Chapter 9 - Changes

So far our secret (two actually) remained safe, I think, but there were those who gave me funny looks. Al swore he'd not said anything to anybody, but we lived in a small village, so clearly that we lived in the same house set tongues wagging, as if we were the only couple to ever live together without marriage. The morning sickness got less frequent and less hard to bear, but my energy levels had dropped. I felt like a lorry had run me over most days.

Despite me dragging myself through a work day, the Doc was less harsh, almost gentle with me at times. He even suggested that I cut my hours. It was right before patients started arriving so it was just the two of us in the house. James was off in play school and Louisa had driven to Bodmin for a class when the Doc surprised me with his announcement.

"But, you just raised my pay!" I replied. Had he gone dolally? "Not that I'm complaining mind you. The money will come in handy down the road."

"I am merely saying that if you are getting rundown, then you need more rest. Why must all you pregnant women be so hard headed about this?"

All you pregnant women? "Just how many expectant mums are we talkin' about Doc?"

His face went pale.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" I asked in a teasing tone. "Is Louisa..."

"No! I was only stating that early in pregancy the developing foetus will make many phsiological demands on your system. The growth of the uterus, placenta, baby, fat stores, blood volume and breast tissue wiil all..."

"Yep. I have noticed." And how my baps were much larger even only eight weeks along. Al seemed to enjoy their size and I did too. I'd need to take Louisa up on her offer of shopping help, and soon. Involuntarily I reached up and adjusted a too tight bra strap.

The Doc blanched and turned his face. "Just cut back to 35 hours each week until you feel better. And do not worry about the time difference. The practice will continue to pay you at the normal, uhm, rate of pay; at the higher amount."

I was nearly bowled over in surprise. He was actually being nice; no actively being nice. A side of the Doc I'd never seen. "Cheers then." But I did wonder about Louisa. Was she pregnant? Oh my the thought of them... no, girl, stop! It was like thinking of your parents having sex. Thinking of that I'd have to contact mum and dad pretty soon.

Mystified by the Doc's change in manner, I had noticed Al too was changing. He was quieter, but more thoughtful when he did speak, plus very helpful, as well as more energetic in bed. Men were strange. But it was Al who insisted that we had to set a date.

Curate Edwards was very happy to see us when we entered her church. "And how are you two?" she asked as we followed her into her cluttered office. "Please take these seats, here, in front of my desk." She sat and faced us.

Al ducked his head. "Uhm, fine."

We sat and I now I felt a touch of fear. This is a big step.

"Yes, good, good," she answered him. "And you Miss Newcross? I must say I have been disappointed not to have seen you since, well since your friends Janet and Joe were here. That was a..." she sighed, "well, not quite the best time had by all, shall we say?" She folded her hands together and smiled. "Now, what can I do for you?"

I glanced at Al and he looked scared stiff. "I'm fine thank you," I replied to the Curate. "And we want to get married."

Miss Edwards smiled. "Ah. Why's that, I mean, are you serious about this? Can't just marry anyone who wanders in off the street, right? Can't have any more," she waved a hand in the air, "disasters in front of the altar can I? What would people say? 'Poor Rosie Edwards can barely fill the pews, let alone get couples properly hitched. Now, the Vicar? Capital all around, he was, but not that new woman.'" She sighed. "You cannot imagine the trouble that caused with my superiors."

Joe and Janice did get to the altar, but no further. "Right, sure," I said, "but we're serious, about our marriage. A simple one."

Al seemed to wake up. "And the way I figure, if you can, uhm, carry off a first-class wedding for the two of us," he winked, "good for you - and good for us."

The Curate nodded. "Quid pro quo; but it is part of my job, and calling." She picked up a calendar book and flipped through it and I could see the dates were mostly blank. "I see plenty of times available. When would you like?"

I took a deep breath. "As soon as possible."

She looked from me to Al then leaned back in her chair. "And why's that? My church is not exactly a Gas-N-Go on the motorway," she chuckled. "Can't just cruise in, do the deed, and then drive away! And you have thought about this? Serious stuff is marriage. None of this fly halfway 'round the world for a tropical wedding and find out the groom has been shagging every bird on the beach." She shook her head. "Sorry... now back to you two. Why?"

"Why?" Al said.

The Curate stared at us. "Why now?"

I reached over and took Al's hand. "We love one another."

The Curate nodded. "At least that's a start. That all?"

"No," Al grunted, "you see..."

We'd talked about this. How much do we say? About the baby?

"I love this girl to the ends of the Earth and back. She's the one I been looking for," he added, "and... well..." Al's voice petered out.

The Curate said, "Is there more? Be truthful with me."

"We're pregnant!" I nearly shreaked. "And I love Al Large and that's why I'm pregnant, I mean because I love him I got preggers, not that I was planning on it, but it happened and now here we are so we need you to marry us so that when the baby comes..." came out in a rush.

The Curate bowed her head and I thought for a moment she was fainting. "Right," she answered after a few seconds. "You are not the only couple to ever have this happen. But I want to say thank you, for coming to me so I can help."

Al said, "Oh."

Curate Edwards smiled. "You must go to the registry office and file. The office is in Truro, then, we set a date, quick as needed. Meanwhile we make arrangements for the church. I will do all I can to make this..." she stopped to wipe her eyes. "Sorry - hay fever. As painless and quick as possible." She looked at her calender. ""And as happy. Five weeks from Saturday then. That help?"