ALWAYS ON MY MIND
Part 1
(sequel to Consequences)
This is set approximately 18 months in the
future
Kerry and Dave have been married for just over a year
Mark and Elizabeth have just announced their engagement
Carter successfully completed his rehab and returned to work
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Dave arrived home from work one evening.
Hey Kerry, he said. Mark and Elizabeth
were dishing out wedding invites today. They must have had
a few left over because they gave us one.
He handed the invitation to Kerry.
I thought they must have been making
plans. Mark was offering to work on Thanksgiving and
Christmas if I could let him have his next years holidays around
Memorial Day.
Yeah thats round about when the wedding is, about six
months from now.
Hmm, said Kerry.
Whats the matter?
Oh I was just wondering whether Ill be able to make
it or not.
You can always arrange the schedules. After all you
are the chief.
That wasnt what I meant. You see I finally
figured out why Ive been feeling a little off-colour lately.
By the time of the wedding I should be almost due for maternity
leave.
Dave was dumbstruck.
Kerry are you sure?
Thats why I took today off work, so I could see my
gynaecologist. She thinks Im about eight weeks along.
Dave did a quick calculation, That would mean it happened
round about our first anniversary.
Looks like it,
Oh Kerry, this is wonderful. He put his arms
around her and hugged her warmly.
Listen, said Kerry. I
dont want to announce this to the ER just yet. Id
like to wait another month or two at least, just in case.
I understand, I wont mention it. Dave
shook his head in disbelief, I just cant believe it.
Im going to be a father. This is great.
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Surprisingly they did manage to keep it a secret. Kerry started to wear looser clothing and was fortunate not to suffer much morning sickness. Unfortunately Dave was suffering from sympathetic morning sickness.
When I said I wanted to share this with you, <this> wasnt what I meant, he said one morning after a particularly bad bout.
If you think this is bad, just hope you dont suffer from sympathetic labour pains.
Yeah, at least youll be able to get an epidural.
I think Im going to try for a natural birth.
Why not go the whole way and have a home birth
No Id feel better delivering in a hospital. At least this time.
Lets get this one safely landed before we start thinking of next time,
I just dont want junior to be an only child. I was one and I know how lonely it can be.
You might feel differently after youve had this one.
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They kept it quiet until Kerry was about four months pregnant.
Then one day Carter walked in on Dave being sick in the toilet.
Whoa Dave, said Carter. You must have some night last night.
This isnt a hangover Carter, replied Dave. I havent had a drink in months.
Wine can give you hangovers as well, believe me I remember knocking back a good few bottles with Kerry when I was lodging with her.
Were both off the drink for the duration, said Dave without thinking.
What duration? asked Carter in puzzlement. Then the penny dropped. Is Kerry pregnant?
Dave groaned. Me and my big mouth, he cursed inwardly.
Out loud he said, Yes she is, but dont say anything. Were keeping it quiet for the moment.
I thought she seemed to be putting on weight. How far along is she?
How far along is who? asked Luka, who had entered unobserved during their conversation.
Dave groaned again.
Kerrys pregnant, said Carter.
Congratulations Dave, said Luka shaking his hand. Thats wonderful news.
Thanks Luka, but it wont be so wonderful if Kerry finds out I told you guys. She wanted to keep it secret for a while.
Dont worry, said Carter. We wont tell anyone.
Thanks guys. Oh and when she does tell you, can you try and act surprised.
No problem, said Luka.
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Later that night in bed Dave confessed to Kerry. Im afraid I let the cat out of the bag at work today.
Who to? asked Kerry sleepily.
Carter and Luka, replied Dave. But they promised not to blab.
Its alright. I was going to have to tell Luka soon enough. Ive decided to appoint him and Mark as acting chiefs while Im on maternity leave.
Theres only one chief in the ER and thats you.
Thanks but even I cant run the ER from the maternity ward. No Im going to step down temporarily in a couple of months. Thatll give me enough time to train them both in before I take maternity leave.
Kerry sighed as another thought struck her. You know I wish youd get a car instead of cycling to work each day. I worry about you on that bike of yours.
Hey, the last time I was hospitalised it was from a car accident not a bike.
Kerry shuddered at the memory. The few hours when she thought she would lose Dave had been the longest hours of her life.
Dave cursed inwardly as he felt her tense up. He should have known that the mention of the car crash they had been in would stir up bad memories.
Im sorry Kerry, I didnt mean to upset you. He hugged her close to him. Anyway just so you dont worry, Ive started wearing a helmet when Im on the bike
Kerry twisted around to look him in the face. Ive never seen you with one, she said suspiciously.
Thats because I always hide it in my bag before I get to work. After all I have a reputation to live up to.
You mean live down to.
That too. Goodnight Kerry, I love you.
Goodnight Dave, I love you too.
Goodnight junior. See you in a couple of months.
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To be continued