Chapter Eight
Hayley hadn't really known what to do with herself, with £4,000 in the bank from years of unspent wages there wasn't much she couldn't do.
But she needed a job, not for lack of money or housing, no Cora had forced her to stay in one of her guest rooms, but for something to do. Which is why becoming a Police Officer seemed like the right choice.
As difficult as saying goodbye again was, "I'll see you in 6 months yeah."
Hayley nodded looking at her sister, "Yeah, take care of that family of yours ay, let me know when that Grandkid of yours pops out, and I'll see you when I get back."
Cora smiled wrapping her arm around Trixie and Alex as they waved Hayley off.
And that week wasn't all that exciting bar the onslaught of patients that Cora was handed due to Patrick being ill.
"Cora you don't suppose I could ask a favour?" Cora nodded,
"Of course Sheila, what can I do for you?" Sheila hesitated but relented, in desperation,
"Do you mind just keeping an eye on Patrick, you've both been to war and I feel as if you might understand him more." Cora nodded quickly,
"Of course."
The idea that people of like mindedness can understand each other was something that struck a cord with Cora. Because Sheila was right, soldiers understood soldiers, and sometimes that unique understanding is what helps them cope.
"Alright Doc what's tonight about then, all I know is the Mrs hounded me until I came down, give her a break she said." Cora let out a chuckle clapping Tony O'Connor on the shoulder,
"I'm glad you asked Tony, tonight is about us, I know that most of us don't talk about our time in the service, what we saw, what we did, it's enough to make a grown man cry, I also know that we all have days or weeks where that's all we can think about so here we can talk about it that way when you go home you're not carrying that with you, because I know for a fact that very few of you can or would talk about this with the Mrs." Cora noticed the hesitation so continued,
"Everything said in here isn't to leave this room, and if the family asks we were just having a drink and talking, like all ex-service members do alright?"
The group of about 20 men all nodded, taking their seats.
"Did you have a good night?" Cora chuckled as she collapsed into bed next to Trixie,
"It was great, lots of talking, how was work?" Trixie hummed as she watched Cora nearly fall off of the bed as she attempted to take off her shoes.
"It was good."
Alexandra was officially 44 weeks pregnant and apparently in labour as Nurse Crane came to fetch her, "She's in labour at home, Trixie just wanted me to let you know."
Cora nodded immediately grabbing her jacket and medical back racing through the surgery catching Patrick just before she left, "Dr Turner do you mind taking my patients today Alex has gone into labour-," Patrick shook his head,
"Of course not, you go and look after your daughter." Cora smiled and had she not been a doctor she'd have guessed that several police officers would have pulled her over and arrested her.
She came barreling upstairs Patsy however was not inclined to let her inside, "I don't think so Dr King, you are to wait outside, like every other father and grandfather to be-,"
Cora rolled her eyes, "But I'm her mother not her father."
Patsy cocked a brow, "One of two, and we both know that you are the one that covers a father's responsibilities while Trixie, her other mother and Barbra help her in there, now go outside and smoke a cigarette."
Cora would have argued with her, but it was pointless. Patsy wasn't one to argue with if you wanted to win so she relented sitting on the doorstep cigarette in hand.
Barbra emerged an hour or two later, or maybe it had been four? Cora didn't know, but she stood immediately, "Is everything okay is the baby?"
Barbra shook her head, "It's going very slow I'm afraid, Trixie recommends that you go to the pub, she knows what you are like and thinks it's best to keep you from charging into the bedroom."
Cora relented, making her way toward the black sail. She was of course welcomed warmly, most buying her a pint in celebration, and anticipation.
"It'll all be okay Doc, little Alex has got you know, and you're a far cry from her old man."
One hour.
Two hours.
Three hours.
It is getting busy now.
Four hours.
Five Hours.
Patsy came into the pub a few minutes into Cora's ninth game of cards smiling, "Undiagnosed twins, congratulations Dr King you have two perfect granddaughters."
The pub erupted into applause and cheers as Cora rushed to embrace the ginger. "Thank you."
Party nodded, "Of course, now go home to your daughter and grandchildren."
"Knock knock." Cora rounded the door smiling at the sight of Trixie holding one by and Alex holding the other,
"How are my best girls doing?"
Trixie smiled, pressing a short kiss to Cora's cheek, as Alex spoke, "Their perfect."
Cora nodded, "I know, I meant you and your Mama."
Alex smiled tiredly, "Tired, and relieved."
Cora nodded, taking a seat on the bed next to Alex, "Good, have you decided on names?"
Alex and Trixie shared a glance, grinning, "This one's Lena Carmichael King, and that one's Natalie Beatrix King."
Lena Carmichael King born August 12th 1960 at 9:32 pm at 8 lbs 9 ounces.
And Natalia Beatrix King born August 12th 1960 at 9:54 pm at 9 lbs 8 ounces.
"Come on Trouble one and trouble two dinner is at Nonnatus today, we are going to show you off to all the midwives are we." Trixie chuckled at Cora's enthusiasm.
"You really are the doting grandfather aren't you." Cora huffed,
"Just because I wear trousers doesn't mean I'm a Grandfather... and I'd be called Pops anyway, seems more modern."