Ramblings Of A Hiddlestoner

Stepping Stones - Courtesy of @JayBird7

The waiting room was a horrible place to be. There was nothing to occupy yourself with. The walls were bare; not even a nice colour to stare absentmindedly at, the magazines were ripped and destroyed after being read a few too many times and the people were just as bored as you were.

Tom ran his hand through his mass of light brown curls, sighing to himself. A permanent frown etched his pale face, his eyes masked with worry and anticipation as well as exhaustion. He hadn’t slept, he hadn’t eaten. He’d just waited.  A nurse strode past and was about to go on her way when she noticed the man, sat hunched and alone in the corner. Gently she approached him and put a gentle hand on his shoulder

“Sir, are you alright? You look like you’re about to pass out.” She asked kindly. Tom looked up briefly and gave a thin smile.

“I’m fine, thank you though. I’m just waiting for news on my wife. She’s in labour.” He explained. The nurse nodded knowingly.

“Ah I see. Well I wouldn’t fret. She’s in good hands, I assure you. In the meantime, would you like me to fetch you anything? Some water? A snack, perhaps?” She offered. Tom shook his head.

“You’re very kind, but no. I am fine.” He said softly, his mind drifting back to the thought of her. The nurse bent down to his level and placed a hand on his knee.

“You look like you haven’t slept in days Sir. It’s not going to do you any good you know. I advise that you take a nap. Relax for an hour. You’d feel so much better, trust me. You don’t want to be drifting off when you’re holding your child for the first time do you?” She question rhetorically. Tom chuckled, allowing himself to relax slightly.

“No, I guess you’re right. I really am tired. But please, will you just...will you wake me if I’m asleep when the baby has arrived? To let me know they’re both okay?” He asked desperately. The nurse smiled warmly.

“Of course I will sir. I shall see it as my first priority. What’s the name of your wife?” She asked. Tom answered slowly, fatigue setting in.

“Alex. Alex Cooper Hiddleston.” He replied. The nurse nodded.

“I’ll let you know when it’s time.” The nurse said gently, standing up. Tom smiled sleepily and ran his hand through his hair again.

“Thank you.” He yawned, before resting his head against his arm and drifting off into a deep sleep.

***

The scorching heat of Zambia hit Tom like a slap in the face, instantly causing a thin layer of sweat to form on his forehead. He wiped it away slowly, wishing he had worn a different shirt. A woman with kind features walked up to him and took his bags for him as he stepped off the plane.

“Mr Hiddleston I presume?” She said expectantly. Tom nodded and gave a kind smile.

“Please, call me Tom.” He introduced himself. She nodded.

“I’m afraid there’s no five-star hotels here in Zambia, Tom. You’ll be camping if that’s okay.” She warned with a smirk. Tom laughed.

“It’ll be great, I’m sure. I look forward to it. Is anyone else helping out?” He asked excitedly. The woman nodded.

“There is one more; a woman. You’ll meet her shortly.” She replied. Tom nodded happily, glad to be having some company, and headed to one of the nearest jeeps and hopped into the back, quite unsuccessfully as he slipped and fell into the other passenger of the jeep. It was a woman with golden brown hair to match her tan. She had hazel eyes and her smile, when she was not being sat on, was sweet.