It was late, far past any time when someone should still be awake and still hours before anyone would rise.
Michaela was in a deep sleep, worn out from the activities of the day which had included her riding out to see a new patient, that turned out to be a pig, taking care of a couple of boys who had gotten into a schoolyard fight and had ended up with one having a broken arm and the other a dislocated shoulder; sadly the only reason they had been brought to her was because Jake was passed out drunk.
She had finally grown accustomed to the sounds of her new home and actually found she slept better in Colorado than back in Boston.
A loud pounding jerked Michaela upright in bed.
The pounding came again, shouting actually accompanying it.
Michaela yanked her covers off, nearly leapt out of bed and quickly pulled her robe on over her sleep clothes as she exited her room. In the hallway she was met by Charlotte who was also pulling on her robe, and the children and guests poking their heads out of their rooms. Charlotte told them that they could go back to bed, which the guests did quite willingly; Brian, who was actually more asleep than awake also, for once, went back to bed unquestioningly. Colleen and Matthew however followed the two women a few steps behind.
Charlotte yanked the front door open as the person on the other side pounded for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Sully was standing there, looking terrified; his wagon behind him. In the back of the wagon sat Abigail who was obviously in pain.
"I – I –"
Sully didn't get to finish his sentence as Michaela and Charlotte rushed toward the pregnant woman. Michaela quickly looked her over and glanced at Charlotte who nodded, both recognizing, easily, what was happening.
Charlotte turned to Sully. "Pick her up carefully and follow me." She glanced over at Michaela. "Get what you need and –" she looked over her shoulder, "Colleen!" The 11 year old girl quickly came forward. The midwife turned back to the doctor. "She will show you where to go."
Michaela nodded and quickly headed up the stairs to her room, Colleen following her.
None of them had really realized how much noise they were making; people from the other buildings in town had begun to come out and gather around the boardinghouse.
Michaela grabbed all of her medical tools, handing several to Colleen to carry; then let the girl lead her to what was to be the birthing room.
Inside the room Charlotte was already getting things set up; Sully was hovering near the bed. Michaela bit her lip, not liking what she was going to have to do, but knowing that it was for the best. "Sully, could you go and wait outside with Matthew?" She glanced at the boy, who nodded.
Sully didn't move at first, but Michaela looked up at him once more. "Please?"
The anxious husband/father-to-be let Matthew lead him out.
Michaela, Charlotte and Colleen, who had begged the women into letting her assist, began doing what was necessary to prepare for the birth.
8
Sully sat next to Matthew on the bench on the porch. By now most of the people who lived in town were standing around them; including the Reverend, who was leading prayer; Olive; Maude; and Loren.
They were waiting for several hours; Hank even opened the saloon for those who wanted a drink.
Four hours later the door opened and Colleen stepped out; Sully was instantly on his feet.
"How are they?"
Colleen swallowed, slightly nervously. "Well, ya have a daughter, Mr. Sully."
There were cheers and Sully found hands raining down on his back, but Sully was still looking at Colleen, who looked apprehensive.
"What's wrong?"
Colleen bit her lip. "There were – uh – Dr. Mike called them 'complications' with the birth, an' the baby's alright, but still bein' seen to by my ma."
Sully, felt his stomach falling. "What 'bout Abigail?"
Colleen fidgeted a little. "Because of the complications Ms. Abigail is bleedin'…a lot."
All the blood drained from Sully's face; the crowd had gotten quiet.
Colleen quickly continued. "Dr. Mike's doin' all she can…an' she's real hopeful." She tried to smile encouragingly, but everyone looked grim; she sighed and went back inside, closing the door behind her.
8
Sully had fallen to his knees and was begging God for the life of his wife.
By now people were starting their days and most had to start going about their business. Among those still there were Matthew, who remained to keep watch over Sully; Reverend Johnson, the Brays and Olive.
It was an hour later when an exhausted Michaela came to the door; she went to Sully's side and placed a hand on his shoulder. Sully's head shot up, and he was on his feet looking at her questioningly and pleadingly. The doctor gave him a tired, but genuine, smile and nodded. Sully released a breath no one had even known he had been holding.
Michaela turned to those still left and those who had once again gathered at her appearance. "Abigail pulled through and she and the baby are doing well."
There were cheers and cries of joy/relief.
Sully enveloped Michaela in a tight hug. "Thank you so much."
She smiled as she returned the embrace. "Nothing to thank me for, she is my friend."
They pulled back grinning at each other.
"Can I see them?"
Michaela laughed lightly at the look of boyish joy on his face. "Yes, follow me."
Matthew shook Sully's hand as he headed inside, congratulating him.
Michaela pushed open the door to the room, letting Sully go in before her.
Sully's breath caught at the sight of his utterly exhausted wife looking up and giving him a tired smile as she held their child. Sully rushed to her side and sat on the bed beside her.
Abigail reached out a hand to her husband. "It's our daughter, Sully. Our baby."
Charlotte and Colleen came to stand beside Michaela; the two women looked at each other grinned before each putting an arm around each other and leaning their heads together, joyful smiles on their faces. Colleen watched the small family with a look of awe on her face; the two women noticed this and quietly chuckled before her mother pulled her into the embrace as well.
Charlotte grinned at her daughter. "Well, what do you think of your first birthin', Colleen?"
Colleen looked to her mother, the awe still on her face. "It was…amazin'."
Michaela laughed. "Yes, my first was as well; you did a great job at assisting, Colleen."
Charlotte nodded. "Indeed you did."
Colleen glowed from the praise. "Does this mean I can help with the birthin' from now on?"
The two older women laughed.
"So long as you ain't in school when the baby's born."
8
Yes, I know, it is nearly enough to throw someone into a state of complete shock. Two updates in as many days. And a third to soon follow. I hope you liked the part. This one flowed the easiest so far. I am not going to say much, but I can tell you that we are going to soon get to the surprise curveball (at least I hope it is a surprise and that it isn't completely predictable.) Because I am at a point where the story is flowing so easily I will most likely update more frequently (at least I hope I will looks heavenward and prays that it is possible.) Please let me know what you thought!