[[Another update….I'm on a roll lol….please read and review]]
Roxy grabbed a hold of her sisters hands and sat her up on the sofa. Not knowing what else to do, she simply pulled Ronnie into a hug. Ronnie leant her head on Roxy's shoulder and just sobbed. She pulled out of the hug as her sobs subsided and she tried to take control. Roxy still had hold of her hands, staring into Ronnie's bright blue tear glazed eyes.
''Are you going to tell me?'' Roxy spoke softly, pulling Ronnie's chin up to force eye contact. Hoping to break through the hard exterior that Ronnie was gradually building up around herself.
Ronnie simply shook her head. She didn't want to bring it all up. She didn't want other people around her to notice that she wasn't in control. Ronnie Mitchell, the ice queen. Always in control, or at least that's what everybody else thought.
''Just tell me Ron. I want to help, but I cant if you wont tell me what's wrong.'' Roxy was a little louder this time. Frustration was creeping into her voice. She just wanted to shake Ronnie and force her to speak out. Roxy frustration soon turned to devastation. ''What? don't you trust me or something?'' If Ronnie couldn't trust her own sister, then there was something very wrong.
Ronnie's eyes looked up to meet her sisters. Drudging up the past would only cause more heartache, Telling her sister what was bothering her would prove the lie she had been telling for the past 8 months. She didn't want to be seen as a liar. Just as Roxy looked as if she was going to speak, both women jumped at the sounds of a the distant wailing of Amy. ''Let me sort Amy, and I will be back ok'' Roxy explained as she got up and waked out of the room.
Ronnie sat for about ten seconds with her head in her hands. She then got up off the sofa, shaking the apparent sleepiness from her whole body. She couldn't face Roxy right now. She just wanted to be alone. Creeping out of the living room door, she was careful not to make any noise. Taking her coat from the banister, she walked slowly down the stairs, occasionally looking back in the hope she could get out of the Vic before Roxy noticed.
Back upstairs, Roxy had settled Amy back down to sleep. She made her way back into the living room where her eyes saw only emptiness, there was no sign of Ronnie. There was complete silence until Roxy heard a door downstairs close. Running to the top of the stairs, Roxy thought she might just catch Ronnie leaving, but she had gone. Roxy panicked. She knew what state Ronnie was in, and it wasn't good. She shouldn't be alone . Roxy frantically pulled her phone out of her pocket. Scrolling down her to her sisters name she quickly pressed the green button. Roxy paced as the phone just rang and rang, rubbing her forehead. She tried Ronnie's phone 7 times, but still there was no answer. Not knowing what else to do, Roxy continued to call her sister, and waited in the kitchen for her to come home.
Ronnie was walking through the square. It was now nearly midnight, and it had turned bitter cold outside. Her teeth chattered as she tried so hard to stop the icy tears from forming in her eyes. She knew exactly where she was going. To the club. Roxy wouldn't think of looking there. It had been being run by a manager for the last couple of months as Ronnie felt she couldn't face it. It was a constant reminder of Jack, but for some reason, tonight she didn't mind that. Infact, it was almost a comfort to her. Walking into the heaving, busy club, Ronnie made her way to the office. She was greeted by the manager James.
''Look, why don't you have an early night. I can take it from here.'' She explained. She preferred to be alone. She could distract herself going over the books. There was only an hour left anyway until the club was due to shut, and they had plenty of bar staff on anyway.
''Well, if your sure. I mean, I don't mind waiting to close up'' he replied, rummaging around the desk to find his keys.
''No seriously, you go. You deserve an early night'' Ronnie said faking a small smile in doing so until she felt a small sharp pain in her stomach, which made her crumple her face.
''You alright?'' James asked. His face washed over with a look of concern. Perhaps he should stay, let Ronnie get off home. God knows she looked shattered, and after that look, she also looked completely uncomfortable.
''Yeah, just a Braxton hick. Been getting them all day'' she replied, her face returned to that smile as before. This was just a presumption, she didn't remember anything like this when she was pregnant at 14, but remembered Roxy getting them from time to time with Amy, so she wasn't worried at all.
James picked up his keys and jacket and walked out, exiting the club. Ronnie was alone at last. She sat down on the couch and leaned her head on the back of it, with a sigh of relief. She pulled out her phone that had several missed calls from Roxy and a voicemail that she presumed was also from her little sister.
'You have one new voice mail from 07837403129, to hear this message, press 2.' Ronnie promptly pressed number two on her key pad. 'Ronnie, what are you playing at? Where are you? You are 8 months pregnant, you cant just go gallivanting around the streets anymore, ring me and tell me where you are.' Ronnie simply put the phone down. She wasn't going to ring Roxy, she didn't want to be found, not yet anyway, she needed some thinking time.
Looking around the office brought nothing but memories back to Ronnie. There were good among bad in this place. Remembering the day she found out she was pregnant, which also happened to be the day she found Jack cheating on her. The happiest and worst day of her life.
Ronnie was sat on the edge of the bath in the bathroom of hers and Jack's flat. They had been trying for a year to conceive, and this was the moment of truth, was Ronnie finally pregnant. Waiting 2 minutes was like waiting for 2 hours. She was eager to find out, but also nervous. She couldn't bear having another failed month. She closed her eyes as she held the pregnancy test out in front of her. Plucking up the courage to open her eyes, she looked in disbelief. Ronnie Mitchell was finally pregnant, and all she wanted to do was go and tell Jack. This was the happy ending she had pray for, for the last 12 months. She made her way over and into the club, calling for Jack the moment she stepped foot inside. She rushed into the office where she caught sight of Jack, having sex with another women on his desk. She felt sick to her stomach. She ran out of the office, slamming the door behind her. Jack quickly putting his trousers and a top on before running after her. The pair started arguing in the street. Ronnie was screaming at Jack. Once a cheat, always a cheat.
Ronnie yet again began crying just thinking about it. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how much she slagged him off, she still loved this man. She hated herself for it though. He was the reason for nearly half the heartache she had even gone through. He had cheated on her with Roxy, Selina, Tanya. She couldn't work out why she still loved him though.
It had just turned one thirty am. Ronnie wiped her tears from her cheeks and took in a deep breath preparing herself to go out of the office into the club. The DJ was playing the last song of the night and Nathan, the barman, had served the last drink. Ronnie stood at the side of the bar, waiting for people to drink up and make their way out of the club. She swiftly felt another sharp pain sear through her stomach, but after a couple of seconds it went.
Shortly after, the club was empty. The staff were also making their way out of the club, when Ronnie followed them to lock up.
One of the female bar staff stopped and looked at Ronnie on her way out of the door. ''not long left now eh? '' she smiled.
''No, only 3 weeks left'' Ronnie replied before shutting the door and promptly locking it. She made her way back down the stairs. It felt weird being in an empty club. It was so quiet. Ronnie liked the peace, but also felt lonely. She went to the fridge and took out a bottle of water before grabbing the accounts from the desk and going back out into the club, sitting herself at a table. Ronnie began looking through the accounts and scribbling lots of number down on a piece of paper. Yet again, she had another pain, this time though, it felt a lot worse. Ronnie stood up to try and walk off the pain. She had been told that there are several different pains that will occur during pregnancy so didn't think anything of it. Walking around the room, she soon became short of breath and felt the need to sit down once again. As she lowered herself down onto the chair, her waters broke. Ronnie froze. She still had 3 weeks until her due date. She was naïve to think that she would definitely go full term. She let out a loud shriek as she what she now guessed were contractions. She had given birth before, but it was 21 years ago. Ronnie began to cry as she didn't know what to do. The only person she could think to call was Roxy. Grabbing her phone from the table, she scrolled down to her name and pressed the green button.
Roxy picked up the phone immediately. ''Ron? Why didn't you call me back sooner, I've been…''
Ronnie interrupted her sister. She spoke through gritted teeth. ''Rox, I need you here….Now!'' Roxy could hear the pain and fear in her voice.
''What's happened? Are you ok? Where are you?'' Roxy frantically babbled, as she grabbed her coat from the back of the chair.
''The club'' Ronnie cried, which was shortly followed by a piercing scream as Ronnie put down the phone.
Running into her Aunty Peggy's bedroom, Roxy begged for her to keep a listen out for Amy. Without giving Peggy a chance to answer, Roxy ran downstairs and outside, slamming the door shut. She ran as fast as she could over to the club. She got to the entrance and tried opening the door. Pushing it and shaking it vigorously to try and open it, but it wouldn't budge. It was locked. Roxy swiftly rummaged in her pockets for her phone, with no luck of finding it, she had thrown it across the table before making her quick exit from her home.
''Ron?….Ronnie? Its locked. The doors Locked'' Roxy shouted trying to get her sisters attention. There was no reply though. Roxy didn't have a clue what was going on, but knew that her sister needed her. On the opposite side of the room, there was a metal pole. Roxy deliberated to herself for a couple of seconds, before running over and picking it up.
Next to the club entrance was a small window. It was to the toilets. Roxy didn't think twice about smashing the window before sliding through it. Reaching the floor, Roxy adjusted herself quickly, before hearing Ronnie moaning in pain.
Roxy made her way out of the bathroom where she saw her sister with her back propped up against the bar crying. She ran over to her, noticing the big puddle on the floor. Roxy immediately knew Ronnie was in labour, and by the looks of it, it was well past the first stages.
''I'll get that fixed in the morning'' Roxy suggested coyly.
''What?'' Ronnie blurted sharply, grabbing a hold of Roxy's wrist.
Ronnie had calmed slightly. Her breathing was heavy and her forehead had small droplets of sweat.
''Babe, have you phoned an ambulance?'' Roxy asked in a calm voice. She needed Ronnie to stay calm. Roxy hadn't had the best experience giving birth to Amy, and didn't really know what to do.
Ronnie just shook her head. She looked so scared. Like a little girl.
''OW….Rox, It hurts.'' Ronnie cried as she had another contraction. Her face scrunched up and her fist clenched as tried to breathe through the pain. ''No, Don't leave me Rox. Please, don't leave me'' She shouted as Roxy went to run to the office to use the phone.
''I need to phone for an ambulance.'' Roxy answered. With that she noticed Ronnie's mobile on the floor. She quickly scoop it up and rang for an ambulance. ''Hello? Yeah we need an ambulance immediately….My sister is in labour. Yeah, R'n'R Walford E20. Ok, cheers'' Roxy put down the phone and got on her knees next to her sister. ''Its on it way Ron'' she reassured as she held Ronnies hand. ''Its gunna be fine, I promise, just keep breathing through the contractions ok'' With that Roxy kissed Ronnie on the forehead.
Ronnie nodded as she was puffing and panting. She was so scared. She hadn't remembered any of this pain the first time around. ''I wanna push Rox'' she croaked as she tried to speak. Tears were flooding her eyes.
''But you gotta wait for the ambulance'' Roxy's suddenly panicked. The ambulance wasn't going to be here for a little while.
''I cant'' Ronnie groaned through another contraction. ''I cant wait any longer!'' She shouted, making Roxy jump.
''Cant you just hold on for 10 minutes, til the ambulance gets here. Cross your legs or something?'' Roxy stupidly joked, thinking it could calm her sister, when infact it just furiated her even more.
Ronnie gave Roxy a clearly evil look. She was obviously distressed. The contractions were now less than 2 minutes apart, and getting more intense with each one. Ronnie pulled her knees up and began to push with each contraction.
Roxy was by her side, rubbing her back. ''where the bloody hell is that ambulance'' she muttered under her breath.
Ronnie was getting very tired. Her breath even heavier than before. She tried the breathing techniques she had been shown at the few birth classes she had turned up to, but nothing was making the pain subside. ''I need him here Rox, I want him here.'' trying to speak through her sobs.
''Who Ron?'' confusion over took Roxy. Who was Ronnie on about? Him? The dad perhaps? Did Ronnie really know who the dad was?
''Jack'' Ronnie blurted it out. There was no going back now. She had said his name. Roxy was going to find out eventually that Jack was the father, and this seemed like as good a time as any.
''Why Jack?'' Even more confusion washed over Roxy. No-one had seen or heard from this man for 7 months. Why did she want him here?
''He's the dad'' Ronnie shouted looking into Roxys eyes. She could see the disappointment smother her little sisters face, but she couldn't worry about that now. She was about to give birth. ''Its coming Rox'' she wailed as she began pushing once again. Beads of sweat dripping off her head onto the cold floor.
Roxy looked to see her sisters baby's head crown. It made her feel slightly ill. Roxy was never one for the sight of blood, but she kept her cool. She had to. ''Big push Ron'' She looked up to her sister smiling. ''I can see the head'' Roxy quickly took off her cardigan and lay it across her legs. She put her hand under the babys head as Ronnie was pushing. ''Go on babe. One last big push'' she continued.
Ronnie began to feel extremely weak. She placed her hands on the floor behind her and rested against the bar. ''I cant Rox, I cant do it'' she was too tired for any more emotion. She had stopped crying and was trying to catch her breath.
''You literally have to do just one more push and the baby will be out. I promise'' Roxy stared deep into her sisters eyes. Letting her know that she meant what she said. Just one more push and the baby would be out.
Ronnie once again pulled her knees up and put her head to her chest. She took a deep breath in began to push. Within seconds, the baby was out, and screaming. Roxy wrapped the baby in her cardigan. Ronnie was exhausted. Her body flopped back into the bar.
''It's a girl Ron'' Roxy spoke softly, rocking the baby slightly as she passed her over to Ronnie. ''She's beautiful'' she added as she kissed her nieces forehead and then her sisters.
Ronnie didn't take her eyes off this amazing little girl she was holding. Her baby girl that nobody could take away from her. With that, they heard sirens outside. Roxy jumped up and grabbed the keys from the table to go and unlock the door. Ronnie didn't even realise that Roxy had moved. She was too busy staring at her daughter. Tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks. The paramedics ran down the stairs to see Ronnie cuddling her new born. Whilst the paramedics cut the cord and delivered the placenta, Roxy stood above Ronnie stroking her hair and cooing over the baby. ''She is perfect Ron, you thought of a name?''
Ronnie looked from her daughter to her sister ''Eleanor Roxanne Mitchell''
[[now this bit is over, I can start planning the more dramatic bits. I know this chapter was very long, and probably very boring, and I totally apologise, but its written now and its taken me nearly all day lol….please review]]