Shortly after Emma's birth, Bobbie suspects Robin's suffering from postnatal depression (2009).
As a nurse with almost half a century of dedication and experience, there were times when the lines between Bobbie's personal and professional life blurred. The ability to care for the ones she loved was a precious core value she held in her heart, irrespective of the emotional toll it often demanded. Whether it be addiction or cancer, death and divorce, Bobbie had supported her nearest and dearest in their private battles, and postnatal depression was her newest opponent.
"Oh, Robin," Bobbie cooed affectionately over the tiny bundle in her arms. "She is so precious."
The new mother forced a weak smile of appreciation, nauseated and exhausted. Guests in her home were ordinarily welcomed with open arms, yet all Robin desired was solitude. In this case however, she happily made an exception for Bobbie - a friend of so many years that they were practically family. "Don't let that cute face fool you."
"It's always the quiet ones," Bobbie stroked Emma's cheek with the pad of her thumb. "A face as sweet and innocent as this one could only spell out trouble ahead. Hey, I should know," she heckled herself with a humoured smile. "Carly was a perfect baby." Robin visibly shuddered as she envisioned who her child could develop into, especially if she failed to reconcile her new role and bond with Emma the way she was supposed to. "Robin, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." Bobbie attempted to ease the palpable tension within the room as she settled Emma into her bassinet.
"No, you didn't," Robin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she folded the baby blanket into a neat square.
"Motherhood suits you," she wholeheartedly complimented, not in spite of Robin's evident insecurity but because of it. "Trust me, I haven't always been able to say that, especially to first time mothers." A reminiscent expression flickered across Bobbie's face and she smiled softly, "I still remember when Michael was born like it was yesterday. Carly found it so hard to bond with him in the first few months. Not like Jason - - not like you. You were such an important part of his life, Robin. I don't know if I've ever really thanked you for that."
Robin bit her lip in deep contemplation. The promise of a life with Jason and the little boy she believed to be his son seemed so far away from her existence now. "You don't have to thank me. Michael was an easy baby to love." Unlike Emma, Robin refrained from her need to confide in someone and Bobbie was one of the few she trusted implicitly. "Bobbie…"
"Yes, honey?" Bobbie reluctantly tore her affectionate gaze away from Emma.
The shame silenced Robin and she lowered her head, "Never mind." A woman with a heart as wide open and empathetic as Bobbie could never truly understand the apathy Robin possessed for her own child. She would undoubtedly despise Robin for her callous nature and reinforce that voice in her head. "Just - - would you make me a promise?" Bobbie indicated her earnest devotion with no hesitation before she nodded. "Promise you'll be there for Emma, the same way you were for me. If for any reason Patrick and I can't be, promise me you'll be a part of her life."
"You don't even have to ask, honey," Bobbie rose to her feet and brushed wisps of hair from Robin's hollow eyes. She had witnessed Robin's evolution from childhood and never once had she perceived her to be so despondent, even after Stone's death. "I am always here, for both of you. As for Emma, the only person she really needs is you, Robin. There will be times in motherhood that you'll feel as if you will never be good enough but that's all part of the journey, and it will all be worth it, I promise you." Bobbie reeled Robin into her embrace and tenderly rubbed her back, disconcerted by Robin's failure to return the affection and more concerned than ever that she had failed to provide the new mother with any real reassurance.