Firstly let me start by pointing out the rather obvious typo in the previous chapter

Firstly let me start by pointing out the rather obvious typo in the previous chapter. Its meant to say that Kerry's dad and Smithy's mum should meet, not vice versa!

Enjoy!

Growing Up

Chapter Six

Kerry wrapped the black silk sash across the top of her bump and adjusted her dress so it allowed as much movement as was humanly possible at this stage.

Seeing his reflection in the mirror she smiled to herself once again.

"Kerry we've got to leave in five minutes" Smithy pressurized as he looked at his watch for the fifth time that minute.

"I'm ready!" Kerry announced as she waddled into his lounge and picked up her bag.

As Kerry began to get her caught on she gave a small grant and winced.

"Are you alright?" Smithy asked, concern in his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine honestly. I've had it day and all night, its only because the head is engaged Smithy stop worrying" Kerry smiled again, determined not to let the pain ruin such an important night.

"If you don't feel up to it I'm sure our parents will understand, you are due in a couple of weeks!"

Kerry shot Smithy back a stern gaze and he knew not to press the matter any further.

Just as Smithy began to pick up his keys he noticed the look on Kerry's face.

"Kerry?"

Before answering him she reached under her dress and felt around.

"I think my waters have just broken" Kerry replied with sheer panic across her face.

Flailing around, Smithy grabbed her bag and coat from her as she made her way to the bathroom. His hands were slightly shaking as he dialled his mums number.

"Mum, really sorry but we're gonna' have to cancel dinner I think Kerry's just gone into labour"

30 Minutes Later

Kerry lay across the leather sofa in little more than a baggy T-shirt; Smithy meanwhile began to dial St Hughes for the fourth time. Just as he was about to give up once again a voice appeared on the other end.

"St Hughes Maternity Department" said the soft Irish accent.

"My, erm…partner is in labour" Smithy stuttered

"What's her name?"

"Kerry Young"

"Ok, well I'm afraid we don't have any delivery suites available at the moment and as far as I'm aware neither do St James. If you give us your contact details we'll phone as soon as possible" Even though she spoke politely Smithy couldn't believe what he had just been told.

"What so I'm meant to leave her like this am I while we wait for a bed. I knew the NHS was overstretched but this is bloody ridiculous" Although it wasn't necessarily the midwifes fault Smithy couldn't help but seem frustrated.

"As I said I'll call you when a bed becomes available Sir" and with that he put the phone down.

As Smithy walked back into the lounge he noticed that Kerry had now buried her face deeply into one of the oversized cushions, feeling Smithy's hand on her arm she pulled it away and looked helplessly at him.

"I've spoke to St Hughes and we just have to wait for a bed" He replied, stroking her hair out of her face.

"I can't wait anymore Smithy I need an epidural" She cried, pulling the cushion over her face again.

Leaving Kerry alone once more he returned to the kitchen and picked up the phone once more, this time dialling his mum.

"Mum, I need your help I've no idea what I'm meant to do. St Hughes haven't got any spaces for her and the contractions just keep coming"

"How long has she been in labour for?" Pauline asked her son

"Erm, her waters broke about half an hour ago but she said she's been having pains since last night"

"Christ Smithy!"

"Thanks mum, that makes me feel a lot more reassured"

"Do you want me to come round?"

"No its fine, I can handle it just tell me what to do" Smithy said in a persistent tone.

"If it seems like the baby is about to come before you get to hospital, call an ambulance!"

"Cheers" Smithy said, slightly disheartened. Surely women know more about childbirth than that.

Smithy was brought out of his frustrations by the sound of Kerry calling his name.

"Smithy, please help me" She winced as she buried her head into his side

Soothing her he kissed her forehead.

"It feels like the babies' coming Dale" Kerry groaned just before letting out a muffled scream.

"Shit" Smithy whispered under his breath, "Where's the phone..."

"Huh" Kerry said, looking up from the floor where she was now situated.

"Nothing, can't you just you know close your legs or something until I get some help" Smithy said in desperation.

"Maybe I should have done that in the first place, then I wouldn't be in this fucking pain" Kerry snapped back.

"Ok, look I'm calling an ambulance now" Smithy replied pointing at his phone.

"Its too late Smithy just put the phone down"

Obediently, Smithy placed the phone on the coffee table and sat down beside Kerry.

"Smithy I need to push now, you might want to get some old towels"

As quickly as he could Smithy rushed to the airing cupboard and scooped up the first bail of towels he could find, regardless of how new they were.

By the time he walked back into the living room Kerry chin was nestled down into her chest as she pushed for the umpteenth time, relaxing for a brief second she took in a deep breath and repeated. Smithy slid some towels underneath her and threw one over the radiator for when the baby arrived. As she began to push once more Smithy took hold of her hand and smoothed back her hair. Instead of silently pushing as she had before Kerry let out a yelp, Smithy knew that from this moment his life was about to change forever. A whole-hearted cry filled the room as Kerry picked up the bundle that lay between her legs; exhausted she fell back onto Smithy's torso and rested her head against her chest before bringing the bundle up to hers. Being careful not to disturb the now calm baby Smithy leant gently over to the radiator and pulled off the warm towel. As carefully as possible he placed the blanket over the little ones body and kissed its mother on the head.

"What is it?" Smithy whispered into Kerry's ear.

Laughing at how wrapped up she had been in the sheer excitement, Kerry replied " I have no idea"

As gently as she could Kerry peered and her baby and smiled,

"It's a girl Smithy!"

"My girls" Smithy quipped as he stroked the tiny head that lay peacefully on her mother chest.


A nice long, fluffy chapter for you all as I haven't updated much lately

Xx Enjoy!