What's takin' so long?
Mickey paced unsteadily in circles, trying to ignore the chill and his aching limbs. Since he couldn't be there, Oswald had promised to let him know when Ortensia had the baby. Granted, he didn't know much about these things, but it had already been almost five hours…
"What do you think you're doing?"
He winced, then turned to see Minnie glaring at him from the doorway. He should've known she wouldn't be far away.
"Well, I, er…" he started, but a fit of coughing cut him off. Minnie immediately hurried over and placed a hand on his forehead.
"You're getting warm again! Get back in bed before you fall over!"
Under her anxious eyes, Mickey reluctantly obeyed. After he settled in, Minnie poured some water into a bowl and dipped a washcloth in it before sitting in the chair beside him.
"How do you feel?" she asked as she pressed it against his forehead. "You didn't wear yourself out, did you?"
Mickey couldn't help smiling as he reached out and took one of her hands.
"It's okay, Min," he said as he gently stroked it.
After a few moments, her glare dropped and she sighed before giving him a little smile.
"Sorry I was up," he said sheepishly. "I'm just worried… it's been an awful long time, n' I don't know how much longer it can take…"
He started coughing again; Minnie quickly placed a hand on his back, rubbing it gently.
"Don't worry," she said in a reassuring tone. "These things take time… it may not even happen till tomorrow."
Mickey let out a heavy sigh and slumped against the pillow. He officially hated being sick. Minnie gave him a sympathetic smile and stroked his arm.
"I'm sure everything's going to be fine. Ortensia is much better and they said there shouldn't be any problems. Try to relax."
Mickey sighed again.
"Don't think I can relax right now."
Just then, the door burst open and Oswald barged in with a huge grin.
"It's a girl!" he exclaimed. "And Ortensia's fine!"
It took a moment to absorb the information, then Mickey grinned just as wide.
"That's great! Ya know what you're gonna name her?"
Oswald's grin grew slightly more solemn.
"It's Ortensia's turn to pick a name… and she likes Lillian."
Mickey blinked in surprise, his eyes widening.
"That's… that's my ma's name."
"Yep," Oswald said, still smiling. "Do ya mind?"
Mickey felt his throat tighten, but he smiled again.
"'Course not. If that's what you guys want, I got no problem with it."
Oswald crossed the room and gave him a friendly clap on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Mick. Get better soon so ya can meet her, okay?"
Mickey grinned and nodded.
"Sure thing."
"I gotta get back to Ortensia!" Oswald said as he hurried out. "See ya later!"
After the door closed, Minnie turned back to Mickey and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
"See? Everything turned out fine."
"Phew!" Mickey sighed. "I was gettin' pretty worried for a while there."
After a moment, he looked at Minnie again.
"Say, Min, about that job offer…" He grinned. "If it still stands, I'll be glad t' take it."
Minnie looked at him in surprise, then smiled and wrapped her arms around him.
"Hey!" Mickey exclaimed, trying to pull away. "Careful, you're gonna get sick too!"
Giggling, Minnie nuzzled his nose.
"I don't mind."
Finally, Mickey sighed and returned her hug.
"You're somethin' else, ya know that?"
Minnie's smile widened.
"Right back at ya."
THE END
