‘It’s going to be fine. The ambulance is on its way.’
‘I wish it would hurry up.’
‘It won’t be long.’ Emma prayed that what she said was true. ‘I’ll try Alex again.’
Liz edged into the living room, supporting herself on the back of the sofa, with her other hand holding her stomach.
‘Can I get you anything?’ Emma asked.
Liz nodded. ‘Water would be good. There are some bottles in the fridge.’
Emma handed a bottle to Liz, who accepted it gratefully. ‘Do you have a bag packed for the hospital?’ she asked.
Liz shook her head. ‘No, we hadn’t got round to it yet.’
‘I’ll put together some things that you might need.’
‘I’d appreciate that. Don’t forget my phone charger — it’s plugged in by the side of the bed.’
Emma nodded, grateful for something to do. She hastily found a bag and filled it with underwear, nightclothes, leggings, T-shirts and some basic toiletries. Finally she added Liz’s hairbrush and the charger she had asked for. Back in the living room, Liz was doubled over in pain. Emma went over to rub her back and, when the pain had subsided, she tried Alex again. There was still no answer.
‘I’ve packed some things for you, but what about the baby? Have you started to get some things together?’
‘No.’ Liz shook her head. ‘I felt it would be tempting fate to buy anything too soon.’
‘Well, never mind,’ Emma replied. ‘We can sort that out tomorrow.’
She bit her lip as she worried.Where was that ambulance?She went over to the window and opened the blinds. Down below she saw a flashing blue light approaching and almost sagged in relief.
‘It’s okay, Liz. The ambulance is here.’
‘Oh, thank God!’
‘I’ll wait by the door to let them in, unless you want me to wait with you?’
‘No, you let them in. The sooner they’re here the better,’ Liz said before taking another slug of water.
Emma stood by the open door, willing the lift to open. She breathed a sigh of relief when it did and a man and a woman in green paramedic uniforms stepped out.
‘She’s in here,’ Emma said. ‘Her waters have broken and she’s having contractions, but she’s only twenty-eight weeks.’ She ushered them inside the flat.
‘I’m sure it will be fine. My name’s Dave by the way, and this is my colleague, Andrea.’
‘Some babies are just in a bit of a hurry,’ Andrea said. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll take care of her.’
‘Thank you,’ Emma said, relieved.
After a quick examination Andrea said, ‘Well, Liz, it looks like your baby is keen to say hello to the world, so let’s get you to hospital.’
‘But it’s too early!’ Liz said.
‘Try not to worry. The maternity staff are very experienced with premature babies. Does the father know what’s happening?’
Liz gasped with another contraction, so Emma answered for her. ‘He’s away at the moment. I’ve tried calling him, but he’s not answering. I’ll keep trying.’
‘Okay, so do you want to come in the ambulance?’
‘Of course. Is that okay with you, Liz?’
