The Honest Affair

38

Björn had closed the phone with Benny who had heard about the birth of Anna. He had rung to Björn's home wanting to discuss something about the premiere, but it was Silja who answered. She explained that even she didn't know which hospital Lena was in for the delivery, and told him that once Björn calls the kids she will tell him that he'd called. When Björn knew, he had to call back, and instead had caught up mostly on his life and his daughter. He wished to put Agnetha on the line knowing if Benny had known at all it was really her in the bed, he'd not only wanted to talk to her but both Frida and Benny would be at their side to meet the baby. This time, they were a distance away, but the previous births, they had made it out to see Agnetha. One way or another conversations delved into the premiere. There were two weeks till then and both of the men had chaos in their minds.

The hours that day were spent in various ways. Linnea had come into the birthing center once again to see her patients, the nurses checked in on both, Agnetha and Anna, and Björn was beside her for support with everything. There were times where she had lost her temper from pain and agitation with having to be stuck in the room, but Björn tried to lighten her mood regardless. She had understood every action of his when her temper would rise was only to shift her energy, for her sake. He didn't want her stressed. Agnetha settled with that reason and the fact that she had spent time caring for Anna. That was the one thing that kept her holding onto her bit of patience. There was a newborn baby who needed her.

Björn had pulled out from his bag a camera and a super8 recorder. He couldn't help it and had brought it with him the day before when he had stopped at his house again for his things. Both he and Agnetha had to have this moment for themselves one way or another. Agnetha looked away shyly and ran a hand along her face to see the camera pointed at her and Anna. She could not complain however. She needed this to hold onto for the days to come. She needed the memories and needed the reminder that she had to fight for the little girl in her arms. There were smiles caught on the video recorder and many photographs of Agnetha and Anna, Björn and Anna, and some of just Anna alone. The little infant had too let out smiles a few times, and both her parents joked that she was aware of cameras and spotlights already.

By the end of the night, Agnetha had nuzzled herself into Björn's side. She was at comfort and her pain had cut down by a lot. Björn was beside her and his breathing was soothing. They had talked for a while until there was no energy left in them to remain awake. To themselves they had thought that tomorrow would be a new day, possibly challenging, but that night was silent and it was perhaps the best way to end it.

It was 7:20 AM when Lena had checked out of the hotel. She had a long flowy spring dress on and a shawl that was draped around her shoulders. She had felt brand new, and no, it was not the birth of the child who would stand as her daughter that made her feel so. It was simply that she no longer had a strap against her abdomen anymore. She had nothing to hide and nothing to show off. Finally, once again, she could be herself. She walked down the street and had picked up a bouquet of her choosing. The best assorted one there is. She'd go to the birthing center next before anyone should catch her out and about by chance, and she could not go in empty handed.

Agnetha was wrapped in Björn's embrace in the cool morning blue light. Their position had been the same since they'd fallen asleep, although both had been awoken to care after Anna. The child had been fed and changed not too long ago and was in the bassinet since. They had a few more hours to spare before the time of discharge should creep up on them, and so they settled back to bed in their small comfort.

Lena had entered as she had the time before with Björn, from the staff entrance. She had seen a nurse step out and caught the door before it closed. She was at the information desk when Linnea had by chance come out of the room behind the desk. It was a surprise to see her, yet not always a pleasant one.