Therapy

Bella pulled Alex closer as he protectively wrapped his arms around her. After everything that Bella had been through in her life, and everything that the two of them had been through together, this was the last thing they needed. Bella looked at the engagement ring on her ring finger, and sobbed gently as the Nurses chatted among themselves. Alex watched Bella carefully as a tear rolled down her cheek. Paige noticed the worry and walked over, embracing Bella from the other side.

- - - - - - - - - -

"Why has it gone all quiet in there?" Jack asked, worried.

"What do you mean?" Zack edged closer to Jack, who was standing at the door of Bella's private room.

"It's just gone quiet all of a sudden. I'm scared." Jack said with panic spread across his face. "Zack. What's happening?" Jack gulped.

"Guys.. why are you just standing here?" Rian asked, walking from his seat up to the two of them.

- - - - - - - - - -

Alex continued to hold Bella, whispering words of encouragement to her, trying to make her feel better. But deep down, he knew that this would kill him more than anything, as well. But he tried to keep a brave face for Bella. He silently hoped and prayed that everything would be okay.

- - - - - - - - - -

Paige held Bella tightly, holding her breath every now and then without realising, clutching Bella's arm and kissing her forehead. She knew that Bella was scared. She knew that Alex was scared. She was scared herself. And no doubt, the boys were scared because it had been a very long time since any noise could be heard from the room. As much as she wished she could have her baby back, she never would have wished this upon anybody.

- - - - - - - - - -

All of a sudden, a faint cry could be heard as the Nurses breathed a sigh of relief. One of the Nurses held Isobel and bounced her gently in her arms.

"There you go, baby. Gosh, you gave us all a scare. You've frightened your poor Mummy and Daddy and God-Mummy to death. You musn't do that again, little lady."

The Nurse walked over to Bella as Bella realised what was going on. She heard the cry from Isobel, searching for her Mother. She heard the gasps of air as Isobel filled her lungs. She burst into tears as both Alex and Paige sighed in relief, feeling Alex grasp her that little bit tighter. Bella didn't care if he was pretty much cutting off her blood circulation, she needed him so much right now. Paige smiled gently and stepped out of the way as the Nurse approached Bella with a little bundle in her arms.

Bella reached out with a tearful smile on her face, holding the baby and bringing her close to her chest. Alex couldn't help it, the tears streamed down his face and he wished this moment would never end.

"What are you calling her?" The Nurse whispered softly, stroking a single strand of hair away from Bella's eyes.

"Isobel. Isobel Louisa.. Gaskarth." Bella responded.

Alex choked on his breath. Everything in that very moment, felt so right, it was almost wrong.

- - - - - - - - - -

The boys stood close to the door of the private room, smiling with tears in their eyes as they heard the cry of what they knew was the newly born baby.

Jack smiled, Zack smiled, Rian smiled.

But they all felt the heat in their cheeks as the door opened and the three of them fell in. The three of them chuckled nervously as the Nurses laughed, Alex, Bella and Paige joining in. They stood up and brushed themselves down as Zack rushed to Paige's side. He noticed the pale colour on her face and made sure that she was okay.

The Nurses left the room, having cleaned up all dirty sheets and towels, as well as Isobel. They made sure that Bella and Isobel were in a presentable state before leaving the room. Although it was clear to see that Bella wasn't too fussed at the moment.

Because at that moment in time, she had her whole family in the room with her. And it was the only family she would ever need from now on.