Later that afternoon, Paul caught up with some correspondence that Rosemary had dropped off for him while Gail rested on the sofa, Paul glanced over occasionally to make sure she was okay, he tried to concentrate but found he was failing miserably, sitting back and sighing he decided to give up for the day and walked over to the sofa and sat down on the arm, planting a kiss on Gail's forehead.
"What's wrong?" she said surprised at the interruption
"Nothing…just, Rosemary sent some papers that need my signature but I can't concentrate at the moment, maybe later" Paul replied
"Anything I can help with?" Gail asked looking over in the direction of the desk
Paul laughed "Always the career woman!" he said
"No" she said in protest "I just wondered if there was anything we could go through together"
"Hmm maybe tomorrow we can go through the papers and you can tell me what you think but right now I have more important things on my mind" Paul said
"Like what?"
Paul laughed "Like looking after you for a start. How are you feeling?" he asked
"Fine…looking forward to going back to the hospital and seeing the children" Gail said before continuing tentatively "I also know what the date is"
Paul smiled "November 24th..can't believe the triplets are a week old already" he said
"How are you doing?" she asked
Paul smiled, half chuckling "I'm fine…I went up to Mum's grave earlier before I picked you up from the hospital, I guess Gran might go later on"
Gail sat up gently allowing Paul to slide down and sit beside her, before leaning back to rest against him with his arm around her. Paul entwined his fingers with hers, looking intently at her engagement and wedding ring, Gail watched him curiously.
"What are you thinking?" she asked
Paul smiled "You know what I'm going to do when I'm rich and don't have any money worries" he said
Gail laughed "With three children…that could be a long time away darling, go on tell me?"
Paul sighed and pulled Gail closer to him "Change these rings…they're still the rings from the Marriage of Convenience, the ones you brought for yourself!"
"Darling they're just rings..It's not important. Perhaps there will be a time in the future, besides we've got more important things to think about" Gail said
"I know" Paul said, leaning his chin on her shoulder "Hey do you want a drink?"
"Mm, coffee sounds good" she replied
Paul walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on as Gail settled herself on the sofa.
"How is Rosemary coping with the Robinson Corporation?" she asked
Paul smiled "From what she tells me she's fine, she's avoiding winter in New York which is a relief. She's been looking at applications for the two new jobs and wants me to interview with her, she mentioned you as well if you wanted?"
Gail got up and walked over to him "I'm not sure about that…I'm out of the loop now, beside I'm not sure I'm up to doing interviews but there's no reason why you can't do them with Rosemary and we can discuss your thoughts afterwards" Gail said
Paul turned around and wrapped his arms around her "It's up to you; Rosemary said we can fit the interviews in between visits to the hospital. She mentioned some ideas about reducing some of the loans as well; something to do with the current shop leases. There's also some land which is unused that she said we could either sell off or rezone and potential investors for the hotel." He said
"I think reducing the debt is the priority, there's no point getting into more investments when you can't afford the ones you've got now" Gail said picking up her mug and walking back to the sofa, Paul followed her.
"Mm, yeah I suppose I agree. Though there would have been a time that I didn't!" he said laughing to himself "Also finding alternative ways of working; there's no reason why I can't work from home some days, as long as it isn't too much. The bonus of working from home is that you're here to talk through ideas with"
"If I've got time darling, I've got a feeling I might be a bit busy elsewhere?"
Paul sat back down and Gail moved closer to him "I haven't a problem with that but remember weekends are for us and the children" she said
Paul laughed "I know…I haven't forgotten what we agreed"
An hour later Paul and Gail arrived at the hospital, both keen to see their children.
"They seem quite lively at the moment" the nurse said "I think we're going to try both boys on a bottle tonight and see how they do. Robert is definitely ready for one; he's resisting the nasal tube so the sooner we can remove it the better, Cameron is also making really good progress"
Paul looked at the tiny little girl; Gail saw the look of concern on his face and gently squeezed his hand.
"What about Lucinda?" Paul asked
The nurse sighed "She's lost a little weight, but it's nothing to be alarmed by as it can happen with newborns. The good thing is she's stable and in her own way making progress"
The nurse left to make up the bottles for the babies as Paul moved closer to the incubator holding his daughter, placing his hand inside he gently stroked her tiny face. Gail watched him; a sense of pride overcame her when she saw how gentle he was with Lucinda. She moved closer to him placing her hand on his back, gently rubbing it.
"I just hope she's going to be okay" Paul whispered "She's just so small"
"I have a feeling she'll be fine…in a few years time she'll be running about the place and causing havoc just like her namesake"
Paul laughed "You have a feeling, do you?"
"Yeah, call it a Mother's intuition!"
Their conversation was interrupted by the nurse returning to the room with the bottles. Once seated Paul and Gail were each handed a baby; the nurse stayed with the couple advising them on feeding the babies. The room fell silent as the couple focussed on the babies feeding; finally when the babies finished feeding the nurse continued her duties. Paul looked at Gail as he gently rocked the baby in his arms and laughed, Gail caught his eye and realised that they both had tears in their eyes. Paul glanced at the remaining baby in the incubator and sighed sadly, he felt she was missing out and wanted to hold her. Gail sensed what he was feeling and reached out and touched his arm. Smiling she said
"Don't worry…I'm sure she'll be demanding our attention in a few days"
Paul laughed as the baby in his arms yawned "Guess I'm boring our son already…the nurse was pleased with the way he fed; he might not need the nasal tube after tomorrow" he said
"This little one kept falling asleep" Gail laughed
After the babies were settled again after their bottles Paul and Gail headed home. Paul noticed how tired Gail looked.
"Do you want to go home…or are you still okay to go to Dad's?" he asked as they drove out of the car park.
Gail smiled "that's fine, beside they're expecting us" she replied
As they arrived at No.26 in the empty kitchen Paul called out and Jim replied from the living room.
"Hey…have you eaten already?" Paul asked as they walked through
"No" Helen replied "Dinner is in the oven…we're just waiting for you two"
"So how are my grandchildren?" Jim asked "Still behaving themselves?"
Paul laughed "Course they are…they're my children what do you expect" he replied
Gail looked at Paul and shook her head in mock teasing
"The babies are fine…we managed to give both Robert and Cameron a bottle tonight; I think Robert takes after his father…talk about greedy" Gail said "Cameron kept falling asleep"
Helen laughed "Sounds like you too had a good evening then"
"Just a shame we couldn't take Lucinda out of the incubator" Paul said
"She's doing fine, Paul" Beverley said "I've got to go in early tomorrow so I'll check on her."
"What about the weight loss?" Paul asked
"That can sometimes happen with all newborns, she's had all the tests so there's nothing stopping her feeding properly. It's a slight setback but nothing to get alarmed about. Give her a few more days and I'm sure she'll be feeding with a bottle" Beverley said
Gail kissed Paul on the cheek saying "Don't be a worry wart…she's our daughter…she's a fighter, and if she's anything like her namesake, nothing will beat her"
Paul laughed "By the way where are Lucy and Todd?"
Lucy's in her bedroom doing homework and Todd is at a friend's house for dinner" Jim replied
"Well dinner's ready" Helen said "So why don't one of you see if she's finished her homework"
"I'll go" Gail said letting go of Paul's hand as the others moved towards the kitchen
Knocking on the bedroom door Gail let Lucy know dinner was ready. As they walked out to the lounge Lucy said "When can I come to the hospital with you and see the babies, I'm sure it wouldn't matter if I took time off school"
Gail laughed "Nice try…but your Dad is not going to let you get off school, I promise you can come with us at the weekend or when you're on holiday. That's only a week away" she said
"Okay" Lucy said "Will you listen to me play my flute later?"
Gail looked at her putting an arm around her shoulder "Sure maybe we can get that brother of yours to listen as well"
"He'll only make silly comments" Lucy said
Gail laughed "No he won't if he does I'll make him sleep in the nursery tonight"
"You wouldn't dare!" Lucy laughed
Gail winked at her "Watch me!"
Paul and Gail spent the next few days going back and fro to the hospital enjoying spending time with the babies and each other, the evenings they returned to Number 26 for dinner before settling back home. Each triplet was getting stronger, even their daughter was able to feed by bottle. Robert had been moved out of the incubator and into a bassinet within the special care unit so that he was still with his brother and sister while they remained in the incubators. The couple were relieved that everything was fine with the babies and felt more relaxed. That evening they were at Number 26, Gail was in the living room with Lucy playing the flute while the rest of the family were in the kitchen talking.
"Doesn't she know she can't play that thing" Todd joked
Paul laughed "How about having a bet on how many bad notes she plays mate"
"We can still hear you two…I'd be very careful Robinson" Gail said
Lucy put down the flute "Am I really that bad?" she asked
Gail laughed "No…you're better than I ever was…don't listen to them beside I know for a fact that your brother is tone deaf…you should hear him singing in the shower"
Paul was about to reply but thought better of it, getting up he went and closed the hatch doors between the kitchen and the living room. Gail heard him laughing, reopening the hatch she said
"You're pushing your luck matey"
"Promises, promises" he muttered
Lucy and Gail went back to the flute, ignoring the sarcastic comments coming from the other room, Gail promising that she would deal with Paul later. Minutes later the doorbell rang, Gail looked at her watch wondering who would be calling at this late hour, she called out to the others that she would get the door but Lucy was there before her.
"Uh oh" she said, Paul had walked out of the kitchen and on seeing who was at the door looking at Gail he rolled his eyes and mouthed 'Julie'
"Thought you weren't coming until Christmas" Lucy said "That's about another three weeks away"
"Change of plan…decided to come down earlier, Phil and the other two will be joining us at the weekend. Aren't you going to invite me in?" Julie asked pushing past Lucy
Lucy rolled her eyes "Come in why don't you?"
Jim and Helen had come out of the kitchen on hearing Julie's voice, Jim shook his head slightly annoyed that his eldest daughter didn't give them a courtesy phone call to let them know that she was on her way.
"Hi Dad" Julie said "Say hello Hannah"
Hannah took one look at Jim and hid behind her mother. Julie tried to push the little girl forward but she continued to back away. Paul walked up to the little girl and crouched down beside her.
"You must be Hannah" he said gently. "I bet you're hungry after your trip, why don't we go into the kitchen and find you something to eat"
Hannah looked up at her mother for approval before nodding her head. Paul gently took her hand and led her into the kitchen followed by Gail.
Jim went and sat down "Julie it's lovely to see you but we've not got enough room here at the moment. Todd is still here and he's not going home until next week" he said
"Well he can take the couch, Hannah and I will need his bedroom" Julie said "After all we're family"
"So is Todd" Jim muttered under his breath
"I'm not pushing him out of his room, Hannah can go in with Lucy and you will have to sleep on the couch. You didn't give us any warning"
Todd looked at Jim "I could always go home early, Uncle Jim. We're not doing that much at school"
"Dad you can't make me sleep on the couch, maybe we could stay with Paul and Gail for a few days while Todd is still here" Julie said
Jim became annoyed "You're not putting yourself on them; they've got enough to do without having to have you and Hannah"
Paul and Gail returned to the living room with Hannah who was munching on a biscuit. Hannah ran to her mother and looked at her Granddad curiously.
"I came to help" Julie said "It's been ages since you've seen your Granddaughter and I figured we were due for a visit. I thought we'd have a nice Christmas together"
"Everything will be fine" Helen said
Julie smiled "Well at least someone is pleased to see me"
"I didn't say I wasn't pleased to see you…just wished you had given us some warning" Jim said
Another ten minutes went by with Jim and Julie disagreeing about the sleeping arrangements resulting in Julie finally agreeing to spend the night on the couch. In her usual bossy manner she then proceeded to hug everyone ordering Hannah to do the same. At this point Gail felt that she was intruding and backed away into the kitchen, Paul seeing her go followed her. Gail felt an overwhelming sadness when she thought about the size of Paul's family and the fact that she didn't really have anyone now that her Dad was gone. Gail had her back to Paul as she looked out the window but he sensed her anxiety, walking up to her he placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Hey what's wrong?" he said gently kissing her neck.
Gail turned to face him and he noticed the tears in her eyes "It's nothing I'm just being silly"
"Tell me" He said
Gail shook her head not wanting to say anything "I was going to make a drink" she said not wishing to take the conversation any further
Paul looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eye "How about we sneak out the back way" he said
"You wouldn't dare" she smiled
Paul looked for some paper and pen, wrote a note explaining that they had gone home and grabbed Gail's hand "I want to be alone with you..It's time to leave"
Gail brightened and quietly giggled "We can't…what will your sister think?"
"Not bothered to be honest…there's only one person I want to be with…so let's get moving Mrs Robinson"
As they got to their front door Paul burst out laughing.
"Ssshhhhh" Gail said
"The last time we did anything like this was two years ago when we sneaked out of the Waterhole, and if my memory serves me right we were trying to get away from my family then too" Paul said
Gail blushed at the memory of that night "Yeah we definitely had other things on our minds that night" she replied "I just remember feeling relieved and happy at how everything turned out and just wanting to be alone with you"
"I know but I have to say it was definitely worth the wait" he smirked as he opened the front door "Come on let's go and lock ourselves in here before someone finds us missing and you can tell me what's bothering you"
Paul walked over to the kitchen and put the kettle on whilst Gail sat on the sofa. Looking at her Paul could see that she was tired and slightly overwhelmed. Walking back over to her he sat down and put his arm around her.
"What's wrong?" he asked
Closing her eyes she sighed "It's just silly"
Paul smiled "We promised no more secrets and we would tell each other exactly what we were feeling so spill Mrs R"
Gail rested her head on his shoulder "I just found it a bit overwhelming, I love your family and I don't usually mind but it brought back the fact that with Dad gone I've got no one"
"Darling listen…you're my family and you'll always be part of the family as far as Dad and Gran are concerned" he said
Gail kissed him and smiled "Well we have our own family now" she said
"Exactly and that's all we need…each other and our children…everyone else is a bonus" he said
"I hate sneaking out on Jim and Helen like that" Gail said
"I'm sure they'll understand besides we did leave a note" Paul said "Even if I did only put 'Gone home' on it" he winked
Paul heard the kettle boil; kissing Gail he got up to make a hot chocolate for them both. She smiled as she heard him whistling to himself in the kitchen while he made the drinks. Finally he walked back into the living room and placed the drinks on the table.
"Is your sister always like that?" Gail asked
Paul laughed "Nope she's much worse…in fact she likes to think she can boss us all around"
"Hmm I'm the only one allowed to boss you around" Gail said
"Hey I don't let you do that" Paul said adamantly
"Well maybe you don't realise what I'm up to" she smirked
"Hmm" he said "Or maybe I just let you think that you're bossing me around"
Paul laughed "As if." He said looking at her he smiled "You're amazing you know that"
"You're not so bad yourself" she said
Paul pulled her closer to him "I love you so much..you've gone through so much to have these children, I'm so proud of what we've or rather what you've achieved"
"Mm, I love you to. But I have to say Robinson if you and Todd tease Lucy again over her flute playing…you're both in serious trouble" she laughed
Paul laughed "Yeah right!" he said, shaking his head
"You're supposed to encourage her!" Gail said
Paul put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him "Hmm you really have taken over the role of big sister with her haven't you" he said
"not sure on that one…not with Julie back, I might take a back seat" she said sadly
Paul looked at her "I wouldn't be so sure on that one to be honest, I saw her reaction to Julie tonight, she didn't exactly welcome her back with open arms, maybe she's picking up Dad's mood towards Julie, I know he isn't happy with her coming this Christmas, beside let's face it when Lucy was so ill in hospital Julie didn't come back to see her so if she wants to gain the role of big sister back she's going to have to work for it" he said
The following morning Paul and Gail were woken by the sound of urgent knocking on the front door. Paul looked at the alarm clock.
"7am…who's that at this time of morning" he said
Gail suddenly felt sick "Maybe it's Beverley…the babies"
Paul suddenly looked alarmed and jumped out of bed "I'll go and check" he said "You stay here"
"No I'm coming with you" she replied getting out of bed.
The pair hurried downstairs and Paul opened the door, a look of disgust crossed his face as he saw who it was. Looking at Gail he rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry…it's only Jules, he said walking away into the kitchen leaving the door open and Julie standing on the doorstep.
Gail looked slightly amazed at the cheek of Julie turning up at such an early hour in the morning. She silently watched as Julie scrutinised her surroundings as she walked in to the lounge.
"Why have you two got all this baby stuff hanging around here, there's no need for it, besides the babies are still in hospital and not likely to come for a while…that's if all three of them come home" Julie said
Gail opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the words to say, she was beginning to understand why Jim wasn't looking forward to having his eldest daughter around. Paul turned around from putting the kettle on and shot Gail a look of dismay; she walked over to him, placing her hand on his back before going to get the cups out.
"Is there something we can do for you Julie?" Paul asked directly
"You don't change do you Paul, still the charming male chauvinist pig you always were" Julie replied
Gail looked at him "You just don't like early mornings do you darling"
"Yeah well he's going to have to get used to those" Julie said "Although knowing my beloved brother he'll leave all early mornings to you…in fact I can imagine it will be you bringing these babies up on your own while he gets on with whatever he does" she said to Gail.
Gail bit her tongue…"I'll get back to you on that one Julie" she said smiling at Paul.
"You don't know him as well as I do" Julie said
Gail just looked at her "mmm" she said
Paul was feeling tired and fed up at this point "Julie what do you want?" he said
"Thought I would come for breakfast and have a nice chat; seeing at you left early without a word" Julie replied
"We left a note" Paul said "Besides we were both tired and didn't want to get into a family argument"
"Well you could have invited me to stay here for the night instead I had to sleep on the couch" Julie replied
"So you thought you'd come and wake us nice and early as payback…" Paul said
Gail placed some toast and cereal on the table while Paul poured the coffee.
Julie sat down without being asked "I can't believe you two didn't invite us to your wedding" Julie said
Paul rolled his eyes and looked at Gail who just smirked "Yeah well, it was a very quiet affair, we didn't want to spoil Scott and Charlene's big day, besides you were invited to that and you didn't come in fact you were invited to Dad's and you didn't come to that either…so don't have a go at me for not inviting you to ours" he replied "Probably wouldn't have come"
"It would have been nice to have been asked" Julie said
"Oh for heaven's sake that was over two years ago so why bring it up now" Paul said sitting down at the table
"So what names have you given the triplets?" Julie asked
Paul looked at Gail and smiled "Well we have Robert James Robinson, Cameron Paul Robinson and Lucinda Anne Robinson"
"Hmm" Julie said "Robert Robinson isn't exactly ideal Paul, I thought you could come up with something better than that"
Gail shot Paul a glaring look.
"We chose the name after Gail's father" Paul said
"Oh yes I heard all about him from Hilary" Julie laughed
Paul reached for Gail's hand under the table and squeezed it "Julie you can stop that now…you're getting just as bad as Hilary criticising people" he said
"What about Lucinda…such an old fashioned name" Julie said
"I like it" Gail said
"So I guess she'll be called Lucy" Julie said
"No she won't…she's Lucinda, if when she's older she wants to shorten it we'll come up with an alternative" Paul said
"Yeah this family doesn't need another Lucy" Julie said
Gail kept quiet and looked at Paul raising her eyebrows.
"What was the birth like Gail?" Julie asked "I had a really easy birth with Hannah, and she was so good, slept through the night from the age of two months, walking by the time she was nine months…the perfect child"
Paul stifled a laugh
Gail looked at him and smiled "The birth was fine…not the easiest of births but everything turned out okay in the end" she said
"Yeah well just make sure you make my brother do his fair share of child care duties" Julie said "I know how hopeless he is, he'll be forever at the office while you're left coping with the babies, Phil did that to me but I was lucky as I only had Hannah, the other two were older and could fend for themselves. By the way Paul, I'd make sure you put their date of birth in your diary because you're sure to forget it"
"Julie I think it's time you left…we have to get ready to go to the hospital" Paul said
"Dad's going to drive me down later this morning before he goes to work" Julie said "So I guess I'll see you then"
"Great" Paul said
Paul showed Julie out while Gail got some more coffee. Paul looked at her after he shut the door and thought how tired she looked. Creeping up behind her he placed a kiss on her neck. Gail smiled
"What was that for?" she said
"Because I didn't get the chance to when I was rudely woken up by the front door" Paul said
Gail turned and pulled him towards her kissing him tenderly on the lips "I love you" she said "What is wrong with your sister…she seems set on getting at you"
"Don't worry about it…I'm used to it she's always been like that" Paul replied "Maybe she got out the wrong side of the bed…whoops I meant the couch"
Gail laughed "Yeah well she can cut it out…if she keeps that up I'll end up saying something"
Paul laughed "You're like a tiger with her cubs…so protective"
"So I'm allowed" Gail said "If she carries on she'll see just how hard mother tigers bite"
"I love this side of you" Paul said "But look don't rise to the bait it's not worth the energy. Let her think what she wants it's not important, besides after Christmas she'll be gone"
"Just hope we don't all end up wishing for Christmas to be over" Gail said sadly.
"You know I could absolutely kill her for coming around at that hour of the morning and scaring the life out of you. I saw your face, she should have known better than to have come around here at 7am whilst the babies are in the hospital". Paul said "You wait until I tell Dad"
Gail laughed "Now who's rising to the bait" she said hugging him tightly.
Later that morning Paul and Gail were at the hospital feeding the triplets when Jim arrived with Julie and Hannah. Paul rolled his eyes when he saw his sister. Hannah held tightly to her mother's hand.
"How are they doing?" Jim asked as he greeted the couple
"Fine" Gail said "The two boys are getting stronger, Cameron might be going into a bassinet tomorrow, the nurses think that he doesn't need the incubator anymore."
Jim looked at his tiny Granddaughter in the incubator "Lucinda has the nasal tube out at last" he said
"Yes" Paul said "She's feeding normally and gaining weight. Beverley came around earlier and thinks that give her another week and she'll be out of the incubator too"
Julie walked closer towards the incubators and looked in at the tiny baby "Hannah was so beautiful when she was born, all pink and cuddly, premature babies are so . . . so unattractive and wrinkly, totally uninteresting" she remarked. I mean at least Hannah moved around the bassinet when she was firstborn these are just attached to tubes and wires"
Jim looked at Paul and rolled his eyes "Julie…your mother taught you that if you couldn't think of anything nice to say then say nothing"
"I don't know why you bothered coming" Gail said
"Look Julie why don't you take Hannah to the canteen while I say goodbye to Paul and Gail. I have to go to work shortly" Jim said
"That's okay I can get a lift back with Paul and Gail" Julie replied
"Julie just for once do what I say" Jim said curtly
After she had gone Jim turned to the couple "I'm sorry" he said "Just ignore her"
"Yeah it's hard when she knocks on your door at 7am" Paul replied
"I told her she had no right to do that…in fact I told her she had come too damn early. As it is Todd is going home today. I feel like I'm forcing him out of his own home" Jim said
"Todd understands besides he's the lucky one…he won't have to put up with her over Christmas" Paul replied
Jim laughed then walked over to the incubators, reaching inside he gently took the tiny baby's hand and stroked it. He laughed as the baby curled her tiny finger around his.
"These three are beautiful and precious…don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise" he said "I'm so proud of both of you" Jim said
"Thanks Dad" Paul said "By the way Dad, you sure you didn't pick up the wrong baby when you took Julie home from the hospital…I mean she's not like you and she certainly has none of Mum's characteristics."
Jim and Gail laughed
"Yeah well lately I have considered that possibility…she's getting more and more like Hilary" Jim said "Well I better head off and see what she's up to. Still can't believe she arrived unannounced"
"Bye" the couple said as they watched Jim leave the unit. Paul smiled at Gail as she sat holding Cameron.
Paul took the baby from Gail and gently placed him back in the incubator, checking on Robert as he passed the basinet. "Looks like the three of them are ready for a sleep" he said.
That afternoon Gail and Paul curled up on the sofa, after Julie's early morning wake up call both feeling shattered. Paul groaned at the sound of a knock on the door.
"If that's Julie I'll tell her we're busy" he said as he got up to answer it.
A grin crossed his face when he saw who it was "Hey munchkin what brings you here?"
"Where's Gail?" Lucy replied
"On the sofa…why?" Paul said rolling his eyes wondering what his other sister had been up to.
Lucy walked past him to Gail; she noticed the tears in Lucy's eyes and stretched out her arms.
"Hey what's wrong?" she asked
"Julie! She told me to stop playing the flute as I couldn't hold a tune if my life depended on it" Lucy said "She's been bossing me around, telling me to clean my bedroom. Can't I stay with you?" she asked
Gail sighed "Luce as far as we're concerned you can, but I'm afraid your Dad doesn't think it's a good idea with us having to look after the triplets" she said "But we're coming round for dinner after we've fed the babies tonight so how about you do some flute practice afterwards"
"What about Julie?" Lucy asked
"Don't worry let me handle her" Gail said
"Can I come and see the babies with you tonight?" Lucy asked
Gail looked at Paul "I don't see why not" she replied "Have you finished your homework"
"It's getting near Christmas so I didn't have any" Lucy said
"Okay go and tell Gran where you're going?" Paul said
"Thanks" Lucy said "I'll be right back"
After she had gone Paul turned to Gail and said
"One Nil to you I make that"
Gail laughed "Maybe however it's one thing when she picks on us but it's another when she upsets Lucy like that. She's doing fine with the flute"
"I know" Paul said "Urgggh she's only been here five minutes and already she's causing trouble"
The days past quickly with Paul and Gail visiting the triplets; ten days before Christmas they were able to take Robert home and continued to visit the hospital to see the other two during the day, although they too were getting stronger and would be home in time for Christmas hopefully. Paul had completed interviews for new staff in the office and after consultation with Gail and Rosemary had appointed new staff, still preferring to leave the running of the office to Rosemary he went in occasionally to pick up correspondence.
Most evenings they went over to Number 26 for dinner but at times felt overwhelmed by Julie's insistence that she knew everything there was about childcare and her constant instructions and criticisms over how they were managing. The strain was beginning to show on all the family. One evening everyone was gathered at No.22 discussing plans for Christmas. Suddenly Jim exclaimed
"It's no good she's driving me crazy" Jim said "Lucy is either in her room or over here, Julie is constantly snipping at her, I don't know maybe she's making up for lost time but whereas four years ago Lucy wouldn't have said anything now she's fighting back"
Paul and Gail looked at each other a little alarmed at Jim's sudden statement but their attention was averted by Helen.
"It's like being in the middle of a battlefield" Helen said "She says she came to help but ever since she's got her all she's done is caused trouble. She's taken over the kitchen, the kids are always fighting and Hannah…she's just spoilt"
"Helen you know that you and Lucy can come and stay here" Gail said "I have a feeling even with three babies around it will be a lot quieter than over the road"
"I don't know" Jim said "You two have got enough to cope with"
"But Dad we are coping, with Rosemary here I haven't got to worry about the hotel or the business; we're slowly getting Robert into a routine, we're fine" Paul said
Gail looked over at Robert asleep in basinet and smiled "Well if you won't stay here at least you know you can come over here any time you need to" she said
The conversation was interrupted by the door opening and Lucy rushing in, out of breath from running over.
"Do you want to know what she's tried to do now" she said
"Lucy…sssh Robert's settled" Helen said
"Sorry…it's just she's taken my flute away and told me it wasn't worth practising as I was no good"
"She did what?" Gail said
"What is she doing now?" Paul said
"Making dinner…she asked me where you all were by the way" Lucy said "I think even Phil and the others are out to get away from her"
"Maybe I should go and have a chat to her" Paul said
"Do you want some company?" Gail asked
"No stay with Robert I won't be long" Paul said kissing her
"I'll come" Lucy said her eyes sparkling mischievously
"You stay here" Paul said
Gail watched Paul walk out not knowing whether talking to Julie was a good idea or not, the last thing she wanted was to antagonise her further. Lucy sat down on the sofa next to her and began chatting about what she had been doing at school. Half an hour past and Gail wondered if Paul needed rescuing, asking Helen and Beverley to keep an eye on Robert she said she was going next door, Lucy followed her but Gail suggested it would be wiser for her stay at No.22.
"I came to help you and Gail" Julie said "But you two are so ungrateful"
"I wouldn't call criticising us helping" Paul said "You constantly reminding us how wonderful Hannah is and how uninteresting the triplets are"
Julie laughed "You know…you really have got it made, the only reason you and Gail are staying in Ramsay Street is because you've got Gran and Dad to help you raise your children. I guess the minute she can Gail will go back to work and Gran will be lumbered with her great Grandchildren"
"That's not true, how dare you" Paul said "Gail loves Ramsay Street and wants to stay here…we're looking after our children together without anyone else"
Gail and Lucy entered through the back door, Lucy went to move into the kitchen but Gail held her back, gently putting her finger over her lips to quieten her after hearing Paul and Julie's raised voices.
"Yeah and how long is this relationship going to last Paul, let's face it you're a failure in that department, I'll give it a year and then she'll leave just like all the others and you'll be left with nothing" Julie said
"Julie I'm warning you nicely I want you to back off…the constant sniping at us isn't doing any good, Gail doesn't need it and I won't have her upset" Paul said
"I told you I'm only trying to give helpful advice, after all you're going to need it" Julie said "I came here to see the family after all it's been four years. I wanted to see my niece and nephews and of course it's important that Hannah knows her Grandfather"
"Same old Jules, always wanting to be the one to take charge" Paul said "Always right no matter what..well just stay away from me and my family, if anyone is going to take care of them it's me"
Julie laughed and shook her head "My useless brother taking care of his family, I don't think so. Do you know how often I lay awake and listened to you crying at night after Mum died? You couldn't cope when this family was falling apart, how are you going to cope when your family falls apart, because I guarantee it will do"
Paul looked gobsmacked unable to find the words he needed, meanwhile Gail felt herself tense up in the laundry room, she wanted to defend Paul but knew that Lucy was getting upset to. Hugging Lucy close to her she continued listening making a mental note to deal with Julie later herself.
"What the hell do you know about it, I was the one there for Lucy while you were self indulging" Paul said
"Lucy…it's always been about Lucy, this whole family has revolved around her for the last fourteen years, well you forgot one tiny point if it hadn't been for Lucy our mother would still be alive and this family wouldn't have fallen apart" Julie said
Paul closed his eyes "That's not fair…you can't blame Lucy for what happened to Mum" he said
Julie laughed "Dad didn't want Lucy, he pleaded with Mum to get rid of the baby, they already had us they didn't need another one but Mum refused, told him that the baby's life was more important than hers. Personally I think she was selfish"
"I don't believe you just said that" Paul said "She did what she thought was best or what conscience told her to do."
Gail and Lucy stood frozen to their spot in the laundry room; Gail saw the tears in Lucy's eyes and hoped that Paul and Julie would move into the living room.
Julie rolled her eyes "She should have thought about her other children, we needed her but we were left with a constant reminder of why she died. We lost a mother, Dad lost a wife and Gran lost a daughter, all thanks to Lucy" she said
"That's enough" Paul said in a stern tone "You really hate our sister that much?"
Julie looked at him, a hard expression on her face. No words were needed.
"That's why you didn't come back to visit her in the hospital when she was sick, it's all falling in to place now. Dad phoned you but you told him that Phil wouldn't be able to get time off work to look after the children" Paul said "We were all so worried about her…but you…" suddenly out of the corner of his eye he saw Lucy standing by the laundry door, tears on her cheeks. Gail stood behind her having been unable to stop her. Lucy moved over to where Paul stood and Gail followed, placing her arm around Paul she stroked his back as reassurance. Lucy looked at Julie. Paul put his arm around Gail's shoulder needing her strength, unable to find the words he needed to say.
"You're a liar" Lucy shouted "Mum didn't die because of me"
"It's okay Luce…Jules and I are just talking" Paul said trying to calm the situation. He looked at Gail…no words were needed they both knew what the other was thinking.
Julie laughed "Lies..I don't think so…"
The tears streamed down Lucy's face as Paul attempted to pull her closer to him and Gail.
"Save the crocodile tears Lucy…you're nothing but a spoilt selfish brat that even Dad didn't want"
Gail looked at Julie, in disbelief, as she walked past into the living room. Silence hung in the air no one knowing what to say.