Trouble eight
Leonardo helped Carrie straighten up. “Why didn’t you call an ambulance?”
“I just panicked.”
She sobbed, “I didn’t want to be
on my own.”
“Can you
walk?”
“Yes I
think so.” Carrie sniffed.
“Okay,
don’t worry I’m sure we’ve got plenty of time to get you to the hospital.” Carrie gave Leo a stunned look; surely he
didn’t expect her to walk to the hospital.
I took
several minutes for Leo and Carrie to reach the bottom of the stairs. Another contraction hit causing Carrie to
lean heavily on Leo. “I don’t think
I’ll make it.” She panted as Leo helped
her through the door. Once outside the
fresh cold air seemed to take away her panicky sickness. It was freezing and was beginning to snow.
“I can’t
walk to the hospital like this.” Carrie
protested. Leo reached into his coat
pocket. “Who’s walking?” He asked pulling a small bunch of keys out
of his pocket. Leo held the keys up and
pressed the button on a small black fob.
A car by the side of the road flashed and beeped in response.
“You can
drive!” Carrie tried not to sound too
amazed.
“Yep, I can
work a light switch too.” Leo replied
as he held the rear door open for her.
Leo climbed into the drivers seat and started the car.
“Is there
anything coming?” He asked. Carrie looked out of the rear window.
“It doesn’t
look like.”
“Good!” Leo put the car in reverse and swung it out
into the road. Carrie had to hold on to
the door to stop from sliding across the seat.
“Careful, I want to get their alive.”
Leo looked
back from the driver’s seat at her; he raised an eyeridge. “What are you talking about? I’m good driver, I’ve never had an accident
or run anyone down.” Carrie glared at
him. Leo put the car in drive and sped
of down the road.
They hadn’t
got far when they hit gridlock.
“Great!” Leo growled as he edged
the car closer to the one in front.
“Are you gonna drive that thing or put a fence round it?” Leo shouted out of the window. Carrie could
feel another wave of pain creeping up on her.
“Can’t you go any faster?” She panted, trying to control the pain. Leo looked back at her. “Maybe you should get out and push!” Just then Leo spotted a gap in the traffic. “Hold on!” Leo swung the car out into the oncoming traffic.
“BUS!” Carrie screamed.
“I see it.” Leo sounded eerily calm as he pulled the car back in to the right lane and sped up. A wailing noise came up behind them, Leo looked in the rear view mirror.
“Shit!” He hissed slowing the car.
“What’s happening?” Carrie pleaded trying to look out of the window.
“I think I’m about to get done for speeding.” Slowing, Leo pulled the car in.
“What are you worrying about you’ll just get a ticket.” Carrie gritted her teeth as another contraction welled up.
“Hey, your right.” Leo said sarcastically hitting his forehead with the base of his palm. “What was I thinking?” He turned so Carrie could see his face. “What planet are you on?”
Leo watched in the rear view mirror as a police officer on a motorcycle drew up. The officer dismounted and pulled a small notebook and pencil out of his pocket. He stood for a while flipping through the pages of his notebook. He looked up and began to walk to the car.
“What will we do?” Carrie was well past panic; she was petrified.
“I’m working on it!” Leo pulled the collar of his coat up and the peak of his hat down. He hastily hid his hands up his sleeves.
“Going a little fast weren’t we?” The cop raised an eyebrow and tapped his notebook with the end of his pencil.
“I can explain, officer.” Leo’s mind froze.
“Really?” The cop leaned in closer.
Carrie felt helpless sat in the back of the car cradling her bump. Then at that moment an idea hit her. Carrie let out a blood-curdling scream. The cop stood back a little surprised and glazed through the back window.
Leo’s brain freed its self. “My wife’s having a baby!” He grabbled. Carrie watched as the color drained out of the cop’s face, she let a sly smile out.
“Right then.” Spluttered the cop. “You better follow me!” To Leo’s mild amusement the cop ran back to his motorcycle stumbling over his own feet. The motorcycle sped off lights flashing and sirens blaring. With the police escort it didn’t take long to reach their destination.
Leo helped Carrie out of the car while two paramedics waited with a wheelchair. Carrie eased herself down. “I’ve got to go, you’ll be fine here.” Leo whispered
Carrie grabbed hold of Leo’s sweatshirt and pulled him down to her level.
“Don’t go. Please stay.” She pleaded
“Think about what you’re saying, this is a hospital! It’s well lit with hundreds of people inside. It’s too much of a risk. I wouldn’t go in there even if I was wrapped in a body bag.”
“Please.” Carrie continued to beg. “I’m scared, I can’t do this on my own.”
“Okay.” Leo relented. “But at the first sign of trouble I’m out of here!”
“Thank you.” Carrie breathed. Leo kept his hands and face hidden as best he could. Once inside Carrie was wheeled away, a nurse took hold of Leo’s arm.
“Hey, wait! Where’s she going?” He demanded.
“To the delivery suite Sir, try not to worry. Everything will be fine.” The nurse said as she guided him to the front desk. “We just need you to fill out a few forms.”
“Great!”
Leo came to the door the nurse had indicated. He took a deep breath and knocked before entering.
“How are you feeling?” He asked.
“How do you think I’m feeling?” Carrie snapped as she tried to sit up in the hospital bed. “Damned uncomfortable!”
“Remember this isn’t my fault.” Leo sighed as he sat down in the chair provided. The delivery suite had softer lighting, making him feel a bit more comfortable, but still he would have to stay alert. Leo looked the room over making note of any possible escape routes.
“What took you so long?” Carrie hissed.
“I had to fill out a few forms, I didn’t know what to put for your middle name so I put Trouble.” If looks could kill Leo was sure he would have perished under Carrie’s ‘none too amused’ stare. A small group of people in white coats entered the room; Leo shrank back and kept a watchful eye on them. He was glad that everyone was too preoccupied with Carrie to notice the strange figure in the corner. The group consisted of two male junior doctors and a midwife.
“Hi my name’s Sandy and I’ll be your midwife today.” The woman breezed. Sandy looked a bit young to be a midwife but that could be due to the fact that she wasn’t wearing and makeup, the way her long blonde hair was pulled back also disguised her age. “This is Darren and Stephen, they will be assisting me.” Sandy looked over at Leo and then back at Carrie. “You two must be so excited!” She squealed hugging her clipboard. Excited? Leo could think of a better way to spend the day.
“Is everything alright?” Carrie asked worry creeping into her voice. Sandy looked at her clipboard. “It’s a little earlier than we would like, but from your medical history and the monitor read outs I shouldn’t think we will encounter any major problems.”
“That’s good!” Carrie puffed as she fought another contraction.
“So.” Sandy lowered the clipboard. “I see you don’t have a birth plan, but at least you have your husband here to help you.” Carrie looked over to Leo, who just shrugged. “Shall we talk pain relief?” Sandy continued.
“Yes please!” Carrie breathed. “Anything, I don’t care just make it stop.”