A Turn of Fate (Carlisle Family)

[Lovely]

April 5, year 2
evening


Aeilandra had gone into town to pick up a few things for the bedding she was working on for the baby that would soon be joining their family. Sam had mentioned a new mid-wife had come to town and Aeil had gone over to the boarding house to see about meeting her, only to find she'd up and left... neither Emma nor Ame knew where or why she'd gone and Ame had hoped to have her help as well since she was nearing her own due date. It was a pity the girl had come and gone so quickly, she'd have been well used in Atasco with so many ladies expecting and a few newlyweds who were sure to not be far behind in that regard.

Aeilandra started feeling twinges of pain which seemed to get worse each time they occured, she decided to try to make it to Sam's office and have him check her out.. just to make sure everything was alright. She didn't make it that far, with a cry of pain, she collapsed on the walk near Miss Tessa's house. Andrea had been visiting Tessa and was just leaving when Aeil collapsed, the two women helped the pregnant girl into Andrea's small cart to take her home and Tessa had run to get Sam.

He met the cart with his bag and climbed in the back with Aeil. Sam asked Tessa to fetch Rory as he and Andrea made their way towards the Carlisle home with a moaning Aeilandra in the cart. They managed to make it home and get Aeil inside and into the spare room, she was doubled over and wouldn't make it up the stairs to her and Rory's room. Sam enlisted the help of Lily, Angel, Andrea and anyone else who was near or in the house to lend a hand. Something was very wrong..

A few hours later Sam knew what was wrong and was doing his best to help but a matter like this, just wasn't good. Aeil was already tired and in much pain and she still had a haul ahead of her, the baby wasn't turned and things were touch and go at this point. Sam was doing his best but he was worried...

Word had gotten to the office quickly, but the trip back wasn't quick enough on foot. Alex had borrowed the horse nearly out from Everett's behind and brought himself and his brother to the house in quite a state. Rory pushed his way in ahead of Alex, looking almost relieved as he saw Sam already at work. He attempted a smile, trying to convince himself that all was well. "But see? Sam here's a genious," he said, the worry trembling in his voice slightly. "And she'll be okay, won't she, Sam?" The smile faded just as quickly and gave the man a very serious look... she'd be alright or else!

Alex put his hands up to keep Rory back for now. "None of that now, she needs her wits. And you're gonna need yours. How can I help, Sam? Not the best midwife in town, but..," he turned, his fingers wavering a little, stretching out the clench he'd had on the reins on their ride. "I do have nimble fingers and the damndest luck."

Sam had a couple of the girls helping him and Aeil let out a scream from the room behind him. She'd been wailing for awhile but her strength was wearing and she grew more quiet as time passed. Sam looked worried and shook is head, he quickly tried to close the door and lock it to keep Rory out after Aeil's latest moan. He was afraid and didn't want Rory in the room or getting in the way with his own worry for his wife.

[Lovely]

Pa had also arrived, not far behind Alex and Rory, he witnessed the exchange or lack of one as Sam locked himself in the room with the mother to be. He came strolling up, cool as usual, looking over his boys. "Should probably take Alex up on that offer.." He spoke loudly for Sam to hear in the other room.

Rory was already pacing. He pulled on his hair, hopelessly worried on the far side of the door and not seeing Pa until the man spoke though he stood right in front of him. He questioned first with his furrowed brow. "Why him? Why not me? That's Aeil in there. I can't stay out here like this. Maybe I can go around to the window," he thought, considering going around and climbing in.

Alex was ahead of him on that, telling him 'no' with a shake of his head. He also wondered why Pa would stick up for him. He grinned and puffed up a little more proudly. "See someone here recognizes my natural gifts.. right Sam?" He slapped the door lightly, wondering if he would be let in. He couldn't bear to hear Aeilandra in pain any more than Rory could.

Sam muttered from behind the door, what sounded like refusal and he did not come to open the door for the men. Pa gave both Alex and Rory a slight grin before he took a step back and just kicked the door open. He winked at Rory. "Don't worry I had what nine of you kids come into this world.. not losing any of ya now." He cuffed Alex and Pat lightly. "Both these stubborn little rats didn't want to turn for your mama either."

He'd never noticed really how many there were, or at the moment the number seemed insurmountable when a single small body was causing such trouble - just like a Carlisle! Rory started to count to keep himself calm - counting siblings instead of sheep. He tapped off his fingers, one for each name he kept to himself, getting stuck at five due to his distraction and having to start over.

"Pa, I never knew," Alex said, a little prouder but not as stuffed knowing he'd scared the man that much even before he could talk and outrun him. He sighed, watching his brother's sense of calm come and go, ignoring the now-open door. "Riordhan?" If nothing else, pushing him with his formal name might help him focus better. He followed Pa in and waited for Sam's instructions.

"Get towels and lots of hot water, more than we've got now.. I'm gonna help your brother and don't give me that look. There were nine of you come healthy not counting the ones that didn't.. I wasn't one to wait in the hall and a few of you I delivered by myself before the old doc got here.. you and your ma wasn't waiting for no doctor.." He grinned proudly at his own deeds and how his boys were full of it even while coming into the world. "Now get on and fetch, your wife is gonna need your strength." He instructed Rory, giving him something to do besides fret and pull at his hair. "Ma told me this hurts worse than anything.. and Aeil is already tired and weak." He said a little more gently, with compassion shining out through his eyes. He took a look at his arms then at Alex's slimmer ones. "You come with me boy." He muttered as he went into Aeil's room, realizing then that Alex was a step ahead of him already, he shook his head a little.

Alex had hardly said a word, the smart smirk while listening to Pa vanishing as his offer of volunteering was suddenly accepted. He gave Pa a look of disbelief at first, but remained silent, following as beckoned.

Rory watched them both, not entirely sure what to think. Books. He knew books, not children, not how they came into the world in any way that was this complicated. The screaming panicked him more than the pleas of those kicked by justice - pain was not something he dealt with well, especially knowing all Aeilandra had been through already. "I... I can't, Pa. I can't be in there," he protested, letting the others go in without him.

[Lovely]

Pa glared at Rory for a moment and his eyes fell to Gully as he walked past. "Start... keep praying." He whispered softly and turned to make sure Alex followed him. "What about you.. you going to be like your brother and get too scared? Tell me now before we go any further."

Gulliver nodded, having heard the screams and come to help in just such a way. He paced slowly with bible in hand, flipping pages marked for patients in grueling times of illness and pain, reciting in whispers meant more to calm his own nerves.

Alex shrugged. A woman needing help, what was the question again? He motioned to the room that Pa was leading the way and he'd stay a step behind. When focused, his features resembled their father most of the boys, his pale green eyes intensely piercing the air of the room in search of anything he could do to aide those around him.

Rory flinched at Pa's words. Now wasn't the time to quibble, but it would do him or anyone little good to get weak kneed and require Sam's attention as well if he became ill. Plucking chickens and nursing burns and welts on his brothers was nothing at all like the sight of blood like this, he knew. Settling himself to the bench outside the door, he rested his head against the wall, pale and dry-mouthed as he again shook his head 'no'... he'd stay out here.

As Pa went to speak with Sam a moment, Andrea stepped out of the room. Her apron front was smeared and her eyes worried as she carried soiled towels out and went to fetch clean ones. She paused next to Gully, resting her head against his arm for a moment and listening to his softly whispered words.

Lily and Charlotte were on towel and supplies detail being younger and kept out of the room, even though Lily had had her own boys already. She didn't care to be in the room anyhow, if she wasn't needed so much, she would have insisted Patrick take her off somewhere until this was done. What was going on scared her as it was entirely possible for it to happen to her as well. Now and then she would scoot off to check on her boys, her worry for them heightened by the general distress in the house.

Sam was grateful for Pa coming in to help, though he 'knew' what he was doing, the baby was being difficult and resisted all his efforts to get it to turn on it's own. He and Pa spoke for only a moment and he nodded to Alex. "Thank you both." He murmured quietly, giving Alex a look as if wondering something but not saying it.

"Two extra hands... better at cards and swinging for bruises, but if you'd be needing them, let me help, Sam," Alex said quietly, giving Pa a look to be sure he hadn't spoken out of turn. He'd done so much for Ciara as they'd both noted, perhaps they wouldn't think twice now.

Gully's voice slowed to a near halt as Andrea rested to his arm. He smiled gently, was she trying to reassure him or was she seeking reassurance herself that all would be well? He closed the book in the hand closest to her, leaving his other free to brush her cheek before she tarried off for the fresh linens. His dark eyes regarded her with a noble and kind shine of the utmost faith that all would indeed turn out well and he continued the recitation from memory, louder to the room, but mostly for her.

Rory listened, turning his head and opening his eyes to watch his brother's display, followed by a pish of amusement uttered under his breath. Was Gully ...flirting? "Better times than this, preacherman," he teased, his voice shaking lightly with worry.

[Lovely]

Andrea closed her eyes as his voice grew louder and then they slowly opened, looking more settled. She lifted up on tip toe and kissed Gully's cheek, like a barely there whisper. Then she was off for the fresh linens, and a few other requests Sam had made.

Aeilandra was pale and her hair damp with sweat, her eyes squeezed tears free though she thought there were none left.

Sam nodded to Alex, his mind working on more than one thing at a time. "Of course Alex.. I'm glad you're here.. I'm going to need you." He nodded again to Pa who stepped away and moved to kneel beside Aeil, he kissed her dampened forehead, trying to reassure her a little.

"Tell me what and where," Alex sighed, trying to find some light to shine in the desperate situation, though even the sparkle in his eye was dim with focus and concern. He watched the girl and their father, wondering at the sight that was unlike the usually callous and stand-offish man. "I don't remember Ma so much, Sam... maybe you can tell me someday?" He whispered, turning his attention back to his brother and waiting for instructions while he rolled his sleeves out of the way, though his hands were still grey from the irons, having run back to the house before cleaning up.

Gully finished the recitation as Andrea slipped from the room. He'd heard his brother's comment and now set himself down to the bench as well, lifting the top of Rory's hair with a swat across his crown. "Smart remarks like that will earn you a penance on Sunday. Better time for God's word than now? Or did you mean something else?"

Rory ducked too late to miss the sharp rap on his throbbing head. His hand slid up to smooth his hair back in place and watch his brother's expression. "God's word? What's that to her, Gully? She's still a 'hired hand'."

Sam looked at Alex and grinned a little "Go wash up.. scrub good, you hear?" He patted Alex on the arm and his eyes flickered to Pa, watching as he wiped Aeil's face gently and murmured to her. "Of course Alex.. I will." Sam whispered to his brother, nodding that he would gladly talk about their mother to him. "Hurry up.." He turned to check on the woman again, his concern for her and the baby was sharp, though he seemed calm and relaxed.

Angel came in quietly with a fresh basin of water and a few towels. Taking her place again near Aeil's head, where she'd been 'tending her' before leaving to refresh her supply.

Alex trotted off quickly to remove the soot and stain as much as possible, stopping to give Angel a kiss on the cheek on behalf of Sam. "You're a marvel, lass. Thank you," he whispered to her, his appreciation in his own voice that he was sure mirrored Sam's thoughts though he was busy with the rest of the matter. He took another quick look at his father who concentrated on the girl as well then slipped out the door.

"You take that back this instant, Riordhan. Andrea... she's a changed woman, faithful and bright, in God's house each and every Sunday... a..a... a hired hand? I should haul you into the street, Rory. What makes you say such a rotten thing about her?"

[Lovely]

Rory's expression changed only slightly, pulling in a little more color for the moment as his mind was taken off his own girl while Gully appeared to be defending his own. "Rotten? Gulliver... she is what she is. Miss Deneuve is in God's house on Sundays, but that's not making her any different than what she is," he explained plainly, not having meant insult beyond his observations. "Unless you mean something different in what you say, hm? Never thought I'd see it, Gully... not you... you're sweet on her. Plain as day."

Angel offered a small smile to Alex in thanks for his kind words, her face lighting up a little as it awlays did when she smiled so sweetly.

Sam hovered over Aeil, his hands on her belly, feeling the baby and listening. His eyes flickered to Pa again as he heard Aeil moan softly, she was tired out, weak and he wasn't sure how much she had left to get this baby out. Pa was giving her a pep talk though, reassuring her that she was strong and all would be alright soon.

Alex stumbled into the fray on his way to the washroom, hearing the snipes between his oldest brothers. He stopped only a moment to give them each a disheartened look. How could they be arguing amongst themselves? "Hope you're quite finished, lads. Gulliver, I'd believe Pa told you to keep on your recitations. And you... best pray along with him. She's nearly exhausted and the babe's not yet turned," he growled at the boys, giving Rory a particularly sharp glare Pa would be proud of. "Or leave the house. If she knows you've been fighting..."

Rory was about to add more when their youngest brother piped up.

Gully was glad for the interruption, but equally displeased with being told off by Alexander. "Weren't arguing, Alex... just a little lively chat. Riordhan was finished anyway...weren't you, Rory?"

"Apparently," he shot back sharply and quietly. "Won't listen to reason anyhow." Rory took the moment to go in now. If he fainted, so be it. Steeling himself, he moved closer to Aeil's side, beside Pa, kneeling and sliding his hand to hers.

Aeilandra lifted her tired eyes to Rory and managed a slight smile for him, despite the tears that slid from the corners of her eyes. She was exhuasted and it was showing as she weakly clutched his hand. She was thankful he was there and it helped to give her a slight burst of strength to try and make it a little longer.

Pa set his hand to Rory's shoulder, letting him know he had support and that his coming into the room was a good choice. "Get up on the bed, sit behind her and lift her head and shoulders into your lap." He instructed quietly, knowing Aeil was going to need a little more help once they got the baby to turn.

"What?" Rory seemed in a fog, lost in the corners and dampened creases of Aeil's pained expression. He turned to his father, letting the words roll around in his head a moment. "Up? Behind...alright, then what?" He moved slowly and did as told, creeping up on the bed beside her and helping her to shift into his lap.

Gulliver watched his brothers disperse and leave him to his own thoughts. "Sweet on her... psh..," he murmured, though he darkened a shade and watched the door, eager for her return to see if he could offer any other assistance.

Alex returned quickly, nearly running down the hall in his haste, hands held up and not touching anything as the air dried them. "Gully... the door, please if you would?" He nodded, getting his brother's attention to open the door and secure it again once he was inside.

Pa helped to guide Rory into just the right position and Aeil's hands into his, curled around her a little. Once the two were 'cuddled' he patted Rory's shoulder gently. "For now you just hold her tight.. don't let go and when I tell you to you're going to help her sit up, but that's after Sam and Alex get that baby turned."

Sam watched them get into position and wiped his hands down on the last of the clean towels, Watching as the door opened to Alex coming in. It was going to be painful but that baby was going to get turned, at least with Alex's smaller hands and arms it wouldn't be as bad as if Pa had had to do it.

The door latched behind him as Gully didn't feel quite right gazing on a woman in such a way, patient or not. Alex stepped up, waiting for instruction, seeing the change in the poses and postures, trying to understand all that was happening.