midwife » michael gray. [completed]

CHAPTER SIX.

  → CHAPTER SIX; QUESTIONING. 

Since dropping out of the date with Michael days before, Hannah had been keeping herself busy with whatever work came up. Sister Maria had decided not to send Hannah to London, thankfully, because of her distant mood that had everybody concerned. They knew that it was something to do with the alluring gentleman that had a bad rep around Birmingham but for once, they decided not to speak about matter in front of her. Instead, they chattered about Hannah's love life behind her back as they tried to figure out what they could do in order to make sure that she got back to her normal self.

Even though Hannah had been busying herself with work, she had still been cautious of the streets in Small Heath. Hannah had started to check every corner that she turned before she walked down the road, hoping that Michael wouldn't be lingering around and catch her deliberately ignoring him. It would only mean that she would have to explain her sudden need to not be around him and Hannah didn't know if she had the courage to explain the truth. It was almost pitiful, she had promised him that she would not judge him when she found out the truth yet here she was, condemning him for his families' actions. Hannah didn't know the truth either, she had listened to her peers and made a judgement which was awful, but Hannah could not go back in time and she could not change Friday night, even if she wanted to do so. Now, she was stuck in a lie that would eventually come back around and knock her down to the ground.

The sound of the receiver ringing could be heard throughout the convent, earning a few groans from the midwives who were trying to enjoy their Monday lunch. Betty looked at Hannah with a sickly-sweet smile on her face, gesturing for Hannah to go and answer the telephone. A soft groan left Hannah's before she placed her half-eaten sandwich on the plate and strolled towards the small hallway where the telephone was positioned.

"Midwife speaking," Hannah started, as she waited for the nervous father to shout down the phone to Hannah. Over the few months she had been at Small Heath, Hannah had become used to hearing the concern in men's voices and their inability to speak as the sound of the mothers screaming and shouting in the background could be heard.

"I need to speak to Nurse Anderson, it's John Shelby."

"Yeah, that's me. What's wrong, John?"

"I need you to come around as soon as possible. Our Esme is panicking more than anything, thinks the baby is coming and she keep getting these pains. I'm fucking useless and I don't know what to do," John said, his voice surprisingly calm but Hannah could hear the concern start to show as he finished his statement.

"I thought you would've been used to this," Hannah joked before turning serious. "I'll be there in ten minutes. Make sure she's comfortable in bed and get some fresh towels ready."

John made a noise of acknowledgement before slamming the telephone down, so he could get back to his wife who was crying out in pain. Hannah ran quickly into the room which held all the medical equipment and medicines before grabbing her bag which was unpacked.

"Where are you going?" Alexandra questioned as she walked into the medical room. A sandwich was in her hands as she grabbed a towel for Hannah.

"Esme Shelby has gone into labour, I believe, and I need to get over there as soon as possible. If there were complications with the last one, then there's a chance there will be with this baby as well. Can you cover my district rounds this afternoon?" Hannah asked as she rushed around like a mad woman to get everything packed. Hannah was grateful in that moment that she didn't live that far away from where John and Esme lived.

Alexandra nodded as she helped Hannah pack a few things. "Of course. I'll let Sister Margaret know where you have gone and if she makes any comment about you-know-who, I will put her straight in her place."