Together ; It doesn't feel right at all [Chapter 23]

“Congratulations,” the nurse said “You’ve given birth to a healthy baby girl.” The nurse smiled and handed the baby to Kelsey.1

Kelsey smiled down at her little baby, she was born 3 weeks early, but she was perfect.2

“Hello Grace,” Kelsey whispered. “Yes that’s your name… Grace”3

She felt a sense of pride, she had done it. 1 hour of painful childbirth but it was worth it now holding Grace in her hands she knew it was worth it. Kelsey carried on watching Grace. 4

The door opened and the nurse stepped in.5

“You have a visitor,” the nurse said.6

“Who is it?”7

“Your friend Ashley.”8

“Ok, tell her to come in.” Kelsey replied.9

The door opened wider and Ashley walked in. Both girls looked at Grace and then looked at each other.10

“She’s beautiful.” Ashley said.11

“How’d you know it’s a she?” Kelsey asked.12

“Oh, I just thought...”13

“It’s ok, she is a she and she’s called Grace.” Kelsey said smiling.14

“Beautiful name.”15

Ashley sat down while Kelsey put Grace back in to the cot.16

“So have you seen my parents?” Kelsey asked.17

“Yeah, but I did not want to be around them. They obviously knew I knew about it all along, I could feel the atmosphere.”18

“Oh god, it’s going to be hard explaining this isn’t it?”19

“I’m sorry we didn’t get to you in time, we tried…” Ashley said.20

“Oh, that’s the least of my worries; you tried when someone else wouldn’t. That’s what best friends are for, and that’s why you’re my best friend. I love you so much Ash, thank you for sticking by me. I’m so sorry about our major fall out, it was all my fault, I should have never pushed it, if you didn’t want to tell me about him then you didn’t have to, but I’m so sorry.”21

“Don’t be sorry,” Ashley said walking over to hug Kelsey. “It was never your fault; I blame my self entire not talking to you because you are my best friend. And nothing should have ever come between us. I love you more than life its self Kels, I live for you and know the mini you.”22

Both girls hugged each other crying. The sense of friendship was back, the trust, lies and truth but also the closeness.23

“And there’s so much more I have to tell you,” Ashley carried on “And I don’t even know where to begin. It felt like the night we stop being friends my world fell apart. And I just…” Ashley stopped and broke off into tearful sobs.24

“It’s ok Ashley tell me whenever you’re ready, I’ll always listen.” Kelsey cooed hugging Ashley.25

“Thank you.”26

The two girls sat there sniffling and consoling each other until Grace stirred.27

“Awww, she wants her mummy.” Ashley sniffed.28

“I guess she does,” Kelsey said going to pick her up “Do you want to hold her?”29

“Of course.”30

“Here you go Grace, go to your auntie Ashley” Kelsey said and handed Grace to Ashley.31

“She’s so beautiful Kelsey. Almost wish I had a baby of my own.”32

“Ha, but you were smart enough not to get pregnant.”33

“You aren’t dumb Kelsey you just didn’t realise, it happens to a lot of people” Ashley said cradling Grace in her arms. Graces blue eyes looked back at Ashley and Ashley felt a rush of emotion for the little girl. “But it was worth it, this child is amazing”34

“But I don’t want to be like those other people. Now people will think I’m just some whore who had sex and got pregnant.”35

“It’s not about what people think. You could have been raped how do they know? It’s about self belief Kelsey forget what everyone else says, because if you don’t you just don’t exist anymore. You start to fade out and even when people can’t see you, you can still get hurt.”36

“What’s all this about Ash?” Kelsey asked looking concerned.37

“Nothing it’s just something I’ve learned.” Ashley mumbled and then spoke to Grace. “Pretty little girl aren’t you? You’re first word is going to be Ashley. That’s right A-S-H-L-E-Y. Ooh, a perfect little girl like you deserves a present and a big one.” Ashley cooed.38

Then there was a knock at the door and the nurse stepped in.39

“I just wanted to check if everything was alright.” She said.40

“Yeah everything’s great, Grace just woke up but she’s fine.”41

“Grace? That’s a stunning name.” The nurse said smiling.42

“Thank you.”43

“That’s ok; I just have to inform you that you have some other visitors, your mum and your dad and two other guys.” 44

“Oh ok, thanks.” And the nurse left the room.45

Kelsey looked panic stricken.46

“What am I going to say to my parents?” Kelsey wailed.47

“Can’t help you on that one sorry.” Ashley said getting up and handing Grace to Kelsey.48

“Where are you going?” Kelsey asked.49

“To buy some stuff for you and Grace but also to give you time to see your parents, I don’t think they will be very happy with me if I take up all your visiting time.” Ashley said.50

“Ok, come back a visit later ok?”51

“I will, I promise.”52

The girls hugged and Ashley walked out of the room.53

“Well Grace,” Kelsey said “We’ll just have to deal with your grandparents now. They’ll love you, just as much as I love you.”54

Kelsey sighed as Grace watched her with her deep blue eyes.55