Life was some what back to normal in the Turner home. Shelagh had returned from her stay in the hospital.
Timothy could tell that both his parents were still rather anxious. His Dad's comment when Mum was at St. Cuthbert's still seemed to apply. They were 'just marking time.'
Now they could gain reassurances by listening to the baby's heartbeat. Timothy knew that was an activity that both his parents enjoyed.
Timothy had started playing the radio often, like so many teenagers, music became a bigger part of his life.
One evening, he turned on the radio and after some news a song started playing. The words were gibberish and not English. The beat reminded Shelagh of Africa. The song continued in English with lyrics about the jungle and lions sleeping.
"What is this?" Patrick asked.
"It's a new song Dad. Everyone loves it," Timothy answered.
"I don't like it. I prefer Cliff Richards or Jim Reeves, thank you," Patrick smiled at Shelagh knowing both held some special memories for them.
"Dad, they both snooze. You are so ancient.. too old to be having a baby."
"Timothy!" Shelagh said shocked.
"Mum, you said you are considered old for this baby...he is soooo much older than you."
"Tim." Patrick said sternly, clearly irritated by his son's words.
"Timothy dearest, medically I am on the older end for a first pregnancy, but many women my age have babies. Remember Mrs. Willens was much older than me when her baby was born."
"Still Dad is going to be really old when this baby is my age...Angela too."
"Timothy do you not think that your father is aware of that. He does not need you to remind him."
"I can't imagine what kind of music they will be listening to. It will not be Jim Reeves," Timothy snarked.
"I suppose not," Patrick responded.
"In 1984, you will be 75 and this baby will be 22," Tim declared.
"1984?" Patrick asked.
"Yes, like the book."
"If 1984 is anything like the book, we will have bigger things to worry about than our ages," Shelagh said.
"Mum, you read it!" Timothy said shocked.
"No, not exactly. You left it out and I looked at it...It is a very strange book."
"It is about the future," Tim said excited.
"Well, I hope that is not what the future is going to be like, because I will chose the past. Thank you very much."
"Timothy, it is getting late. Time for bed so this old man can get his rest," Patrick said.
Alone in bed, Shelagh asked, "Are you worried that you are too old for this baby?"
"Of course, I have thought about it. Just like I thought about being too old for you, but I did not let that stop me."
"I am not sure I even considered our ages at the time. It was irrelevant to the way I felt about you."
"And how was that?" Patrick asked as he nudged himself right up against her.
"If you don't know by now, you are as sorry as Timothy seems to think you are."
"Was it my handsome good looks?...or my wonderful bedside manner?...oh I know it was really just my Henleys!"
"Yes, that was it...the Henleys. I don't know how I can still love you after you have given them up."
"It is a good thing I did. My son thinks I am too old, I don't need that poison killing me any sooner."
"Patrick, don't worry our children will keep you young."
"Absolutely."
The next morning Shelagh asked Patrick to open a jar of Violet's jam.
Patrick looked at Timothy and said,"I don't know I might be too old."
"Dad, I didn't mean to make you angry last night."
"I know son. I was just teasing you. You know it just may be that the little ones will keep me young."
"Dad, I hope so. I really do."
Turning to Angela, Patrick said, "You don't care how old I am. You love me anyways."
She smiled and said, "Love you Daddy."
"Well this old man is off. Good-bye," he kissed Shelagh's cheek.
"He is not going to let me forget this. Is he?" Timothy said to Shelagh.
"Not right away, no. But Tim don't worry he is not over the hill you know. He has many good years left in him."
"I know. Don't you worry Mum, I'll be around to help out."
"Thanks Tim, but let's not talk about this anymore."
"Okay, but he better get used to my music."
Shelagh just laughed.