“Friends and Blessings”

by Marilyn and Stacey

Kate let out a happy sigh as she slid behind the wheel of her purple Lamborghini and turned on the ignition. She was heading into town for a doctor’s appointment while Sid was out on his daily walk. She’d asked if he wanted to go with her, but he’d declined, so off she went on her own.

Normally, a trip to the doctor would be anything but pleasant, but this was no ordinary visit – Kate was going in for a pregnancy test. She was already pretty sure she was pregnant, but the doctor’s examination would verify it. She was worried at first about how Sid would react to the news, but he’d been extremely pleased to hear he was going to be a father.

As she drove down the road, Kate couldn’t help but smile at the thought of how proud a father Sid would be, and how he’d most likely spoil their child, maybe even more than he spoiled her – if that was at all possible! As she pulled into the clinic parking lot, her heart pounded and she became quite giddy about the idea of being a mother, and wished Sid had come along with her today.

Walking into the clinic, still lost in her thoughts, Kate nearly collided with someone on their way out. “Oh! Ivy! I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there... G’day, how are you doing? I’ve actually been meaning to give you a call.”

Both startled and confused, Ivy looked quizzically at her, frantically trying to remember her name. Holding her hand to her chest she paused for a second. "Kate." It had finally come to her. "No, I'm sorry I was in my own world and wasn't looking where I was going." Removing a tissue from her pocket, she wiped her already tear stained face, trying to remove the evidence that she had been crying. "Did you need me to order something through the grocery for you?"

"Oh... umm... no, no, nothing like that," Kate told her, smiling warmly. "More of a social call, actually. I was wondering if you would like to get together sometime, have lunch, maybe do some shopping, or whatever you like. I haven't really made any friends really since moving here, and, well, you just always seemed so nice the few times we've talked."

"Oh...OK . We could do that sometime." Looking out the window, she saw Jim sitting on the hood of the car waiting, fresh tears came to her eyes. Sitting down in one of the waiting room chairs, Ivy searched her purse for a fresh tissue.

Kate couldn't help but notice the tears in Ivy's eyes. "Ivy... um... is everything... alright?" she asked, gently.

Unable to find a fresh tissue she used the soggy wadded one she had been using. "I am not sure what I am going to tell Jimmy. Or if I even should tell him anything."

"Oh Ivy, I hope there's nothing serious," Kate told her, sitting down next to her and placing a hand gently on hers. "Is... is there anything... anything I may do to help?" Kate was quite concerned about her, worried she'd gotten some awful news from the doctor.

"No, just have to let nature run it's course." Taking a deep breath she looked at Kate. "Might as well practice." Ivy paused a second gathering her thoughts. "Kate, please don't repeat this to anyone else. Doc Knight tells me... well that Jimmy and I are going to be parents." Rushing through the last part, Ivy only just managed to finish her sentence before she began to sob.

"Ivy, that's wonderful news!" Kate exclaimed, happily. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and Jimmy! I promise I won't say a word to anyone. Actually, that's why I'm here to see the doctor, too... Sid and I are going to be parents, as well. Just need the doctor to confirm, but I'm pretty positive."

Tilting her head sideways Ivy looked at Kate, she seemed so...well, happy at the prospect of being pregnant. Wiping her face with her soggy tissue, she attempted a smile. "Maybe your have the right idea. Maybe everything will be alright. I just have to figure things out."

"Why wouldn't it be?" Kate asked, "Having a baby with the man you love is... well... a blessing! Even if it wasn't exactly... planned." She bit her lip, studying Ivy's tear-streaked face, wondering if Ivy's husband, Jim, would be as excited about becoming a father as Sid had been.

Ivy took Kate's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I love Jimmy with all my heart. Your right having his child is a blessing." Resting her free hand on her belly she paused a second before continuing. "I never knew my mother. She died when I was born. I just...I don't want to leave Jim like that."

"I'm so sorry, Ivy," Kate told her, gently, "I had no idea. No wonder you're all nerves about your pregnancy, I would be too if I were in your place. Just because your mum had... complications... doesn't mean you will, too. The doctors nowadays are quite brilliant, and Coff's has some of the best around, I've heard. You'll be fine, you'll see. And if you ever need anyone to talk with, just give me a ring. Here, here's my number," she quickly scribbled down her phone number on a piece of paper and handed it to Ivy. "You know, I  have to admit, I'm a bit nervous about being a mum myself. I mean, you've seen our house - not exactly baby-proof."

Ivy smiled trying not to laugh at the visual she suddenly had of the glass walls in Sid's home covered in little fingerprints.  "Thank you, for everything Kate.  I should be getting back to Jimmy and you have your appointment." As she stood to go Ivy gave Kate a hug. Let me know when you want to get together and good luck.

"Thanks, Ivy," Kate told her, "Best of luck to you, too. I'll give you a ring in a day or two."

She smiled, watching as Ivy headed out of the office, then turned headed into the doctor's exam room.