Kylie & Jack 2: Slice of Heaven

5. Celebrate

Thursday 16th Jan, 10:15 AM

It was their first prenatal visit. They would get to see their baby and hear their heartbeat for the first time. So it was no surprise to either of them that they walked into the doctor's office trembling from head to toe with excitement.

Kylie was halfway through her first trimester already and just could not believe it. Eight whole weeks of pregnancy behind her and they had managed to not tell a soul. Nobody knew – and it was the only time they could honestly say they were thankful for the fires because nobody had enough energy to focus on anything else.

Jack sat back watching the doctor begin the ultrasound and Kylie lying on the exam table with her shirt pulled up to expose her stomach. His eyes never left Kylie's stomach, trying to process exactly what it was that was happening beneath that smooth skin, what would happen to her body.

Kylie noticed Jack sitting entranced, seemingly staring into space and grinning. She giggled, startling the doctor for a moment and tried to break Jack's spell.

"... for, Jack?"

"Huh? What – oh, sorry Kylz –"

"– look at you! You're all off with the fairies –"

"– this may feel a little cold at first –" the doctor interjected. Kylie giggled again. It was thirty–seven degrees outside, she was not complaining.

They waited in nervous apprehension while the doctor did their thing and then ...

"... and this ... is your baby's heartbeat."

"Oh my god ..." Kylie whispered, turning a little more to see the monitor and reaching out for Jack's hand.

The doctor smirked. Even after twenty years on the job, she never got tired of seeing the reactions of first time parents and these two were no exception.

Kylie teared up and clamped a hand over her mouth. Jack cradled her head and shoulders, kissing her forehead. Every time they looked back at the monitor, it just reinforced Kylie's tears to the point that even Jack welled up.

Friday 17th Jan, 7:35 PM

Everyone gathered for Amy's birthday at a local pub, with the exception of John and Janelle who were still trying to keep Murruma on the map.

Shaun had organised it a few days earlier and was lucky to get a booking. Mike, Kylie and Jack arrived with gift bags and met Amy's two best mates, Linda Hempstead and Narelle McGee by the bar. Amy was sitting at the table getting assaulted by the kids, waving their presents for her in her face. Lizzie was sitting on Amy's lap and playing Eenie Meenie Minie Moe with her cousins to see who could give Amy a present next.

Kylie came to a stop by the bar and realised that with Shaun and Mike there, she wouldn't be able to get away with not ordering a drink. But before she could do more than think on it, Jack drew Shaun and Mike into a conversation. Amy slipped away from the kids, leaving them with Shaun's parents Rita and Patrick to see what Linda and Narelle were getting to drink.

"Happy birthday old fart!" Kylie laughed at Amy. In all the commotion of greeting her sister as well as having Linda and Narelle start updating Amy on their latest adventures, Kylie slipped away to the table unnoticed.

Sitting down next to Kylie was six–year–old Lizzie. She sat and watched her aunt closely for a few minutes, eventually drawing Kylie's full attention.

"Auntie Kylie," Lizzie said very pointedly.

"Lizzie," Kylie replied in the same pointed tone and smirking at her.