Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 8

As he returned to Alice, she was now sat on the bed. She looked up, her face red, blotchy and tear stained, but to him, she was beautiful. He sat down next to her and pulled her gently into  a hug. He held her there for a while, waiting for the sobbing to subside. Once calm he moved carefully.

"Alice, are you hurt anywhere?"

Her eyes filled with tears again. "My back and the side of my stomach. It's where he kicked me. I'm scared he might have hurt the baby!" She fell against him crying again. George debated what to do.

"Do you think we should take you to the hospital to be checked?" he suggested, "Or calling a doctor."

"I haven't got a doctor or a midwife. I'll be OK if I rest." Suddenly she looked up at him and for the first time, she smiled. "Hello you. It's so good to see you again. Don't I get a kiss?"

George try to push his worry about what had happened from his mind. He smiled softly and kissed her gently. He waited for her to move away but she didn't. He deepened the kiss and still she responded. When they broke apart she continued to smile at him.

"What's all that for?" he asked.

"I'm so glad to see you. And I don't mean because of Tom but because it's you!" Suddenly she groaned and held her stomach. "Arrgh, that hurts!"

George stood up. "You need looking at. Something might be wrong Alice."

"No, I'm ..." she stopped and doubled over.

Despite her protests, George picked her up and carried her to the car. He settled her onto the front seat and began to drive. He headed towards Ringo's house. He knew Maureen had a good doctor, and being pregnant again herself, she would know a good midwife. Pulling into his friends driveway, he carried Alice to the door and knocked.

"George?" Maureen looked amazed.

"Please I need your help Maureen!"

George carried Alice into the house and followed Maureen into a bedroom. He placed Alice on the bed. Before he could explain, Ringo appeared. George swiftly explained why he was there and who Alice was. Maureen immediately sat with Alice whilst Ringo led George from the room. After a few phone calls they waited for both the doctor and the midwife. Finally they were led through to Alice. George paced outside the room whilst Alice was examined. It made Ringo smile. Already his mate was behaving like an expectant father!

"How is she?" George pounced on the doctor as soon as he emerged from the room.

"Mr Harrison, your sister is physically fine. She has a high degree of bruising but nothing too serious. Emotionally she had been through a lot as I'm sure you'll appreciate. She'll need plenty of rest and quiet. No noise or fuss."

"And the baby?"

"The midwife has completed her checks. Again all is well. However we are both concerned that your sister has had no antenatal care at any stage of her pregnancy so far. But again, with rest she'll start to feel better. The midwife will return tomorrow to repeat the checks. However, if she seems to feel worse, then please ring me or take her straight to hospital."

"Her husband....when I found them...he was trying to...well. Has she been forced or hurt that way?"

"She says not this time. His violence tonight was because of her refusal to meet his sexual demands."

After seeing the Dr out, George spoke to Ringo, apologising for descending on him so suddenly. Ringo waved his apology away, telling him he had done the right thing bringing Alice to his house. Suddenly the door opened. The midwife came out, followed by Maureen.

"How is she?" George asked anxiously.

"Alice is fine." said the midwife briskly, "as is the child. What she needs now is something to eat and drink then peace and quiet. I've arranged with Mrs Starkey that I will call back tomorrow afternoon to repeat the checks. Any problems, you know where to find me!"

George looked relieved. "Thank you. Seriously thank you so much. Am I alright to go and see my sister now?"

"Of course."

Maureen left to show the midwife out.

"I'll leave you and Alice in peace whilst I make you both something to eat and drink mate." said Ringo softly. "Just make yourselves at home. OK?"

Impulsively George hugged his friend. "You don't know how grateful I feel about this mate. Thank you!"

"Now go and see that girl of yours!"

George turned and knocked quietly on the door. He opened it and found Alice lying in the bed. She was propped up on pillows. She turned as he came in and gave him a watery smile.

"Hello baby." he said softly, "How are you feeling?"

Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm OK I think. Maureen has been so kind to me. I feel like I'm imposing though. They don't know me!"

He sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. "You're fine. Mo will be glad of some company and Ritchie is easy going enough. Don't worry. As soon as the midwife has checked you again tomorrow then we'll leave them in peace."

She nodded.

"I'm glad you and the baby are OK though," said George, looking at her, "I'm think I'm beginning to feel like an expectant father where you're both concerned." He leaned over and kissed her. "I love you Alice Matthews. Be with me. You and me and the baby. We can be a family. Marry me."

To his surprise, Alice began to giggle. "George Harrison, you old romantic!" she told him, "I think the idea of marriage needs to be held back a bit....take things a bit slower. However, George, I think I'm falling in love with you too. I want to be with you too. If you're sure you want me!"

"Totally sure!" He kissed her again. "And I'm going to be a daddy too." Alice heard the excitement in his voice.

"Do youreally feel like that about the baby George?"

He nodded. "Completely. It's part of you. And, let's face it, there's more the being a dad to being there at the conception. I'll be with you all the time."

They sat quietly together, just holding hands. Food was brought and shared then, as it was now getting late, they both snuggled into bed together. Alice slept quickly whilst George lay holding her and thinking about their future. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions. He thought about the fact that it seemed Alice was planning on marrying Tom as a last resort to be seen as respectable. He knew that if she had, she'd have had a life of violence, repeated child bearing and misery. She shifted in her sleep slightly and moaned. He waited to  see if she would settle but suddenly she opened her eyes and clung to him, crying again.

"Hey," he soothed, "What's wrong?"

"I...I...was ...back ...with ..Tom." she sobbed.

"No Alice. You'll never be with him now. Not ever. It'll always be just me by yourside. I love you."

She reached up and kissed him deeply. "I love you George Harrison. Thank you for being here for me!"

Once more, he held her close as they both fell asleep.