[[At last, an update! Sorry its been so long. Thanks for the reviews guys!]]
Roxy sat in the chair next the bed and watched as Ronnie slept. She glanced from her niece to her sister continuously for 3 solid hours. She felt the need to protect them both. Why exactly she didn't know. She knew Ronnie would be a fantastic mum, but she had been through so much. Now Roxy couldn't stop thinking about Jack. ''two little girls, by two sisters'' just kept repeating in her head. He had no idea though. No-one did. It was nearly 7am as Roxy sprung from the chair. Taking one last look at the only immediate family she had left, she left the room. She had to get back for Amy. No doubt Aunty Peggy was coping, but Amy loved her morning cuddles with her mummy. She rushed to the reception to borrow the phone to call for a taxi.
Sitting in the hospital bed, Ronnie sat cradling her baby in her arms. She just stared all gooey eyed at the 6lb 9oz, fair haired little miracle. She didn't want Ellie out of her sight. Not now. Not ever.
It was now 10am, and the visitors were flocking in.
''Alright sweetheart. Lets see her then.'' Peggy smiled as she walked over to Ronnie, holding out her arms for a cuddle with baby Ellie. Ronnie was happy to hand her over. In exchange, Peggy handed her a card and a little bag. Sitting on the chair next to the bed, Peggy became overwhelmed. 'Another little Mitchell princess' she thought to herself as she gently swayed with Ellie cradled gently. ''Oh Ronnie, she is lovely''
Ronnie smiled, then began to open the bag. Inside was a pink baby grow. On the front was a flower and underneath it read 'Mummy's girl'. Ronnie's smiled widened. For the first time in her life, she was truly happy, and wasn't having to fake a smile to please everybody else. These smiles were as real as they came. ''Thanks Aunty Peg, Its perfect.'' Just as Ronnie spoke, Phil and Ben walked through, bearing yet more gifts.
''Can I hold her? I promise I wont drop her'' Ben asked looking in Ronnie's direction as she was admiring the flowers from Phil and the little shoes from Ben.
''Yeah of course you can.'' Ronnie replied. She knew Ben was great with babies. There had been many a time that Roxy had just left him with Amy whilst she was busy. Ben sat on the chair and waited for his Gran to pass Ellie over. Ronnie watched in awe as all 3 family members were cooing over her daughter.
''Look, we got to get going. Bens meant to be at school'' Phil spoke, snapping Ronnie out of her trance. ''You coming mum?'' He added.
''I'm gunna stay here for a little while'' Peggy spoke as she winked at her son. Ronnie's face lit up as Peggy finished her sentence. She didn't want to be in the hospital on her own. Even with her little princess in her arms, and nurses in and out to check on them both, Ronnie had felt quite lonely.
Ben stood up gently and proceeded to walk the three steps to the bed very slowly before handing Ellie back to Ronnie. Ben and Phil said their farewells and left the hospital.
''Aunty Peg….'' Ronnie muttered shyly. The expression of disappointment washed over her face and she tried to speak.
''Yes love?'' Peggy answered. She was still cooing over baby Ellie whilst stood at Ronnie's bed side.
''Is Roxy coming in?'' Ronnie replied in an uneasy tone. She was scared that Roxy didn't want to talk to her because of the revelation about who Ellie's dad was. Ronnie thought that this was the reason Roxy was staying away. If she hadn't let it slip, then everything would have been normal.
Peggy wanted to reassure Ronnie without telling her the surprise. ''Oh, I think she is busy love. Something to do with Amy'' This was the only excuse Peggy could think of. She was never one for coming up with a fib on the spot, but she knew she had to otherwise Roxy wouldn't be happy about it. She saw the disappointment on Ronnie's face so tried to change the subject. ''So when can you come home?''
''This afternoon hopefully. Just got to be checked over one last time by the doctor'' She replied looking down at the little girl in her arms. ''I haven't even got anything yet though'' Ronnie felt so guilty that she was so unprepared. It was very unlike her. In everything else she did, she was always prepared. Everything was always down to a tee. ''Not even a car seat'' she added.
Having to think on the spot yet again, Peggy looked around the room for a split second in the hope that she could muster up an idea of what to say. ''Well, Roxy still has Amy's first car seat so I'm sure you can borrow that until you get your own.'' She spoke nervously but hoped Ronnie wasn't paying enough attention to notice. ''I have to be getting off Darlin', but if you phone when you have been seen, I will send Phil to come and pick you up.''
Ronnie nodded in reply as Peggy picked up her bag, kissed Ellie's forehead and then exited the room. Ronnie was alone yet again, which gave her time to think, even when she tried not to. Feeding Ellie, Ronnie randomly phased off into her own little world. Thoughts were coming and going. They mainly consisted of Jack. It was supposed to be him coming to pick her and Ellie up to take them home….to the home they would share if things were different. Instead, it was going to be her cousin picking her up, and taking her back to the Vic. The home she shared with her sister, niece and aunty. She saw dads come and visit their partners and new born children all day. All wearing the biggest smiles, and carrying teddies and balloons. She was envied every single women there that had what she didn't. A father for their baby. Suddenly she snapped out of her phase as Ellie began to cry. ''awww don't cry baby'' she whispered looking down at Ellie, rocking her gently. Ronnie changed the position in which she held her daughter. She put her up to her chest and began rubbing her back to burp her. ''You have a big sister you know. She's called Danielle.'' Ronnie's eyes began to fill with tears. ''She is in heaven now. But she will always keep you safe'' she continued through croaky whispers. The sound of her voice though, seemed to calm her daughter.
Shortly afterwards, Ronnie was seen by the doctor who gave her permission to go home. She rang her aunty Peggy, who informed her that Phil would be there shortly.
Back at the Vic, Roxy was making herself busy. She knew that Ronnie was very badly prepared for this baby. She only had a couple of plain white baby grows, and a couple of blankets. She didn't want to jinx anything so was going to by it all last minute. Roxy had not long got back from shops. She still had a lot of money that was left to her by their father, and thought that Ronnie at least deserved this. She had gone and brought a cot, a top of the range purple buggy with a matching car seat, lots of pink clothes, a moses basket, and lots of bottles and a sterilizer. Roxy had bribed Christian into helping her assemble the cot, and the buggy, but Roxy had already spent more time showing off at the fact that she delivered her little niece into the world, not skipping any details. Christian was a little disgusted at how much detail Roxy was using, but never the less, he was proud. They put the cot up next to Ronnie's bed and put everything else in the living room before Roxy jumped up at the sound of the phone ringing. It was her Aunty Peggy.
''She's ready to come home Roxy'' was all that could be heard before Roxy let out a scream of excitement. She went into the lounge to see Christian with Amy sat on his lap, reading her a story. ''God fathers babysitting duty has just started. Be back soon'' Roxy blurted as she grabbed the car seat, and ran to the car. She couldn't wait to see her sisters face when she saw what Roxy had done for her. Getting closer to the hospital, Roxy tried to compose herself. She wanted to keep it all as a surprise. She parked the car in the first available space and ran to the ward on which Ronnie was on. Taking a deep breath, Roxy popped her head around the door. She saw Ronnie was up and dressed and was putting all the presents into a bag ready to take home.
''Well hello there mummy'' Roxy said excitedly. Ronnie almost literally jumped. She wasn't expecting Roxy. Infact, she had thought she had upset her. Roxy ran over and embraced her sister in a one armed massive hug, whilst trying to hide the car seat behind her back in the other. Pulling away from the hug, Roxy promptly pulled round the car seat.
''You like?'' Roxy grinned knowing full well her sister would like it.
''Oh Rox, you shouldn't have. Could have just used Amy's old one. I love it'' Ronnie replied. Any threat of worry soon left Ronnie's thoughts. She had an amazing sister, who she couldn't live without. Ronnie could not stop smiling. ''Well, go on then'' Ronnie laughed. She could see Roxy was itching to pick Ellie up off of the bed. Roxy picked up the newest member of the family, and placed her in the car seat, strapping her in securely. Neither women said a word, they didn't need to. They just smiled at each other.
''Lets get out of here then eh?'' Roxy said as she grabbed Ronnie's belongings. Ronnie picked up the car seat which held her daughter comfortably. ''And don't worry, I will drive sensibly'' Roxy giggled.
Roxy pulled the car up outside the Vic. She jumped out of the car, and rushed round to help Ronnie get the car seat out.
''We're home baby girl'' Ronnie said holding the car seat and staring up at the windows of the pub. Walking through the doors they were greeted with a loud cheer. Ronnie couldn't help but smile. Looking around, she saw pink balloons and a banner saying 'it's a girl' all courtesy of her Aunty Peggy no doubt.
People were crowding round to take a peek at the perfect little princess, and to give their congratulations.
''Come with me'' Roxy whispered into her sisters ears. Ronnie didn't know why Roxy wanted her to follow. What was so important? Never the less, Ronnie followed. Walking up stairs still carrying her daughter in the car seat, Ronnie looked puzzled. Roxy took her by the hand and pulled her in to the lounge.
''Congrats babe, mother Theresa here, has filled me in with every little detail'' Christian laughed. Ronnie cringed slightly. How many people had Roxy told already? Ronnie's eyes widened at the sight of all the brand new baby items. ''My present to my gorgeous little niece'' Roxy boasted.
''Oh my god Roxy. I cant accept all this. Its too much. Seriously'' Ronnie replied. There was everything she needed right in front of her for her little girl. It was still like complete role reversal. Roxy was looking out for Ronnie.
''Don't be bloody silly. If you don't, I will be offended.'' Roxy giggled sticking out her tongue. ''There is one last thing though'' Again Roxy grabbed a hold of Ronnie's hand and directed her to her bedroom. Inside stood a brand new cot, dressed in Winnie the Pooh sheets and bumper, with a mobile hanging over it.
Ronnie wasn't sure whether it was her hormones or the amazing gesture, or even a mix of them both that caused her to start crying. She couldn't control her tears as they sprung from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. She opened her mouth as she tried to speak, but no words would escape. She just embroiled her little sister in the biggest hug she could.
[[God, what a rubbish chapter this is….sorry ive not updated for so long. Writers block set in lol]]