Two Days in Biarritz

by Michelle Jackson

  As he took the elevator to his apartment he couldn’t help but picture the heavily pregnant Kate that he had seen the day before. He didn’t know how he felt anymore. She looked beautiful. Her eyes so bright and wide were more stunning with the life she was carrying inside her. She wore her bump like an accessory and it suited her curvy womanly figure so well. He had never thought of pregnant women in a romantic way before but seeing Kate in full bloom that way made him want her even more. But how he wished the baby that she was carrying was his. If they had slept together he would probably think that it was. Maybe that was why she was so adamant that they abstained. He’d never know now, unless he got a chance to talk to someone about her.

  He could always try Annabel!

  * * *

  Colin stamped his foot into the hard granite tiles like a two-year-old having a temper tantrum.

  “What exactly are you trying to say, woman?”

  Annabel’s body tensed as she felt the goose-bumps rise on her arms. “I told you. I want to set up a business of my own. I was going to do it before you came back and I don’t see why I can’t.”

  “We agreed that you wouldn’t do anything like that.”

  You agreed that I wouldn’t, she thought silently. “I’ve changed my mind.”

  Colin had to think quickly – there was no way that he was going to lose Annabel once more to some idiotic plan that she was incapable of seeing through. “What about money?”

  “I don’t need finance. Damien Carlton is going to put that up – it is his premises,” Annabel explained.

  “Don’t tell me he’s willing to take you on as a partner with no previous experience, without an ulterior motive,” Colin tittered. “I’m telling you he has his eye on you! The Merry Widower!”

  Annabel winced. She wanted to walk straight over and hit him with a blunt implement on the head.

  The telephone rang.

  “Aren’t you going to get that?” Colin said curtly.

  Annabel lifted the handset. “Hello.”

  The voice at the other end was anxious.

  “Annabel, it’s Shane.”

  * * *

  Kate braced herself as another contraction shot up her spine. They were only Braxton Hicks but hurt like hell nonetheless. “Boys, your tea’s ready,” she called.

  She took the pot of beans off the hob and placed them in the middle of the kitchen table.

  Then she heard the pop. Water gushed down her legs. She got such a shock, nothing prepared her for it.

  Ciaran froze at the kitchen door. Memories of the night his mum was rushed to hospital flooded his head.

  “Can you get the phone, love?” Kate asked as she sat on the chair nearest her and hunched over.

  Ciaran took her mobile phone and handed it to her.

  Kate dialled her father’s number. His voicemail answered.

  “Dad, my water’s have broken. I need you to mind the boys. Ring me when you get this message.”

  She rang Annabel’s mobile next.

  “Hello?” Annabel answered.

  “It’s Kate. My water’s have broken, would you be able to bring me into the Rotunda?”

  “Of course. I’ll be right there. Where’s your dad?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve left a message on his voicemail.”

  “Just hang on.”

  Annabel hung up and returned to her landline. “Shane I can’t talk now. That was Kate on my mobile – her waters have broken. I have to go. I’ll call you back.”

  “Where are you off to?” Colin asked.

  Annabel rushed past him with her handbag and car keys in her hand.

  “Kate’s gone into labour and I’m bringing her to hospital. The dinner is in the oven – make sure you feed the kids.”

  “I’m not finished talking to you!” Colin frowned.

  “Well I’m finished talking to you,” Annabel said taking a solid step back from her husband. “I’m taking that retail unit and opening a coffee shop whether you like it or not. Now out of my way while I bring my friend to hospital.”

  Colin was beside himself with temper.

  “Annabel, Annabel,” he called.

  She was gone.

  * * *

  Kate was in labour. Shane looked at the phone before he put it back down. From what Annabel was saying she had tried to protect him. Did she really think that he wouldn’t want her if she had someone else’s baby? He wondered what had been going through her head during all the time they had spent together. He wondered if he knew her at all.

  Sitting in his apartment on his own wasn’t going to help Kate or him self. He had to do something – he had to make a grand gesture. He grabbed his car keys and drove as if his life depended on it. He didn’t know what kind of a reception he was going to get but he knew that it was what he had to do. He pressed hard on the pedal of his BMW and it swiftly brought him to Greenfield Close.

  He pulled up across the drive and jumped out of the car. He ran up to the front door and knocked loudly. It opened and David was on the other side.

  “Hi, Shane,” he said, his mouth open wide in shock. He had been expecting his granddad. “Mum’s in the kitchen.”

  Shane walked straight in to find Kate sitting on the chair in an uncomfortable position.

  “Shane!” she said in surprise.

  “I was on the phone to Annabel when you rang. Is there anything I can do?”

  “You could give me a lift.” Tension and pain were etched across her face.

  “What about the boys?”

  “Annabel can mind them when she arrives.” Kate turned to her sons. “Boys, only open the door to Annabel or granddad and stay with them until I ring, okay?”

  They nodded and watched as Shane took her arm. Kate had her overnight bag packed and was carrying it in her free hand. The doctors had told her that it was likely she would go early.

  “The seats a bit low,” he said, as he helped her into his BMW. “I didn’t have this kind of situation in mind when I was buying it.”

  She smiled up at him as he shut the car door.

  Kate grimaced and yelped every so often and Shane looked over every time.

  “Nearly there,” he said reassuringly, putting his hand on her thigh.

  Kate smiled silently. In her wildest dreams she might have imagined herself and Shane in this situation but now that it was actually happening it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

  The car jerked to a stop outside the main entrance to the Rotunda Maternity Hospital.

  Shane dashed around to the other side of the car to help Kate out and guided her into the building.

  “You can’t leave that there,” a grubby little man in a green uniformed jacket said.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” Shane said snappily. Kate had never seen him so flustered.

  The receptionist sat up as they came to the main admissions desk.

  “Kate Cassaux, I’m a new patient of Dr Lennon’s.”

  “Certainly, Mrs Cassaux. Can you fill out this form please and take a seat.”

  Shane was beside himself. “She’s in labour,” he snarled at the receptionist.

  “She’s plenty of time to fill the form out, believe me,” the pert little receptionist said as the smile disappeared from her lips.

  “It’s okay, Shane,” Kate said putting her hand on his arm. “I’ll be fine. You’d better move the car before you get a ticket.”

  Shane couldn’t fathom how she could be so calm while suffering the pains. “Do you want me to stay with you after I park the car?”

  “I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Kate said, her doe-shaped eyes looking widely into his.

  “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it.”

  “Okay, then. But you’ll have to pretend you’re the father. They’re very strict.”

  “I’ll be back in two minutes.”

  Shane ran out to his car and left Kate filing in the forms. He hadn’t a clue what he was doing.

  * * * />
  “And who brought your mum to hospital?”

  “Shane.”

  Annabel was surprised. But the boys didn’t look like they were making it up.

  “Where is your granddad?”

  “He’ll be here soon, mum said.”

  “I’ll wait until he arrives.” Annabel tried Kate’s number again but her phone was turned off. It was times like this that Annabel hated mobile phones. It had become so easy to contact anyone anytime or place that when they weren’t available it was infuriating.

  Annabel was putting the kettle on when she heard a key turn in the door. The familiar tread of heavy boots and steady steps came from the hall. Damien’s silhouette became visible through the glass-paned door.

  “Annabel,” he said with surprise on entering the kitchen. “Where’s Kate?”

  “Gone to hospital apparently. We were too late. Shane got to her first.”

  “Shane?”

  Annabel nodded. “Do you want me to mind the boys?”

  “No, it’s fine. I can’t seem to get through to Kate on her phone,” Damien said, scratching his head.

  “I’ll try and ring Shane,” Annabel said as she picked up her mobile and dialled his number.

  “Hello?”

  Annabel could sense the tension and nerves in his voice.

  “Hi Shane, it’s Annabel. I’m in Greenfield Close with the boys. Does Kate want me to come to the hospital?”

  “No, I’m here with her. I’ve already been admitted and they won’t let anyone else in now. I’ll call you later.”

  He sounded anxious but in control of the situation and Annabel felt great relief that Kate had someone who ha always truly cared for her at her side. She put her mobile on speaker so that Damien could hear the conversation.

  “Damien’s here too. He’s going to stay with the boys.”

  “Okay, Annabel. I’ll tell Kate that. She’s being examined at the moment and some snotty matron is giving me the evil eye for talking on my mobile so I’d better hang up.”

  “Great, Shane. Tell Kate not to worry about anything here.” Annabel looked over at Damien. “Did you get that?”

  He nodded. “I hope she’ll be all right.”

  “You know Kate better than me. She’ll be fine,” Annabel assured him.

  “Fancy a cup of tea?”

  “Yes, please.” He felt helpless. He had secretly hoped that Kate would let him be with her for the birth. It was his job to look after her now. She may be a strong and independent woman to the rest of the world but she would always be his little girl. “I can’t believe she went so quickly.”

  “That’s the way it happens. She’s in good hands.”

  Annabel sat down at the kitchen table and Damien sat on a chair next to her.

  “Damien, I’ve been thinking about the coffee shop.”

  “Yes?”

  “I think it’s a really great opportunity. I was talking to Kate about it and we both figured out that fear is stopping me from taking the leap.”

  Damien shook his head. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. What’s the worst that can happen?”

  Annabel could think of a hundred things – Colin at the centre of most of them. “I know you’re right. But I’ve never done anything like this before.”

  “I have faith in you,” Damien said reassuringly.

  In all her years of marriage to Colin he had never used words like this. All he had done was undermine her confidence until she felt incapable of being any more than his wife and mother to their children and even in those tasks he never gave her much praise.

  “I told Colin earlier, before Kate rang, that I was going to take it.”

  Damien perked up in his seat. “Really?”

  She nodded. “I think it’s now or never.”

  “Good for you. We can’t go wrong,” Damien smiled widely.

  Annabel felt as though she was being filled up with confidence. Damien made her feel special and everything that she wanted to be. She could see a whole new world opening up before her eyes.

  * * *

  Kate was sweating. It was all coming back to her now. In twelve years she had completely forgotten the birthing experience but the memories started to flood back.

  “You’re doing great,” Shane said, squeezing her hand so tightly until it nearly hurt as much as the contraction.

  The anaesthetist arrived. Tall and casual, like a friendly country GP.

  “How are we doing here?” he asked cheerfully.

  “I’m coping.” Kate flinched suddenly.

  “You’re recovery will be quicker without the epidural if you can stick it. How many centimetres are you?”

  “I was four about an hour ago. I think I’ll try it on my own.”

  “Kate, would you not take all the help you can get?” Shane interrupted.

  “Typical Dad,” the anaesthetist grinned. “Too late now to be feeling bad! I’ll be around if you change your mind but don’t leave it too long.”

  He exited the birthing suite, leaving Kate and Shane alone.

  “Sorry about that,” Kate panted between contractions.

  “How was he to know? I’d say everyone thinks I’m the dad. I’m only sorry I’m not.”

  Kate’s eyes filled up. “Thanks Shane.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me the truth? Have you any idea how I’ve been tortured this last couple of months wondering why you rejected me?”

  Kate jerked suddenly and let out a yelp with the pain.

  “I’m sorry, Kate. I shouldn’t be talking like this,” Shane said – panic shooting out with each word that he spoke.

  “It’s not you,” she yelled. “It’s this fucking baby.”

  “Should I get the midwife?”

  Kate nodded her head frantically. Shane ran out to the main ward and grabbed the nearest women in a pale green uniform. “She’s in terrible pain. Please can you come?”

  The midwife examined Kate and smiled widely as she removed the thin rubber glove. “You are nine centimetres, Kate. Not long to go now.”

  Shane wiped his brow with the sleeve of his shirt. He had no idea how traumatic an experience giving birth could be.

  “The best is yet to come, Dad!” the midwife said grinning over at the traumatised Shane.

  * * *

  Twenty minutes later Kate had a tiny bundle wrapped in a blue blanket in her arms.

  “There seems to be a run in the pink blankets tonight. I’m sure she won’t mind!” the midwife said with a smile.

  Shane sat close by Kate on the black leather armchair and watched with wonder at the little pink wrinkled face that blinked up at her mother.

  “She has your hair anyway,” the midwife said to Kate, pointing at the mop of black hair covering the little girl’s head. “Have you any names picked?”

  “I’ve always liked Molly for a girl,” Shane said turning to look at Kate.

  Kate was mesmerised. The whole experience had been totally surreal. It was as if Shane really was the father and they were now a complete family.

  “That’s a nice name,” Kate agreed. “I hadn’t really given names any thought. I was so worried that there would be something wrong after the haemorrhage.”

  “That’s a fine healthy baby you have,” the mid-wife said as she tidied up the birthing equipment and left them alone at last.

  “Thanks, Shane.”

  “Please don’t say that. I wanted to be here.”

  “It’s been quite a night, hasn’t it?”

  “I had no idea what it meant to bring a new life into the world. You were amazing.”

  Kate felt closer to Shane than at anytime in her life. Lying on the bed with her daughter in her arms she couldn’t hold the tears back.

  “I love you, Shane.”

  “Then be with me.”

  “It’s not just me. There are three of us – I mean four including the new edition.”

  “Then I’m the lucky one getting a ready made family. It’s always been you Kat
e.”

  The baby in Kate’s arms gurgled and put her hand out until it touched off Shane’s.

  “Do you want to hold her?”

  “Sure do,” Shane said, taking the swaddled baby and carefully wrapping his arms around her. “You know what?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I think she’s going to be a Daddy’s girl!”

  * * *

  “That was Shane,” Annabel said, smiling, closing her mobile phone with a snap.

  “You have a healthy grand-daughter!”

  Damien got up from the sofa and rushed over to Annabel on hearing the exciting news. “Should we wake the boys?”

  “It might upset them,” Annabel said, looking at her watch. It was half-past twelve and they were meant to be at school the next day.

  “I think you are right. We’ll leave them and I’ll bring them into the hospital tomorrow afternoon,” Damien nodded. “Do you fancy having a drink to celebrate? I think I left a bottle of champagne at back of that cupboard in the corner.”

  Damien rooted around the drinks cabinet and produced a bottle of Bollinger.

  “I shouldn’t really,” Annabel said shyly. “I have to get back.”

  It was already late. The last few hours she had been entranced with Damien’s company. How she had missed him!

  “Well, what about if we put it in the ice-box and drink it tomorrow night – after we sign the papers on our new enterprise?”

  “Oh, Damien!” Annabel exclaimed. The business was going to happen for real. Her face lit up. “I’m so excited. I’m so happy for Kate! Do you think she’ll get back with Shane?”

  “I’d say after what they have just been through the answer is definitely yes – don’t you?”

  Annabel lowered her head shyly. Her own true love was only inches away – if only she could tell him how she felt.

  Damien moved over until he was almost upon her. “She deserves to be happy. We all do!” He felt like it was now or never. The signals he’d been receiving from Annabel all night made him confident that she felt the same way as he did.

  Annabel looked up until her gaze was locked firmly onto Damien’s eyes.