Time for New Beginnings

by Mette Barfelt

“You don’t mind me going with Preben?” Christel poured water into her glass.

  She shook her head. “Not at all. I was just surprised.”

  “Me too.”

  “Mathilde didn’t look well.” Preben was back and took a seat at the table. “I let her eat in peace, but I don’t think she’ll eat much.”

  “No, it looks like she’s lost her appetite. She may be too tired to eat. I’ll check on her later and see if I can entice her with some lukewarm cookies.”

  ***

  Babyshop was located in the next town, a fifteen-minute drive away. Christel was lost in her own thoughts, watching the fields go by. She hadn’t done any preparations at home. Her apartment had an extra bedroom where the baby would eventually sleep. She wanted to paint it mint green. She hadn’t ventured to buy anything up to now. Perhaps she was superstitious. It had taken a long time to realize that she was pregnant. She hadn’t dared to believe it was true until she saw the baby on the ultrasound scan. That was the first time she understood that she’d succeeded. She was indeed having a baby.

  She was touched by Preben’s concern. This was like before, and she couldn’t help but long for what they’d had. She reminded herself that she had no right. Preben was no longer her husband.

  “Is the green jacket you’re knitting the only one you have?” He looked at her.

  She confirmed it. “But I’m almost done with it. I’m going to the store tomorrow to buy more yarn. I’ll knit a hat for the baby. It’s getting cold outside.”

  “You need a lot of stuff. I’ll help you.” He locked the car and rubbed his hands in anticipation, as if this was something he’d wanted to do for a long time. It was easy to get carried away when he was in this mood.

  The store was large, selling everything the baby needed, and all it didn’t need. Preben behaved like a little boy in a toy store, and his enthusiasm was contagious. It was fun to walk around and look at everything they offered, to mull over what she needed and what she could do without. She only had one salary so she couldn’t waste money. The loan she had taken out to pay for the clinic in Denmark meant she had to be even more careful moneywise. She wondered if she might buy some of the equipment second-hand.

  “Look at this cradle, Christel. You can swing it in all directions. He needs a bed.” Preben spun it around like a merry-go-round.

  “I can’t buy it now. It’s way too big to keep in my room until I move home. But I like it.”

  “You may be right. Unless I bring it to Oslo for you. I have my car today, due to all the stuff you need to buy.”

  She felt overwhelmed, and went over to the baby toys. “Have you ever seen so many fun toys? Look, the age groups are indicated on the toys. How practical. It makes everything easier.”

  “It does. Look at this colorful activity gym. How cool. Just what he needs. There’s enough space at your place for this, right? Have you decided on a name?” The questions rolled off his tongue while he tested the gym. There were enough blinking lights and various sounds to make both her and the baby dizzy. Preben seemed to be lost in his own world.

  She hesitated. “I thought of calling him Ted.” She glanced at him doubtfully, not sure how he would react to the choice of name.

  “But that’s our name. We picked it together.” He looked at her despairingly. “How could you choose that name when we’re no longer together?”

  She felt her heart sink, and she got his reasoning. This wasn’t easy for either of them. It should have been their baby she was expecting. Truly, they’d tried long enough. Often enough, too. Sadly, that was not what was lacking…

  “Do you mind? I never imagined I would see you again. Then you wouldn’t have known his name.” She was on the verge of tears. Everything was so complicated. She’d been in anguish for a long time before deciding to use a sperm donor. She’d thought long and hard about it. But she knew this was right for her. She had no regrets whatsoever.

  Preben sighed. “I’ll get used to it.”

  They walked further into the store and entered the baby carriage department. “Wow, this one is cool,” he said and had a closer look at the sky blue jogging stroller with three wheels.

  “But I don’t jog.” She liked the appearance of the stroller and wished for a second that she was sporty. Driving a bike didn’t count.

  “No worries. The coolness factor is what matters. Look at all the accessories that go with it. Here’s a seat.” He lifted it off the floor and looked at it from all angles. “You can attach it to the stroller. Maybe it can be used as a car seat? Who knows?”

  “The idea is probably that the baby should lie in the carrycot from the beginning,” she said and looked confused by it all. “There are so many new things to figure out. And two covers for the bag, one of them must be a rain cover.”

  “There’s a diaper bag, too.” Preben held up a bag in the same color as the stroller.

  She opened it and looked inside. How could a bag contain so many compartments? She didn’t need a purse if she had this. Her whole life could fit in it.

  “Let’s have a look at the other strollers. They have lots to choose from,” he said and kept on walking.

  She was startled by the selection. All the strollers were awfully expensive. With all the equipment it would be costly. How would she pay for it with her small nurse’s salary? Even with the extra shifts and weekends, this would take a bite out of her finances. But she had to have a stroller, no matter what. And she could use the same one for as long as the baby needed it.

  “Which one do you fancy, Christel?”

  They’d seen all the strollers and studied them thoroughly. She was still astonished. “It’s not easy to choose. But I’m leaning toward the blue one we saw first.”

  “I agree.”

  “Have a look at these changing tables, Preben. I guess I’ll need one in my bathroom.” She allowed herself to be more enthusiastic. Now she could feel how excited she was. If she were lucky, the last few weeks would go by fast. Preben was probably right that she should be prepared.

  “Yes, otherwise you’ll have to lie on the floor and crawl around to change Ted’s diapers.”

  She beamed at him. “Does that mean you’re ok with the name?”

  He smiled back. “I think so. You know I’m just jealous. Ted should have been mine.”

  She nodded sadly. “I know. I’m sorry it didn’t turn out that way. But you have so much to look forward to. Both your wedding and moving to the guesthouse. Look forward to that instead.”

  Christel lost focus when they got to the next department. “Oh, look at the cute baby clothes.” Now she was completely absorbed. This was what she liked the most. She held up a tiny mint green romper.

  He looked wide-eyed at the little piece of clothing. “Will it fit him?”

  “Sure, when he’s newborn. I’m going to buy this.”

  Preben gave her thumbs up. “Great, then we’re well underway.”

  She couldn’t resist getting carried away. And then she discovered an aisle with starter sets. “This is for someone like me. Don’t you think these are made for first-time mothers who have no idea what they need?” The set included pajamas, rompers, hats, socks, a baby blanket, and baby changing equipment.

  Preben came over. “For sure. That’s pretty smart.” He fetched a shopping cart for her to put the set in.

  “Let’s find out what else you need.”

  “I don’t need that much in the beginning,” she said and could see her money flying away in front of her. “Cradle, stroller, and a changing table are enough. The rest I can buy as I go along.”

  “Ok. Pick out which ones you like the most.”

  “Preben, I don’t have space for these at the guesthouse. I’ll buy it when I get back to Oslo,” she said.

  “The more you’ve done beforehand, the better.” He walked over to one of the strollers. “Did you decide on the blue one?” He was unshakeable, and she knew that he’d made up his mind for her to shop.

  “Yes.
”

  “We can put everything in the garage. There’s enough room there. And the cradle and the changing table are dismantled, so they won’t take up much space.”

  That sounded reasonable. She picked the cutest cradle and the most practical changing table.

  “I’m paying for this,” he said when they’d collected everything and had arrived at the cashier.

  She looked at him, horrified. “No, you can’t. It’s expensive.”

  “Sure I can. It’s the least I can do for you.”

  “Preben, we’re no longer married,” she whispered.

  “So what? Let me do this for you. Please.”

  He looked at her with pleading eyes, and she got even more confused. What was going on with him? He had already put his credit card at the point of sale terminal. For once, she was completely speechless. She couldn’t get a word out. She was touched, which made it even more difficult to speak. Her eyes moistened. What a kind man he was.

  ***

  Bettina looked at her watch. They had been gone for hours. She knew how exciting a store like that would be. She and Karsten had spent hours in it before Anneli was born. They’d bought most of the stuff they needed, while they waited and longed for their daughter to arrive. What a day it had been. She yearned for that time and had plans for her own baby. As soon as they were married and Preben had moved here for good, they’d start on the fun part. She couldn’t wait.

  The phone rang, and she went to answer.

  “Congratulations on the opening of the guesthouse, Bettina.” It was Elfrid, her future mother-in-law.

  “Thank you. But I thought you were in Spain on vacation.”

  “We got back late last night. We’re so excited to see the place you’ve taken over. Preben told us the house is a real mansion and that Solvik is a calm, small town. We can’t wait.”

  “It’s so nice out here. You’re welcome to visit when it suits you.”

  “It suits us fine tomorrow,” Elfrid said. “I’m thinking of staying until Sunday, for now at least. The fall is beautiful in Solvik, isn’t it?”

  Bettina was surprised that they would visit so soon. Elfrid was always welcome, but she was not a fan of Willy. The thought of hosting them for so many days was discouraging. Especially since Preben wouldn’t be here to entertain them. He had to get back to the capital tonight.

  Then she remembered that Christel was here. They were practically family since she was their daughter-in-law. If you were still considered a family with the in-laws after a divorce, that is. Could she be called an ex-daughter-in-law? Perhaps it was best not to tell them. She would cross that bridge later. They could be friends for all she knew. She had never asked Preben about this. She had never felt it was any of her business. It belonged to the past. But the past had melted into the present, and she had to deal with it all. She sighed silently.

  “Yes, the leaves have taken on amazing fall colors,” Bettina finally said. “I’ll give you a comfortable room. See you tomorrow.”

  Preben and Christel came back from their shopping trip shortly after. They showed up in the dining room, full of enthusiasm.

  “How did it go?” Bettina pressed the button to make a mocha.

  “Brilliant,” Preben said with pride in his voice.

  The furrow between her eyebrows grew deeper. Anyone would think he was the one having a baby. “Did he persuade you to buy anything?” She looked at Christel, who nodded.

  “Everything I need to start with. But he paid for it, which isn’t right. I’m paying you back, Preben. And I won’t forget it.”

  “Nonsense. Come and have a look outside.”

  Bettina was curious and went out to the car with them. And there was the coolest stroller she’d ever seen. “Wow, that’s chic. They didn’t have anything like that in my days. You almost want to get pregnant just for the equipment.” She looked longingly at the blue stroller.

  “I fancied it at once. It fits my style, although I’m not going to jog with it,” Christel said.

  “And what’s inside the packages?”

  “He talked me into buying a cradle and a changing table. I only intended to buy the starter set and this cute romper.” Christel showed them to her.

  “Lovely.”

  All of a sudden they weren’t alone. The doctor turned into the driveway and parked his car.

  “Is the baby on its way?” Erik looked at the equipment. “I haven’t met you before,” he said and shook Preben’s hand.

  Christel giggled, and looked embarrassed with the romper in her hand, despite having three weeks left until her due date. “I was persuaded.”

  “Yes, it’s getting closer. I wanted to check on Mathilde.” Erik went inside the house with Bettina.

  “Isn’t that Christel’s ex-husband? Therefore, your fiancé?” He looked baffled, as if it had to be a mistake.

  “That’s right. The house is one big family reunion. And tomorrow his parents are checking in. Christel’s former in-laws, in other words. It’s a good thing the house is huge.”

  “Gosh, that’s quite some drama. It sounds like a reality TV show.” He looked at her, impressed. “You’re clever at being able to handle them all at the same time.”

  She felt uneasy again. “It remains to be seen. The two of them went to buy baby equipment together. That feels weirder than anything.”

  He looked at her, alarmed. “I do get you. You're very generous. Few people would handle this in such a good way.”

  They went inside to Mathilde, who had resumed embroidering earlier in the day.

  “You look better,” he said and examined her.

  “I feel a little better.” She tried to continue embroidering, with her hands entangled in the stethoscope.

  He took her blood pressure and packed his bag. “I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

  “She should try to get out of bed,” Erik said when they were out of the room. “Both for her sake, and yours.”

  She smiled slightly. “I’ve tried, but failed.”

  He held her back and caught her eyes. “Try to take it easy the next few days. I already have two patients in this house.”

  “It’s easier said than done. The next days are going to be a trial like no other. My future father-in-law thinks he’s God’s gift to women. He’s a ladies’ man.”

  Erik started to laugh. “I’m living vicariously through you. So much intrigue. But I’m glad I met you again.” He hugged her and turned serious. “I meant what I said. It’s a lot of responsibility with both the guesthouse and all the guests.”

  Bettina looked at him and felt a tingling, warm feeling spread inside her. She ignored it and concentrated on what he’d said. She knew he was right. It would have been easier if there were two to share the job. Anyhow, as long as the guests weren’t strangers, but future family members who claimed both her time and energy, she wouldn’t complain.

  She followed him outside. Preben and Christel were in the garage. She saw that the packages were stored against the wall, along with the stroller.

  “She has an exciting time ahead of her,” Erik said.

  Bettina understood that he meant Christel.

  “I see many pregnant women at my office these days,” he continued.

  She sat in the rocking chair, and he in the wicker chair. “I’ve gotten to know a few of them. Sara and Emmelin. They’re very nice.”

  He nodded. “I’d like to have children myself.”

  “It’s not too late. And it’s not your clock that’s ticking,” she said and gestured toward her watch. “My situation is worse. I’d love another child.”

  “But you’ll soon have a husband.”

  “True enough.” She looked over at the garage where her fiancé and Christel were chatting enthusiastically. She grabbed some peanuts from the bowl, before shoving it in his direction. “Help yourself.”

  “Have you started planning the wedding?”

  She finished chewing. “Yes, with Christel’s help.”

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nbsp; “No way. Isn’t that weird?” He took some nuts.

  “More than weird.”

  Just then the ship’s bell started chiming. Bettina jumped and got up swiftly. “She’s going to give me a heart attack one day.”

  “I’ll come with you. Maybe she’s gotten worse.”

  They ran upstairs and into her apartment.

  “Are you feeling worse?” Bettina asked and hurried over to the bed.

  “Not in the least.” Mathilde shook her head firmly, her pursed lips delivering an explicit message. “But you’ve forgotten about me. I’m parched with thirst.” Mathilde gave her a stern look as if her limit for negligence had been reached.

  “You promised not to use the bell unless you felt sick. It’s a good thing our guest was out in the garage. I’ll make you some chamomile tea. But if you use it one more time, I’ll remove it. And I mean it.” Bettina gave her an equally stern look back.

  “And a glass of sherry.” Mathilde was busy with the embroidery and pretended not to hear.

  They went downstairs to the kitchen, and Bettina got started on the tea.

  “What a terrible noise,” Erik said and picked a snickerdoodle that was cooling on the counter.

  She smiled and got a bottle of sherry. “I’m not going to ask if my aunt can drink this. She’ll have it no matter what. She’s complaining enough as it is.”

  He laughed in agreement. “I see what you mean.”

  Preben and Christel entered the kitchen. “Was that your aunt I heard?”

  “Of course, who else would it be?” She laughed but was getting tired of Mathilde using the bell. She felt like a butler without a wage. “Next time, I’ll get rid of the bell.”

  “So you should,” Preben said. He embraced her and kissed her lightly on the mouth. Then he nodded to the doctor, who was on his way out. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.”

  Christel had the starter set and the green romper in her hands. “I’m calling it a night. It’s been an eventful day. I can’t believe I’ve been here for a whole week already. Time passes quickly here with you, Bettina.” She hugged her and left.

  “See you,” Preben said. “I’m going up to Mathilde with the tea to talk with her. Why don’t you rest in the meantime?”