Ivy Lane: Winter: by Cathy Bramley Page A

look, clumsy, you’ve spilt your drink!’ he laughed. ‘Has anyone got a cloth?’
    Gemma puffed her cheeks out, gripped onto Mike’s arm and gave a low guttural moan.
    Mike winced as her grip tightened. ‘Hey, I was only joking.’
    Her drink sat untouched on the table next to her, which meant the water had to have come from somewhere else. I crouched down beside her and looked into her eyes.
    ‘Have your waters broken, Gemma?’ I whispered.
    She nodded but didn’t meet my eye.
    ‘I think it’s time to get you to hospital,’ I said.
    Mike’s eyes lit up. ‘Trust you to go into labour now, Gem! This is it then, babe, the big moment. How long do you think we’ve got – a couple of hours?’
    I shook my head. ‘Mike, she’s been this way for some time. She didn’t want to miss the party.’
    Gemma panted and flashed her eyes at me. I ignored her. Party time was over.
    ‘As soon as this contraction finishes, I think we should get her to the car,’ I added in as calm a voice as I could muster.
    Mike stood up and frowned at me. ‘You knew about this?’
    I nodded. Gemma tried to say something but I couldn’t make out what it was between the grunts.
    I gulped. ‘She made me promise . . .’
    Mike narrowed his eyes. ‘I have to say, Tilly, that was bloody irresponsible of you. What if it had snowed again? The roads are already treacherous.’
    His voice was low and controlled but there was no mistaking the anger in it. I felt terrible for keeping quiet, but I’d been so excited to see Gemma and she had seemed fine, not to mention adamant that she wanted to come to the party. I could kick myself now, though. But the main priority was to get Gemma to hospital as soon as possible.
    ‘Phew, that was a strong one!’ She blew her cheeks out and looked from me to Mike sheepishly.
    ‘Shall I fetch Karen?’ I asked, feeling the need to redeem myself and do something sensible.
    Karen was dancing with Shazza and so far hadn’t realized what was going on.
    Gemma shook her head. ‘I don’t want to draw attention to myself.’
    All three of us looked at each other and laughed and the tension between Mike and I eased a little.
    Mike rolled his eyes and kissed her forehead. ‘What are you like?’
    ‘Don’t blame Tilly,’ she said, leaning her head against his arm.
    I chewed my lip anxiously. ‘Gemma, your contractions are coming faster now, we should get you to the car before the next one comes.’
    She squeezed my hand and nodded. ‘You’re right. Come on, Mikey, let’s go,’ she said, getting to her feet. ‘Tilly, hold my arm.’
    Between the two of us, with her parents fussing behind, carrying bags and coats, we half-carried her the short distance across the icy car park, which thankfully had been sprinkled with grit, and into the passenger seat of the car.
    ‘You take care, now,’ said Christine, hugging her daughter. ‘And phone us as soon as you have news.’
    ‘And don’t worry about Mia, we’ll make sure she knows what’s happening,’ said Roy, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders.
    I bent down and kissed Gemma’s cheek. I placed a hand gently on her tummy.
    Safe journey, little one, see you very soon.
    ‘I’ll come with you, if you like,’ I said hopefully.
    ‘It’s OK,’ said Mike, giving me a smile. ‘I’ll take it from here.’
    ‘Sure. Well, good luck.’ I shut Gemma’s door and tried to organize my wobbling features into an encouraging smile.
    ‘Bye!’ Christine, Roy and I shouted together.
    What had I said that for? Obviously they wouldn’t want me there. This was their moment. Their baby. I knew that.
    But did that not stop tears springing to my eyes as I watched them drive out of the car park?
    No, of course not.
    I swallowed the large lump that had wedged itself firmly my throat and followed Christine and Roy back to the party.

Chapter 10
    Charlie was waiting on the steps of the porch. He was directly under the mistletoe but he looked so fidgety and