By My Side [JENLISA FF]

Part 26

The waiting-room in the hospital was crowded with members of the Manoban-family and Jennie. Only Loretta had stayed at the house because someone had to stay with the children.

Daniel and Sheila sat on two chairs holding hands and exchanging glances from time to time, while Graham sat on his own, obviously deep in thoughts. He seemed the one less nervous. Well, it wasn't so surprising, he'd been in the same situation twice. Gavin on the other hand was pacing the room.

Jennie didn't look at him anymore, it made her mind spin. She snuggled deeper into Lisa's embrace. She could feel the little box inside her pocket pressing against her and smiled inwardly. Her proposal had been so sweet and wonderful, and she hadn't been given the opportunity to answer it yet. And it didn't seem appropriate at the moment to talk about it.

They all looked up when the doctor entered the room, Gavin rushed over to him, his expression tense: "How is she?" he demanded.

"Under the circumstances she's doing alright," the doctor began, but everyone could feel it wasn't all. Something was wrong. "As you already know she's only due in February, but the baby wants to be born. Obviously, the labours of your wife aren't strong enough and the baby's heart is weak, so we're preparing her for a caesarean section at the moment." Seeing the questioning gazes he added: "An operation. We're going to deliver the baby by operation. I'm not sure it would stand a normal birth. You're the father?" he asked Gavin who nodded. "Then come with me. You can see her for a minute before the anaesthetics will work." With this the doctor took Gavin's arm and pulled him away. 

"What an evening," Graham said, running his hands through his hair.

Daniel nodded: "You can say that son. But she's strong, she's always been. It'll be alright." Nobody could say if he wanted to convince the others or himself.

They were all afraid and Jennie could feel Lisa's body trembling slightly. She reached out and gently stroked her cheek. Her eyes immediately locked with hers and she could see the fear in them. Fear she saw reflected in her eyes. She knew her sister only for a short time but loved her already. Georgie with her wonderful blue eyes, her humour, her wit, no, Jennie refused to think that something would happen to her or the baby. But the doctor had said that the baby's heartbeat was weak. So, everything was possible. She tightened her embrace around her lover's neck, and she buried her head in her hair. And beside all the fear for her sister that feeling of closeness that only two lovers could share gave them strength and hope.

"My baby," Sheila whispered suddenly and tears were running down her cheeks. "Daniel," her desperate gaze was on her husband. "What if something happens to her?" 

He was about to answer when Gavin came back, his face pale and still tense. "They started the operation now. Georgie wants me to tell you that you shouldn't worry," he smiled sadly. "She's always trying to be strong for me. But she's scared, I could feel it." Tears were also tickling his cheeks: "God, she's so scared, I've never seen her like that. Oh god." He turned towards the wall and leaned his forehead against it. They could see his body was shaking with silent sobs, but nobody went to touch him, all feeling he wouldn't want it.

Lisa pulled Jennie closer. What was going on in Gavin's head? He must be sick with worry. Was that really worth it? Was the wish for a family worth the risk of losing someone beloved. The mere thought of losing her beloved was so dreadful, she lost her breath for a moment. Lisa almost felt relief that Jennie hadn't been given the opportunity to answer her proposal and at the moment she wasn't even sure which answer she wanted to hear. Could she risk it for her to have her baby and endangering her life. A part of her knew it was an irrational fear. Women were giving birth to babies each day and it was nothing to worry about, but tonight her sister and her baby fought for their life. She loved Georgie but this feeling was nothing compared to the deep love she felt for Jennie. The thought Jennie could be the one in there almost drove her over the edge. Lisa could feel her body begin to tremble again and immediately Jennie's embrace tightened. She knew, Jennie wanted to give her strength and that made Lisa love her even more.