Chapter 7
The next few days went by and Carol and David were so happy together and they seemed like randy teenagers who couldn't keep their hands off each other. David was so happy as he held Carol in his arms kissing her neck while everyone was having breakfast.
"EEwww get a room" Said Sonia
"Alright Sonia" Said David with a giggle whilst he buttered and handed her a slice of toast
At that moment the phone rang and David answered it and took it in the lounge. Carol followed him and listened outside the living room door worried. As David hung up and went to go back to the kitchen he saw Carol standing there with determined look on her face
"That was the hospital. Apparently Joe's ready to come home" Said David
"Well that's good isn't it" Said Carol
"Well yeah but what he's not ready? I can't watch him suffer again Carol" Said David
"Oh David come here. He'll be alright. We are all here for him" Said Carol as she hugged David
"Maybe we should tell the kids now; prepare them" Said David
"Yeah and then go and get Joe with Lorraine" Said Carol
"Yeah" Said David as he kissed Carol
David and Carol went back into the kitchen and explained to the kids about Joe and that he would need their total support when he came home which may be today. The kids totally agreed to be understanding and were actually looking forward to having Joe be a part of the family. David called Pat and explained to her about Joe and asked her to look after the car lot while Carol phoned in sick. Carol and David then both went over to see Lorraine who was already aware of Joe's progress and they all went off to the hospital together. They saw Joe and he looked much better and seemed to have gained control and recognised that there was something wrong with him.
"Alright Son" Said David
"Yeah much better dad. Thanks for getting me some help" Said Joe
"No problem" Said David as he hugged Joe
"It's good to see you looking so well Joe" Said Carol and Lorraine agreed
"Joe I've missed you" Said Lorraine as they embraced
"I'm sorry mum" Said Joe
"Don't worry Joe it's all forgotten" Said Lorraine as her and Joe smiled at each other
"Listen Joe before we go there is something we need to talk to you about" Said David holding Carol's hand
"Are you two back together" Said Joe pointing at David and Carol
"Yeah, are you ok about that?" Said David
"Yeah. Surprised but I'm pleased for you" Said Joe as he hugged Carol next to a jealous Lorraine
"That's not all Joe; I'm pregnant" Said Carol
"What?" Said Joe confused
"It's your dad's we were together a few months back Joe" Said Carol embarassed
"Oh, well congratulations" Said Joe who was pleased
"Thanks darling" Said Carol maternally
"Joe we've been talking and we think It should be your decision whether you want to come and stay with me at the vic or with your Dad and Carol at Carol's. We'll completely support your decision whatever you decide" Said Lorraine hoping Joe would want to stay with her.
"Can I not just live between the two of you" Said Joe not knowing who to choose
"Of course Joe; whatever is best for you" Said Lorraine
As they all left the hospital David drove everyone home and pulled up outside Carol's. Joe got out and couldn't help but feel he wanted to live in the warm family home. Lorraine noticed this and being brave for Joe's welfare she said
"Why don't you stay with your Dad and Carol for a while Joe"
"Are you sure you don't mid mum?" Said Joe
"Of course not sweetheart; I'll always be there for you" Said Lorraine
Joe went inside and was instantly welcomed into the family by Bianca, Sonia, Robbie and Billie who were all so pleased to see Joe. Lorraine said goodbye and left warning David to look after him knowing she'd done the right thing by Joe. The family bonded even more that night over dinner and began talking about the new baby whilst they were looking at Carol's scan picture.
"What are you going to call her?" Said Joe
"I don't know; I named Bianca so I guess I'll have to let your dad name this one" Said David
"I've got the power" Said David chuckling as the kids laughed as well
"Second thoughts your dad will just go with what I tell him" Said Carol as the kids then laughed harder at David
"Yeah alright" Said David
"Can you make her middle name Karen?" Asked Joe boldly
"Of course darling; it would be an honour" Said Carol as she kissed Joes cheek maternally
"Thanks" Said Joe
David loved how amazing Carol was with Joe and it just became clear that Joe was going to get better and better as the family bonded. Over the next few months Carol and David managed build a really strong loving family and everyone was looking forward to the baby. David and Carol were still very intimate and were occasionally caught out by the kids in bed which was embarrassing. Billie struggled the most as he resented David believing he had taken Alan's place, but David was really good and let Billie know that he was not replacing Alan and that he just wanted them to be mates. Alan hated how close David was growing to the kids and how eventually even Billie was beginning to warm to David. Alan was very jealous of David and Carol's closeness as well particularly since Frankie had long gone and it was clear to him that she had taken him for a complete mug. He was angry that he had thrown everything away that he had with Carol. David sympathised slightly as he knew what it felt like to lose Carol and then see her happy with somebody else. Even Pat was warming to David's relationship with Carol as she could see that Carol and the family brought out the better man in him. One morning Carol was getting dressed for work now 7 months pregnant and David walked in
"Oh Carol why are you still working; you should be taken things easy" Said David
"Don't fuss David" Said Carol
"It's only because I love you; both of you" Said David as he wrapped his arms round Carol's bump and kissed her neck"
"Alright then I'll let you off then" Said Carol as she turned to face to David and passionately kissed him
"Oh" Said Carol as she pulled away from their kiss
"What's wrong?" Said David worried
"It's nothing just a kick; here feel" Said Carol as she placed David's hand gently against her bump and he felt the baby kick
"Every time I feel her kick it gives me goose bumps. She's going to be a right handful" Said David
"She'll take after you then" Said Carol chuckling
"Oi" Said David as pinched Carol's bum which made her squeal.
"I've got to get to work; I'll see you later and take it easy or there will be trouble later" Said David with a wink
"See you later" Said Carol as she chuckled
Later that afternoon Carol was in the laundrette experiencing a lot of pain. She eventually realised that something wasn't right and cried for help as she keeled over.
"HELP! Somebody help" Shouted Carol
"Carol" Said Pat as she walked and saw Carol on the floor in pain
"Carol what's wrong" Said Pat worried
"I don't know but something's not right and I'm bleeding" Said Carol squealing in pain
"I'll call an ambulance" Said Pat as she picked up the phone
"Hello I need an ambulance immediately at the laundrette in Albert Square, Walford. I've got a woman who is 7 months pregnant in pain and bleeding." Said Pat keeping as calm as possible for Carol's sake
After a pause Pat said "Right ok I will do, bye"
"What did they say?" Said Carol
"They said to keep you comfortable and that they'd be here ASAP" Said Pat
"What If something is wrong? I can't lose her Pat" Said Carol as she blubbered in Pat's arms
"Come on Carol you are the strongest woman I know and I bet a pound to a penny that your baby will be fighter too. After all look at Bianca" Said Pat as she held Carol
"What if she's like David?" Said Carol
"Eh, he's strong as well; he'd have to be to have survived the childhood I put him through" Said Pat
"You weren't that bad Pat and he was most definitely no saint" Said Carol as Bianca rushed in
"MUM" Shouted Bianca in hysterics
"Are you ok? What's happened?" Said Bianca with tears coming to her eyes
"She's fine just go and get David" Said Pat as Bianca rushed out to get David
"Dad you've got to come now" Said Bianca as she barged into the car lot
"What's wrong darling?" said David
"Mum has collapsed in the laundrette; she's in a lot of pain dad, there is an ambulance coming" Said Bianca
"What?" Said David worriedly as he rushed over to the laundrette to be with Carol where a crowd began to gather outside with concern for Carol and the baby
"Pat I'm scared" Said Carol
"It's alright I'm here "Said Pat
"Carol! Are you ok?" Said David as he rushed in
"David, I don't know what's happening; I'm scared" Said Carol as she cried in to David's chest
"Oh Carol it's alright. I love you sweetheart. Everything will be ok; I promise" Said David with such sincerity and love as he kissed her head
Pat watched on as David comforted Carol and she realised that David was Carol's rock. They knew each other so well that Carol knew she couldn't hide her vulnerability. Pat suddenly regretted not helping them more when they were teenagers and blamed herself for David missing out on a life with Carol and Bianca, which had turned him into a notorious scheming womaniser. At that point the paramedics rushed in and stretchered Carol into the ambulance. David jumped in the ambulance with her and she was rushed to hospital leaving Pat and Bianca in charge of the kids and the car lot. David held Carol's arms in the ambulance and as they looked into each other's eyes they realised that whatever happened they would always love each other. At that moment David gently placed his hands on Carol's stomach and caressed it and said
"Don't worry sweetie; Daddy's here"
Carol was then rushed straight to theatre for an examination and it was declared she had gone into labour and that the baby was breach. They had to perform an emergency caesarean whilst David anxiously waited in the relative's room. David just sat there shaking desperately scared he might lose Carol and the baby. All he wanted to do was run away as he had always done before but this time he just couldn't bring himself to as so many people were counting on him and he really did love Carol. Suddenly Pat arrived and David fell into her arms crying
"It's alright David" Said Pat maternally
"Mum I can't lose her" Said David tearfully
"She's tough as old boots David and so are you. Come on you've got to be strong for Carol whatever happens" Said Pat
"Yeah I know mum" Said David
"Mr Wicks" Said the doctor
"Yeah, is she going to be all right" Said David
"Mrs Jackson is fine; she's in recovery. You can see her in a minute" Said the doctor
"Thank god. And the baby" Said David partially relieved
"She's ok but she's very small so she's in the premature baby unit. She's going to need a bit of support as she properly develops. You and Mrs Jackson can see her when you are ready" Said the doctor
"Ok where's Carol?" Said David
"Follow me" Said the doctor as David followed
"Come on mum we need you" Said David as he turned to look at Pat who followed
David and Pat walked into Carol's room and she was lying there crying making it obvious to David that they had already told her about the baby being in a special premature baby care unit. She turned and saw David and Pat. David and Carol just comforted each other through looks until Carol finally broke down.
"Oh David" She cried as David rushed to comfort her
"It will be ok Carol. Everything will be ok" Said David holding Carol in his arms
"Hi Pat" Said Carol
"Hello Carol, I'm here for both of you. I'm going to help you this time around" Said Pat
"Thanks Pat" Said Carol
"Well lets go and see my grandchild then" Said Pat
"Ok" Said Carol
Carol. David and Pat all walked down the corridor to the premature baby unit to see the baby. The nurse welcomed them in. She introduced them to the baby. She was tiny and it hit David the hardest as he felt so helpless and so out of control which was one of the reason which always caused David to run away. However this time he had Carol, Pat, Bianca and the kids support which gave him the courage to stick around and be there for Carol.
"She's beautiful. Can I hold her" Said Carol
"Not just yet but you can hold her hand" Said the nurse
Carol put her hand through the hole and clutched the baby's hand and tickled her belly. It was clear the she knew Carol was her mum and she definitely showed a spirit despite being so tiny.
"Go on David" Said Carol urging David to touch his daughter
David slowly entered his hand into the incubator and just as he went to touch her hand she grabbed on to his finger with her tiny hand which brought a tear to his eye. Pat and Carol then supported him as Pat held his shoulders and Carol held his other hand tightly. Pat went off to get some coffees while Carol and David spent some time alone with their daughter.
"What shall we call her?" Said Carol
"I don't mind Carol; I just need her to be ok" Said David tearfully
"She will be. She's got her Dad's look and her mum's courage" Said Carol as she held on to David tight
"I like the name Charlotte" Said Carol
"Charlotte Karen Wicks. I like it" Said David as he kissed Carol
When Pat returned she saw David and Carol asleep in each other's arms and it took her back to when they were 14 and in love. Pat felt tearful for not being there for them once again and knew that she had to look after them both now. She then looked over and saw that David had filled out the birth certificate and that they had named her Charlotte Karen Wicks.
"Hello Charlotte, I'm your nana Pat and I'm going to make sure you are safe. I'm going to look after your mum and dad because trust me they need looking after more than anyone. You just stay strong because you mean the world to your mum and dad and you've got a beautiful strong messed up family who love you dearly" Said Pat
David and Carol had by this point awoke and couldn't help but feel warm by Pat's words and they were smiling at her as she turned around. At that moment all the kids came in and gathered round the incubator to see their little sister when the nurse said "Only three at a time are allowed in here"
"Come on mum, Bianca, Robbie let's give the little ones a look first with Carol" Said David as he escorted Bianca and Robbie out into the corridor
"Is she going to be ok dad?" Said Bianca
"I hope so darling. She's a fighter and the doctors say she is showing good signs" Said David but Bianca couldn't hide her hurt and began to cry and Robbie looked worried too.
"Come here you two, It'll be ok because we got each other and that's all that matters. I've also got a good feeling that she's got your mum's spirit and that she'll be ok" Said David as he held Bianca and Robbie in his arms and kissed their heads.
Carol caught a glimpse of this as Sonia and Billie were coming out and she was so pleased to see David showing such a fatherly side which gave her confidence in him for the future. David then showed the same paternal instinct with Sonia and Billie and Carol was beginning to realise what a mistake she made walking away from him all those years ago. Bianca and Robbie had a heart to heart with Carol next to the baby which seemed to comfort them further. Joe then went in with David and said
"She's tiny"
"Yeah she is" Said David
"What's her name?" Said Joe
"Charlotte Karen Wicks" Said Carol
"That's nice" Said Joe
"She's tough Joe. Don't worry eh" Said David as he hugged him
The kids then all gathered in the hallway with Pat and looked sad and worried that their little sister might not make it. Pat took control and said
"Look you lot I know you're worried but you've got to stay strong for Carol and David and your sister Charlotte. They need you now more than ever. You fancy a little cry then you come to me as I'm here for all of you"
Pat's words had hit home to the kids and at that moment they made a pact to be strong and understanding for Carol and David and keep hopeful that Charlotte would be alright. David and Carol looked so happy and the kids wanted it to stay that way; they all loved the family life they had built since Carol and David had reunited and were not going to let it fall apart without a fight.