Chapter XXIII: In My Arms

I think you'd better go get the doctor. Pacing outside their bedroom, Christian reflected that it was amazing how eight simple words could throw a household-- and himself-- into a complete panic.

Please go away, sir, the nurse had finally said to him. You're not supposed to be in here. Your wife will be fine.

Fine? That was all very well for the nurse to say, but she didn't have to wait outside and listen to the unfamiliar sounds of pain that drifted out of the room. Christian sighed and made himself sit down, only to rise again two minutes later at another faint cry from the room. He gripped a nearby cushion until his knuckles turned white.

Inside the room, Satine was being swept away by wave after wave of pain. The doctor was pale and drawn, and he touched the nurse's elbow as she brought in another stack of cloth.

We'd better be prepared for the worst, he said quietly to her. I don't like the way this is coming. The nurse sighed and gestured out to the hall where Christian waited.

Should we warn him? she asked softly. Her heart had gone out to the young man, and she felt strangely tender towards him. The doctor sighed.

I'll tell him. He sighed deeply. He hated this. I'll tell him.

Monsieur Everett, Christian turned, the hope apparent on his face, which quickly vanished as he saw the doctor's grim expression.

What is it? he asked quietly. The doctor gently rested his hand on his shoulder.

I think you should know that there . . .there is a danger. Christian looked stricken.

What do you mean? You mean the baby's having problems?

No, Monsieur, the doctor said. I mean your wife may. . . she may not survive this. She's very slender and well. . fragile, if you. . . he trailed off at Christian's expression. I'm sorry, he murmured, helplessly backing away. Christian's jaw trembled.

he whispered. With that, he burst into the darkened room and knelt by Satine's side. The nurse started towards him, but the doctor drew her back.

I don't think it matters anymore, he said significantly.

Christian. . . Satine's breath was faint and ragged. She tried to manage a smile, but it quickly turned into a grimace. I-- I don't--

Christian soothed her, pressing his hand over her mouth. You'll be all right. Yes, you will. Satine nodded slowly, but she cried out again when another spasm of pain overtook her. The doctor rushed forward and pressed a hand to Satine's forehead.

Jeanette, please come here! he said sharply to the nurse. I'll try one more thing, he said grimly. Christian gripped Satine's hand as tightly as he dared, desperately trying to hold onto her and keep her here with him.

The next hours were the most agonizing of Christian's life. But they eventually drew to a close as Satine gasped one final time and then relaxed. The cry of their new-born child broke the stillness in the air and Christian stared at the bundle in the nurse's arms with awe.

Here you are, Madam, Jeanette said, looking exhausted but pleased. Meet your baby daughter. Satine took the child and let out a soft cry of happiness. Her white face was blanched with pain, but her entire person radiated joy as she took her daughter in her arms.

Here, Christian, she whispered, holding the baby so he could peer into her little face. Meet our daughter. Christian gently extended a finger and caressed the baby's silken cheek. He looked at Satine and kissed her head.

Our daughter, he repeated. The baby squirmed and let out another very vocal cry. Christian smiled through the tears in his eyes. Nothing wrong with her lungs, I see. Satine laughed at that and looked down at the baby.

Oh, she's perfect. . . Christian, look at her hands. . . they're so tiny and. . .

Christian finished, watching the baby's dark eyes dart around the room. Satine let out a shuddering breath.

What shall we name her? You decide.



Yes, anything. Satine laughed weakly. Even Orpheus, if you could possibly be so cruel to the poor thing. Christian studied the baby for a moment, and then glanced up.





Because she's an angel. He touched Satine's face for a moment. Like her mother. Satine smiled and closed her eyes briefly.

Christian said, carefully pulling the blankets around her. Sleep now, darling.

You'll stay here with me, won't you? Satine asked with alarm.

Of course, Christian said softly as he settled himself next to her.

Oh, wook at ze liddle bitty sing, Satine crooned a few days later as Christian brought Celeste over to her. She was confined to bed for at least a week and a half after the birth, and Christian was determined to enforce it. He was with her nearly every minute of the day, and wouldn't let her get up for anything, even to pick up Celeste-- although Satine suspected that was because he wanted to hold her as much as she did.

Dem itty wee eyes are so pwetty, Satine continued as she settled the baby in her arms to nurse. Oh, and zook at zeese itty bitty handsies. Christian was leaning over the side of the bed, admiring his daughter. He had tried to protest that baby talk was the most absurd thing in the world, but his objections had faded after Satine had caught him cooing over the baby yesterday.

After a few minutes of silent adoration, Christian glanced up from Celeste and smiled tenderly at Satine. Her rippling curls had been loosely pulled back, and with the candlelight gleaming on her hair like a halo, he thought she looked exactly like a Madonna in her white dress.

She's a miracle, Satine said proudly as she watched the baby's mouth suck with wonderful concentration. Celeste's tiny hands flailed as she ate, and Christian caught one of them and studied it.

How does it feel to be holding a miracle in your arms, Satine? he asked, examining Celeste's baby fingers one after the other until she grew impatient and pulled her hand away.

How does it feel to know that we've created a miracle? Satine asked, stroking Celeste's dark skullcap of hair. Oh, yes, my precious little baby, she said to Celeste, momentarily distracted by her face. Yes, you are a miracle, darling. Celeste did not seem very impressed by her status, and went back to her meal while Satine and Christian laughed together.

So, Satine? Christian began after Celeste tired after her dinner and she was back in her cradle. Exactly how long will it take before she begins to sleep through the night?

You don't have to be getting up all the time, Satine said. I can get the baby out of her cradle just as well as you can. Christian sniffed, looking hurt.

Do I just get neglected, then?

No, of course, not, dear, Satine soothed him. There are many diapers in your future.

Never mind, Christian said, rising and heading for the door. I like being neglected. I don't know why you don't neglect me more often.

He paused and turned back to her, a wide grin on his face.

Just joking, darling. Just joking. He sat down next to her and held her tightly. But anyway, about my earlier question. . . Satine shook her head.

Do you really want to know? she asked, raising her eyebrow.

Christian thought for a moment, exhaled, and shook his head.



I thought so.

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Author's Note: Don't own anything except for the doctor, the nurse, and Celeste. Please review and let me know how you liked this, I will be forever happy. :D