Page 3 of All Yours

‘I found out I was pregnant – you know I’ve never been very regular, and sometimes when I’m travelling a lot, or doing night shifts, it can mess up my cycle. Anyway, as soon as I knew, it was like my world changed. I moved to the Bali project to get six months in one place, with the idea of giving birth in the tiny hospital there. But that didn’t quite go to plan.’

Willow grabbed hold of Wren’s nose in her sticky fingers and tweaked hard enough for Wren to laugh. Robyn removed her daughter’s hands and whispered, ‘Gently, gently,’ to her before continuing.

‘Willow decided to come a little early in the middle of a rainstorm when the roads had turned to mud, and we couldn’t get to the town. So, she made her appearance at home with the help of the local Balinese women from the village.’

‘Oh my God, Robyn,’ Wren said, cradling her own large stomach. ‘That must have been terrifying!’

Robyn exhaled slowly, remembering. ‘Actually, there was something almost magical about it. It was so natural. As though the earth was working with me.’

Wren hugged the baby to her chest and dropped a kiss on the top of her head automatically. ‘Thank goodness there were no complications, for both of you,’ she whispered, holding Robyn’s eye. ‘It doesn’t bear thinking about. Maybe I need a back-up plan to get to Honeybridge hospital when these two decide it’s time.’ She nodded towards her baby bump.

‘Two?!’ Robyn exclaimed and Wren grinned.

‘Yes! Twins, due after Christmas.’ Wren rubbed her round tummy. ‘When was Willow born?’

‘Late June,’ Robyn said with a happy smile. ‘And although it’s only been a few months, it feels like we’ve been together for ever.’

‘So why didn’t you come home?’ Wren asked. ‘Before you had her?’

‘It was an important time for the turtles!’ Robyn said.

‘That is so you!’ Wren laughed out loud.

‘Really, it was, though,’ Robyn insisted. ‘Hatching season is April to October, so I wanted to stay and do my bit. So, Willow just did it all with me. The youngest volunteer on site.’

‘Where did she sleep?’ Wren asked.

Robyn pulled a bag from her rucksack, and with a couple of well-practised moves demonstrated how it formed a portable cot. Wren prodded the bottom and acknowledged how comfortable and cosy it looked.

‘And how did you get her around? You didn’t have a pram with you?’

Robyn thumbed the sling still wound around her neck.

‘One of the mothers from the village showed me how to tie it and then I could carry Willow with me wherever I went.’

‘And how come you’re home now?’ Wren asked. ‘Not that I’m not pleased to see you of course.’

Robyn grinned. The feeling was mutual. She’d missed Wren more than she realised and the sight of her friend’s slender, capable hands holding her baby made her strangely emotional.

‘The weather in Bali has taken a real turn and my last contract got cut short, so suddenly I’m at a loose end.’

Willow shifted suddenly, turned her head and sought out her mum, then stretched her hands out for her. Robyn reached for her, lifting her from Wren’s lap and onto her own.

‘So I thought I’d take the opportunity to come and visit you!’ Robyn hoped she didn’t sound quite as desperate as she actually was. She had no work, no home and no imminent opportunities on the horizon. In truth, she needed Wren as she’d never needed her before.

Wren reached a hand out to her and Robyn took it, feeling the connection between them as if she’d never been away.

‘How long can you stay?’ Wren asked. Robyn sagged with relief. She should have known Wren would never let her down. The stars had been right.

‘A few nights? If you’ll have me? It will give me time to work out my next steps.’

‘Of course!’ Wren said.

‘There is another project starting in Botswana in January, working with elephants. I know the director, and I think I can get us a place. But until then, I’m now out of work so need to find a job. Wherever, whatever.’

‘You seem very calm about that . . .’ Rosie said.

Robyn smiled down into Willow’s face and took a deep breath. ‘Everything will work out,’ she said. ‘I’ll put my trust in the universe. She’s never let me down so far. And that can’t be said for some people.’