“He can drive her in, by the sounds of it she’s in early labour.”
“I understand that Stacey, but Mr Clark will not take no for an answer. Which Helipad does he have clearance to land on?” She placed me on hold, Lucy was having another contraction, 5 minutes this time and 40 seconds long. Stacey came back on the line and advised Helipad 2.
“Thank you Stacey, they will be on their way soon.”
Lucy had dialled Nic and was explaining the situation. I took a quick look at Bryce’s schedule whilst she was distracted, it was not too heavy, thank goodness. He had an appointment this morning between 11:00 and noon, then a ‘Jessica’ at 3pm. Hmmm Jessica, I didn’t make that appointment! Lucy hung up from Nic.
“She’s a worry wart, I just hope she drives safely!”
“Is she far?”
“No, she is an Interior Decorator with a firm on Collins St.”
“Oh good. Lucy, I need to cancel an appointment Bryce has with a ‘Jessica’, I don’t know who she is or her contact details.”
“Jessica is, Oh Shit Shit this one is, arrggh, stronger.” She gripped the couch, I ran over to her and rubbed her back.
“Just concentrate on your breathing, I know it’s hard but it does help.” She took deep breaths in and out, then it eased. Her contractions were definitely lasting longer and were now 5 minutes apart.
“Sorry, Jessica is Bryce’s therapist, remind him about the appointment and he will cancel himself.”
“Ok.” Therapist, it’s not surprising really considering his loss. He burst through the door, he was definitely more anxious now.
“How is she?” He looked glorious, his hair was slightly towel dried and he had thrown on a pair of jeans, Nikes and t-shirt.
“She’s fine, her contractions are lasting a bit longer and are more frequent, so whenever you are ready. You have clearance to land on Helipad 2.”
“Good, come on Sis.” He helped Lucy up and allowed her to completely lean her weight on him. I put her hand bag in his free hand.
“Don’t worry about anything, I’ve got it under control, I’ll cancel your appointments and reschedule, go and good luck Lucy, you’ll be fine, soon you’ll be holding your beautiful little boy.” I kissed her cheek and stepped back. She grabbed me.
“Please don’t go, come with us. I need you, please?” She was begging me and quite panicked, I looked up at Bryce for permission.
“Alexis, you’re coming.” I grabbed my bag and took back Lucy’s.
We helped Lucy into the Chopper, I sat next to her holding her hand. Bryce was talking to someone, somewhere through his headset, I had no idea what he was saying and really didn’t pay much attention. Lucy was getting more agitated now as her contractions were stronger. We lifted off the roof of City Towers, I took a moment to take in the view of the city from the air, one word for it, WOW! The flight only took what seemed like a few minutes, the Royal Women’s was on the outskirts of the cbd, so by chopper I guess it was only minutes. He gently placed the Helicopter down on the Helipad, he was good, real good, but I had no time to admire his piloting skills. Lucy was panting now and not far from making Whale noises, we helped her out and into a waiting wheel chair, Bryce held her hand as the nurse pushed her to the birthing suite.
“I’ll wait outside,” I said as they went through the door.
“No, Alexis please come in, arrggghh.” Here come the ‘Whale impressions’. I knew better than to argue with a woman in labour, so followed closely behind.
“Ms Clark, would you like some Pethidine, for the pain?”
“No, no drugs.” Bryce glared at the midwife
“She has a history with addiction, so NO drugs.”
“It hurts, it hurts give me something, anything. God dam it Bryce, if I don’t have something for this pain I will rip your head off.” Bryce looked at me in horror.
“Epidural? What about an Epidural?” I had a feeling it was a bit too late for that.
“She is too far dilated for an Epidural, if she doesn’t want the Pethidine Injection she can have Gas.”
“What’s in the ‘Gas’?” Bryce asked hesitantly.
“Give me the freaking Gas, I don’t care what’s in it, just give me the Gas.” I let go of Lucy’s hand and walked over to Bryce, he was starting to lose it. I put both hands on his shoulders.
“Bryce, the Gas is fine, it’s Nitrous Oxide, it’s a form of anaesthetic, it won’t hurt her. You’re doing well, just hold her hand and let her yell at you and hate you for being a male, she will love you again when it’s all over.” I lightly pushed him over to the side of her bed and asked the nurse for a face washer. I went back around the other side of the bed and placed it on Lucy’s head.