Chap 2
Ianto was waiting for Owen to come off shift. Aurora-Lee's six month check-up had finished early and Owen was his ride home, so he spent his time chatting with the others in the waiting room. So far most of them thought Owen was a good doctor, but a bit brisk. Ianto had giggled at the old woman who had told him that Owen's hands were cold.
One young woman sat apart from the rest of the patients and Ianto found himself drawn to her. Mocha skin and long dark hair with large green eyes, she was afraid of something. She kept wringing her hands above the bump that announced to the world that she was with child.
Finally he took pity and slid over to sit next to her. He jiggled Aurora-lee on his lap and she smiled softly as she watched him pull faces at the little cherub.
"My sister's little girl. She said the last few months were the worst. The aching and tiredness." Ianto smiled and she looked at him through her fringe.
"My baby is due in a couple of weeks" she whispered.
"Ah, so the chronic need to pee will soon be over" Ianto assured her with a soft laugh.
"Yeah, my bladder is over this, big time!" she grinned, finally looking up at the gorgeous Welshman.
"Do you know what you're having?" He pointed at her stomach.
"A boy. He's a bit small but I am eating what they tell me to" she pouted with typical teenage insolence.
"Your parents not here for the visit?" he shifted a bit closer.
"My parents don't know. I don't know what I'll do. I'm here on a study grant. They're in London and I'm supposed to go home for Christmas." She whispered.
"You know, handing them the baby before they explode will help. I know that when they see him they'll forget why they were mad" Ianto assured her and she smiled.
"You sure? I don't want them to hate me" she sniffed, rubbing her bump.
Ianto learned that her wealthy family were already fed up with the endless dramas and she had been told that this was her last chance to do well and make them proud. She had intended on a triumphant homecoming but now it was all ruined.
The time passed quickly and Ianto recognised himself spitting at the world as a youth. Realising too late that a mistake can only take a moment to last forever.
"Here, this is my phone number if you get cold feet. I'm friends with Owen, he can talk to them if you want" Ianto tried to see a solution to her problem and she sniffed again.
You are the first person to care. Thank you" She rubbed her eyes and Ianto pulled her into a hug.
Owen chose that moment to bustle into the waiting room and he stopped at the sight.
"Ianto? You gonna put Chrystal down any time soon?" Owen snarked and Ianto laughed as he pulled away.
"Hello Chrystal" Ianto held out his hand and she giggled as she shook it.
"Bloody hell, your husband is rubbing off on you Ianto, you cop a feel before you even know her name" Owen snarled, shaking his head with wonder.
"What can I say Owen, I'm a sucker for a pretty face." Ianto sighed dramatically and she giggled again.
Ianto smiled at his new friend.