History Repeated Part 21: Arms of An Angel

Tess could hear the raised voices downstairs. She'd managed to slip away from the group without anyone even noticing. They were all too busy playing the blame game.

She held her stomach as she clutched the end of the bed. The pain was unbearable, and it had been since the fall. She'd hid it well though - she had to. She couldn't run the risk of anyone finding out about the baby - not yet anyway.

Tess had managed to make it to the bathroom and back. To her relief she wasn't bleeding. But the cramping was getting worse.

She crumpled to the floor in agony - not even able to make it to the bed.

Tapping could be heard at the door, "Tess, I got rid of them at long last," Alex called.

Tess couldn't move or speak. She could only clutch at her stomach and hope that Alex would come in and help.

"It took forever but their gone," He continued.

Alex tapped on the door again. He'd only just realised he'd been having a one sided conversation, "Tess? Are you alright?"

When there was no reply and only a soft whimper, Alex rushed in. The sight which met him was frightening.

"Oh my god, Tess!" He rushed over to the crumpled Tess, picked her up and moved her onto the bed.

As Tess' face mirrored agony, he whispered, "I'm sorry," knowing that he had caused more pain with the move.

Quickly grabbing the phone from beside the bed he called for a doctor.

"Is she bleeding?" Dr Cunningham asked Alex

Alex shook his head frantically, "No... no, she's not bleeding."

"Alright I'm going to get someone to fly me out there, Alex - you just keep Tess calm alright? At the first sign of bleeding call me"

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Alex had Tess in his arms on the bed. It was almost as though Tess was a child that he was rocking to sleep. She was so vulnerable, and he felt as though he had to protect her.

The cramping had eased now, and all that could be heard were Tess' soft sobs of worry.

"The doc will be here soon, Tess... you'll be okay," He told her, moving the loose hair away from her face.

She looked up at him, "Promise?"

He hesitated, but answered, "I promise."

Tess nodded as her hands moved over her stomach. Alex brought his hand to rest on her stomach too. The pair laid that way until the doctor arrived.