Chapter 19 – It Is Time
Rick POV – Wheatley had been pacing for hours. His expression was a mixture of fear and bitterness. He was afraid for Chell and yet bitter because she didn't want anyone with her whilst she was in labour or giving birth. He seemed surprised and acted like it was a personal insult. Although I said nothing, I wasn't surprised by her request. Chell was a fighter and a strong one at that. She never was one to rely on others and she never was one to admit to being in pain. Especially, dare I say it, to the man who once tried to kill her multiple times. Chell never resents Wheatley for this, but it must be difficult to forget.
We were in a little room of the side of the baby ward. The walls were a disgusting lime green colour, the sofas were red and the floor scuffed and chipped. There was just one small window, so the room was quite dark. It was clad with skimpy, frayed curtains. The whole room screamed fake sense of comfort. I had watched the sun rise through that window, watched the birds awaken. I preferred to watch that, than to watch the clock.
Wheatley, on the other hand, was constantly watching the clock.
"Why is it taking so long?" he growled, his pacing quickening by the minute.
"It takes hours, Wheats," I replied gently, my tone sympathetic.
"I want to see her," Wheatley whimpered indignantly, staring into my eyes. It was almost painful to see him like this.
"I'm sorry, mate. I can't help. You'll have to wait. Don't go against Chell's wishes, I mean it is her that has to go through the unbearable pain."
Wheatley sighed and collapsed on the sofa next to me. He was exhausted. I patted his shoulder comfortingly, before looking back out of the window. The birds were still, the sky clear. It was almost as if Mother Nature herself was holding her breath.
Wheatley POV – I didn't know how to feel. I was hurt that Chell didn't want me with her; I was relieved that the baby was finally coming; I was worried sick in case something went wrong. My hair was curly and damp with sweat. I leaned back against the wall. It was cool and soothing against my scalp. I glanced over at Rick. He was so strong, sitting with his head high and shoulders wide. His brown hair shone in the shard of sunlight pushing into the room. How was he so calm? I watched his chest move slowly in and out and tried to match it. It was worrying just how much I had to slow my breaths to copy him. I felt calmer for it though.
Rick turned to look at me and grinned. I smiled back. When he grinned it was like he was taking some of the weight off of my shoulders. He was such a good friend. I knew I didn't deserve this life. I'm a coward, I nearly killed Chell, I'm a… a psychopath! They were both good people and sometimes I felt like I didn't really fit in. Yet they made me fit in, they looked after me, they cared about me. I must be blessed.
Suddenly, a loud creak resounded off of the walls as someone opened the door. My eyes locked onto the doorway. A young woman stood there, glancing between us both. She was unsure who to address.
"Wheatley," she began slowly. I stood up and she smiled. "Chell will see you now."
"Is she… Is there…?" I pressed nervously.
"Chell is perfectly healthy and so is your new daughter!" the nurse responded excitedly. I sensed Rick standing up behind me.
"I… I'm a father?" I murmured in shock. Rick clapped me on the back; he was grinning like a fool. I laughed and grabbed Rick in a tight hug. He squeezed back, before pushing away in his usual rough manner.
"Come on then, let's go see them."
Rick POV – I followed behind Wheatley, who was almost racing along the corridor towards Chell. Well, Chell and their baby. I could scarcely believe it myself. I hung back uncomfortably, not wanting to intrude. So when Wheatley turned off into the ward, I hovered in the doorway instead. Chell was clutching a bundle of blankets to her chest and a tiny, pale face peered out from them. The baby had Chell's complexion and a fine mop of Wheatley's blonde hair. Upon opening her eyes, I saw two big, blue eyes looking at Wheatley.
Wheatley planted a kiss on Chell's forehead. He was grinning soppily and almost bouncing up and down in his jittery excitement. He ran his long fingers down his daughter's cheek as gently as humanly possible. Chell was smiling sweetly too, first at Wheatley then at their new-born. Neither of them paid me any heed. Why would they? If I didn't feel like an intruder before, I certainly did now. They were a happy family and definitely did not need me anymore. I felt my throat tighten and my eyes became hot. But just as I turned to leave, Chell called my name. Her eyes bored into mine as she read my emotions.
"Rick, come here," she commanded softly. I obeyed and approached the bed.
"You're a part of this too," Chell whispered. "You're family."
Wheatley smiled at me, tears glazing his eyes. He grabbed my arm tightly.
"Life's pretty boring without you," he added. I elbowed him playfully.
"She's beautiful," I smiled in awe. "Got a name for her?"
"I was thinking Skye," Chell chimed in. Wheatley instantly agreed, following Chell blindly as always. But it was a lovely name. It suited her eyes.
"Hello, Skye," I grinned goofily, placing a warm hand on her head. "It's nice to meet you."