Chapter 8
It was now late June and Claire only had a month to go until she gave birth. She was so happy. Tess had moved in with Nick, not that you'd notice, she still worked at Drovers and spent more time there than at home. Claire was married to Alex, and everything was fantastic. Claire had never been happier, except for the fact that nobody would let her work. She couldn't even be on her feet for ten minutes without somebody saying anything. Alex couldn't wait to be a dad, but he was enjoying just being with Claire. Last year things had been so different. Claire had nearly gotten married to Peter and had his baby! It was a very hot day and Alex had to see his father about some business. It wasn't until after he had left that Claire remembered she had a doctor's appointment. Tess and Nick said they'd take her because they could pop into town and Alex could catch them up when he got home. Claire thought Alex would be back in time, but when they couldn't wait any longer, she let Nick and Tess take her.
Alex couldn't believe he'd forgotten. He ran to his Ute and drove off in a hurry. He loved going to the doctors with Claire because she couldn't argue with them. It was great. She had to do what ever they said and she hated it. He was thinking about Claire when all of a sudden something ran out in front of the Ute. He had no idea what it was but swerved to avoid it. The Ute went out of control. Alex tried to steer it away from the tree but couldn't, it was too hard and he was too close and then there was a crunch and the Ute hit the tree straight on with full force.
Claire was thinking about how much she hated the doctors and how Alex always sat there with a grin. She knew why it was. She just wished it was Alex instead because then she could sit there with the smug look on her face knowing that she couldn't argue with the doctor. They were too much alike. She laughed to herself. She was not looking forward to being told what to do. It was all of a sudden that they all noticed a Ute. It had crashed into a tree and it looked awful. All of a sudden Claire's heart started to pound and she was terrified. It looked like Alex's Ute. She couldn't sit still and as soon as they stopped, she jumped out and headed for the crashed vehicle. She just wanted it to not be Alex, she prayed that it wasn't. She felt sick in the pit of her stomach and as soon as she knew it was Alex's she went pale and nearly fainted. She started to run to the van to find Alex but Nick and Tess where at her heals holding her back. They were both as petrified. Claire was screaming out Alex's name wanting him to reply with all her might, but there wasn't one. She broke down on the ground in tears. The thoughts that went through her head were ones like, it cant be true, this cant be happening, he cant be dead, please say his not dead, what am I going to do, my baby's going to be without a father. I love him, he can't be dead. Tess was holding Claire, while Nick went to find Alex. He got to Alex and realised he was in a bad way. Alex was unconscious and bleeding pretty badly. He was still breathing though. He called an ambulance straight away and didn't dare more him. Claire went over and started crying even more. She got as close to Alex as she could and started stroking his face. He couldn't die, he just couldn't. She told him that to "Alex I love you, we're going to have a baby, you have to teach it to do all the things your supposed to like play games and fly your chopper. You're supposed to tease me and make me laugh and hold me close and kiss me. You can't die! We've got too much work to do. You can't die, I won't let you!" she couldn't see through all the tears in her eyes. She didn't know what was going on around her and she didn't care. All she wanted was for Alex to be ok. When the ambulance finally arrived, she stayed by his side and Nick and Tess were close behind in a frantic state.
As they arrived at the hospital, Claire had calmed down and was in a daze. Everything was going in slow motion and she didn't know what to do. She paced outside the door of Alex's room until finally somebody came out to speak to them. "He's going to be fine. He's very lucky. He's got concussion and has lot quite a bit of blood, but with a few days bed rest, he'll be fine" Claire couldn't believe what she'd heard. An enormous amount of relief came over her and she could have cried again. They all went in and sat by his bed. Liz and Harry were called and it was when Nick went to get some drinks that he saw them. "How is he, what happened?" was all Liz could say "mum, calm down. He's fine, just a few cuts and burses and a concussion. He'll back to work within a few days." Liz was so relieved. They all went back to the room and Liz started fussing about how it looked. Claire didn't really say anything. She just sat in the chair, watching Alex. When it started to get late and a few yawns were shed, they decided they had all better go. It was clear Alex was going to be fine and he wouldn't wake up now until morning. "Come on Claire, we can come back first thing in the morning" Tess said. "I'm going to stay" "come on Claire, you need some sleep" "I'll sleep here" "you need a proper rest in your own bed" "Tess, I'm staying!" There was no way Tess was going to win. Claire had made up her mind and so reluctantly left. When they had all gone, Claire climbed onto the bed, resting her head on Alex's chest and cuddling up close to him. That was how she fell asleep.
What was that? What happened? Where am I? God my head hurts! These were the thoughts that went through Alex's head as he came to. Claire was also woken up as the baby kicked. She moved her hand to her stomach as did Alex. She looked up at him and smiled. Her heart was pounding fast from the love she felt for him. The baby was kicking away and where Claire had been lying up against him, he could feel it to. Claire got off his bed and sat next to him as she stretched and yawned. Then she gave him a kiss just before the doctor walked in. "oh good, you awake Mr Ryan. How are you feeling?" "Like a Christmas and New year's hangover all at once" "well I'm not surprised. You have a concussion, a few cuts and bruises and you'll have to stay where you are for a couple of days" Claire grinned to her self at that point and Alex noticed "but you'll be glad to know you can be back to work in less than a week." "Thanks doc" Alex said as the doctor walked out. "What you grinning at?" he asked Claire. She had remembered thinking about Alex being told what to do by a doctor and it had come true and she found it amusing. She didn't answer his question though, her thoughts had moved on from that. "What the hell do you think you were doing? Didn't you realise you were supposed to miss the tree?" Alex was stunned. "And I thought you were dead, you nearly gave me a heart attack. You can't go and die on me like that you know Ryan!" "Oh so I have to ask your permission before I die now?" "Yes!" was her short reply before she smiled and kissed him again. He took her hand. "I'm not leaving you, so don't worry. You really think a tree's going to stop me?" "Yes, well, I'm beginning to realise how much this baby is going to be like you" the baby was still kicking away but the conversation stopped there as everybody arrived and saw Alex was awake. Claire moved away from the bed. She was feeling hot and didn't want to get in everybody's way. She was happy that Alex was ok. He was the only thing she could think about. He was the only thing that was important now. Nothing else mattered except Alex. He was loving it. He was getting all the attention. His mum had been cooking and making sure he was comfortable. He didn't have to do a thing. What he wasn't telling anybody was he probably couldn't move even if he wanted to because his whole body ached, but as usual, he was being the big brave macho man and nothing could hurt him. As Claire looked around the room with nearly everybody she cared about in it, she realised how lucky she was. Liz was fluffing Alex's pillow, Harry was trying to talk business but getting shouted at by Liz. Tess was holding hands with Nick and were chatting. Becky was talking to Brick. Jodi had been filing her nails but was being watched by Meg who about to tell her to shut up, because she knew Jodi was about to say something that she shouldn't. Then Alex mad a comment and everybody laughed. Claire didn't hear what was said. She just smiled at the picture of them all. As long as Alex was alright, nothing else mattered.
She sat in the chair and remembered a picture she had on her desk at Drovers. It was of her and Alex on their wedding day. They were standing side by side, staring into each others eyes while both holding Claire's belly where the bump was showing. She remembered the day as if it was yesterday. It had only been small. They both didn't want anything big. Claire had a gorgeous dress that looked fantastic on her. Alex had a tux on. Claire nearly laughed when she saw him standing at the alter, but it would only have been a mask for what she was really feeling. Her heart was pounding and she was trying not to show how shaky she was. She loved Alex and wanted to be with him so much. Harry walked her down the isle after Tess, Becky and Jodi who were bridesmaids. Anna and Tom, with their kids were there. Meg sat with Liz, both in tears, and Nick stood next to Alex at the alter. As soon as she saw him and he saw her, the smiles could not be taken from their faces and their eyes could not be separated. She took his arm as the stepped up to the alter. The vows were said and then came the 'I do's' It was perfect. She chucked the bouquet and Tess caught it as both Alex and Claire gave Nick a teasing look. They were so much alike, it wasn't funny sometimes. At the reception, toasts were made "I would like to say that, I did it, I finally settled down! A one woman man! And a baby on the way, who would have thought it? Not me. If I was to predict my future, it never would have consisted of finding the love of my life, Claire McLeod of all people, get married and have a baby. But I did and have never been so happy!" They danced with each other for the first time as man and wife. The reception was great; it was one of the best days of her life.
Everybody was so enthralled in what they were doing, they forgot all about Claire and so didn't realise the pained look she was trying to hide. They also didn't notice her get up and walk out of the room. Claire couldn't understand what was wrong. The baby wouldn't keep still and it was getting painful. The place was spinning and she was really hot. A nurse noticed and came over to her. "Are you ok?" "I'm fine" Claire sat down, took a couple of deep breaths and then she really did start to feel better. The baby stopped kicking, the room was still and she was starting to feel cooler. The nurse didn't think Claire was so great though so called over a doctor. "I'm fine, it just got a bit to hot that's all" Claire was adamant and stood up. The doctor made her come with him anyway. She sat in a room and when the nurse offered to get someone for her she said no. Claire thought how she was fine and there would be no point worrying over nothing. Alex needed the fuss, not her. The doctor took her blood pressure and a couple of other tests. "Your blood pressure is too high to start with" Claire looked a little concerned now. What if something really was wrong? The doctor noticed "But. all you need is some rest, take these tablets and drink plenty of water. You'll be fine don't worry"
Claire went back in and sat back down. Nobody had noticed she had gone and she was glad. Alex looked so happy. A tear started to roll down her cheek as she though how she might lose the baby. It terrified her, especially with what happened to her mother. Then she wondered what Alex would do if she did lose the baby. Would he still love her, would he still want to be with her? She wiped away the tear quickly and listened to the conversation, forgetting about all her worries. They were all talking about the Gungellan show. "I guess you wont be competing again this year in the cross country?" Jodi said. Alex looked at her as if to say 'are you mad?' "Of course I am, and I'm gonna win" "Alex do you think that's such a good idea?" his mother said "I'll be back to work by the end of the week, so what's to stop me racing?" "Well I just don't think it's a good idea. Now you need some rest" everyone started to look at the time and realised how long they had been sitting there for. They all said goodbye and as they were walking out, Claire went over to say goodbye to him. She only kissed him on the forehead. As Claire turned to leave, Alex grabbed hold of her arm "your not leaving?" "I'll be back tomorrow" "cant you keep me company?" he patted the bed beside him. She avoided his eyes. "No, I better go, you need your sleep if you want to do the cross country" She left quickly before he could say anything else. He was a little disappointed.
Claire was sitting in her room after she'd taken her food and went upstairs with it. Tess followed her up about half an hour later. Tess sat on the bed next to Claire. "Claire, what's wrong" "nothing" "Claire, you can tell me" "I said there's nothing wrong" "you're not yourself. You've hardly said two words today, and you didn't say a thing in the hospital. Alex is going to be fine, you do know that?" "I'm not stupid" "Claire I'm really worried, now will you tell me what's wrong!"
It was now late June and Claire only had a month to go until she gave birth. She was so happy. Tess had moved in with Nick, not that you'd notice, she still worked at Drovers and spent more time there than at home. Claire was married to Alex, and everything was fantastic. Claire had never been happier, except for the fact that nobody would let her work. She couldn't even be on her feet for ten minutes without somebody saying anything. Alex couldn't wait to be a dad, but he was enjoying just being with Claire. Last year things had been so different. Claire had nearly gotten married to Peter and had his baby! It was a very hot day and Alex had to see his father about some business. It wasn't until after he had left that Claire remembered she had a doctor's appointment. Tess and Nick said they'd take her because they could pop into town and Alex could catch them up when he got home. Claire thought Alex would be back in time, but when they couldn't wait any longer, she let Nick and Tess take her.
Alex couldn't believe he'd forgotten. He ran to his Ute and drove off in a hurry. He loved going to the doctors with Claire because she couldn't argue with them. It was great. She had to do what ever they said and she hated it. He was thinking about Claire when all of a sudden something ran out in front of the Ute. He had no idea what it was but swerved to avoid it. The Ute went out of control. Alex tried to steer it away from the tree but couldn't, it was too hard and he was too close and then there was a crunch and the Ute hit the tree straight on with full force.
Claire was thinking about how much she hated the doctors and how Alex always sat there with a grin. She knew why it was. She just wished it was Alex instead because then she could sit there with the smug look on her face knowing that she couldn't argue with the doctor. They were too much alike. She laughed to herself. She was not looking forward to being told what to do. It was all of a sudden that they all noticed a Ute. It had crashed into a tree and it looked awful. All of a sudden Claire's heart started to pound and she was terrified. It looked like Alex's Ute. She couldn't sit still and as soon as they stopped, she jumped out and headed for the crashed vehicle. She just wanted it to not be Alex, she prayed that it wasn't. She felt sick in the pit of her stomach and as soon as she knew it was Alex's she went pale and nearly fainted. She started to run to the van to find Alex but Nick and Tess where at her heals holding her back. They were both as petrified. Claire was screaming out Alex's name wanting him to reply with all her might, but there wasn't one. She broke down on the ground in tears. The thoughts that went through her head were ones like, it cant be true, this cant be happening, he cant be dead, please say his not dead, what am I going to do, my baby's going to be without a father. I love him, he can't be dead. Tess was holding Claire, while Nick went to find Alex. He got to Alex and realised he was in a bad way. Alex was unconscious and bleeding pretty badly. He was still breathing though. He called an ambulance straight away and didn't dare more him. Claire went over and started crying even more. She got as close to Alex as she could and started stroking his face. He couldn't die, he just couldn't. She told him that to "Alex I love you, we're going to have a baby, you have to teach it to do all the things your supposed to like play games and fly your chopper. You're supposed to tease me and make me laugh and hold me close and kiss me. You can't die! We've got too much work to do. You can't die, I won't let you!" she couldn't see through all the tears in her eyes. She didn't know what was going on around her and she didn't care. All she wanted was for Alex to be ok. When the ambulance finally arrived, she stayed by his side and Nick and Tess were close behind in a frantic state.
As they arrived at the hospital, Claire had calmed down and was in a daze. Everything was going in slow motion and she didn't know what to do. She paced outside the door of Alex's room until finally somebody came out to speak to them. "He's going to be fine. He's very lucky. He's got concussion and has lot quite a bit of blood, but with a few days bed rest, he'll be fine" Claire couldn't believe what she'd heard. An enormous amount of relief came over her and she could have cried again. They all went in and sat by his bed. Liz and Harry were called and it was when Nick went to get some drinks that he saw them. "How is he, what happened?" was all Liz could say "mum, calm down. He's fine, just a few cuts and burses and a concussion. He'll back to work within a few days." Liz was so relieved. They all went back to the room and Liz started fussing about how it looked. Claire didn't really say anything. She just sat in the chair, watching Alex. When it started to get late and a few yawns were shed, they decided they had all better go. It was clear Alex was going to be fine and he wouldn't wake up now until morning. "Come on Claire, we can come back first thing in the morning" Tess said. "I'm going to stay" "come on Claire, you need some sleep" "I'll sleep here" "you need a proper rest in your own bed" "Tess, I'm staying!" There was no way Tess was going to win. Claire had made up her mind and so reluctantly left. When they had all gone, Claire climbed onto the bed, resting her head on Alex's chest and cuddling up close to him. That was how she fell asleep.
What was that? What happened? Where am I? God my head hurts! These were the thoughts that went through Alex's head as he came to. Claire was also woken up as the baby kicked. She moved her hand to her stomach as did Alex. She looked up at him and smiled. Her heart was pounding fast from the love she felt for him. The baby was kicking away and where Claire had been lying up against him, he could feel it to. Claire got off his bed and sat next to him as she stretched and yawned. Then she gave him a kiss just before the doctor walked in. "oh good, you awake Mr Ryan. How are you feeling?" "Like a Christmas and New year's hangover all at once" "well I'm not surprised. You have a concussion, a few cuts and bruises and you'll have to stay where you are for a couple of days" Claire grinned to her self at that point and Alex noticed "but you'll be glad to know you can be back to work in less than a week." "Thanks doc" Alex said as the doctor walked out. "What you grinning at?" he asked Claire. She had remembered thinking about Alex being told what to do by a doctor and it had come true and she found it amusing. She didn't answer his question though, her thoughts had moved on from that. "What the hell do you think you were doing? Didn't you realise you were supposed to miss the tree?" Alex was stunned. "And I thought you were dead, you nearly gave me a heart attack. You can't go and die on me like that you know Ryan!" "Oh so I have to ask your permission before I die now?" "Yes!" was her short reply before she smiled and kissed him again. He took her hand. "I'm not leaving you, so don't worry. You really think a tree's going to stop me?" "Yes, well, I'm beginning to realise how much this baby is going to be like you" the baby was still kicking away but the conversation stopped there as everybody arrived and saw Alex was awake. Claire moved away from the bed. She was feeling hot and didn't want to get in everybody's way. She was happy that Alex was ok. He was the only thing she could think about. He was the only thing that was important now. Nothing else mattered except Alex. He was loving it. He was getting all the attention. His mum had been cooking and making sure he was comfortable. He didn't have to do a thing. What he wasn't telling anybody was he probably couldn't move even if he wanted to because his whole body ached, but as usual, he was being the big brave macho man and nothing could hurt him. As Claire looked around the room with nearly everybody she cared about in it, she realised how lucky she was. Liz was fluffing Alex's pillow, Harry was trying to talk business but getting shouted at by Liz. Tess was holding hands with Nick and were chatting. Becky was talking to Brick. Jodi had been filing her nails but was being watched by Meg who about to tell her to shut up, because she knew Jodi was about to say something that she shouldn't. Then Alex mad a comment and everybody laughed. Claire didn't hear what was said. She just smiled at the picture of them all. As long as Alex was alright, nothing else mattered.
She sat in the chair and remembered a picture she had on her desk at Drovers. It was of her and Alex on their wedding day. They were standing side by side, staring into each others eyes while both holding Claire's belly where the bump was showing. She remembered the day as if it was yesterday. It had only been small. They both didn't want anything big. Claire had a gorgeous dress that looked fantastic on her. Alex had a tux on. Claire nearly laughed when she saw him standing at the alter, but it would only have been a mask for what she was really feeling. Her heart was pounding and she was trying not to show how shaky she was. She loved Alex and wanted to be with him so much. Harry walked her down the isle after Tess, Becky and Jodi who were bridesmaids. Anna and Tom, with their kids were there. Meg sat with Liz, both in tears, and Nick stood next to Alex at the alter. As soon as she saw him and he saw her, the smiles could not be taken from their faces and their eyes could not be separated. She took his arm as the stepped up to the alter. The vows were said and then came the 'I do's' It was perfect. She chucked the bouquet and Tess caught it as both Alex and Claire gave Nick a teasing look. They were so much alike, it wasn't funny sometimes. At the reception, toasts were made "I would like to say that, I did it, I finally settled down! A one woman man! And a baby on the way, who would have thought it? Not me. If I was to predict my future, it never would have consisted of finding the love of my life, Claire McLeod of all people, get married and have a baby. But I did and have never been so happy!" They danced with each other for the first time as man and wife. The reception was great; it was one of the best days of her life.
Everybody was so enthralled in what they were doing, they forgot all about Claire and so didn't realise the pained look she was trying to hide. They also didn't notice her get up and walk out of the room. Claire couldn't understand what was wrong. The baby wouldn't keep still and it was getting painful. The place was spinning and she was really hot. A nurse noticed and came over to her. "Are you ok?" "I'm fine" Claire sat down, took a couple of deep breaths and then she really did start to feel better. The baby stopped kicking, the room was still and she was starting to feel cooler. The nurse didn't think Claire was so great though so called over a doctor. "I'm fine, it just got a bit to hot that's all" Claire was adamant and stood up. The doctor made her come with him anyway. She sat in a room and when the nurse offered to get someone for her she said no. Claire thought how she was fine and there would be no point worrying over nothing. Alex needed the fuss, not her. The doctor took her blood pressure and a couple of other tests. "Your blood pressure is too high to start with" Claire looked a little concerned now. What if something really was wrong? The doctor noticed "But. all you need is some rest, take these tablets and drink plenty of water. You'll be fine don't worry"
Claire went back in and sat back down. Nobody had noticed she had gone and she was glad. Alex looked so happy. A tear started to roll down her cheek as she though how she might lose the baby. It terrified her, especially with what happened to her mother. Then she wondered what Alex would do if she did lose the baby. Would he still love her, would he still want to be with her? She wiped away the tear quickly and listened to the conversation, forgetting about all her worries. They were all talking about the Gungellan show. "I guess you wont be competing again this year in the cross country?" Jodi said. Alex looked at her as if to say 'are you mad?' "Of course I am, and I'm gonna win" "Alex do you think that's such a good idea?" his mother said "I'll be back to work by the end of the week, so what's to stop me racing?" "Well I just don't think it's a good idea. Now you need some rest" everyone started to look at the time and realised how long they had been sitting there for. They all said goodbye and as they were walking out, Claire went over to say goodbye to him. She only kissed him on the forehead. As Claire turned to leave, Alex grabbed hold of her arm "your not leaving?" "I'll be back tomorrow" "cant you keep me company?" he patted the bed beside him. She avoided his eyes. "No, I better go, you need your sleep if you want to do the cross country" She left quickly before he could say anything else. He was a little disappointed.
Claire was sitting in her room after she'd taken her food and went upstairs with it. Tess followed her up about half an hour later. Tess sat on the bed next to Claire. "Claire, what's wrong" "nothing" "Claire, you can tell me" "I said there's nothing wrong" "you're not yourself. You've hardly said two words today, and you didn't say a thing in the hospital. Alex is going to be fine, you do know that?" "I'm not stupid" "Claire I'm really worried, now will you tell me what's wrong!"