The following Saturday, David and Carol drove all the way to Brighton with their twins sat in thier car seats, it had been a eventful journey. Charlie had needed his nappy changed twice, Jessica had not only thrown up twice but had cried for most of the journey and in between the babies had been in and out of sleep for the majority of the car journey. "Aww Bless them." Carol said fondly and David smiled though was developing a splitting headache.
Finally they arrived at Harry's house which was a blue coloured building and was covered in plants and flowers in the front garden. David wondered what Harry's lady friend was like and he knew that Carol was thinking the same. Then carrying Charlie in his baby carrier while Carol held Jessica, he rang the doorbell. He heard a scuffle of feet and the giggle of a woman as Harry reached for the door before opening it, "David, Carol, how nice to see you and you've brought the twins as well!" Harry exclaimed happily as he got out of the way and allowed David and Carol to walk past. David placed the baby carrier onto Harry's kitchen table where Carol placed Jessica, who was asleep, next to Charlie. "Come through to the living room,she's waiting." Harry said excitedly and carol and David followed him inside. Seated on the sofa was an elderly woman with dark red hair and sparkly clothes, it was clear that she had been beautiful in her youth and there were still traces of the beauty that she had possessed. "Carol. David. This is Olympia Nightingale." Harry introduced and Olympia shook David's hands and kissed carols cheeks, "Pleased to meet you. Harry's told me a lot about you two and your love story. Must be great to be finally married after over thirty years." Olympia said politely and Carol smiled at her, "Please to meet you as well. Harry says you've changed his life around." Harry intervened, "She has Carol, she has. She's the one who told me to get rid of the district nurse who used to come to the house, I share one with her and shes very nice." Harry added, kissing Olympia's hand who giggled. David tried to fight the urge to laugh. He went into the kitchen with carol to check on the twins who were still asleep and making soft noises, Olympia and Harry followed them and as soon as she saw the babies, Olympia remarked fondly, "Aww, how nice. You've brought your grandchildren." Harry looked away in embarrassment, realising he had forgotten to tell Olympia. David raised his eyebrows, Their not our grand kids. Their our children. Our late surprises, the girls called Jessica and the boys called Charlie." David corrected and Olympia looked taken aback, "Really? I didn't know people at your age could have children. Did you have them by IVF?" she asked and David said sharper than he intended, "No, they were conceived naturally." Harry then intervened again, "Anyone for some wine?" and Carol took up the offer as did Olympia but David felt as if Olympia was criticising him judging by her questions. Harry then went back into the living room and Olympia followed, Carol was about to follow but Charlie began to cry for feeding so she lifted him out and gave him a bottle, sitting on a kitchen chair. David then heard talking,
"You never said that they had two children. I mean I know they have a daughter and grandchildren but I didnt know that they also had twin babies." Olympia remarked and Harry said quickly, "I know, i should have told you. It slipped my mind, thats all." Olympia sipped her wine, "Personally I think its irresponsible having a baby at their age but its their life and the babies are adorable to look at I suppose." Harry nodded but didnt say another word. David felt anger and humiliation build up inside him. How dare that woman make comments about their life? She didnt have the right to judge them and their decision to have a baby at their time of life. He sat at the table with carol and watched her feed Charlie while he gently rocked the baby carrier which held a sleeping Jessica. "Carol, you dont regret having the babies,do you?" David asked, anxious to know. Carol shook her head, "No, I love them, why?" David sighed, "Just wanted to know, thats all." Then he kissed her lips and stroked Charlie's head. "I love you both, you and Jessica. You have made me realise that I can be a father." He whispered to Charlie who wriggled indicating that he was full up.
Later that night, when they were back home, Carol and David were lying in their bath, relaxing while the babies slept in their cribs. Carol was leaning against Davids chest while David kept kissing the top of her head. "I love you Carol and I will do so for the rest of my life." David whispered and Carol smiled, "I love you too and I will forever and always." Carol whispered back as she closed her eyes and fell asleep against his chest. David cuddled her to him and when he drained the water, he carried Carol to their bed and held her in his arms as he to fell asleep, Olympia's earlier words long forgotten.
