Andy. Joey nodded, and headed back to the ground floor. Andy followed him, and passed the baby Letourneau to one of the ambo's, who wrapped him in a foil blanket. Dean was sitting in the back of one of the other ambulances, holding Lizzie's little boy while that ambulance crew went up to attend to Lizzie.
"Congrats Uncle Dean," said Andy tiredly.
"Thanks Andy. Another nephew; if only Chase and Jess could have another little girl, or if Lachie and Kate had a little girl, maybe we could balance things out," said Dean, watching the tiny baby. Andy cleared her throat nervously.
"Dean, Lizzie had twins. Lachie's looking after her little girl," said Andy. Dean was gobsmacked, and then concerned as they first brought out an unconscious Lizzie, and then a very ill Michelle. Xavier followed them out, Lachie behind him. Xavier hadn't seen Lachie holding his little girl yet, and moved straight to Dean.
"This my son?" He asked Dean. Dean nodded, passing him the little boy. He then pointed at Lachie.
"And Lachie's got your little girl," said Dean. Xavier stared at Dean, open mouthed.
"Mate, don't screw with me, it's not funny," said Xavier, annoyed. Lachie walked up to Xavier, and peeled back his jacket to reveal the sleeping infant. Xavier's eyes opened wide, and he stared at the two babies.
"She had twins," he whispered softly. Lachie passed the little girl to the ambo sitting in the back with Lizzie and Xavier, and then closed the doors. The ambulance with Michelle, Ethan and their baby boy in it sped away first, Michelle clearly in trouble. Andy watched as they left, and felt Liam behind her. Her knees felt weak, and she fainted in front of him. He caught her easily.
"Is she okay?" Asked Joey and Graeme, joining them. Liam nodded, laying her down carefully in the sheltered foyer where they'd moved to.
"I think she's just fainted; it's been a long day for all of us, and she's just helped deliver a baby as well. Can we head home now?" Asked Liam. Mark glanced at Andy, and then at Liam.
"Go. We can clean up here. We'll keep you posted on Michelle and Lizzie; let Andy get some rest."
"Please Mish, don't leave me with our little boy. I need you. I don't know what I'd do without you," pleaded Ethan. They arrived at the hospital, and Michelle was taken one direction, and their baby taken another. A nurse noticed him looking lost, and came to him gently.
"Sir, was that your wife just brought in?" She asked. He nodded mutely.
"My name's Adara; would you like to come to the maternity ward, and we can see your son?"
"But my wi…" He started.
"Your wife is in good hands. Your son has yet to be named, and have his first bath; fathers are traditionally given that opportunity. Would you like to do that?" She asked gently. Ethan nodded, allowing Adara to take him by the elbow and lead him to the maternity wing.
"She wanted him to be called Oliver."
Xavier followed his two new children down the corridor into the maternity ward, and spotted Ethan occupied with his own new son. Granted, for Xav they weren't his children, but he would love them like his own. A young nurse was assigned to the twins, and watched as Xavier approached them carefully.
"Are they yours?" She asked quietly. Xavier nodded.
"Your little girl is being monitored, but your little boy is doing fine. Have you picked out names?" She asked, pulling a blanket over the tiny boy.
"To be honest, we have our boys name picked out. I didn't know about the little girl until today, and my girlfriend didn't know about her until yesterday." The girl nodded.
"What's the name you have picked out?" She asked.
"Jethro. Jethro Casey Anderson." And then the perfect female name struck him.
"I know what to call our daughter as well," he said to the nurse.
"Oh?" She replied, noting down the observations.
"I'll name her after my cousin, Ella. She was killed in an accident a while back, and this would be the perfect way to remember her." The nurse smiled.
"So her full name then?" She asked.
"Ella Maree Anderson."
"Clear!"
Her heart wasn't beating…
She was bleeding out…
They were losing her…
"Clear!"
The doctors stepped away…
There was nothing more they could do…
Her heart had stopped, unable to continue on…
Xavier had fallen asleep next to Lizzie's bed, holding her hand. She hadn't woken up since she'd been brought in, but doctors attributed that to the sheer exhaustion of giving birth. She woke up feeling warm and happy for the first time in what seemed like an age, ran a hand through Xavier's hair. He woke up groggily, and smiled at Liz.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" He asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She smiled back.
"A little sore, but better. How is my little man and my little girl?" She asked.
"Jethro is looking really good, and I named our daughter Ella, after my cousin. I hope you don't mind," said Xavier guiltily. Lizzie shook her head.
"That would have been my suggestion too. She's your cousin, and it was the perfect name for her." Xavier nodded.
"I haven't seen her yet; they were working on her. I did see Jet though, and he's got your adorable looks," said Xavier, teasing. Lizzie laughed as Lara and Dean came inside.
"Glad to see you're finally awake! Do you feel like you've just done a marathon?" Asked Lara, grinning at her younger sister. Lizzie nodded.
"Yep. It's going to take me weeks to get back up on my feet! How am I supposed to cope with two babies?" Asked Lizzie.
"That's where Xavier comes in; Joey and Gray have offered their help as well. They're going to be very well looked after children Liz. Don't worry about them," replied Dean. Lizzie nodded, and her brow furrowed as she thought of something else she needed to ask.
"I haven't heard from Michelle; is she okay?" Asked Lizzie. Lara glanced at Dean, and then took a seat on the edge of Lizzie's bed opposite to Xavier.
"Lizzie, while you were giving birth, Michelle was in labour as well. Hers was a little more complex than yours, but she delivered a little boy. There were some complications, and they brought her back here. We haven't heard anything yet either; Ethan was pretty shaken," said Lara. Lizzie glanced from Lara to Xavier.
"Please, I need you to find out if she's okay," begged Lizzie.
"I'll go," volunteered Dean. He ducked out of the room, nearly knocking a nurse over as she entered Lizzie's room.
"Miss Carson, I'm here to give you an update on your children." Lizzie smiled at the nurse, excited to hear how they were doing. Her smile wasn't reflected by the nurse, and Lizzie could feel the fear and tension gnawing at her heart.
"It's not good news, is it," stated Lizzie. The nurse shook her head.
"Not for your little girl."
Dean wandered around to the nursery, and spotted Lizzie's baby boy first; Jethro Anderson. The bed next to his was taken up by another little boy, who Dean quickly realised was Ethan and Michelle's little boy; Oliver White. He gazed through the window for a little longer, and then noticed that Ethan was standing next to him.
"Congratulations Ethan," commented Dean.
"Thanks. He's so perfect. I can't believe I put Michelle through all of this," replied Ethan heavily.
"Mate, if she didn't want another kid, she would have told you. She wanted this, more than you can believe. Did she ever tell you that she had a miscarriage after Jamie? She'd had a one night stand with Ethan, and collapsed almost twelve weeks later with an ectopic pregnancy. She want Oli, more than you'll ever know," replied Dean, putting a hand on Ethan's back.
"She's out of surgery now. They managed to stop the bleeding, but they don't want her to get pregnant anymore. I have two sons now, and I'm quite happy with that," stated Ethan. Dean stood there for a little while longer, and then moved away.
"I better get back to Lizzie, Xav and Lara. They wanted an update on Michelle; I better do that." Ethan nodded, and Dean left, heading back to Lizzie's room. When he walked in the door, the atmosphere was very different to when he had left. Lizzie was in tears, Xavier seated on the bed next to her, cradling her close. Lara was sitting in a chair in the corner, her own eyes rimmed red. He crossed the room to Lara, and crouched down in front of her.
"What happened?" He asked softly.
"Little Ella didn't make it. Her heart wasn't strong enough, and they couldn't resuscitate her. She died an hour ago Dean; didn't even have a chance." Lara leaned against Dean, and let her tears fall freely, tears for her sister and her boyfriend, tears for the little baby that didn't make it…
A small funeral service was arranged for Ella Maree Anderson. All of the Sydney Unit attended the small ceremony. Ella was a part of their lives, even if she was only a part of it for a very short time.
For you small child, I wished it was me.
The one that was taken away.
Grief.
My heart weeps, my soul mourns.
For you are no longer known.
You've become an angel.
Gone.
To a better place they say.
Pain.
It still hurts though.
My tears will still fall.
My heart will ache.
I did not know you long, but the small moments I had will last for all eternity.
For you Ella.
For Lizzie, it was heart-wrenching to know that she'd never see her little girl again…
Xavier found it frustrating that they couldn't have done anything…
Andy was dealt the crushing blow of realising that the baby she had helped deliver didn't survive the night…
And everyone else was left to pick up the broken pieces.