At lunch that afternoon Dimity slides into a seat next to the deputy headmistress. Hecate's typically stiff upright posture seems to be compromised. She tries not to overtly gawk as Hecate's hand rests on the small of her back. She shifts in her seat, and attempts to apply a stoic face. Dimity keeps a watchful eye on her as the lunch period progresses.
Hecate abandons the table earlier than usual, and attempts to slip out of the dining area unnoticed. She is prepared to transfer as she exits the room on foot.
"Where are you sneaking off to?" Dimity questions.
"It is my free period. I had intended on attending to a nap, quite frankly."
"We are going on a field trip."
"I do not consent."
"How long have you been having back pain?"
"I am certain you have experienced your fair share of back pain, as well."
"A quick trip to the nurse should sort this out."
"That is unnecessary," she insists as she tries to maintain a neutral facial expression.
Dimity transfers them into the nurse's office without any further warning. They interrupt her mid-bite.
"Ladies, what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I apologize for interrupting your lunch, but Miss Hardbroom is in need of some assistance."
"I would disagree."
"This can be sorted out rather quickly if you allow me to take a look at you," the nurse points out.
Hecate sighs in frustration, clear that it is the only way to get Dimity off her case. Dimity waits beside the nurse's desk as Hecate is ushered to the other side of the office. There is little privacy in the suite, and Dimity can hear everything that is being said. The nurse carefully examines Hecate despite her fervent disapproval.
"When did you notice that you were having back pain?"
"A couple of hours ago. Certainly it is…"
"You are having contractions. There is no denying it. It would seem that it is time for you to head off to hospital."
"The date of impending arrival is not for six weeks," Hecate argues.
"It would appear your impending arrival is eager to meet the world, Miss Hardbroom."
"I am grossly unprepared."
Dimity makes her way across the room as Hecate shifts into a seated position.
"Are your bags packed?" Dimity inquires.
"I did as instructed after the appointment we attended last week."
"I will retrieve your bag, and you need to locate Miss Cackles."
Hecate sits on the edge of the exam table. Her hands grip the edge as her uterus offers another contraction. Dimity meets her glance.
"Time is of the essence. I know that you had hoped for more time. I can see there is a lot of uncertainty on your mind right now, but the best thing you can do is head off to the hospital."
Ada's cookie is mid-dunk in her tea when Hecate appears in her office. Her face is etched in fear as she stands before her superior.
"Hecate, what is the matter?"
"Apparently it is time."
Ada furrows her brow, "For what?"
"Showtime."
Ada's eyes widen, "You're in labor? You aren't due for several weeks."
"Apparently my uterus, and progeny have alternative plans for my day."
Dimity materializes with a black suitcase.
All too soon Hecate finds herself like a fish caught on a line. Her typical attire has been exchanged for a one size fits none hospital gown. Between the IV fluids infusing into her veins, and the fetal heart rate monitor secured to her mid-section she feels quite restrained. Staff has finally completed their assessment, and have concluded the need to admit her. As she dreads what is to happen next she contemplates how she will complete the task utterly alone. Her door swings open, and a familiar face materializes.
Ada meet's Hecate's glance, and quickly recognizes the fear in her eyes. She offers a reassuring smile as she takes a seat next to the bed, and offers her hand.
"Certainly you didn't believe I was going to abandon you in your time of need."
"You have an academy to run."
"It will remain standing in my brief absence."
"I'm sorry."
Ada furrows her brow, "You have nothing to apologize for."
"I am sorry that you find yourself as the sole support available to me. I find myself filled with guilt that all of this is happening now…"
Ada cuts her off, "You have no control over any of this. As for my presence, even the bravest of souls need a hand to hold from time to time, Hecate."
Hecate falls silent as she protectively cradles her burgeoning bump. Her mind wanders as she glances at the fetal heart rate in her periphery. Her own pulse rate climbs as the gravity of the situation washes over her.
"This was a foolish endeavor. My stubborn resolve to carry out this task has put my unborn child in jeopardy."
Ada squeezes her comrade's hand, "You have no control in the matter."
"I am considered a geriatric patient," Hecate argues.
"Which is a non-modifiable risk factor. I have seen the stack of books that you have devoured on the subject. You have taken every precaution to maintain your health, even taking the stairs which we all know you fervently despise."
"Simple reassurance is not enough to convince me."
"I can change the subject if you would prefer. Have you narrowed down your list of potential names?"
"I haven't even launched a list. I thought that I had more time. There are so many things left undone. The nursery is full of furniture that has yet to be assembled, and linens that have yet to be laundered," her tone becomes frenzied.
"I can see your anxiety is rising. It is understandable given the circumstance. Those things are now beyond your control. Your breathing is not. Focus on that instead."
"I don't want to be here. I…"
Ada cuts her off, "It is too late to back out now. Your little one is coming on their own terms. You must accept that."
"What if…"
"Do not jump down the rabbit hole, Hecate. Look at me, and focus only on the present moment. Breathe through all of the pain, and anxiety that you are feeling."
The look of fear transforms into something more. Without a word Ada vacates her seat to flag down a nurse.