Tom leapt onto the bus at the very last moment. Hed been stuck at the office for an extra ten minutes, finishing up some urgent work. The rest of the team had left ages ago, but Tom figured hed manage to catch the coach in timeand sure enough, he did. If hed missed it, hed have been ringing in the New Year alone on the street.
He and the chief engineer of their construction firm had left the office together, and at the car park the engineer offered him a lift to the coach station. After saying his goodbyes and wishing the boss a happy New Year, Tom dashed to the coach, his breath cold in the crisp air. Every seat was already taken, save for one next to a visibly pregnant woman. Tom slipped into the seat, nodded, and asked politely, Hope Im not in your way? If youd rather, I can stand.
She shook her head and smiled gently. No, no, please staythank you, then turned to gaze out the window.
The coach rumbled out of the city as Tom closed his eyes, letting fatigue wash over him. He wasnt worried about missing his stopthe driver, Uncle Vic, was from his own village and always made sure Tom woke up in time for Abingdon.
He was half-asleep when suddenly, the woman beside him started moaning in distress. Through the fog of sleep, Tom struggled to understand, Is something wrong? he asked anxiously.
Oh, I told them not to put me on the coach, she gasped, clutching her stomach. I said it might go badlyId never make it back to them if anything happened. But they said Id be fine! Now, look at meoh God, its happening, I need to get to the hospital, Iohhh
All heads turned. Alarmed, Tom rushed to the front. Uncle Vic! Shes having her babyI mean, I thinksomethings happening!
Without a moments hesitation, Uncle Vic pulled the coach across the road, forcing the approaching cars to stop. He jumped out, flagged down a car coming their way, and Tomfollowing himstared as its driver reluctantly pulled over.
We need to get this lady to the maternity ward, its urgent, Uncle Vic said firmly. Tom, help her out.
No way, mate. Its nearly midnightNew Years Eve! Im not letting some stranger have her baby in my car, and theres a queue behind me! protested the driver bitterly.
Uncle Vic didnt miss a beat. He whipped out his mobile, typing in the registration plate. Fine, Ill take your number and you can go on your way. If anything happens to this woman or her baby, my conscience is clear. Got it, mate? Witnesses here heard me, he called, nodding at the nearby passengers. Tom, you heard him?
Yes, Uncle Vic. Ill get her out. Only people left on the coach are an old gent and a teenage lad. Well manage.
The car driver, looking torn, finally grumbled, spread a jacket over his back seat, and announced resignedly, Alright, get in. Lets just get this over with.
Soon, they were speeding through deserted streets toward Oxford. Tom rang home: Mum, sorryI wont make it for New Year. Im helping out a womanits an emergency.
Alright, love. Good on you for letting us know. Make sure to get her familys number so they know where she is, his mum replied calmly.
Tom nodded. Will do, Mum.
The car driver eyed him suspiciously, So, what are you to her then? You seem a bit young to be her fella.
Tom held up his hands. Were strangerswe just happened to sit together on the coach.
At last, they reached the hospital. Tom and the driver helped the woman inside. After explaining to the nurse what had happened, Tom found himself stranded in the hospital entrance, tension still coursing through him. He shared a flat with a mate, who was spending New Years Eve alone with his girlfriend, so Tom couldnt go home.
Well, I suppose I could just sit here, Tom thought, at least they wont throw me out into the cold.
Soon, a nurse returned. Whyre you still here?
With a sheepish smile Tom replied, Nowhere else to go, really. I hope you wont toss me outside.
She eyed him kindly. And whos the woman to you?
No oneI just happened to be sharing a coach seat with her when it all started.
She gave him a look of genuine respect, then led him into a cosy staff lounge. Stay here with us! At midnight well all gathertheres a little Christmas tree in the senior nurses office, you can see in the New Year there. Dont frettheres another chap, Dr. Victor, youll be company for him. For now, have a kip on that cot. Give me your coatIll hang it in the staff wardrobe; the doors are locked, nothing will go missing.
Tom lay down, weariness pulling him quickly into dreams: he was skating with a lively, hatless girl in the park, zipping toward a sparkling Christmas tree at the centre of the rink. He felt happier than he had in years.
He awoke to a gentle shake and a beaming smile. Its quarter to midnight, said a cheerful nurse. Come ontheyve changed their minds, were meeting by the Christmas tree now. No booze, but weve got fizzy pop!
Tom started to protest, but she laughed it off, You cant skip ityoure essential for the festivities, were short on eligible men! She took his arm, and as he followed into the staff room, Tom marvelled, Well, I neverseeing in the New Year in a maternity ward! My parents wont let me live this down. Still, at least I helped bring a baby into the world.
Im Tom, by the way, he said to the nurse.
Charlotte, she grinned.
Is the mum okay? The woman I brought in.
Baby boyeight pounds, ten ounces! Charlotte replied.
Tom, not great with babies, asked, Is that good?
Perfect. Tomorrow morning Ill sneak you in for a peek, she whispered. Technically no visitors, but after what you did, I think we can bend the rules.
As midnight struck, the circle in the staff room popped open bottles of sparkling juice and giggled through toasts. Tom and Dr. Victor even led a dance, everyone swept up in the spirit despite the odd setting. In the morning, true to her word, Charlotte showed him the newborna tiny, floppy bundlewhilst the mother, beaming, greeted Tom earnestly, A boy! My husband will be over the moonafter two girls, hed prayed for a son. Thank you so much, young man. Whats your name?
Tom, he replied.
Im Alexandra Green.
I called your husbandhes back from site on the fourth. Youll see him soon! Remember that old film, Night at the Museum? Well, this has been my own memorable nightin a hospital, of all places. Saw in the New Year right here.
Sorry if I ruined your New Years, she said bashfully.
Not at allIll always have New Years with my folks. Nothing like this will ever happen again.
Tom and Charlotte left the hospital together into the frosty morning, crunching over fresh snow.
Finally, a proper chill, Charlotte said, bright-eyed, the parkll have the skating rink open soon.
Tom flashed to his dream. Looking at Charlotte, he wondered, was she the girl from the rink? Charlotte, should we swap numbers? Maybe we can go skating together sometime?
Grinning, she handed over her phone, and they made sure to save each others contact details.
Tom had two hours to wait until his next coach, so he walked Charlotte to her door near the station. After waving goodbye, he felt so light he barely recognised himself. Whats going on? I cant stop smilingits like I could fly.
When his coach finally arrived, Tom stopped to chat to Uncle Vic. Happy New Year! Bit unusualI spent it in the maternity unit, he said with a laugh.
Uncle Vics eyes twinkled. Thats a story and a half! Good thing you got her to hospitalIve had three of these, two on New Years. First time, the husband caught up and drove her himself.
Tom slumped into a rear seat, daydreaming about gliding around the ice rink with Charlotte.
The holidays flew past. Then, after a call from Charlotte, Tom found himself at the hospital gate. When Charlotte spotted him, she dashed over, laughing, and he met her with arms wide open. They held each other for so long that nothing else existed. The next evening, Tom waited for her by the rink in the park, heart pounding.
Nearly a year slipped by. Tom and Charlotte stood side by side at the coach station in Abingdon, luggage at their feet, awaiting the trip home. Suddenly, a car pulled up nearby.
Hey, hero! a familiar voice called.
Tom spun, recognising the woman insideand then the little boy in the car seat. She smiled.
Dont remember me? I do! And that nurseyoure Charlotte, arent you? she said brightly.
Both nodded, stunned.
Im Alexandra Greenremember? She climbed out, opening the car to display her son. Heres your honorary godson!
The toddler peered at them, solemn and curious.
Tom chuckled, I wouldnt have recognised youyou look so well!
I was in such a panic that night, Alexandra said, recalling. With the contractions and thinking Id be abandoned. Meet my husbandStevehes finally home. That night, Charlotte cared for me so kindly, and Tom, you got me there safely. Where are you two off to?
Back to Abingdon. To my parents, with celebratory newsweve registered for marriage. Wedding at the end of January.
Thats wonderfulIll take the credit for bringing you together, Alexandra said joyously.
Steve called out, Just give me directions and well have you home in five minutes.
Soon, they pulled up outside Toms family home.
Best wishes to you both, Alexandra said, waving as they departed, you deserve every happiness!
Hand in hand, Tom led Charlotte up the front path. Inside, his parents waited, ready to welcome themoverjoyed and excited for all that lay ahead.
