A Gift Beyond All Value
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: A Gift Beyond All Value Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 6:39 am

I never realized how the bunnies could attack and keep on attacking. Mine are very busy at the moment, and although I was eager to put them off, they would not let me.

Len Entwhistle sat in the Salon at Freudesheim and listened with half an ear to her mother's conversation. She was sick of hearing a list of all the old girls of the school and their accomplishments – which in Jo Maynard's mind meant a list of their children. Jo had just read a part of the letter she had just received from Joan Coles, formerly Joan Baker, detailing the lives of the four children she and Vic had. Vic, who had had a rather unsavoury reputation as a youth was now the personification of respectability – a bank manager of a large London branch of a world famous bank and a doting husband and father.
Before that, Len had heard how Ros Lilley, now married happily to James Anderson, a primary school headmaster, had been thrilled by the arrival of her fifth child, a little girl after four boys. A photo had been included, and the baby was a delightful little soul, with big eyes and masses of black hair.
Len glanced at her watch, hoping that her mother did not notice as she had done it about five times in the past ten minutes. Dearly as she loved her mother, Len was eager to escape. She stood up, hardly noticing that Jo had moved onto a long and involved tale of the doing of Mike's children, all perfect little monkeys in Jo's opinion, who would benefit from a little more discipline from their father. "I am sorry to rush off, Mother," she said, doing her best to sound apologetic. "I have some extra coaching this afternoon, with the new girls from the lower fourths. Some of them know no French at all, so I am giving them a hand."
"Don't forget that Con is coming over tomorrow, with the quads," Jo said, as Len picked up her bag and started towards the door. "You will have time to come over and see them, won't you?"
"I'm not sure," said Len, hoping that she would be able to avoid them successfully. "Thursday is a very hectic day for me."
"You work far too hard," observed Jo, suddenly looking at Len and actually seeing her. "You look exhausted. You should cut back on some of the extra duties you do and spend more time at home. Maybe then you would not be lagging so far behind in the matter of family size."
"I love my work," Len answered defensively. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I really must go, Mother. Good bye."

Last edited by Fatima on Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:18 pm; edited 9 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:56 am

It seems as though Jo is operating normally here, for her that is. Ignoring blatant unhappiness in her own daughter, and measuring a woman's worth by the number of children she has.

ETA: Fatima, that's why Cookies and drabbles is one of the most dangerous places on Earth.

 

#3:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 9:16 am

Interesting and Jo really isn't being very perceptive here is she...

Thank you Fatima.

 

#4:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 9:49 am

Shocked quads??? This looks really good! Len was always one of my favourites, it will be nice to have a drabble about her! Thank you!

 

#5:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:09 am

Thanks, Fatima. This looks great so far. It's interesting to see what Len really thinks of her mother going on about how many children each person has.

 

#6:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:26 am

Len liked to keep busy, as that way she had no time for thinking. She threw herself into her work, and so the girls in her care always did extremely well. She took on extra coaching so that she had even less time on her hands and when she got home to the pretty little chalet where she lived with her husband, she always embarked on a rigorous routine of cleaning and polishing, washing and ironing, and cooking. Reg was always telling her that she should slow down a little, and she knew he meant well, but she just could not stop. Every night she was so exhausted that she fell into bed and went straight to sleep. Mostly her nights were dreamless, but occasionally she did dream, although she never spoke of her dreams.
She returned to school, let herself in the side door and went off to the staffroom. She took the books she needed, then headed off to the language department, where she was the proud owner of a lovely modern language lab. She had all the best equipment for teaching languages, and kept abreast of all the new techniques discussed in England and the United States as well as in Germany and France. As a result, the trilingual girls of the Chalet School were exceptionally well taught and results were even better than they had been before Mrs. Entwhistle had become the head of the languages department.
Len found the little group of fourth formers waiting for her, all sitting patiently at their desks, their books out ready for her arrival. She had a reputation as a firm disciplinarian, however much the girls loved her out of school, and they were always on their best behaviour for her lessons. Len spent the following hour teaching the girls some very basic French and helping them to use the head sets and the specially made cassettes to improve their conversation and their accents. She finally set them a list of simple phrases to practice and promised to hear them whenever she encountered them around the school. "And you will find that the other mistresses will be happy to do the same," she told them. "We all want you to get on with your languages, after all, that is why a lot of you come here. Now, off you go and remember to practice before you come back tomorrow."
There was a chorus of "Yes, Mrs. Entwhistle," and then the girls were packing up their books and heading off for an afternoon of games. Len tidied up the lab and got ready for the next class, which was a group of sixth formers who were eager to qualify for the Sorbonne and so wished to be especially proficient in French. Len really enjoyed teaching them, as they were all good students and worked with enjoyment. They kept her on her toes, too, as their French was already so good, so her French dictionary tended to be well thumbed in preparation for their classes.

 

#7:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:31 am

Oooh Thank you for the update Fatima! This looks fantastic! Can't wait for more! Very Happy

 

#8:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 11:07 am

Nice to see Len as an excellent teacher, though it's a shame Joey was so down on her earlier! *pokes Joey*

 

#9:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 11:12 am

Thanks Fatima, this looks great! Len always comes across as very hard-working but now she's worrying me! Keep it coming...

 

#10:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 11:19 am

Oh dear, poor Len! Glad Joan Baker's life has turned out well though - EBD always seemed to gloat about how the poor girl had no friends! Thanks Fatima.

 

#11:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:51 pm

Thanks, Fatima. It was funny to think that Len has to use a French dictionary to keep up with the Sixth formers!

 

#12:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:59 pm

Thank you for all the comments. Here is a little more, by way of explanation.

After another full day, Len took the long walk back to the chalet where she lived. She had longed to live in a pretty little chalet on the Platz, close to her mother and the school where she had always wanted to work, and she had often dreamed of her life there with Dr. Entwhistle. They had moved into the chalet after their marriage, just in accordance with Len's dreams, and had been blissfully happy. Len had continued to work at the school and had come home each afternoon to cook dinner for Reg. He had returned from the San as early as he could and they spent the evenings together, sometimes going out for a stroll, sometimes working together in the tiny back garden, or just reading and talking and enjoying one another's company. Len knew that there were people who thought she should never have married Reg; he was so much older than her and they felt that she had never had the opportunity of going out and meeting other men. She had been away to university and had met plenty of men there. None of them had appealed to her, though, and most of them seemed very immature and dull when compared with Reg. Reg was very intelligent and well read; he could converse on any number of subjects and he was genuinely interested in her and her thoughts. With him, she was a real person, not just 'one of the triplets' or 'Jo Maynard's daughter'.
Len tried to stop her thoughts there, in the days when life had been wonderful and she had been so happy. Now, though, she could hardly remember what it was like to be happy. All she knew now was tiredness and depression. It had begun about a year after their marriage. She had been thrilled to discover that she was pregnant, and Reg had been equally delighted. They had kept it quiet for a few weeks, wanting to be sure that everything was all right before sharing the glad tidings with everyone. Just two days before they were planning on making their announcement, Len had woken in the night with cramps more dreadful than anything she had ever experienced before and by the time that the dawn broke, she had lost the baby.
Reg, she recalled, had been fantastic. He had held her when she cried, calmed her when she raged and explained patiently that miscarriages were not uncommon and that they were certainly not the fault of the mother. As they had not told anyone of the pregnancy they told no one of the miscarriage, and said that Len had been suffering a bilious attack. Thanks to Reg's support, Len was soon back on her feet, back at work and convinced that she would soon be pregnant again.
Len could feel the tears misting her eyes as she walked, recalling the second pregnancy. She had been ecstatic about it and Reg had been wonderfully caring and supportive as she worried and worried about another miscarriage. He had insisted on taking over much of the housework and on her resting every afternoon when she got home from school. He ran around after her and told her off every time she did anything that he could have done for her. It was all to no avail, though, for she lost that baby after just eight weeks, again before they had told anyone.
It had taken Len longer to bounce back that time. Once again, Reg had been a true rock, solid and reliable, providing his distraught wife with all the support she needed, even though he was grief-stricken himself. They told everyone that Len had food poisoning and was very low with it, and managed to keep all visitors away for the first few days. After that, Jo and Jack had come over, anxious about their daughter, and had found her looking pale and wan, just as if she was recovering from a serious dose of food poisoning. Len did her best to be cheerful with her visitors, even though she felt like crying all the time, but with Reg's love and care she did begin to regain some of her vitality. She returned to work too soon, but began to find being busy a great comfort. Over the following weeks she went from one extreme to the other regarding having children. Several times she told Reg that she did not want to have children at all, it just was not worth the heartache. At other times she told Reg that she needed children more than anything.
Reg continued to be wonderful, Len reflected, wiping her eyes surreptitiously. She opened the gate to the garden of the little chalet, glad that she had reached home before she could be forced to remember anything more painful.

 

#13:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:12 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I'm sorry about Len's miscarriages.

 

#14:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:18 pm

Thanks Fatima, nice to see Reg being so nice. How sad about the miscarriages Sad

 

#15:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 2:43 pm

Poor Len, fancy not being able to tell anyone about the miscarriages. i don't blame her for not telling Jo, she would just poke and pry at the situation and make Len feel worse.

 

#16:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 3:00 pm

Oh the poor couple! It's a shame Len isn't able to confide in anyone other than Reg.

 

#17:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 3:24 pm

I thought that would be the problem straight away - could Len not confide in Simone? She had difficulties to start with - may understand. Can understand her not wanting to confide in Joey but, at the same time, that will mean that Joey will continue talking about children in her normal, somewhat tactless way. If she were able to tell Joey it might mean she got support from her.

Thanks Fatima.

 

#18:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:16 pm

Oooh dear poor Len!!! It's a shame there is no one she feels she can talk to! Sad Thank you Fatima!

 

#19:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:32 pm

Poor, poor Len - and Jo going on about all those new babies, too, completely oblivious...

 

#20:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:48 pm

Oh poor Len, what a horrid thing to happen to anyone, esp with a baby counting mother.

 

#21:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:46 pm

Oh how sad for Len and Reg. It's amazing how insensitive people can be about asking people when they're going to have kids, like Joey going on about lagging behind, without stopping to think if there might be a medical reason for it. How sad that they have no-one to confide in but each other. Glad Reg is being so supportive though.

 

#22:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:36 pm

Thanks Fatima.

Poor Len

Fatima wrote:
She opened the gate to the garden of the little chalet, glad that she had reached home before she could be forced to remember anything more painful.

*wibbling about what else that might be*

Liz

 

#23:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 10:13 am

Alison H wrote:
Oh how sad for Len and Reg. It's amazing how insensitive people can be about asking people when they're going to have kids, like Joey going on about lagging behind, without stopping to think if there might be a medical reason for it. How sad that they have no-one to confide in but each other. Glad Reg is being so supportive though.


All that is missing is for jo to suggest that Jack give her a checkup!

 

#24:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 10:52 am

Ooh new drabble! Just caught up - this looks interesting Fatima, thanks Very Happy

 

#25:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:06 pm

Thank you for all the comments. I have never really liked Reg, siding with the people who said (in another thread somewhere) how horrible it sounds for a 26 year old man to be chasing after a sixteen year old girl. However, I think that EBD would have married them off and so I wanted to make the best of him. A little more for you now.

She found that Reg was already home and was sitting in the garden with a glass of lemonade. He got up and came over to greet her as soon as he saw her.
"Hello," he said, taking her bag from her and kissing her cheek. "You look tired, darling. Sit down and I shall bring you some lemonade."
"Thank you," she said grateful for his unending consideration. She watched as he took her bag into the house, then he returned a moment later carrying a tall glass full of lemonade for her. She sipped it and grimaced. "You made this," she said accusingly. "And you forgot to put the sugar in again!"
Reg laughed. The amount of sugar that should go into a decent glass of lemonade was the one thing that they did argue over on a regular basis. She had a very sweet tooth, while he preferred his drink much sharper. "I did put some in," he protested. "I'll go and get you some more if you like."
"No, I shall suffer in silence," she said graciously. "Sit beside me, Reg, and talk to me for a while."
"The dinner is cooking," he told her, sitting down on the bench at her side. "I made a casserole."
"You are wonderful," she told him. "I went to see Mother at lunchtime. She says Con is coming tomorrow, with the quads, and she wondered if I would go and see them."
"You don't have to," he reminded her.
"But I feel guilty if I don't," she said with a heavy sigh. "I love Con dearly, but I just can't face the thought of seeing her."
"I know it's hard," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders. "You are very strong, though, Len. You have proved that time and time again. You can be strong tomorrow, too. Go and see her. Maybe it will make you feel better."
Len leaned her head against his shoulder. "I don't know," she said slowly. "I shall have to think. How was your day, Reg?"
"Wonderful," he told her, and outlined the highlights of his day for her. Once he had finished telling her about the way young Charles Peterson had suddenly started to respond to the drugs they were giving him, he stood up and pulled her to her feet as well. "Let's go and have dinner," he suggested. "I am starving."
"So am I," she realized.
They went into the chalet together and while Len went up to change her clothes, Reg served the casserole and potatoes. He had laid the table already and by the time she returned, he was sitting waiting for her. He was about to pour her a glass of wine, but she waved a hand to stop him. "What's wrong?" he asked her. "It's your favourite."
"Well," she began, then she managed a decidedly wobbly smile, "I am wondering if I might be pregnant."
Reg considered for a moment. "You might be," he said cautiously, knowing that if she was it would be very early days. "Or maybe we have miscalculated?"
"Do I ever?" she asked.
"No," he agreed, knowing how careful a check she kept on such matters. "I'll run the test in the San tomorrow," he suggested. "Then we will know for sure."
Len picked at her dinner, trying to eat well but too worried to be able to do more than push the food around the plate. Reg made a better meal and teased her about disliking his dreadful cooking, but she did not rise to him as she usually did. He helped her clear the table and washed up while she dried the dishes and put them away, then he put his foot down and told her that she was not to lift another finger that night.
"But it doesn't make any difference if I work or if I rest," she protested, as he took her hand and dragged her away from the laundry and into their beautifully furnished sitting room. "We both know that I will loose this baby just as I have lost every other one."
"We don't know yet that you are pregnant," Reg pointed out, sitting in his favourite armchair and pulling her onto his lap. With her long hair tied loosely in a pony tail she looked very little different from the beautiful girl he had married more than ten years previously. She was still slim and had grown elegant over the years. He loved her dearly and wished that there was some way he could help her. He was a doctor, he should be able to get her to carry a baby to term, he should know of some miracle cure for the endless succession of heartbreak she had suffered over the years. She was loving and kind, the most perfect woman he had ever met and she did not deserve such a cruel deal from fate as she was receiving.
Len wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "What am I going to do?" she asked in a little voice. "I don't think I can go through all this again, Reg. It is just too awful."
Reg knew that there was not much he could say; it had all been said before. Still he had to try, so he said, "We will go through it together, Len. We will draw strength from one another and from God. It is His will if you are pregnant and it will be His will whatever happens."
"Yes, I know," she said, grateful for his never ending support and constant reassurances. "I can't imagine what I would do without you, Reg. You have never let me down, not once."
"You have never let me down, either," he pointed out. "You have been the best wife I could ever have."

 

#26:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:06 pm

Wot, no more of this yet? It's really good, Fatima, I hope the bunnies keep nagging.

 

#27:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:13 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I hope that Len's hopes aren't raised for nothing and that the pregnancy works out.

 

#28:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:13 pm

Fatima your Reg is lovely in this - not sure if I want Len to be pregnant or not - if it means she is going to miscarry again. Crying or Very sad

Thanks.

 

#29:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:58 pm

Poor Len... I do hope it works out this time for her!

 

#30:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:08 pm

Thanks Fatima - Reg is lovely Very Happy

Liz

 

#31:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:15 pm

Aww I hope it works this time, she deserves it! What a nice Reg! Thank you Fatima Very Happy

 

#32:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:31 pm

Ooooh new drabble!

Thank you, Fatima. I do hope Len is pregnant. She deserves all the happiness she can get, and she obviously longs for a baby.

 

#33:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:57 pm

Len and Reg are lovely here drawing support from one another. Thanks Fatima

 

#34:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 4:00 pm

Oh! Poor Len and poor Reg!!

I hope that if Len IS pregnant again it will all work out somehow this time!

 

#35:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:01 pm

Thank you Fatima, this is wonderful. I love your Len and Reg Very Happy

 

#36:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:33 pm

Here is a little more; the next few days are going to be busy, as I have exams to mark, but I will do my best to keep up with things here. Thank you all!

Len allowed him to send her to bed early, knowing that they would have to be up early the next day. She liked to arrive in school in time to accompany the girls on their morning walk, and to be there when they had morning prayers. Reg saw her safely into bed, then disappeared downstairs muttering something about a radio programme he wished to hear, but Len knew that he would really be attending to the laundry for her. She half felt that she should go down and help him, but he would be upset if she did. He enjoyed looking after her and besides, she really did feel tired.
Despite feeling tired, sleep would not come. It was as if the recollections she had had on her way home from school had opened some floodgates in her mind and the memories just kept on coming. After the third miscarriage they had waited three years before trying for a baby again. It had seemed to work, for she became pregnant and although she suffered dreadfully from morning sickness, she had managed to carry the baby beyond the first three months without any problems. After that they had both relaxed a lot and begun to tell people their news. Everyone had been delighted for them, but they could see people wondering why it had taken them so long to get round to starting a family. After all, they had been married for six years by that time and, as Jo was keen to keep on reminding Len, she wasn't getting any younger.
All had gone really well for the pregnancy right up until the eighth month. When Len went into labour she was worried that it was a little early – the baby had not been due for another three weeks. Reg had reassured her and she had gone happily to the San, ready to experience the happiest day of her life. She had the best specialists on hand to look after her, but when the baby was being born they discovered that it was not breathing. There was nothing that the specialists could do; the baby was stillborn. Len was inconsolable. She refused to see everyone, even Reg for the first day. All she did was sit in her room in the hospital and cry. Eventually the doctor gave instructions that she was to be sedated, and by the time that she was groggily coming round, Reg was beside her. She had been grateful for him coming in to see her even though he knew she might still not want to see him, and when he explained that the umbilical cord had become wrapped around the baby's neck and there was nothing she could have done, she accepted it. She begged to be able to see the baby, and Reg had pulled all the strings he could so that the baby was brought to her. She spent a long time holding him – he had been the most beautiful baby boy Len had ever seen – and even persuaded Reg to take a photo of him, so that she would always have some way of remembering him.
When she left the hospital a week later it was to attend his funeral. After that, Len went back home with Reg and tried not to notice how empty the days were. He had removed all the things they had gathered for the baby and tried to make the house look welcoming with flowers everywhere and he did all he could to reduce his hours at the San so that he could spend more time at home with her. Jo came to visit and was remarkably tactful, contenting herself with hugging Len and telling her how sorry she was. It turned out that she, too, had insisted on seeing the baby, and she complimented Len on how beautiful he had been. She said that he looked a lot like Charles had done when he was born, and Len was forever grateful for Jo's words, treating her son as if he was a real baby, not just something best forgotten.
Len rolled over and blinked back the tears. She had almost told Jo about her miscarriages at that time, but had held back, not wanting to add to her mother's worries. Surely now that Len had experienced such sorrow, Jo would give up her not so subtle hints about having children.

 

#37:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:43 pm

Awww poor poor Len! I think she should have told Joey about the miscarriages after that! I really feel for Len! Sad Sad Thank you Fatima this is fantastic! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#38:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:57 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I'm sorry that Len has had another miscarriage and her son was stillborn.

 

#39:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 6:24 pm

Oh dear, I think Len was wrong, she should have told Joey - Joey may be tactless, but if she had known about the problem then she would have been there to help, would have given Len and Reg all her support and love.

Thanks Fatima.

 

#40:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 8:34 pm

Oh Fatima, I'm ready to cry now! Poor Len and Reg.

 

#41:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 9:08 pm

Crying or Very sad This is heartrending. Poor Len. I am glad that Joey was so understanding over the baby and maybe she would support Len now if she knew what Len was going through. I am surprised that she doesn't at least suspect.

 

#42:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:35 am

Poor Len - and how nice of Jo to talk about the baby as a real baby not something to be ignored

Reg is lovely in this - it must be so hard for him to have to deal with his own feelings and support Len as well



I really put my foot in it this summer - when a friend complimented me on how Chris had behaved, I said (as you do) - you can have him if you want - and she replied *I can't have my own, so I don't want anyone elses* Embarassed

 

#43:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 6:02 am

I always think that is the most difficult thing about discussing children with people who have none - maybe they would like them, but cannot have any. It's a sensitive subject. It always makes me think about Jo's insensitive comments to Simone, and the lovely story about that written by someone here (sorry I can't remember who).

The door opened, and Reg crept into the bedroom. He changed and got into the bed beside her, reaching over to put an arm around her. Len turned and smiled at him, snuggling into his embrace.
"You were supposed to be asleep," he scolded her.
"And you were supposed to have been listening to the radio," she returned.
"Len, I was thinking," he told her.
"What about?" she asked, although she could guess the answer.
"If this doesn't work, I think we should give up and adopt a baby," he told her. "I can't bear to put you through all this again. It is just too hard on you."
"And on you," she said softly. She gently traced the line of his jaw, noticing how he had some silver threads in his hair now.
"I would like us to put our names down on the adoption register," he went on, looking deeply into her eyes. "There are a lot of people who wish to adopt a baby and we might have a long wait. What do you think?"
"I think that sounds very sensible," she told him.
He would not talk to her any further after that, telling her that she needed her sleep and that even if she didn't, he needed his. She heard his breathing deepen and knew that he was asleep, but she just could not get off to sleep herself. There were too many memories leaping around in her head to give her any peace.
Len recalled how she had managed to get on with her life after the birth of her son – she and Reg had decided to call him Benedict – and how she found the truth in the old adage that time is a great healer. She thought of Ben all the time, but it grew easier to remember him and to thank God for the hopes that they had had and for the chance to hold him just that one time. She realized that many women would not have asked and would have never known what their baby had looked like, or how their baby felt in their arms. At least she knew, and she had a couple of much viewed photos of him as well. Jo had continued to be tact personified, much to everyone's amazement. She had been wonderful to Len and Reg, sending food round for them and looking after them as much as she could, and making herself available when Len wanted to talk, or scarce when Len wished to be left alone. Len had never felt as close to Joey as she had done at that time, but the closeness made her more eager to shield her mother from additional worry and stopped her from confiding in her.
After Ben, Len and Reg had waited a long time before trying to have another child. They had talked at length about it and decided that they did not feel strong enough to deal with any further disappointments, so they concentrated all their efforts on enjoying their life together and doing things that they had always wanted to do. They went on holiday together, visited museums and the theatre and generally did their best to enjoy themselves. Len had fought a hard battle with depression, and had finally managed to feel that she was coming out of the darkness and into the sunshine again. She had days of feeling nothing but despair and hopelessness, but they were getting fewer and fewer and further apart. Now, though, she was probably pregnant again, and she wondered if she would be able to cope with another miscarriage.
Len slipped quietly out of bed and pulled on her dressing gown. She went down to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea, which she took into the sitting room to drink. She pulled back the curtain and sat in the darkness, looking out at the moon and the stars and wondering what the future held for her. It was a beautiful night and she gazed out of the window for a long time. Suddenly she became aware that she had tears running down her cheeks again, but they were not her usual bitter tears of despair. She felt moved by all that she had in her life – a wonderful husband, a lovely house, a family that continued to care for her even though she had constantly tried to shut them out of her life, a job that she enjoyed and that she did well. It was a long list of things to be thankful for, and Len vowed to remember that.
She took her empty cup back to the kitchen and rinsed it, then she padded softly upstairs and climbed back into bed, moving carefully so as not to disturb Reg. Her moonlight reflections must have done her good, for she fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow, and when she awoke the next morning she felt as though the black cloud that had hung over her for so long had lifted. She found Reg bending over her, and she saw that he had brought her breakfast in bed. As she sat up, he placed a tray across her knees and she found that he had made scrambled egg on toast and a cup of coffee, and that he had placed a rose from their garden on the tray, too.
"Oh, Reg," she said, for the gesture took her back to the early days of their marriage, when he had delighted in doing little things that were very romantic. "This is lovely."
"I have called the school and told them that you are feeling poorly today," he said, "because I know you were up half the night and I don't want you making yourself ill. I am going to the San, so I shall get that test done and then I shall phone as soon as I know the results."
"But I…" she began, but he cut her off unceremoniously.
"You are going to stay here, in bed for preference," he said firmly. "If you are pregnant, we are going to be more careful than ever before. I have to go, darling, but I will call you later." He leaned over and kissed her tenderly. "Remember, stay in bed."
"I'll remember," she said, smiling at him.
"I'll speak to you soon," he said, closing the door behind him.
Len heard him going downstairs, then the front door opened and closed and he had gone. Now all she had to do was eat her breakfast before it got cold and find some way of entertaining herself until he phoned with news for her.

 

#44:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 7:42 am

Thanks Fatima. I hope that all goes well with this pregnancy. Also, well done, you have portrayed a very likeable Reg!

 

#45:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:00 am

I hope it doesn't have to come to that for Len, since she evidently desparately wants one of her own, but it's a good option if she can't have them!

 

#46:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:09 am

I hope everything goes ok for Len and Reg.

 

#47:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:15 am

Me too - fingers crossed for them. Thanks Fatima

 

#48:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:22 am

Fingers crossed for Len.

& I am reluctantly finding myself liking Reg!

 

#49:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:42 am

Ooo good luck to Len!!! Reg is soo nice to her!! Smile
Thanks Fatima, I love this!

 

#50:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:56 am

Thank you Fatima! I really like your Reg! Very Happy

YaY for a likeable Reg! Very Happy

 

#51:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 11:05 am

Thanks Fatima, I love this. Love the way Joey treated Ben as a real baby and not something to be forgotten ASAP. I *think* I want the results to be positive, but only if she can carry it full-term.

 

#52:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 11:26 am

Thank you Fatima. This is lovely.

 

#53:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 12:41 pm

Thank you Fatima!

I'm glad Jo was supportive over little Benedict, but I still think Len should have told her about the miscarriages. I'm sure if she knew she wouldn't keep on about children.

 

#54:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 12:42 pm

Thank you all for your kind words. Here is a little more for you.

Len finished her breakfast and lay back against the pillows. She reached for her book, but her wakeful night must have left her feeling tired, for the book slipped from her fingers and despite her worries, she fell asleep. She was awoken a couple of hours later by Reg himself. He sat down on the bed and woke her gently.
"I thought I should come and tell you in person," he said. "You are pregnant."
"Thank you," she said, unsure how she felt. Her stomach was churning nervously, but some part of her was, as ever, thrilled at the thought of becoming a mother at last.
Reg's experienced gaze took in her feelings very accurately. "It's going to be all right this time," he said, hoping that if he felt positively enough about things they really would work out.
"Do you really think so?" she asked. "I so want everything to be all right."
"I know you do." Reg leaned forward and kissed her. "This time we will do our very best, Len, I promise. I think you should stay in bed now, and I will bring you some tea and biscuits and we can talk about what to do next."
Len kissed him back. "I know you always do your best," she reassured him. "I know that there has never been anything more that you could do, Reg."
He disappeared off downstairs to make her some tea, leaving Len lying back against the pillows. She found tears coming into her eyes, and she knew that she was in for another rollercoaster of emotion. That was part and parcel of the deal, though, she told herself. She recalled Con when she had been expecting the quads. Half of the time Con had been telling everyone how lovely her husband was and how happy she was, but the other half of the time she was raging and crying like a woman possessed. Fortunately, Con's husband, Louis Soltermann, was a doctor himself and was well aware of the affect of hormones in a multiple pregnancy. Len also recalled the struggle Con had had getting used to being mother of four; she had been told she was expecting triplets, and so had expected a difficult time for the first few years, but when she had gone home with four babies to care for she had found it almost impossible to cope even with her au pair to help. Now the quads were almost six and Con had refused to have more children, so things were getting easier for her. Len sighed and turned a little to make herself more comfortable. She suddenly realized that Reg was taking rather a long time with the tea and she wondered what had happened to him.
Before she could do more than wonder, the bedroom door opened, but it was not Reg who came in. Len was surprised to find herself looking at Con. Con had changed a lot since her school days. She had had her hair cut stylishly short and now dressed in all the latest fashions. She was slim and graceful and sometimes Len had to remind herself that the efficient and confident woman really was her dreamy sister. Con came over to the bed and leaned down to kiss Len. "Hello," Len greeted her.
"Hello," Con answered. "I knew I had to come here, or I would not see you." She sat down on the bed and took Len's hands in hers. "Len, I know you aren't feeling well, but I wanted to see you."
"I'm ok," Len reassured her. "It is just Reg being over-protective."
"You do look all right," Con agreed, studying Len very closely. "I left the quads with Mother. You know how she loves to have them and then to complain endlessly about them once I have gone home!"
"Yes, she does," Len agreed with a chuckle. Then, impulsively, she said, "Con, I'm pregnant."
"Oh, Len," said Con happily, her brown eyes warm and soft. "I am so happy for you."
"Thank you. But don't tell anyone yet, will you? We have only just found out ourselves. That is why Reg has sent me to bed!"
Reg himself appeared at that moment, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. "Here you go," he said, placing the tray within easy reach of the bed. "I am going to go back to the San," he went on, "as I have a new case arriving shortly. I will be home early, though, Len, so you can stay put and I shall take care of the dinner when I get in. Can I get you anything else before I go?"
"I can get her anything else she needs," said Con. "Don't worry about her, Reg; I shall take good care of her."
"Thank you, Con," he said with a smile. "Give my regards to Louis, won't you?" Reg was very fond of Con's husband, a consultant in the busy hospital in Interlaken. "Good bye."
He left again and the sisters looked at each other with almost identical expressions. "They are both wonderful, aren't they?" said Con contentedly. "We have been so lucky with them, Len."
"We certainly have. Con," she went on anxiously, "I'm worried about being pregnant."
"I know you are," Con said, patting her hand reassuringly. "You have had a bad time, haven't you?"
"How do you know?" asked Len in surprise.
"Oh, Len, we are sisters," said Con gently. "Do you really think I haven't noticed?"
"I hoped you hadn't," Len admitted, feeling tears coming into her eyes again. "I'm sorry, Con."

 

#55:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:02 pm

I'm so glad Con will be there for Len now! And I don't blame her for not wanting more kids after quads! Smile

 

#56:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:28 pm

Oh good I am glad Con knows so Len now has someone else to help support her!

Thank you Fatima!

 

#57:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:55 pm

Yay for Con!!
I hope it will help Len to confide in her sister!

 

#58:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:58 pm

Poor Len Sad And Con is lovely, but Reg lovelier!

Thanks Fatima!

 

#59:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 2:14 pm

Oooh. Thanks Fatima, lovely update. Goooo Con with her trendy clothes and sharp hairstyle! Cool

 

#60:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:18 pm

Fatima, I don't how you do it - you're turning out drabbles like nothing on earth, and they're all wonderful! How do you find the time?

I really like Reg in this- he's nice for a change! Very much hope everything will be all right for Len this time.




Edited because I can't spell!

 

#61:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:30 pm

I've only just found this. I do like your Len and Reg. What an awful thing to happen when she keeps hearing about big families and really wants children.

Con sounds super. I don't blame her for refusing to have any more! I do hope she can help Len.

Thank you Fatima.

 

#62:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:53 pm

Poor Len I hope that this time the baby survives!! I'm glad Con is there for her! I bet Joey was jealous when Con had quads! hehe! Thank you Fatima, this is lovely! Very Happy

Last edited by Chalet_school_lover on Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:36 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#63:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:39 pm

Oh I do so want this baby to be ok. Reg is so so lovely and protective, and Con's so sweet! I just want everything to be right for them this time.

Thank you Fatima

 

#64:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:17 pm

Just a little for today, as I have a stack of exams to mark.

Con poured a cup of strong tea and passed it to her sister. "Drink this," she instructed, "and don't be so silly. If you can't be honest with me, who can you be honest with?"
Len sipped her tea and found herself pouring out all her worries to her sister. As she spoke, she wondered why she had never confided in Con before. Con was so dependable and so understanding. When they were young she had never had secrets from the other two triplets, but now, with Margot so far away, she had allowed Con to get away as well. Despite Con's intention of spending a short time with Len, she was still there, sitting on the bed, holding Len's hand, almost three hours later. Len had unburdened herself and they had cried together, comforting each other and drawing strength from each other. After that, Len had felt so much better.
Con had left, vowing to herself that she would try to find more time to visit Len, perhaps leaving the quads with her mother in law, or with Jo, while she went alone to Len's house. She had an idea that Reg would keep Len in bed a lot, and that Len would grow restless and rebel against his instructions. Len ate the last of the biscuits once her sister had gone, and wondered why it had taken her so long to confide in anyone. She decided that it must have something to do with being the eldest of the family, the one who was always responsible for everyone else and who had no one responsible for her.
Over the next couple of weeks Len spent most of her spare time lying in bed. Reg did not let her go to school by herself, preferring to take her in the car and collect her when she was finished. He gave instructions that she was not to work too hard in school – no more walks or country dancing. No more refereeing at any kind of sports. Above all, she was to worry about nothing. And that was the part that Len found hardest. She could not worry if she was busy, but if her heavy schedule was cut back, it gave her all the more time for anxiety.
She got through the first two months and half way through the third when she suddenly began to feel excruciating cramps. It was early in the morning and she had just got up, and was dressing when she suddenly had such a sharp pain she could not stop a cry escaping her lips.

 

#65:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:20 pm

Oh no! *wibbles* Thanks Fatima.

 

#66:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:23 pm

Oh nooooo Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#67:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:29 pm

Awwww nooooo! *wibbles*

 

#68:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:40 pm

Oh no! But it was almost inevitable I suppose. bawling

 

#69:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 2:04 pm

oooooh nooo!! Not again! Poor Poor Len! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#70:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 2:06 pm

Eeek!! Shocked Please let it be okay!

 

#71:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 2:10 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I'm glad Con and Len have confided in each other. I hope Len will be ok.

 

#72:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:48 pm

Noooo. Poor Len I hope her and baby are ok.

Thank you Fatima.

 

#73:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:37 pm

Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Poor Len!!!

 

#74:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:56 pm

Please just a false alarm Fatima. Please please please!

Liz

 

#75:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 5:37 pm

Thank you for all your comments; here is a little more. And in answer to your question, dackel, I have rather given up on the housework!! What can I do - the bunnies won't leave me alone! I have no more ideas, so I am hoping for some peace after this drabble!

At once Reg raced out of the bathroom, his toothbrush still between his teeth. "What is it?" he demanded, seizing her arm and helping her to stand upright. One look at her ashen face was enough for him; she did not need to say a word because he knew what was happening. He put his toothbrush on the dressing table, threw on his shirt and swung her into his arms. How he ran down the stairs and out into the street still carrying her, he could not recall, for she was no feather weight. He slid her into the back seat of the car, leaped in himself and set off to the san so fast that his tyres positively screeched as he rounded each bend in the road. He had not even closed the front door of their chalet, so great was his hurry.
In the back of the car, Len was moaning softly, more from mental anguish than physical pain. She knew from experience what the pain would mean, and she did not know how she was going to manage to get back on her feet after this most recent devastating blow. Clutching at her stomach, she could stop neither the tears from running down her cheeks or the cold hands of despair wrapping themselves ever more tightly round her heart.
Fortunately the road to the San was deserted at that time of the day, and they met no one on their way. Reg swung the car into the place usually reserved for ambulances, leapt out with the engine still running and helped Len out of the back seat. He looked grim as he swept her into his arms, and Len knew that he was remembering the other times. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his shoulder, holding tightly to him as he raced down the long corridor to the emergency room. He unceremoniously kicked the door open and went in, calling for a nurse to attend him even as he was placing Len gently on the bed.
"It's going to be fine," he told her, but she could see that he did not really believe it. "They will call Mark O'Brien; he's the best we have. Just hang on, darling." A young Swiss nurse arrived, and Reg told her that he needed Dr. O'Brien at once. "I don't care if he is sleeping or anything," he told her in his fluent German. "I want him here right now."
"Ja, Doktor Entwhistle," she said, dashing out. Reg was well liked and respected at the San, and everyone would rally round him if he needed help.
Reg turned his attention back to Len. "I know this isn't really my field," he said apologetically, "but tell me how it feels."
"Just like before," she said miserably.
"And how long was it going on?"
"Only when I cried out," she answered. "That was the first one."
Before he could ask anything else, a tall, slim doctor rushed in, still buttoning his white coat. "Yes, Dr. Entwhistle?" he asked. "What's the problem?"

 

#76:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:37 pm

Oooh Thank you Fatima! *waiting to find out if Len and the baby will be okay!* Very Happy

 

#77:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:03 pm

Oh how sad! Poor Len, and poor Reg!

Thanks Fatima!

 

#78:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:20 pm

Please please please let Len and the baby be ok! They don't deserve this Sad

Thanks Fatima.

 

#79:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:46 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I really, really, really hope the baby will be ok.

 

#80:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:24 pm

Please let Len keep this baby! Please, please!

 

#81:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:12 pm

Oh Fatima, please tell us Len and the baby are OK!

 

#82:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:32 pm

Oh no! Please don't let her lose the baby!

Last edited by LadyGuinevere on Wed Oct 26, 2005 7:56 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#83:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 10:18 pm

Please let them be in time, please, please please

Liz

 

#84:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:32 am

Ohh Poor Len. Please let the baby be OK Fatima.

 

#85:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 7:12 am

Please let them both be OK ! Shocked

I`ve been lurking and reading for weeks, and I simply had to register today so I could plead for a happy resolution to this wonderful drabble !

 

#86:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 7:15 am

Nooo She can't loose another! (it doesn't sound good though) Thanks Fatima.

 

#87:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:49 am

please let them be ok... Crying or Very sad

 

#88:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:35 pm

Just a little more, though I am hoping to have time to write again later. Hopefully this should reassure you all a little!

Reg outlined the morning's happenings while Dr. O'Brien conducted an examination. He then gave orders to the Swiss nurse and soon Len was being given an injection. Once they had done that, things started to slow down, and Len found that she could concentrate better on what they were saying.
"What's happening?" she asked nervously, needing to know, but not really wanting to hear. "Have I lost the baby yet?"
Dr. O'Brien, who turned out to be exceedingly handsome, with a most delightful bedside manner, smiled down at his patient. "No," he said reassuringly, "you certainly haven't lost the baby, thanks to Dr. Entwhistle's prompt actions. I have given you a new drug that we are trying now, which stops premature contractions, so I have every hope that you will not lose the baby. You will remain here for the next couple of hours so we can monitor you closely, then we will transfer you upstairs. With your history we cannot afford to take any chances."
"You mean I might not lose this baby?" she asked in wonder. "Oh, Reg, did you hear that?"
Reg smiled at her and reached for her hand. "I certainly did," he answered. "That is why I have been spending a lot of time talking to Dr. O'Brien. He is right up with all the latest developments and he has already said that if we needed him he would be happy to help us."
"Thank you," said Len gratefully.
She spent the next few hours lying still and quietly, trying to rest as Dr. O'Brien had told her to. Reg returned home to make sure that they had not been robbed while their chalet was standing open, and to get a few things for Len, as she would be staying in the San for a few days at least. She was given a light lunch, then was carefully put into a wheelchair and taken upstairs to a small room, where Dr. O'Brien told her she was to be sure to stay in bed and call the nurse if she felt even the slightest twinge. More relieved than she could say, Len willingly agreed to do both, and was left in peace once more.

 

#89:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:39 pm

Oh thank goodness Very Happy Very Happy

*much relieved*

Fatima wrote:
Dr. O'Brien, who turned out to be exceedingly handsome, with a most delightful bedside manner


Yay for exceedingly handsome doctors!

 

#90:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:45 pm

Hurrah for suave (Irish?) lifesaving doctor!!! Thanks Fatima Very Happy

 

#91:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:51 pm

oooh yay for Dr O'Brien!

Please let it be ok Fatima......pretty please? with chocolate on top?

 

#92:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:54 pm

Yay!! Please let her keep this baby!!! Thank you Fatima! Very Happy

 

#93:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:56 pm

So glad Len is ok - Thank you, thank you, thank you Very Happy

Fatima wrote:
Dr. O'Brien, who turned out to be exceedingly handsome, with a most delightful bedside manner, smiled down at his patient.

Oooooh wonder if he'll turn out to be somebody's sloc/sloc-to-be?

Thanks (again) Fatima

Liz

 

#94:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:00 pm

Woot! Yay for Dr O'Brien! Very Happy

 

#95:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:08 pm

Phew! Thanks Fatima.

Wondering whom the handsome doctor might be destined for...

 

#96:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:18 pm

Oh yay! I do hope it works out for them!

 

#97:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:31 pm

Alison H wrote:
Wondering whom the handsome doctor might be destined for...


I haven't quite decided yet!! Although I would have liked him for Rosalie Dene, I think he might be a little too young! Then again, maybe she would like a toy boy!! Laughing

 

#98:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:34 pm

Fatima wrote:
Alison H wrote:
Wondering whom the handsome doctor might be destined for...


I haven't quite decided yet!! Although I would have liked him for Rosalie Dene, I think he might be a little too young! Then again, maybe she would like a toy boy!! Laughing


Oh go on Fatima! Poor Rosalie had a lot to put up with, like being chased by spies (??) in Highland Twins, and then being made to work all hours by Miss Bubb. She definitely deserves a handsome toyboy. Please ....! Wink

 

#99:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:43 pm

I'm speechless, sitting here with tears cascading down my face. Four years on from losing a baby, and I'm still overwhelmed by grief. It doesn't go away, you just learn to live with it and every so often something prompts a new outburst.

Sorry, blatant thread hijacking.

I'm home on my own with the kids and this has triggered some very difficult memories which aren't going away, and I'm scaring myself. I've been sitting here looking at this for almost an hour wondering if I'm brave enough to post it. But if I don't speak up about miscarriage, how can I expect anyone else to? So I will ask for help: please PM if you can offer me any support on this.

Thanks, Fatima. Powerful writing on an emotive subject that's so often ignored.

 

#100:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:46 pm

Nicola wrote:
I'm speechless, sitting here with tears cascading down my face. Four years on from losing a baby, and I'm still overwhelmed by grief. It doesn't go away, you just learn to live with it and every so often something prompts a new outburst.

Sorry, blatant thread hijacking.

I'm home on my own with the kids and this has triggered some very difficult memories which aren't going away, and I'm scaring myself. I've been sitting here looking at this for almost an hour wondering if I'm brave enough to post it. But if I don't speak up about miscarriage, how can I expect anyone else to? So I will ask for help: please PM if you can offer me any support on this.

Thanks, Fatima. Powerful writing on an emotive subject that's so often ignored.


*hugshugshugs* Have pmed you and hope you feel better soon - make tea and go lie down for a bit also *hugs more*

 

#101:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:00 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I'm glad the drug was invented in time for them to be able to save the baby.

Nicola, I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage. *Chair is sending lots of hugs*.

 

#102:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:03 pm

Have PMd you Nicola - sending hugs.

 

#103:  Author: Katya, Location: Mostly Bradford PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:09 pm

Have PMed you, Nicola.

 

#104:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:00 pm

Very glad that Len is ok for now. Agrees that Rosalie deserves handsome toyboy!
(Nicola) Smile

 

#105:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:06 pm

I have nothing to offer but hugs, Nicola *big hugs* Sad

 

#106:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:45 pm

Thanks Fatima - so glad that it appears good news for Len and Reg.


(((((Nicola)))))

 

#107:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:54 pm

*breathes in* Im glad things are ok with the baby. Thanks Fatima

*hugs Nicola*

 

#108:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:45 pm

Embarassed

Thank you for all those hugs everybody. I'm all right now, just lost it completely for a while there earlier. And I am completely overwhelmed by the kind things people have taken time to write to me. Iit meant so much, and really kept me going earlier until I pulled myself together enough to phone a friend to come round with chocolate and distract my kids whilst I hid under the duvet and read my lovely new GGBP School at the Chalet for the rest of the afternoon. One of those days.

And sorry Fatima for putting all this on your thread.

 

#109:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 7:00 pm

Quote:
And sorry Fatima for putting all this on your thread.


That's quite all right - now it makes my drabble look really popular! Glad to hear you are feeling better now, Nicola. I have not been industrious tonight, I am afraid, so more tomorrow. Sorry!

 

#110:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 11:54 am

We'll forgive you Fatima - but only if you post more today! Laughing

 

#111:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 12:12 pm

*belatedly adds hugs for Nicola*

*likes the idea of Rosalie having a toy boy* Laughing

Thanks Fatima

Liz

 

#112:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 5:51 pm

I must apologise for my rather limited knowledge of medical matters, and hope that I haven't made too many unforgivable errors in this. If I have, then I would welcome corrections; if I have been anachronistic, well, it suits my purposes! And does anyone know how old Rosalie would be if Len was around 30? I figure her as about fifty five, even though in my mind she is always around 35 herself! Ok, enough waffling, on with the story...

As the day passed, the nurses kept a careful eye on their newest patient, and Dr. O'Brien kept coming back to see how she was. He spent some time explaining how miscarriages often happened because there would be something wrong with the baby if it was carried to term, but that once a woman had miscarried, her chances of suffering a second miscarriage increased. He then pointed out that Len had proved that she could carry a baby to term, and that she should be feeling a lot more hopeful this time around. Len found the doctor a very comforting presence, for he obviously knew exactly what he was talking about and it was the first time that anyone had been able to explain things to her so sensibly and help her understand exactly what was going on with her.
Reg popped in through the day, but otherwise, as no one knew that she was in the San, no one came to visit her. Len was actually grateful for that, as it gave her plenty of time to ponder upon all that Dr. O'Brien had said and to realize how well she was being cared for. She lay in bed, feeling more positive about the pregnancy than she had done since she had first heard that she was expecting again.
Len remained in the San for just over a week. Dr. O'Brien followed her case very carefully, checking on her several times a day and reassuring her that all was going well. Visitors began to come and see her, the first of whom was Con. She arrived with a large bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates and good wishes from all of her family. Jo arrived later in the day, thrilled to hear that Len was pregnant, but decidedly worried about her being in the san.
By this time the school had broken up for the summer holidays, so Len did not have to worry about her job. Indeed, Reg was eager for her to hand in her notice, so that she could spend the autumn term resting; once the baby had been born, he was more than happy for her to return to school if she wished, but until then he admitted that he would feel happier if she had nothing to do and no worries, no need to even get out of bed in the morning. Len knew that she would miss teaching, but if it came down to a question of priorities, she knew what her priority was. She duly wrote up her resignation and Reg delivered it to the school as he passed by one afternoon. Not long after he had delivered it, both Miss Annersley and Rosalie Dene came to the San to visit Len.
Len was still in bed, as Dr. O'Brien had proscribed complete bed rest for her. She was reading a magazine that Jo had brought for her that morning, and sipping at a cup of tea. Hilda and Rosalie entered the little room, bearing flowers.
"Hello, Len," said Hilda Annersley. "How are you feeling today?"
"Hello, Auntie Hilda," said Len, putting her magazine to one side. She still found it difficult to think of Miss Annersley as Hilda, even though she had been given permission to call the Head by her first name only. Lying in bed, wearing an old nightie it seemed even less appropriate to address that dignified lady so informally. "Hello, Rosalie. I am feeling very well, thank you."
"We just came to tell you how sorry we are that you won't be with us next term," Hilda said, sitting down near the bed. "We understand your reasons, and fully support your decision, but we wondered if you would agree to take a year off instead of resigning completely."
"I don't know," Len said slowly. "I am finding it very difficult to think that far ahead."
Hilda patted her arm sympathetically. "I am sure you are, dear," she said. "But when you feel able to, please consider it. We think you are an excellent head of the languages department, and we would not want to replace you if there was a chance we could get you back in a year, or even two."
"And we are thrilled by your news," Rosalie added. "We will be praying for you, hoping that everything goes well this time."
"Thank you," said Len. "I am hoping and praying for that, too."
"The term finished well," said Rosalie, "with a wonderful fete. Your girls did very well in their end of year exams, and even the beginners have come on in leaps and bounds. And the spot supper was most enjoyable."
Len smiled at that news, for she had been wondering how her classes had coped with their exams. Before she could say anything more, the door opened again and Dr. O'Brien appeared. "Hello," he said, coming into the room with his sphygmomanometer. "Sorry to interrupt," he added, seeing that Len was not alone. "May I just take your blood pressure and temperature?"
While Hilda looked impressed at his excellent English, Rosalie seemed more impressed by his appearance. She winked at Len from behind his back, but tactfully refrained from comment until he had left the room. Dr. O'Brien took Len's blood pressure and then her temperature, recording the results neatly on the chart at the foot of the bed. "All quite normal," he pronounced. "And are you feeling all right? No twinges or anything?"
"I feel fine," she assured him. "I have not felt a single pain since you gave me the injection."
"I am very pleased to hear it," he said. "Now I shall leave you in peace. Sorry for the interruption." He treated Rosalie and Hilda to one of his charming smiles and left them to continue their conversation.
"Well!" said Rosalie admiringly. "They didn't make doctors like that when I was young!"

 

#113:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 5:55 pm

So glad Len is getting on well Very Happy - and loved Rosalie's comment Laughing

Thanks Fatima

Rosalie is only a year or two older than Jo, so if Jo was 20/21 when the triplets were born, I would put Rosalie at about 52/53 if Len is 30.

If it doesn't suit you create an EBDism Wink

Liz

 

#114:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 6:48 pm

Hehe, Lovely! I am so glad Len seems to be coming along nicely, I just hope it carrys on! Thank you Fatima! Very Happy

 

#115:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 7:06 pm

Glad Len is doing well, and fingers crossed for Rosalie and the lovely doctor! Thanks Fatima.

 

#116:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 7:21 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I'm glad that Rosalie is impressed by Dr O'Brien. It would be great if they could find love together.

 

#117:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:59 pm

Just caught up with this. What a roller coaster of emotion.

Thank you.

 

#118:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 10:09 pm

Glad everything's that much more hopeful.

Thanks Fatima.

 

#119:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:17 am

Everything seems to have calmed down, I hope it continues as hopefully.

Also loved Rosalie sighing over the doctor!

Thanks Fatima.

 

#120:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:41 am

Lol at Rosalie!

Glad things are still okay for Len...

 

#121:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:37 am

Once again, thank you everyone for commenting and to Keren for filling me in on medical details. Here is a little more for you now.

Hilda laughed. "He is far too young!" she admonished. "Although he is very handsome!"
"He is very nice," Len agreed. "And so knowledgeable that I feel far more confident with him than with any of the other doctors here."
"That is good," Hilda said. "It is nice to think you are being given the best care possible. Well, Rosalie, we had better be off. We promised to go to St. Mildred's this morning and meet Nell Wilson. Take care, Len, and we will try to come in again and see you soon."
"Very soon," said Rosalie with a laugh. "I am so glad you are feeling well, Len. Just follow the doctor's orders to the letter. Good bye."
They both kissed Len then walked over to the door. Rosalie opened the door and went out, walking straight into someone coming into the room. To her embarrassment, it was Dr. O'Brien, returning to fetch his sphygmomanometer, which he had left by Len's bed. Sitting, she had not realized how tall he was; standing, her head did not even reach his shoulder. He grabbed her arm so that he did not knock her over and grinned at her obvious discomfort.
"I am so sorry, very sorry," she said, wishing she could stop herself from burbling incoherently.
"No harm done," he reassured her, releasing her arm and continuing to smile at her. "I am Dr. O'Brien."
"Miss…um…Rosalie Dene," said Rosalie, wishing that she had a more impressive title to put before her name.
Dr. O'Brien held out his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said.
Rosalie shook his hand and finally managed to meet his gaze, although she rather wished she had not. He had intensely blue eyes that seemed to look right through her and she felt that he was seeing all sorts of thoughts that she would rather he did not see. "Yes," she managed to say, before turning to Hilda.
Sensing her secretary's discomposure, Hilda came to the rescue. "If you have quite finished assaulting the staff here, we should go, Rosalie," she said lightly. She took Rosalie's arm and marched her out of the room and off down the corridor before she could embarrass herself further.
Len, who had watched the exchange with interest, was sitting in bed laughing. Dr. O'Brien retrieved his instrument, and put it into the capacious pocket of his white coat. "I feel as though I have seen those ladies before," he commented.
"Miss Annersley is the head of the Chalet School," Len explained, "and Rosalie Dene is her secretary."
"Oh, yes," he realized. "I remember seeing Miss Dene at the fete last week." He strolled over to the door and disappeared down the corridor, off to check up on some of his other patients.

 

#122:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:48 am

Woohoo! Go Rosalie! Wink

 

#123:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:49 am

Go for it Rosalie!

Thanks Fatima.

 

#124:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:51 am

*giggles*

*wonders if the sphyg. was left behind on purpose*

Thanks Fatima Very Happy

Liz

 

#125:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:56 am

Hmmm, he remembers seeing Miss Dene, eh?

*Ponders*

 

#126:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 8:41 am

I just hope that's not a red herring.

Glad to see Len getting the best care possible.

 

#127:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 8:44 am

*g* wonderful. Thank you Fatima!

 

#128:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:05 am

Thanks Fatima! Goooo Rosalie Very Happy

 

#129:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:04 am

Len left the San and went happily home to her chalet. Reg had managed to switch some of his shifts, so that he was working longer hours while she was in the San and could then spend more time at home with her after she was discharged from the San. For the first few days she remained in bed, but then she began to get up, first for a short time and gradually she spent longer and longer out of bed. She was glad when she finally reached a point where she could get up in the morning with Reg and see him off to work, then spend the day doing light chores and cooking, and still feel well enough to sit and chat to Reg in the evening. He refused to allow her to go shopping, or do any heavy jobs around the house, and he did a lot of housework himself.
When the baby started moving, both Len and Reg were thrilled. They still had moments of doubt, times when they really did not believe that things were looking so good, but they were both moving into such a positive mindset that they began to think of names for the baby. Len absolutely refused to allow Reg to do any shopping for baby things, claiming that it would be sure to put a jinx on their happiness, and Reg was reduced to secretly hoarding things in his office at the San, as he did not like to think of them being unprepared to look after a baby.
Dr. O'Brien was very happy with Len's progress. He visited her at home at least once a week, and had given strict instructions as to what they should do if any of a number of symptoms manifested themselves. They trusted him absolutely, and were grateful for all his advice and care.
Reg also confided to Len that Dr. O'Brien had started to talk a lot about Rosalie Dene. He seemed very taken with her, and had even gone to the school to visit her a couple of times. Recalling that lady's comments on the subject of the handsome doctor, Len could not help but wonder what would happen there. She could never understand how Rosalie remained unmarried; she was attractive and had retained her youthful figure and she was a lovely, caring lady.
The school returned for the new academic year, and it seemed strange for Len to be without her job there. Miss Annersley had employed a temporary teacher, and had, as promised, kept the post of head of languages for Len. It did feel odd, though, staying at home when everyone else was in school, working hard. Gradually autumn became winter. Len was due to have her baby around Christmas time, and so she began to become uncomfortably large and found it too scary to walk in the snow, for fear that she would slip over. Virtually housebound, she grew irritable and even Reg felt the sharpness of her tongue on several occasions. The baby was very active and gave her no peace, constantly kicking as she lay down to rest.
Jo and Con visited her every few days, sometimes finding her mellow and happy, while at other times they were obliged to listen to her complaints and almost wished they had not bothered making the effort to get through the snow to see her. They, too, had been shopping in secret, not wishing to see Len stranded on the Platz with nothing she needed to care for the baby. No one could possibly allow that to happen, so they had got plenty of things for her, which they were keeping in their own homes.
As the date on which the baby was due came nearer, Len found that she suffered from nightmares. In her dreams the baby was always born hideously disfigured, and she often woke at night and found that she had been crying in her sleep. Reg usually woke as well, and held her tightly, calming her fears and constantly assuring her that it would all be fine. It was at times like these that Len realized the truth in her mother's favourite saying – Reg truly was a solid lump of comfort.

 

#130:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:07 am

Fatima, you may have achieved the impossible and made me actually like Reg! Looking forward to the SAFE arrival of the baby!

 

#131:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:19 am

Reg is luffly... also hoping the baby will be OK

 

#132:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:39 am

Poor Len... but at least Reg is wonderful and attentive! (Loved the lines about hoarding btw Laughing)

 

#133:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:40 am

Just caught up on 2 updates! Go Rosalie! I do hope Len and the baby will be ok! Please please let them! You have also made me like Reg!! Thank you for this lovely drabble Fatima! Very Happy

 

#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:20 am

Awww, so glad it's going well.

Thanks Fatima.

 

#135:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:27 am

Sorry folks, I can't give you any reassurances yet!

On Christmas Eve, in the very early hours of the morning, Len woke from another nightmare, then realized that it was not actually a nightmare. Her stomach was gripped by a painful contraction and she knew that the day had arrived. Reg, who had been awoken by her involuntary cry, sat up and reached out to take her in his arms. "It's only a dream," he said sleepily. "Come on, darling, lie down."
"It's not," she told him. "It's started."
That awoke Reg completely. "Really?" he demanded. "Are you sure?"
Len shot him a look that convinced him of the truth of it, causing him to leap out of bed and start throwing on his clothes. She got up more slowly, reaching for the dress hanging on the wardrobe door. It was the new dress Reg had brought her for Christmas, but as it was handy she pulled it on. Reg grabbed the little case she had put ready by the foot of the bed and dashed off downstairs to start the car. It was so cold now that the car needed a while to warm up enough before they could set off. Dashing back to the bedroom, he found Len hanging onto the dressing table as another contraction gripped her. He gently rubbed her back and reminded her to breathe, then the pain passed and he helped her to tie her hair into a firm plait and to do up the buttons on the back of her dress.
"Come on, let's go," he said, taking her arm to help her down the stairs and out to the car. It was pitch black outside, and Len was glad that Reg was used to going to and from the San in the night, so he would not take a wrong turning.
He helped her into the back of the car, where she could sit more comfortably, and leaped into the driving seat, remembering the last time he had sped to the San with his beloved wife crying in pain in the back seat of the car. That time Dr. O'Brien had been there to take control of everything, and Reg hoped his new friend would also be on duty when they arrived at the San this time. He pulled out onto the main road and put his foot down, aware of how icy the road was, but not wishing to spend a moment longer than necessary on his journey. Fortunately the roads were deserted and he made good time until he skidded round a bend and drove the car into a ditch. Stunned momentarily by the force with which his head banged against the steering wheel, Reg groaned, but a cry from the back of the car brought him back to his senses quickly.
"Len!" he cried. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," she replied, struggling to sit upright again. "What has happened?"
"I am a careless idiot and I have driven us into a ditch," he replied. He opened the door of the car and climbed out to survey the damage. He was furious with himself when he saw that the car looked undamaged, but that there was no way that he could get back out of the ditch again with only a woman in labour to help him. He got back into the car and closed the door, because it really was cold outside. "We are stuck," he told Len. "We are about a mile from the San and we have three choices. Either I go to the San and get help…"
"NO!" she shrieked, "Don't leave me here by myself!"
"…or we both go to the San," he continued, taking her hand and holding it tightly, "or we both stay here. I don't want to leave you, darling, but I really think I need to go and get help."
Put that way, Len realized that there was no choice. She knew that she could not walk a mile through the snow in her current position and she did not want to stay and have the baby in the car. Reg had to go to the San for help and she would not be left alone for very long. It was only a mile away after all, and he would be sure to make good time. "Ok," she agreed reluctantly, "You had better hurry, though."
"I will," he promised. He kissed her and passed her an old travel rug that he kept in the car for picnics and she put it round herself, then he was getting out and setting off along the road to the San as fast as the icy conditions would allow him to go.
Sitting by herself in the back of the car, in pitch darkness, Len felt ready to scream until she felt a sudden gush and knew that her waters had broken. She remembered hearing her mother talking about how second babies often came a lot faster than first ones, and she wondered if she was destined to give birth in the back of the car all alone. If that was the case, there was no way that the baby would survive, what with the complete lack of medical care and the extreme coldness. Whimpering, Len clutched the blanket more closely round her and began to pray for the life of her baby to be spared.

 

#136:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:30 am

Oh Fatima! Surely with all those lovely doctors who always appear when they're needed, everything will be OK though ...

Pokes Reg for driving carelessly.

 

#137:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:30 am

Shocked Shocked

Oh Fatima, that's a really awful cliff.... bawling

*hopes Len and the baby will be all right*

*hopes Dr O'Brien is passing*

 

#138:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:41 am

Nooooooooooooooo! Shocked

Please hurry, Reg!

 

#139:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:52 am

*wibbles hugely*

 

#140:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:17 pm

Poor Len. Crying or Very sad

Nice cliff Fatima! Laughing

 

#141:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:12 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I really hope Len and the baby/ies will be ok. I would also love to find out Dr O'Brien's first name.

 

#142:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:23 pm

Shocked Shocked Shocked Oooooh Nooooooo!
Thanks Fatima!

 

#143:  Author: Bookwormsarah, Location: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:15 pm

Agggh!

I've just read this from the beginning (well it is Friday...) and have been blinking back tears. Now a horrible cliff...

I am really enjoying this, and am astounded at how lovely Reg is. I too have always been disturbed by him, and enjoy the nice guy aspect!

Hoping that we get a lovely shiney ending.

 

#144:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:59 pm

I don't like the view up here, please can we come down now?

 

#145:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:04 pm

Thank you Fatima!

I missed the last couple of posts so it was nice to catch up!

*GO ROSALIE*

And hugs for Nicola and anyone else that might need them xx

 

#146:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:37 pm

*wibble*

Fatima, PLEASE don't be nasty to poor Len!!! Please???

 

#147:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:46 pm

Please please please let everything be ok!

 

#148:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:55 pm

Thank you everyone, all your comments mean a lot to me. Here is a little more for you.

Reg raced along the road to the San, cursing himself with every step he took. He slipped and slid, and fell a couple of times, banging his elbow painfully the first time and his knee the second time, but he carried on oblivious of both pains and the rapidly darkening bruise on his forehead. All he could think of was his wife, alone in the darkness, about to give birth, scared already of something going wrong. Now he had added to her worries and his negligence may cost her the life of the baby, and also put her own life in jeopardy. And he was supposed to be a doctor, a saver of lives, not one who needlessly endangered them.
Panting, he finally reached the San. He dashed through the door, into reception, and gasped out his need for an ambulance to be dispatched immediately. The nurse on duty passed him a glass of water, which he gulped down, then he set off to the ambulance bay and got into the ambulance with the medics who were on duty. They left the san with far less haste than Reg would have liked, but a lot more care than he had shown. Very soon they were pulling up beside the car and he was leaping out, now aware of his painful knee. He wrenched open the back door of the car and found Len blinking in the sudden blaze of the ambulance's headlights.
"I'm so sorry, darling," he said over and over again, gently helping her out of the car.
The ambulance men reached out to assist her out of the ditch and then she was being helped into the back of the ambulance and settled comfortably on the stretcher. Reg leaped in beside her and leaned over her anxiously while the other men closed the doors and began the short journey back to the San.
"Your head," she said, noticing the bruise now that there was sufficient light to see by. "Oh, Reg, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," he assured her. "What about you?"
"My waters broke," she informed him, then clutched at his hand tightly as another contraction gripped her. She remembered to breathe that time, and then she was lying back against the pillow once more. "We're going to be all right, Reg, aren't we?" she asked nervously.
"We are almost there now," said Reg, glancing out of the window and seeing the lights of the big San just ahead. "Hang on, darling, just a while longer."
They reached the San safely and soon Len was being wheeled on a trolley into the delivery suite. They found Mark O'Brien already there waiting for them; he had been called when the nurse had been sure that the ambulance had gone off safely. At once, Len found his presence calming. He came over to her side and took her wrist, checking her pulse, and he smiled reassuringly at her. "So tonight is the night?" he asked conversationally. "I am glad I was already here – I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
Reg and Dr. O'Brien helped Len to get up off the stretcher and a nurse appeared to help her change into her nightgown. The two doctors were soon back, settling Len into the bed and making sure that she was comfortable. Apologetically, Dr. O'Brien asked to examine her and then they declared that she still had some time to wait before the baby would actually be born.
They offered her gas and air, to help take the edge off the contractions then everyone settled down to wait until the baby was ready to make its appearance.
It was just after dawn that Len found the pain of the contraction changing into a different sort of feeling, a desire to push. Very soon after that Dr. O'Brien declared that he could see the baby's head, covered with a mass of dark hair. Reg gripped Len's hand more tightly, almost overcome with emotion at the thought of being a father after so many years of waiting. He was impressed by the way his wife was coping with the birth after her rather traumatic journey to the San, and he hoped that she would forgive him for his reckless driving at a time when he should have been going as carefully as possible.
Suddenly Dr. O'Brien was holding the baby and saying, "It's a girl. Congratulations, Len. You have done very well."
Len did not look very pleased with her accomplishment, however. She looked positively panic stricken as she howled, "Why isn't she crying? She's dead! I know it!" And then she broke down into sobs of anguish.

 

#149:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:00 pm

Oooh! Please say the baby is alive!!!!!!!! Thank you Fatima! Very Happy

 

#150:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:02 pm

Can I bawling cry instead ?
Fatima, this is cruelty to innocent readers !!

Interestingly, only about 20% of the babies I have delivered cried *at birth*.
Usually it was a bit later on, when they felt the cool weighing scales/tape measure/had name tags put on ankles and wrists that they started to bawl.......

 

#151:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:07 pm

Identity Hunt wrote:

Fatima, this is cruelty to innocent readers !!


Sorry! Embarassed

 

#152:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:02 pm

*hugs Len soothingly*

Fatima, this is amazing thank you

 

#153:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 7:03 pm

Nice one Fatima - Congratulations Len and Reg!

 

#154:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 8:01 pm

Oh.....

Please post again before I go to bed.

 

#155:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:11 pm

I don't Dr O'Briend would be so calm and congratulatory if things weren't looking good!!

Thanks Fatima!

 

#156:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:14 pm

Fatima, you can't leave it there!

Trying to reassure self by thinking about all those babies born in Holby City who don't cry at first but are then OK ... I watch too much TV...

& surely Dr O'Brien would have said if anything was wrong.

 

#157:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:51 am

Fatima, let us know that the baby is OK, please.

 

#158:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:56 am

Just to put you all out of your misery!!

Reg, who had not thought of that, strode over to see the baby. Dr. O'Brien cut the cord, wrapped her in a blanket and handed her to her father. For a moment Reg thought that Len had been correct in her assumption, but then the baby opened huge blue eyes and stared at him. Reg felt tears come into his own eyes and knew at that moment that he was lost. He had fallen in love with the tiny creature in his arms and would do everything he could for her. "Oh, no," he said to Len, going around the bed and sitting down beside his distraught wife. "No, she isn't dead. Look, darling, here she is." He turned the bundle so that Len could look at the baby's face. Her eyes were still open and she was solemnly staring at something. Len did not immediately respond, as if she did not quite believe what he was telling her. She had stopped crying, though tears were still running down her face, and so Reg gently put the baby in her arms. "Look," he said softly. "She is so beautiful."
Len finally managed to pluck up enough courage to look down. As she did so, the baby moved her arm and blinked, leaving the new mother in no doubt as to her being thoroughly alive. Len sniffed and smiled through her tears. "Oh, Reg," she said in awe, "Just look at her. She is so beautiful. I can't believe it, she is really alive."
At that point Dr. O'Brien interrupted. "I'm so sorry," he said apologetically. "I shall have to take her and weigh her and get her cleaned up and dressed. A nurse will come in to wash you, Len and then we will bring her back for you."
Len looked lovingly down at her baby then reluctantly allowed Dr. O'Brien to take her. Reg leaned down and kissed Len. Straightening, he said, "I will go and see that she's all right. Here is the nurse to sort you out."
"Don't be long," said Len, watching wistfully as both doctors left the room. "And I want to call Mother," she called to Reg's retreating back.
"Soon," he promised, turning back to her with a smile.

 

#159:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:03 am

Oh that is so lovely - a little daughter - congratulations Len and Reg. Laughing

Thanks Fatima.

 

#160:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:07 am

Congrats to Len and Reg! What will they call her? Smile

 

#161:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:12 am

A little girl for Len. I hope they give her a really beautiful name.

 

#162:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 9:24 am

Awwww congratulations Len!!

How luffly.

Can we have a naming party?? Please??

popper

 

#163:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 9:32 am

I'm so pleased that everything turned out ok this time! Very Happy

 

#164:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 9:41 am

aitchemelle wrote:
Can we have a naming party?? Please??


I call Malvina Wink Thanks Fatima

 

#165:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 10:15 am

*mushy inside*

Thanks Fatima - that was wonderful Very Happy

Liz

 

#166:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:04 pm

Ooooh a baby girl for Len!! Oh I am happy! Can't wait to find out her name! Very Happy Very Happy Thank you Fatima! Very Happy

 

#167:  Author: Fatima, Location: The Middle East PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:16 pm

I was tempted by Malvina, Mia! Len had other plans, though. I think this is the end, but with bunnies like mine, you never can tell. Thank you for all your comments.

Half an hour later, Len was sitting up in bed, sipping a cup of tea. Reg returned with the baby, now dressed and wrapped tightly in a clean blanket. He looked very comfortable holding his daughter, Len noticed, and she felt a wave of complete happiness engulf her as she looked at them. Now her life would be perfect – a wonderful, loving husband and a baby to complete their family. Reg looked over at her and smiled, and Len realized that she had never seen him look so content before.
"This is the best day of my life," she told him, setting the tea down beside the bed.
"Even though I drove you into the ditch?" he wondered.
"Even though," she agreed, holding out her arms. "May I have her back now, please?"
Reg reluctantly passed her the baby. "I think there is going to be a lot of fighting going on in our house now," he predicted. "I can see us arguing over who will hold her and change her and feed her."
"Well that is easily solved," Len told him. "I shall do it in the day and you can do it at night!"
Reg laughed. "That is fine by me," he assured her. "Just as long as I get my turn I don't mind."
Len looked down at the baby again. "Is she all right?" she asked Reg. "What did Dr. O'Brien say?"
"She's fine," Reg said. "She weighs seven pounds exactly and is in perfect health."
Len smiled. "I just can't believe it," she said. "What shall we call her?"
"I imagine you already have an idea?" he said.
"Well, yes," she admitted. "I would like to call her Zoë. It means life."
"Then it is very suitable," he agreed. "Zoë Entwhistle. Yes, that is nice."
Len sighed happily. "It was all worth it," she told her husband. "I am so happy now, Reg."
"And so am I."
They spent a long time sitting together admiring their daughter, until Reg realized that he was unbelievably tired. He decided to return to their chalet and have a hot bath and then go to bed for the rest of the morning, while Len was transferred to a quiet little room where she and the baby could rest. She had refused to allow the nurses to take the baby off to the nursery for her, and Reg had supported her decision. There would be time for her to go into the nurses' care at night, and until then mother and daughter should be given every chance to get to know each other.
Jack and Jo came to the San to visit their daughter after lunch, and both were thrilled to meet their latest granddaughter. Jo cuddled the sleeping baby for a long time, then she looked seriously at Len. "I think I owe you a number of apologies," she said seriously. "I have been so insensitive, Len, always telling you about everyone else's babies and never stopping to think about how difficult it has been for you. I am so sorry, darling."
Len reached out for Jo's hand. "You did upset me," she admitted, "but I know you didn't mean to. Children have always been important to you, and they are to me, too, but we will both have to accept that a family can be happy and complete with only one baby. I know that my family is both, now that we have Zoë."

 

#168:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:43 pm

Lovely ending! Very Happy

 

#169:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:49 pm

Thank you! This is lovely! Very Happy

*happy dance*

 

#170:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:55 pm

Thank goodness for that. I only dared to look once I saw this story was complete. May they all live happily ever after. Including Rosalie and Doc O'Brien, dare I say?

Thank you, Fatima.

 

#171:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 1:13 pm

Oooh that was wonderful!!! Thank you so much! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#172:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 1:17 pm

Lovely ending, Fatima, thank you.

But I do wonder if Zoe is the one and only for Len and Reg.

 

#173:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 1:29 pm

Awwww,that's lovely - thanks Fatima.

 

#174:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 2:01 pm

Oh, how sweet Smile

Thanks for a wonderful ending Fatima! Smile

 

#175:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 2:41 pm

Oh that was lovely. Thanks Fatima.

Not that I'm dropping hints about a sequel, but it would be very nice to see Rosalie and Dr O'Brien getting to know each other better ...

 

#176:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:50 pm

That was beautiful Fatima! Thank you!

I'm glad Jo realised how she was hurting Len, and apologised!
And more glad than I can say that little Zoe was born safely!

 

#177:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:59 pm

Awwww!!! Am completely gooey inside!

Len, Reg and Zoe Entwistle - yay!!!

Thank you Fatima, for a wonderful drabble Smile

 

#178:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 6:32 pm

Thank you, Fatima!

*always likes a happy ending*

 

#179:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:10 pm

Awwww thank you Fatima!

Glad I missed the cliff - that was mean.....

*dropping hints about Rosalie and Dr O'Brien....*

such a shame she never got her man Wink

 

#180:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:13 pm

Awwwwwwwwww! I love the ending - so glad Len got her baby daughter at last! And that Joey noticed *shock, horror* what she had been doing to Len.

 

#181:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 10:39 pm

Lovely! Thanks Fatima

*cuddles Zoe*

 

#182:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:20 am

francesn wrote:
Awwww thank you Fatima!

Glad I missed the cliff - that was mean.....

*dropping hints about Rosalie and Dr O'Brien....*

such a shame she never got her man Wink



Obviously that is the next drabble.
I am sure that Fatima's housework will wait a bit more till the readers of this board are satisfied (but I think they never are)

 

#183:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:35 am

Aww that was so sweet, thank-you Fatima!
I love the name Zoë- that's my sister's name. Very apt for Len's baby. I'm very glad it all ended happily.

Hint: Rosalie and Dr O'Brien please?

 

#184:  Author: Elisabeth,  PostPosted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:49 pm

That was gorgeous. Reg is absolutely lovely and it was so nice to see Jo being sweet at the end.

 

#185:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:38 pm

Thanks, Fatima. Thank you for Dr O'Brien's first name! I'm glad Len got to the hospital in time and that Zoe was delivered safely and everyone is fine. What a lovely ending!

 

#186:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:38 pm

Only caught up with the last of this today

Thank you Fatima - it was wonderful Very Happy

Liz

 

#187:  Author: Róisín, Location: Galway, Eire PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 3:04 pm

Just got up to date - thanks Fatima!

 

#188:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 2:12 am

I'm so glad we had a happy-ever-after ending Fatima.

Zoe is one of my favourite names too.

 

#189:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 1:07 pm

That was lovely Fatima - but I'm very glad I missed the cliffs

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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