“That’s a great quality to have. But the time for self-analysis is now. You need to find out what feelings you have for Preben. Is he the one you want to wake up next to every morning for the rest of your life?” He poured another glass of the refreshing drink.
With horror, she thought of his loud snoring, and how difficult it was to sleep with the noise. At the same time, she knew this wasn’t the core of the matter. The question was more whether she loved him enough. Did she love him so much that she couldn’t live without him?
“Good question.” To which she no longer knew the answer. She might as well tell him the rest. “Sometimes I wonder if he’s really over Christel. He’s so concerned with her wellbeing that it gets awkward sometimes. He comes here during the week, and I’m not the one he’s here to see.”
She felt her cheeks grow warm even if there was no reason for it. How annoying that she couldn’t control the color of her face. She usually wasn’t this open, but it felt good to talk with someone who could be objective.
He looked at her, worried. “Something is wrong. You need to talk to him, but I think you know that.”
She pursed her lips, Mathilde-style. “I’ve had a similar conversation with him already, but he was pretty vague. At the same time, the way he acts toward me is the same as always. But I suppose we need to have another chat and get to the bottom of this.” She gazed into his blue eyes that she never could get enough of. The gentle swells in her tummy turned into splash waves, and she had to remind herself that she wasn’t the one who was pregnant and had hormones ravaging her body.
She looked away and tried to think of something else. Like Christel’s soup. She had to be hungry by now. According to Sara, pregnant women were constantly hungry.
“Duty calls. I have to serve some food again,” she said and got up abruptly.
“Thanks for the delicious soup. Call me if Christel’s condition changes.” He kissed her on the cheek and collected his coat from the back of the chair. “I’ll show myself out.”
Luckily, Christel showed no signs of change, but when Bettina went to check on her one last time before bedtime around eleven, she had some doubts. She entered her room in the middle of a strong contraction. It seemed so painful that she shuddered.
“How long have you been going on like this?”
Christel was drenched in sweat and had given up drying it off. The contractions gave her enough to deal with. “Don’t know. Half an hour or so.” She breathed heavily. “They’ve become stronger during the evening, but haven’t been as close as now.”
Bettina hurried to the bathroom to get a cold cloth to put on her forehead. “Let me time it.” She poured a glass of water and helped her drink.
Twenty minutes later she grabbed her phone and called the doctor.
“Erik, I’m sorry if I woke you. Christel is in labor. There are only seven minutes between the contractions, and they’re strong.”
“I was about to go to bed, but I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Bettina went downstairs to get the door. Anneli and her aunt were asleep, and it was better if they carried on sleeping. Right now there were enough things to sort out. What if Christel didn’t make it to the hospital on time? It was a forty-five-minute drive, but there would be no traffic at this time of the night.
Erik hit the brakes in the driveway and rushed up the stairs. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Not sure about Christel, though.”
Another contraction was underway when they entered the room. “Try to relax and breathe normally,” Bettina said and took her hand. “Breathe in deeply through your nose, and slowly out through your mouth. That helped me.”
Christel looked at her with a slightly frustrated look. “Easier said than done.”
“I know.”
“You’re nearly two inches dilated,” Erik said and had another look at her pelvic area as if to verify the truth of his statement. “You won’t make it to the hospital before this little one is out. He’s in a hurry.”
Tears started flowing down Christel’s cheeks. “But I can’t give birth here. What if something goes wrong?”
“It’s going to be fine. Just do what Bettina tells you to do, and everything will work out. I’ll call the ambulance in any case.”
After the conversation was over, Erik went into the bathroom and asked Bettina to join him. “I brought equipment in case the birth was underway. But I need some clean towels, a bowl of water, a box to place the placenta in, and some rags to get started.”
Her hands were shaking while she gathered the things he had asked for. Being in the middle of birth was scary. What if something went wrong, like Christel feared? She felt uneasy, and entirely outside her comfort zone. She forced her thoughts over to something positive. They could do this. After all, giving birth was a natural occurrence, and some women chose to give birth at home nowadays.
“Have you delivered a baby before?”
“No, but she doesn’t need to know that. We can do it if we cooperate.”
She grabbed his arm but was interrupted by a scream. Christel had another painful contraction. She went into the bedroom again and held her hand. Then she went to find the things Erik had asked for, and a small blanket for the baby. With horror, she realized that there were no diapers in the house. And none of the stores in Solvik were open at night. She ran upstairs again.
“Christel, do you have diapers, a pacifier, and other equipment for Ted?”
“No, the plan was to buy it tomorrow when I got home.” She took the cold cloth that Bettina handed her, and placed it on her forehead.
“In that case, we have to improvise. What did they do in the old days? Before there were diapers, I mean. Didn’t they use cloth diapers?” Bettina walked toward the door without waiting for an answer. “I’ll find something. It’s just until the shops open tomorrow.”
In the kitchen, she fetched more clean towels. They were soft and smooth and would come in handy now. She was hoping Christel would be able to breastfeed. Otherwise, Ted would be ravenous.
She heard another scream and ran upstairs to the second floor. If only Mathilde didn’t wake up. Her apartment was adjacent to Christel’s room. Anneli’s room was on the same floor but the other side.
“How’s it going?”
“It hurts so insanely that I’m never going to do this ever again.” Her face was bright red and exhausted as she twisted around to find a better position.
Bettina could relate but had to smile to herself. No, the chances of Christel going through this in Denmark one more time were slim.
“You’re well on your way,” Erik said and looked just as warm.
“I’ll get you something to drink,” she said and left the room. Another scream erupted, and she covered her ears. And then the ship’s bell went off. She was right next to her aunt’s door and slipped into her apartment.
“What’s that terrible noise I’m hearing? It’s impossible to sleep. Is Preben abusing you? I should have known, he’s just the type. Motorbike and all. He probably has tattoos too. I’ve told you he isn’t allowed to spend the night here before you’re married.” Mathilde had lots on her mind. She talked while exhaling, and it was impossible to get a word in.
They heard another scream. Mathilde covered her ears until it was over and then, bewildered, sat up in bed.
“Christel is in labor. She didn’t have time to go to the hospital.”
“That’s the limit! Are we going to be a maternity ward, too?” Mathilde was upset and looked at her in dismay.
She tried not to laugh. “Watch your heart, Aunt.”
“It’s a bit late for that.”
“Try to get some sleep. It won’t be long until it’s over.”
“That’s easy for you to say.”
Another long scream pierced the air. “I have to go help her. Don’t call me again, please.”
She checked if Anneli was asleep. She was sleeping like a log. Then she filled a pitcher wit
h ice water and got glasses.
“I assume it was Mrs. Fredriksen who called?” Erik looked at her.
“Who else? She has a special talent for calling at bad times. It must be a sixth sense she has.” Bettina sat next to Christel and took her hand. “Are you ok?”
“No.”
“Yes, you are. Everything is good,” Erik said and gulped the whole glass. “The baby’s head is on its way.”
All of a sudden, everything went fast. Christel pushed with all she had and screamed so loud that the vibrations of the wall must have caused Mathilde to jump in her bed. The baby’s head showed, and his screams took over from Christel’s.
“Bettina, can you cut the umbilical cord?”
She grabbed the scissors and cut it automatically.
Christel was utterly exhausted and cried with joy when she got to hold Ted in her arms and put him upon her chest. Bettina had to dry off her own tears, and Erik embraced her.
“We did it,” he whispered and kissed her damp forehead. “Thanks for all the help.”
She couldn’t say a word, but looked up at him and knew he understood. They stayed like this until she let go of him. She tried to pull herself together.
“Congrats,” she said and went over to Christel. “You can clean him later. The vernix offers good protection, I remember. That’s why I only dried him carefully.”
“Thank you so much, both of you,” Christel said and beamed. “I never could have done it without you.”
Bettina tied a provisional diaper around the baby, and put a soft blanket over him while he was on his mother’s chest. He would be staying there for a long time.
Meanwhile, Erik had packed his bag and cleaned up. “Congrats on the boy. It was a speedy delivery, and you did well.”
At that moment, they saw a car turn into the courtyard. “The ambulance is here. I’ll go down and get the door.”
“No need,” Christel said with a tired smile. “I think I’ll borrow Mathilde’s line and insist that I don’t want to go to the hospital.”
Bettina started laughing, and Erik looked worried for a moment. “Hmm, you had an easy birth, so it may be fine. They’d release you from the hospital tomorrow anyway. I’ll talk to them.”
Bettina walked him down. “We work well together, you and me.” He pulled her close and kissed her softly on the mouth. His lips were salty, and she knew that he was worn out. It had been very hectic. She was tired herself and almost didn’t know if the whole thing was a dream or reality. Everything had happened at breakneck speed.
The doorbell rang, and Erik went outside to talk to the paramedics. Bettina went upstairs to Christel, who was trying to breastfeed.
“Everything ok?”
“Looks like it, he’s greedy. Go lie down now. I want to have Ted with me in the big bed.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
18
Christel was half asleep and looked at her son with an endearing look. She was so inconceivably exhausted. She had given birth here at the guesthouse! The thought had never occurred to her. She had been so sure that she had more time until Ted’s arrival that she hadn’t thought things through.
Then she remembered that they had taken the stroller, the changing table and the other stuff to her apartment. Preben had had good intentions. He wanted everything to be ready for her at home. But this was where she needed it. If he only knew that she was already lying here with Ted in her arms. If she knew him, he would be disappointed that he didn’t get to be here during the birth. But he had no right. They were divorced, and Bettina would have found his wish strange, and entirely unreasonable. They were getting married. Christel would never have let him take part in the birth the way things were now. It was bad enough that it was the attractive doctor who had delivered her child. There was no point in dreaming about anything more there. He had poked about her nether regions and studied everything in detail, and was probably happy if he never had to see her or her private parts ever again.
Her eyes rested on the newborn lying in her arms, sleeping. Taking her eyes off him was useless. She had never seen anything this beautiful. He was the most gorgeous thing in the world. She was genuinely in love already and knew this was a love that would last the rest of her life. Some things lasted forever.
***
Bettina was curious to see who would meet for breakfast the next morning. She was tired after last night’s hardship. Anneli was the first to show up. She was going to school and had slept peacefully all night. Bettina told her what had happened.
“You mean the baby was born last night? And it’s still here?”
She filled the bowl with oranges. “That’s right. If they don’t show up before you leave, we’ll go up to them.”
“I want to see the baby.”
“Sure you do. His name is Ted.”
At that moment Mathilde entered the kitchen. She looked terrible, as if she hadn’t slept much, and her mood matched her appearance. “Awful noise last night.” She yawned loudly and hurried to cover her mouth.
“But she gave birth to a boy.” Bettina felt like a midwife and was proud to have been a part of this.
“There they are.” Anneli eagerly got up. “Gosh, he’s so cute. Can I hold him?”
He was wrapped in the blanket and looked tiny and innocent in his mother’s arms. Christel looked drained but gave her a friendly smile. “Sure.” She passed Ted to her.
“Congratulations,” Mathilde said and seemed more cheerful. “But doesn’t he have clothes?”
Christel laughed. “No, the plan was to go shopping when I got home today. But I guess you should never put things off.”
“That’s right.”
“I’m going to the grocery store to buy diapers as soon as we’re done eating. But baby clothes will have to wait until the other stores open,” Bettina said.
“What? Are you saying that the child is pooping in my bed?” Mathilde looked from one to the other, alarmed.
Bettina had to hide a smile. “No, not at all. We made old-fashioned diapers.”
The older woman let it sink in before she uttered her answer. “Very well.” She sat down at the table and helped herself to bread.
“Can I hold him while you eat?” Anneli asked and looked lovingly at the little bundle.
“If you have time.” Christel sat down and stared straight ahead with an empty look. “I didn’t sleep much last night, and I’m tired. I was so delighted and had so much on my mind. It’s odd breastfeeding Ted, but I’m glad it seems to be working.”
“You’ll quickly get used to it.”
“Are you staying a few more days, Christel? I can take Ted on walks.” Anneli rocked him softly and didn’t want to let go of him.
“Thanks, that’s sweet. But he should be inside the first few days. It’s starting to get cold.”
“That reminds me, the stroller isn’t here,” Bettina said. “I’ll call Preben and ask him to get it.”
“The key to my apartment is here, so he can’t.”
“I didn’t think of that. But I have to call and tell him the news anyway. Unless you want to call him yourself?”
Christel shook her head. “But I would like to stay another day or two if that’s all right. I’m exhausted.”
“Sure, you can. We’d love to have you. But in that case, I’ll ask Preben to buy a romper on his way here this afternoon. You haven’t bought many baby clothes.”
Christel frowned. “Unfortunately. I’ve tried to be relaxed about the whole thing. I didn’t want to buy stuff until I knew everything would be fine. I bought some things with Preben the other day, but all of that is at home.”
It would have been better if she had been less relaxed about it. How stressing it would be to shop for baby clothes with Ted only a few hours old. She would appreciate being able to take it easy right now. If Preben could pick it up on his way, all the better.
Bettina went to her room and called her fiancé. He reacted differently than she had expect
ed.
“What do you mean? Did she give birth to the baby already? And you didn’t call me?” He was upset, and she didn’t get it. He had nothing to do with his ex-wife. They hadn’t seen or talked to each other the last few years. Or at least, that was what both of them claimed, but she was starting to wonder.
“It’s not your child, Preben. I think you’re forgetting that.”
“Of course, but she needs help and support. She has no one else.”
She sighed and knew he was right. “There are neither clothes nor diapers here since you took everything home. Can you buy something so she can get through the next few days? Then she can buy the rest when she gets home. Just bring it when you come by after work.”
“Leave it to me.”
Mathilde was in better spirits when Bettina returned to continue making breakfast. Against her will, Anneli put Ted in her aunt’s lap; otherwise, she would be late for school.
“Dear me, he’s so tiny. Sadly, I was never blessed with children.” Mathilde looked at the baby and took his teeny hand.
“You don’t always get what you want,” Christel said. “It’s been a long journey for me. But now he’s finally here. It was worth the hassle.”
Bettina felt a lump in her throat. He was so beautiful. She had a heartfelt desire for him to be hers. After last night’s experience, she was sure this was what she wanted. A baby for her, a sibling for Anneli. Where Preben fit into it all was unclear right now.
Preben arrived before anyone expected him, even though they had been sitting at the breakfast table, enjoying themselves, for a long time. Suddenly, he appeared in the door with his arms full of bags.
“Preben, shouldn’t you be at work?” Bettina looked at him, baffled.
He gave her a quick hug and put the stuff on the counter. “I had more important things to do.” He went straight over to Mathilde and the baby. “May I hold Ted?”
“I’m sure that can be arranged. I’ll go and rest now.”
Christel handed the boy to Preben, who took him and sat down.
Time for New Beginnings Page 21
