Saving Lotte Sullivan | Collingwood/Carlton

110: Baby De Koning (in the air)

The loud beeping of several machines was enough to drive Tom De Koning insane, coupled with the enormous guilt he felt for not being able to stop Sam from flying up.

'Tom. It's been two days. You have to go home and get some rest' Bianca Carnevale said, resting her hand on his shoulder. He sat, slouched down in a chair way too low for his height, while she stood behind him.

'No, I'm not leaving until he wakes up' Tom said defensively. Bianca sighed.

'He's in a medically induced coma, you know he'll probably be out of it for a week. And that's if he makes it. What they've said hasn't been very positive' she said, walking around and taking a seat next to Tom.

'I still can't believe they've shaved his head. Doesn't even look like him anymore, he's ALWAYS had his blonde curls. That horrible scar at the side of his head where they had to remove part of his skull for the swelling - it's so, so cruel' Tom said, trying not to tear up. It was so hard watching this happen to his little brother. 10 kids - one had already died, and now it was likely another would go too.

'That girl's hanging around again, Ashley or something? She brought her son in his pram. She won't talk to anyone. Actually, she's kind of hiding from us' Bianca explained, rolling her eyes.

'They were friends and enemies at the same time, I think. Not sure why she'd show up with her son. According to Lotte, Ashlyn's been missing for a while - nobody knows where she is' Tom said.

'I do. She's in the cafeteria' Bianca said, matter-of-factly.

'I thought you were meant to be going to a celebratory lunch today, with your friends from uni?' Tom asked, confused as to why his fiancée had cancelled her plans. She could always visit Sam any other time.

'Well, I can't drink - so there's that. Plus, I'm not feeling the greatest - I'd rather just stay here with you' she said, the corners of her mouth turning into a small smile.

You can't drink? You're always drinking. You drink more wine than any person I know' Tom said, scoffing. The man really had no clue.

'We'd better hurry our wedding up though - can't do it on the original date now!' Bianca exclaimed happily. Tom gave her the side eye, concerned.

'Why not?' He asked robotically.

'I found out I'm pregnant! You know that stomach bug I've had for the last few weeks? Turns out it was just morning sickness. And all this bloating hasn't been from PMS or drinking - it's the pregnancy. I really had no idea. My sister suggested I take a pregnancy test - it was positive, then I saw a doctor and he said the same thing. Isn't this so exciting!' Bianca almost squealed - looking the second most happiest Tom had ever seen her.

'We're having a baby?' He asked, brain failing to process the news.

'Yes! They're due around late Feb - actually, Sam's birthday is the due date. But babies rarely come on their due date, so-'

'I can't believe it. Of all the news you could've told me today, that's the last thing I expected to hear. I'm sorry if I don't seem happy or excited or on your level with it all - I'm just so worried about Sam. Plus, I really wasn't expecting it' Tom said, going red in the face. He had so many questions, and really didn't want kids yet, at this stage in his life. The priority was building a house. Sam, the premiership winner, had already brought one and done it up - that was until, Emily got involved.

'I know, I was shocked to find out too. Imagine what Robbie Williams would say! Baby De Koning in the air' Bianca said, giggling, trying to make her fiancé laugh, but he didn't. He couldn't.

Lotte strolled in through the hospital, a large bouquet of flowers in her hands. Nathan was playing babysitter again - this time, down in the car park.