Jane

She swung her pickaxe over her shoulder and struck the rock which revealed a geode. She tossed it in to her bag and then hit another rock with more force which crumbled in to pieces. The next rock also crumbled as her pickaxe broke it open. She stopped to catch her breath and kicked the loose rubble in frustration. Fatigue was hitting her hard; it was one of the symptoms of being pregnant and it was really beginning to wear her down. She had battled with morning sickness, but thankfully that had only lasted a few weeks. The extreme fatigue was something else, it was like a leech that had attached itself to her flesh and was sapping her energy. Even the simplest of tasks such as washing up the dishes was exhausting and she had had to drag a chair over so she could sit down to complete the task.

She continued to break rocks, intending to go home with a good haul and also determined to get rid of some of the lingering pain and anger she felt. The next rock broke open to reveal a lump of quartz. Great, just what I need... more quartz! She added it to the pile in her rucksack which was getting so heavy the weight was pulling on her shoulders, as if trying to drag her down. She would not accept defeat; she was strong and had worked hard to get to where she was. She would not let him beat her. She groaned as she swung her pickaxe at a slightly bigger rock but the axe head broke off and ricocheting off a chunk of stone it struck her hand.

'Ahhh... fuck!' She danced about on the spot waving her hand to get rid of some of the red hot pain that surged through her skin. It throbbed and when she looked at her palm she saw the wet sheen of blood under the dim light of the burning torches that lined the walls. She swore again, 'Shit, that fucking hurts!' Her voice echoed through the cavern. She remembered the last time she injured her hand, the first time she met the idiot town doctor. She would not give him the satisfaction of cleaning her wound, or the opportunity to make up some sordid excuse for his actions. She gritted her teeth as she wrapped a Kleenex around the wound and let out a groan as the white quickly turned to red. It was clearly much worse than she thought.

Bear let out a low growl. Jane looked towards the direction Bear was barking. There was something coming towards them, something moving in the shadows. The blood was attracting cave creatures and she really wasn't up to dealing with them. She also knew that in the mines there was never just one monster to fight... and the first one always brought a friend with it. 'Come on Bear, let's get out of here!'

The lift pinged as they reached the top level of the mines. Jane breathed a sigh of relief at having made it out safely; she was grateful to whoever had installed the lift as without it she'd still be down there scrambling up old rickety ladders. As she stepped out in to the cold, she saw that the rain had not stopped. She moved towards the daylight and grimaced at the sight before her. The snow no longer looked beautiful; it looked like dirty muddy mush. She held her hand out in front of her to assess the damage; it was still bleeding and hurt like hell; and she most likely needed medical attention. She took out another couple of Kleenexes from her pocket and crudely wrapped then around her hand. She pulled up her hood, shoved her hands in her pocket, and left the shelter of the mines. The rain pelted down on both Jane and Bear.

'Good morning,' someone greeted her. Jane tilted her head to see Demetrious out by the stream. He was covered from head to toe in yellow water proofs and had a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other, 'Come rain or shine, there's always work to be done.' Rain water poured over the clipboard so she imagined any recordings would be washed away; which seemed a rather pointless task.

Jane threw him a smile, 'What I'd give for a day off! How's robin – any chance you could let her know I'm interested in an expansion on the farmhouse?'

'She's keeping busy, and sure thing I'll let her know you asked.'

Jane waved him good bye and shivered. She pulled her jacket tighter to her body and trudged through the sludge towards the museum.

After handing over her goods, she cheerfully accepted her payment, and then asked Gunther if she could take a look around the library. He nodded and returned his attention to cataloguing Jane's findings.

She ran a finger along the bookcase reading the names on the spines of the books. Farming for beginners, A guide to raising chickens, and All you need to know about the dangers of mining. She chuckled, wondering how much easier she might have found things if maybe she had visited the library sooner. She shrugged; she'd done okay.

'Do you need any help?' Jane jumped; her breath caught in her chest. She didn't realise there was anyone else in the library. 'I'm Penny; I'm the village school teacher. It's very nice to finally meet you.' The woman who was a thin redhead held an old dusty book to her chest. She didn't offer her hand to Jane; to which Jane was thankful. She really didn't want to have to explain the blood soaked Kleenexes to a complete stranger.

'It's nice to meet you Penny. I'm Jane; I own the farm just outside of town.' She flashed Penny a smile, hoping the chat was going to be a short one.

'Oh yes I know who you are Jane; I've heard so much about you!'

'You have?' Jane swallowed hard, and chewed on her lip. She didn't like a lot of attention but knew how people in the village gossiped.

'Yes, of course... there are no secrets in Pelican Town. You came from the city and you are very hard working. You often venture in to those old mines; which to be honest I think is so brave! You are a very generous person, always offering your assistance and giving away the things you've grown on your farm.'

Jane sighed, feeling relieved. She was expecting gossip but had received praise. 'I try to help out here and there... when I can.' She beamed a smile at Penny thinking how sweet she was.

'Oh and rumour has it you are engaged to the town's doctor.' Penny appeared to blush but smiled excitedly at Jane. 'Should I be offering you my congratulations?'

Jane's mouth fell open in horror. 'Engaged?' Jane laughed and shook her heard as if trying to shake away what she'd heard. Penny was still smiling; waiting patiently for confirmation. 'Where would you get such an idea from? I'm most definitely not engaged! WE AREN'T EVEN IN A RELATIONSHIP!' Jane instantly felt awful at having raised her voice when she saw the affect it had had on the other woman. She hadn't meant to shout; it had just happened.

'Oh, please accept my apology... my Mother said you were engaged.' She went bright pink; her eyes had reddened and tears threatened to fall. 'Please excuse me, I have cleaning to do at home.' She bowed her head and scarpered off through the door without giving Jane another glance.

Jane pinched the top of her nose between her eyes, her migraine wasn't fully gone and in fact felt worse. Engaged! Oh fuck! She shook her head and continued her search for the book and after some time she found the right section. She selected A day-by-day guide to pregnancy, and a book that boasted to contain one thousand of the best baby names. I'll be the judge of that.

She dropped the books on to the counter and pretended to be interested in a speck of dust in the corner of the room. She avoided eye contact with Gunther, and felt so nervous when she heard him say, 'Interesting; very interesting indeed.' She thanked him and slid the books in to her backpack, and made her escape. To make matters worse she could have sworn she heard him chuckle as the door closed behind her. She knew it wouldn't be long before the whole town knew about the baby. Perhaps she should have sworn him to secrecy, perhaps even threatened him with her sword; it was pointless, however... there were no secrets in Pelican Town.

The grey slush coated her boots and soaked through to her socks making her feel grumpy. She hated feeling cold; and especially loathed soggy feet. She hurried past the Mayor's house as quickly and as quietly as she could. She wanted to get home, and really wasn't in the mood for anymore chitchat. She was eager to read up about her pregnancy, and planned to get a warm shower and then settle down in her armchair in front of the blazing fire.

Bear let out a loud whine; she had spotted something or someone that had caught her interest. Jane placed a hand on the dogs head to quieten her but Bear dashed out of her reach and began barking; her tail flipped from side to side excitedly. Before Jane could stop the dog it set off towards the direction of the saloon. A figure had stepped out on to the cobbles and Bear was bounding towards them.

'No! Shit, Bear come back!' Jane stamped her foot in annoyance and hurried after her. When she caught up with the dog she froze on the spot. Bear was standing up on her hind legs excitedly licking someone's face. They were laughing and pleading with Bear to stop. Jane felt panic rise in her chest when she saw his face. Bear removed her giant paws from his chest and decided the trash can around the side of the saloon was of much more interest.

'Jane!' He called to her nervously, carrying a cup of steaming coffee in one hand.

'Harvey,' she responded but glanced sideways feeling too uncomfortable to make eye contact with him. She chewed on her lip and dug the toe of her boot in to the mud in front of her.

'I've been meaning to talk to you... but... but... I didn't think you wanted to see me.' He took a sip of his coffee; he looked slightly uncomfortable himself. 'You... look well.'

She felt grumpy again; clearly she didn't look well. Her hair was plastered to the sides of her face from the heavy rain and she had dark bags under her eyes from lack of sleep from both stress and pregnancy. 'I didn't come to see you Harvey. I'm on my way home, and if you'll excuse me-'

'-please... just let me explain.' He stepped towards her, reaching his hand out towards her but the flash of anger across her face clearly made him think twice. She saw his Adam's apple bob nervously.

She shook her head and bit down hard on her lip. She could feel her eyes welling up; and berated herself for getting upset. 'BEAR! Come on girl!' The dog didn't need to be told twice; she lost interest in the trash can and came obediently to Jane's side. She turned her back on Harvey and tried to walk away but he grabbed her arm.

'Jane... please let's talk.' She removed her arm from his grasp and heard him gasp. 'You're bleeding. Let me see; show me your hand!' The quick movement Jane had made to get away from Harvey had left a blood trail across the snow. His face was full of concern but she shrugged it off.

'It's nothing I can't clean up myself at home.'

'Jane, I'm not asking you. I'm telling you, as your doctor, you need to come with me.' She should have told him to mind his own business, but there was something about his tone of voice, his sternness that compelled her to follow him. He held the clinic door open for her and she stepped through in to the reception area. 'Sit Bear,' Harvey commanded and the dog actually listened to him. Jane raised an eyebrow, both surprised by the dogs response and by Harvey's commanding voice.

'Umm...' Jane began but didn't know what she'd planned to say.'

'Come on through to my office,' he said and she followed him as he flicked on the lights, 'take a seat.'

Jane glanced at the chair but didn't sit down. 'I'd rather stand.' She scowled at him and crossed her arms over her chest defensively. Harvey sighed and dragged his chair over to where she stood; grabbed a few medical supplies and sat down in front of her. She could smell the coffee on his breath; it was an aroma that had become so familiar to her.

'This would be easier if you sat down,' he beckoned with his hand for her to show him her wounded one. 'Let me see your hand.'

She glanced around the room, at his desk which was neat and tidy compared to the way he kept his apartment. Upon first glance you would think Dr Harvey was a neat freak but once you stepped in to his living space you realised he was the complete opposite. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the desk, the one he'd made love to her on. A thought entered her mind... had he also screwed Maru on that same desk? She scrunched her face up in disgust at the vivid image her imagination had created.

'No, this was a foolish idea. I can't believe I was stupid enough to come here!'

'It wasn't and you are far from stupid. Your hand needs treating Jane, please let me see your injury.'

She couldn't let the thought go. 'Did you screw Maru on that desk?' Harvey looked taken aback. 'Did you? Did you fuck her in this room?'

'No Jane... what? Don't be ridiculous!'

'Oh so I'm ridiculous now am I? Where then Harvey? WHERE? IN YOUR BED?'

'Jane, you're not and... I didn't... not on the desk.' She saw him reaching for his inhaler, and watched his expression as he inhaled a dose of medicine. He held his breath and when he released it he quickly inhaled another dose. 'Shit! One day I swear this is going to kill me!'

Jane ignored the fact Harvey was in distress; she was too upset to give a shit. 'So in your bed then! Oh Harvey, you really are an idiot or maybe I am for falling for your lies!' He tried to stop her leaving but she pushed past him and flung his office door open. The sound it made when it hit the filing cabinet rang loudly in her ears. She stormed out in to the reception where Bear was laying down patiently waiting. 'Don't bother following me!'

Harvey caught up to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. He spun her round to face him., breathing heavily. 'Jane please, I didn't sleep with her or anyone for that matter. Please believe me; I wouldn't do that to you. I love you!'

Jane backed out of his hold; she almost tripped over Bear. 'Harvey, stop this... stop lying to me! Why would Shane have told me if it wasn't true?' She felt her words catch in her throat. 'I don't want to see you anymore.'

Harvey's mouth fell open. His brow furrowed, and he looked hurt. 'Don't do this... please.'

Jane realised she still had his gift. She removed it from her pocket and pressed it in to his chest. 'Goodbye Harvey, and umm... Happy Birthday.'

Harvey

He stood glued to the spot as he watched the door swing closed behind her; the dog skipping jauntily at her side. The cold air that blew in to the clinic made him shiver. He looked down at the small package she had shoved in to his chest, and turned it over in his hands.

The package was neatly wrapped in aeroplane wrapping paper; and finished off with a fancy blue bow. He could tell a lot of care had gone in to ensuring the gift was perfectly presented. He wished he had Jane's wrapping skills, his attempts at wrapping gifts always looked sloppy.

Careful not to tear the paper he gently lifted the tape and peeled it back. He peered inside and with a surgeons precision he eased the item free with his fingers. Despite his feelings regarding the confrontation he'd had with Jane he felt the corners of his mouth form a smile; his heart felt warmed by such a generous gift. Jane had bought him a leather wallet. He placed the wrapping paper on the reception counter, with the intention of keeping it. He brought the wallet to his face and breathed in the leather; it reminded him of purchasing school shoes with his father when he was a boy.

As he flipped the wallet open a small piece of paper slipped out and floated to the floor. Harvey stooped down and picked it up between his thumb and forefinger. He staggered backwards; his hand clutching at his chest as if he were experiencing a heart attack. The piece of paper was a hospital scan photo; and the image was of a baby. Both the wallet and photo slipped from his fingers, and without grabbing his jacket Harvey ran out in to the street in search of Jane.

He ran as fast as his legs would carry him; taking large strides to catch up to her. She heard him coming because she turned around at the sound of his footfalls. She was crying; he could see her red eyes and wet cheeks. He felt a pang of pain in his heart from seeing her so distraught. He had done that, he had caused the mess and he needed to explain. He needed her to listen; to believe him. He had tried to talk to her in the clinic but she called him a liar. She had taken Shane's words as the gospel truth.

Out in the street, with the storm wreaking havoc on the usually peaceful town she turned her back to him and said, 'I'm done Harvey. I'm going home and I don't want to see you for a while.' Her words stung like a slap across his face. It was the second time she had told him that, and it hurt more than anything ever could. Was it over... was their relationship really at an end?

'Please Jane, just let me explain things. It's not what you think, and I need you to-'

'-No Harvey, please just leave me alone.' She pulled her jacket tight around her body and marched off through the rain with Bear following closely at her heels.

Harvey stood there for a moment contemplating, watching her go. Rain water trickled down the back of his shirt. It brought him out of his daze. He shivered and rubbed his neck. He couldn't leave things like this so started to sprint again. He called her name but she was gone, she had left the town centre and was heading along path by the bus stop. He set off after her.

'Go home Harvey!' she shouted behind her. 'It's over. You've ruined everything and I want nothing more to do with you!

'Jane please slow down. Let's talk about this.' He was soaked through to the bone but running was keeping him warm.

'I don't want to. Just go home!' Bear growled as if in agreement.

For a small woman she certainly moved quickly he thought, almost losing his footing. She moved like a gazelle where as he was more like a lumbering bear. He could feel the wheeze vibrating through his chest. The cold wet weather didn't agree with him. Thunder rumbled followed by lightening that cracked across the purple sky above them. The sound made Bear bark again. They both ran along the trail that lead to Jane's farmhouse. He saw her slip in the thick mud but she managed to retain her posture. It had rained continuously for three days, and the weather channel had forecast storms for the next week so things were going to get much worse.

Despite her nimbleness he'd managed to catch up with her. His lungs burned, and his heart pounded rapidly in his chest. He made a mental note to himself that he needed to work on his physical fitness. She was so fast but his long legs gave him the advantage of a larger stride. She was within arm's reach. If only he could just grab the back of her jacket. His hand reached out, fingers brushed her shoulder... But his shoes lost their grip, his arms flailed as he tried to maintain his balance, but it was no use. His feet came out from under him and he stumbled forward in to the slush, and landed with a squelch.

It took some force to remove each hand from the mud which was like quick sand, and when he looked at his fingers he could see they were slick with thick grimy sludge. His chinos were covered in slushy earth; no longer sandy coloured but a dark muddy brown. Without thinking he wiped the back of one arm across his face and smudged mud and grass across his glasses. He couldn't see a thing so removed them. He tried to get up but he was exhausted from running. Instead he sat back in the thick mud, removed his inhaler from his chinos pocket and took two long deep puffs of the medicine. He watched Jane's blurry image disappear down the passageway to her farmhouse, her feet kicking up behind her.

'Damn it!', he exclaimed as he exhaled. He felt rather pathetic. 'Jane!'