Michael leapt onto the bus at the very last moment, breathless. Hed been held up at the office for ten extra minutesurgent paperwork that couldnt wait. Everyone else had already gone, and hed gambled that he could still make the bus. He just barely made it, grateful he wouldnt be celebrating New Year’s out on the streets.
Hed left work with Mr. Thomas, the chief engineer from their construction firm, and on the car park, Mr. Thomas had kindly offered him a lift to the coach station. After wishing each other a happy New Year, Michael bolted towards the coach, only to find every seat takenexcept one, beside a pregnant woman. He took the spot, greeted her politely.
Hope Im not bothering you. I can stand, if youd prefer.
No, its fine, please sit, she replied, gazing out the window.
Michael, exhausted and with only a short journey ahead, let himself drift. He wasnt worried about missing his stopthe driver, Uncle Victor, was a fellow villager and had roused him before in their hometown of Aylesford.
Michael was fast asleep when a plaintive sound beside him brought him back. The woman groaned in pain. Groggy, Michael turned to her.
Are you alright?
Oh, I told them they shouldnt let me leave, its too soon. They said it was early yet… but now, look at me. Oh, dearwhat do I do? How do I get back to the maternity ward now, with New Years nearly here?
Passengers glanced over; tension spread. Michael dashed to the driver.
Uncle Victor! Theres a pregnant woman, I think… I dont know how to explain it, but I think shes in trouble.
Uncle Victor expertly blocked the road for those bound for the city, then leapt from the bus and strode ahead. Michael was right on his heels. A car sped towards them and stopped.
She needs to get to hospitalurgently, Victor exclaimed. Michael, help her out.
What? It’s nearly New Year’s, Ive got my own problems, and theres traffic piling up behind mecant you hear the horns?
Uncle Victor fished out his phone. Alright, Ill take your license plate. Off you go, mate, your conscience is clear. The passengers are witnesses. Michael, did you hear?
Yes, Uncle Victor, Ill help get her out. Only help Ive got is a frail old gent and a teenager, but well manage.
The car driver hesitated, then threw a blanket over his back seat: Ready, he grumbled, resigned.
Soon enough, they were speeding towards the city. Michael rang his parents.
Mum, my New Year plans have changed, he explained the situation.
Thats fine, son. Take her number for her familylet them know where she is, so they dont worry.
I will.
The car driver glanced in the mirror, uncertain.
So, who are you to her, then? Shes definitely not your wifeyoure too young.
Im just a strangerjust happened to be sitting next to her.
The driver looked over warily, but Michael clarified: On the coach.
The driver gave an uneasy laugh. Soon, they reached the hospital. Together with the driver, Michael supported the woman and guided her in.
Through that doorthe admissions are just round the corner, the driver directed.
Michael gently led her inside, handed her over to staff, and found himself alone in the chilly vestibule with nowhere to go. He rented a flat with a mate, but since he was supposed to be away for five days, his friend had invited his girlfriend over for a romantic New Years together.
Never mind, Michael mused, they wont throw me out into the cold, surely.
A nurse returned. Why are you still here?
Ive nowhere to go. Id rather not be thrown outside tonight.
Whats your connection to her?
Noneshe fell ill on the coach.
The nurse eyed him respectfully, then led him to a side room.
Stay putwere all gathering for midnight in the head nurses office. Join us for the countdownyoull be our second gentleman, after Dr. Griffiths. For now, you can rest here on the couch, she said. Coat offIll hang it in the wardrobe. The doors are locked, so dont worry.
Michael fell asleep and dreamed he was at an ice rink, skating joyfully with a laughing girl, careening towards a glittering Christmas tree in the centre. He was blissfully happy.
Then he was roused by a gentle voice.
Wake upits quarter to twelve. A smiling young nurse stood above him. Come with me, we changed our mind about staying here; the trees in the matrons officeits cosier. Everyones meeting there for New Year’sno proper champagne, but weve got festive fizz, she teased.
No need to fuss over me, Michael insisted.
I was told to bring youbesides, were short on men. Dr. Griffiths is lonely!
She giggled, grabbed his hand, and Michael followed, wondering at the strangeness: What a way to see in the New Year. They’ll laugh at me for sure, even my parents. But, well, I did help usher a little life into the world.
Im Michael. And you?
Im Sarah, she smiled.
Do you know how that woman is?
She had a little boy, nearly nine pounds.
Is that… good?
Its brilliant. Ill show him to you in the morning.
Is that allowed?
Not usually, but sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Youre an exception, Sarah grinned. And truly, youve nowhere else to go?
NoI rent with a pal, but hes planned a night with his girlfriend, probably popping the question. I should be at my parents in Kent, but… here I am.
Oh, thats romantic! Sarah exclaimed as she swept him through a door. Here he is, girlsour New Years knight!
They sipped fizzy pop, shared laughter, and even danced. Michael and Dr. Griffiths kept spirits high among the nurses. By morning, Sarah led him softly to see the newborntiny, helpless, but cherished. His mother was radiant.
A boyjust imagine! Weve two daughters, but my husband dearly longed for a son. Im so happy. Thank you, young manwhats your name?
Michael.
Im Alexandra.
I called your husband last nighthell be back on the fourth. Remember the film Night at the Museum? Well, I had my own wee adventureNew Years in the maternity ward.
Sorry, friend, for spoiling your New Year.
Dont betherell be others, but none like this.
Michael and Sarah left the hospital together. Overnight snow crunched underfoot; Sarah lit up, exclaiming, Finally, a proper chill! The parks rink will be open soon.
Michael remembered his dream, stealing a look at Sarah. In the dream, the girl had burst out laughing; here, Sarah just smiled softly.
Sarah, lets swap numbersmaybe we can hit the ice together?
They exchanged contacts as the morning slipped by.
With two hours till his bus, Michael walked Sarah homeher flat was near the coach station. Then he caught himself grinning on the way back; he felt light, almost giddy.
Whats come over me? I just want to smileI feel like I could fly!
Back on the bus, Michael found Uncle Victor.
Happy New Year, UncI wound up celebrating it in a hospital, he shared, beaming.
Thats a night to remembergood you got her there, shell never forget it. Third time for me, and twice right on New Years. First time, the husband caught up and drove himself.
Michael settled at the back, imagining him and Sarah twirling around the rink.
The holidays passed in a blink. Soon, after a text with Sarah, Michael stood by the hospital gates. Sarah emerged, scanning for him, then ran up, laughing with delight. In that moment, Michael knew for certain she was the girl from his dream. He threw his arms wide and caught her in a warm embrace; together, they stood, smiling with quiet joy. The next night, he waited for her by the ice rink.
Almost a year went by. Michael and Sarah stood at the coach station, waiting for the bus to Aylesford, when a car stopped nearby.
Hello, lifesaver! called a warm voice.
Turning, Michael saw a familiar woman, beaming from the back seat.
Dont you remember me? I recognised you both straight awaySarah, right?
Yes, the pair replied, bashful.
Im Alexandrayou remember? And heremeet your godson, more or less.
A little boy watched them intently from his car seat. Michael blinked.
SorryI didnt recognise you, you look wonderful now.
Yes, that day I was in bits, crazed with pain and worry Id be left miles away. And this is my husbandSlatermeet my rescuers, Michael and Sarah; Sarah stayed with me all night. Where are you headed?
Aylesfordvisiting my parents, with news: weve handed in our noticegetting married end of January.
Im so happy for youafter all, I helped bring you two together! Alexandra smiled warmly.
Her husband chimed in: Almost in Aylesfordwhere next, lad?
Five minutes later, they were pulling up at Michaels family home.
Happiness to you both, Alexandra said as she bid farewell. You deserve it.
They drove off, leaving Michael and Sarah hand-in-hand, walking towards the door where Michaels parents waited, hearts full and eager.
