Chapter Fiftyfive
Six months had passed since Sue and Piers had returned from their honeymoon and during that time Kay and Brendan had bought Sue's apartment and were also about to complete on a property in the same village as the Pomfrey's country estate. It wasn't as grand as the Pomfrey family seat but it was a delightful family home that once Kay had got over the shock of being pregnant she wanted to fill with children. She and Brendan were getting married after their baby was born and had set a date for six months after her due date which Kay hoped would give her time to lose her baby weight.
Sue was bored of pregnancy and now that Kay had finished work the women were spending a lot of time together. Initially they had spent days at each other's apartments but now that Sue was so close to delivery Kay had been spending more time at her place and had helped her pack her bag and as Sue was now well in to her nesting phase the women had cleaned every nook and cranny of the apartment until it gleamed.
Sue had had niggling back pain on and off all week and Kay had got in to the habit of staying with her until Piers was home. He had been going in to the office more lately as he was planning to spend two weeks at home with Sue and the new addition while Brendan would take care of the business, the men had agreed that Piers would do the same when their baby arrived.
When Piers arrived home Kay whispered to him, "If I was a betting woman I'd say you'll be a Father before the end of the night, she's been having back pain all day and it's getting regular. Good luck Daddy and text me at whatever time it happens OK?"
He suddenly looked terrified, "You can't stay?"
"Well Brendan will be home soon."
"How about I go and collect him and you both stay?"
"You'll be fine you know."
"What are you two whispering about? Piers I need a back rub please."
"I'm inviting Kay and Brendan over for dinner."
"I hope you are cooking. I need that back rub!"
"Listen I'll text Brendan, you go and get him and bring some food home and I'll rub her back how does that sound?"
"That sounds brilliant, thank you Kay" he bent down and kissed her cheek, "I'm just a bit scared… you know?"
"I know."
He left and Kay went back in to Sue. "Where does it hurt?"
"Here" Sue indicated the small of her back.
"This has been niggling all week now" noted Kay.
"Yeah it has but today it's worse and it keeps coming and going."
"I know"
"You don't think this could be it do you?"
"Yes I do and so does Piers, well I put the idea in his head and he's scared; that's why he's off getting Brendan and food, speaking of which I need to text Brendan."
She pulled out her phone and fired off a text to her fiancé.
A short while later and after back rubs at approximately 10 minute intervals the four friends had eaten and were chatting amiably. Sue's back pain was starting to come more frequently and when they were coming every 7 minutes Kay suggested she have a bath. She did and when she got out the pain was stronger and coming every 5 minutes.
"I think you should go in" said Kay.
"Yeah it's getting harder to cope now" agreed Sue.
Kay and Brendan stood up to leave, "I want a text as soon as junior puts in an appearance" said Kay.
Sue suddenly doubled up and gasped, "Come with me… please?"
They won't let us will they?" asked Brendan. He had paled a little at the thought that he might witness Susan giving birth.
"It's the Portland they will allow whatever my wife wants" replied Piers a little arrogantly.
After quickly clearing up and collecting Sue's bag all four rode down in the lift and climbed in to Piers' car. The journey took longer than Sue liked and as soon as they arrived she was monitored and given an examination. When she was found to be 5cms dilated she was offered an epidural but elected to try and use gas and air only. As Piers had predicted Kay and Brendan were accommodated and Kay spent most of her time rubbing Sue's back while Sue glowered at Piers. He felt completely useless and was obviously frightened so Brendan who had heard the story about his Mother did his best to keep him occupied. Anything to stay away from the business end of Sue's labour.
Right at the end Kay and Brendan excused themselves and waited in the corridor until they heard the sound of a babies cry. Hugging each other Brendan rubbed Kay's swollen stomach and said, "That'll be us in 3 months time."
"I know."
"How long before we know what is is?"
"Wait until Piers comes out, they have to clean and weigh the baby and deliver the placenta too."
Brendan visibly paled again.
Kay laughed "You men are all the same!"
A short while later a very pale-faced Piers opened the door and beckoned them back inside the room.
"I'm a Daddy! I have a baby girl."
Kay had rushed over to Sue and was gushing over the tiny new born and congratulated Sue with a kiss on the cheek as Brendan rather stiffly shook Piers' hand.
"Does she have a name?" asked Brendan.
"She does" replied Sue "This is Jennifer Susan. Jennifer after my Mum and Susan after… well me."
"It's a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl" said Kay "And now I think we should go home and let you both get acquainted with her. Piers you'll be fine and congratulations, good job!"
"Hey what did he do?" asked Sue.
"He coped; and a few hours ago I wasn't sure he would." replied Kay "And time for us to go, I'll come back tomorrow… with presents, flowers, chocolates and a screw driver for Piers" and she winked at Sue.
