Breathing the Dead ~ H.S

Chapter Thirty-Six

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: RETURN

"Please tell me you're not craving oranges anymore," Harry said as he helped me put on my jacket, "the tree can barely grow enough of them to keep you satisfied these days," he let out a chuckle.

I laughed. "Nope. I'm not craving anything today,"

"Thank God," Harry sighed in relief, "safe to say you're past that stage, then?"

"I dunno," I giggled, "maybe I'll start craving again tomorrow."

"Careful," Harry tapped my nose, "you might jinx it."

"Oops," I chuckled, "sorry."

"Right – now let's get you to Liam," he knelt down so that his face was level with my stomach – which had now grown into a small bump, "good morning, you. Happy 18th week anniversary," he smiled warmly and kissed my stomach over my clothes, "we're going to see Dr Liam today. See how much you've grown, yeah?"

I then gasped as I suddenly felt a little flutter in my stomach; smiling as I realised it was just the baby kicking.

"Everything OK?" Harry rose his eyes towards me.

I nodded; my smile growing a little. "Baby kicked,"

Harry's face lit up. "Really?"

I nodded and chuckled. "Looks like they love you already,"

He grinned. "Well, the feeling is mutual," he kissed my little bump one last time before raising to his feet and taking my hands, "ready to go?"

"Mhmm," I replied with a smile.

He smiled back at me. "OK then. Let's go."

***

"Ah, good morning you two," Liam smiled at us as we entered his cabin, "how's the little one doing? Any movement today so far?"

I nodded happily. "A little kick about 10 minutes ago. There's always a kick or two whenever Harry starts talking," I rolled my eyes, "I'm starting to get a little jealous,"

Liam laughed. "I'm sure the baby loves both its mummy and daddy equally," he took out a pair of rubber gloves ad snapped them on, "18 weeks today, yes?"

We both nodded, and he nodded back.

"Right then," Liam patted the hospital bed beside him, "up here please, Laura."

I nodded and climbed on top of the hospital bed; lying down on it and smiling as I began to feel Harry adjusting the pillow for me before settling down beside me and holding my hand as Liam began to set up the equipment for the Ultrasound.

"Are you ready?" I asked him with a smile.

He nodded eagerly and kissed the top of my hand. "I can't wait."

"Can I take a quick look at the bump, please?" Liam said as he came back over.

I nodded and lifted my shirt so that my little bump was visible. Liam felt around the bump very gently for a few minutes before nodding approvingly and smiling.

"Looking good so far, you two," he said, "a very healthy-looking bump, that is. And the perfect size for being this far into your gestation," he then picked up the sonar device so that he could start the Ultrasound, "now let's see how everything's going inside," he smiled at both of us, "if the fetus is in a good position, I might be able to tell you your baby's sex. Would you like that?"

Harry and I looked at each other and exchanged smiles.

"Maybe," said Harry, "we're still sort of deciding whether we want to know or keep it a surprise,"