NATALIE

I stood at our window sipping my morning tea and watching the storm clouds roll in. Jack and Stephen had gone downstairs for coffee and I was left to my own devices. I was very happy Stephen had joined us. To be honest, Jack was getting on my nerves a bit, always fussing and ‘doing’ for me. I’ve been downright cranky these past few days. I’d started out this pregnancy thing with excitement and awe at the ‘miracle of life’. But now … I just wanted these two basketballs out of my stomach. I was bloated. I was achy. And I wanted to see my feet!  Three more weeks. Just three more weeks and then I’d be able to tell if my shoes matched. And, I realized, I’ve been taking my crankiness out on Jack, Stephen, anyone who dared to come near me. I’d be surprised if I had any friends left after this experience.

The girls were active this snowy morning, moving as much as they could in their limited space. Unconsciously, I rubbed my belly, trying to soothe them. Their movements were causing sharp twinges that would go away quickly and I felt a slight pressure that was uncomfortable. Taking a long walk around the Inn had always helped ease these miseries, but it didn’t look like a good day to be wandering the grounds alone. I didn’t want to intrude on Jack’s time with Stephen; let him enjoy his particular friend without this harpy nagging at his heels. So, I began pacing the hallway outside our apartment, up and down, back and forth, trying to ease the discomfort.  

JOHN

Storm watch 2007 – It’s coming big time, already starting at seven AM and lots to do. The guests were thrilled but I knew they’d all be back long before the slopes closed. After all, how else were they gonna get back to the Inn? Roads are gonna be shit! We’re expecting three feet of snow and expecting to get it fast, wet and heavy.

I left the apartment the minute it started and got things all lined up. Plow was revved up and gassed. Shovels were poised and ready. By ten we already had eight inches. By noon, a full foot.

Riley too was going to have her hands full. Already Chef Chris had two call-offs and dinner was going to be rough if we were understaffed. With an Inn full of trapped people, we had to feed them, ay? She didn’t want to leave the baby with Natalie, said poor Nat was looking too tired … what the hell? The woman’s carrying twins, ay? Due in something like three weeks. Guess tired could be an understatement. So Marla at the front desk was playing babysitter. Not a big deal; no new guests coming in. The lobby is nice and cozy and for the most part little T is a sweet, quiet kid.

Either way, no matter what I’d be doing all day, I’d be calling to check up like twenty times on Riles in the kitchen and Marla with the baby. I don’t mind, breaks the monotony of plowing and digging out and spreading salt and cinders. But under it all, I kept getting this feeling it’s gonna be a real big day. How, I got no clue. 
 
NATALIE

Ow!

BEN WADE

Took my noon meal in the dining room. Pleasant enough, but then I was looking to do the only thing a man could do when the weather turned cold as hell. I thought to go out to the Inn stables and check on the draft horses there, but for such an ugly day, heavy with falling snow and blowing bitter cold, it was real active out there. People coming and going, carrying slats they called skis and going off to the mountain. I shook my head. What kinda foolishness is this skiing? Going up onto a mountain at a time like this wasn’t nothing a sane man did, not unless he had something to run from … but there they were, and taking their women with them.

John was running a machine that pushed snow from the lot and Antony was helping the gardener clear the paths with shovels. I did think for a minute I’d help, but decided a whiskey would go down real nice about now. Headed down to the pub.

Didn’t even have to nod to the bartender, he was pouring for me as I walked in. I sat at a table and watched the people come and go. So much leisure in my time was only for the real rich. Not that I worked much but when I did, it was pretty damn profitable. A nice take for an afternoon’s efforts. Took care of me for quite a nice while. Seems kinda sad, those days are gone. But Biebe made a plan to have us a talk about money. Seems I got some. Seems I can be a man of leisure too, rich … and not even a day’s work to have it. Not too bad … but considering what I gave up for it? I’ll never really know if the trade off is fair, will I?

I looked at the women in the pub. No as pretty as women I remembered, all painted like whores and every one of them walked around with their men on their arms, treating them like something they owned. Wore their balls like earbobs, so proud of having a man at their sides. Like I said, just like whores. But not all the women. Now our women.

I grinned, raised my glass and the bartender brought me another shot, even left the bottle when I asked for it. In this time, that don’t happen so often. Yeah, women … like I was saying, not all of them are painted whores. Not our women. Funny, I’m thinking about them as our women. Our women don’t wear so much paint. Our women are pretty, lovely from inside and it glows. Maybe because they’re ours? Dunno. May never know. But because I think of ‘em as ours, I think of them as my responsibility too. Women to be cared for and about. Strange.

Our men ain’t nothing like these men either; these guests, catering to their women like they forgot what it’s like to be a man. We keep our balls. Thorne, Biebe, Aubrey. Maximus. Our females don’t get our balls; we make sure they got everything else I guess. We? I chuckled.

Looked around the pub again. I needed something. Needed a woman. Needed to see if under all the paint and bold attitude, were they the same? Needed to get something to make me feel like my feet were still on the ground. Something about this whole change was making me feel disconnected … like I don’t have any roots. I needed to touch … a woman. Smell her and feel her all around me. I needed a woman.

She came in like the rest but this one was alone. Her clothes were snug, her full breasts covered with a soft knit sweater, more than a nice handful. She smiled and flaunted herself in front of the bartender. He grinned and I fucking know exactly what he was thinking. Men in this time don’t gotta work so hard for it I guess. Don’t always gotta pay for it either. She finally turned and her eyes locked on me.

Nice eyes. Dark blue. Her yellow hair was cut wild and strange like a barber took a razor to it. It flared out making everything about her seem playful and happy, sparkle like her eyes did when she smiled. She stepped close to my table and I grinned up at her.

“Hi! You a guest?” she asked, standing closer than I expected. Damn, she smelled good.

I nodded.

“Do you ski?”

“Ah, no.”

“Too bad,” but her face didn’t look so disappointed. “I’m here alone for the weekend and was hoping to find someone to ski with.”

“Well, ma’am. There are other things besides skiing to do around here, ya know.”

“Yes, I’m sure there are. Lots of other things to …” her eyes moved from mine, down my chest and right to my crotch. “Explore.”

I slid the chair across from me out with my boot and nodded. “What say we talk about …  exploring. Name’s Ben.”

She sat and inched the chair closer and closer until I got a good whiff of that sweet smell coming from her. “I’m Tracy. And you know … skiing can be way overrated.”

“Some things … darlin’ … ain’t so overrated. You got a nice room, Tracy?”

“I do. But, buy me a drink first, Big … Bad … Ben. Then we’ll go take a look at my nice room.”

Four hours later, I was leaving that nice room and that warm big bed. I’m happy to say; generally women are the same. They still taste damn good, still squeal when I do things just right, still cry out my name. Tracy was a pretty take for a Saturday afternoon. She could’ve kept me in her bed a lot longer, but there are things about women these days I ain’t so comfortable with. If they’re gonna do some of the things Tracy did to me, I feel I gotta pay. So, maybe it’s best to kinda leave before I feel too beholdin’. I learned before I came to Vermont that these twenty-first century women don’t like getting paid.

Ah well. I was to meet with Biebe anyway … and I know Tracy’s room number. Maybe I’ll just drop by again later.

NATALIE

OW! OW!

PULLO

I’m married twenty eight hours. No, there are no regrets, but there are a thousand doubts and fears.

Last evening, the home nurse who turned out to be Claudia, came to the house to talk with us and I was finally to face the true difficulties of the illness that would soon take Lesley’s life. The things Claudia spoke of, the warnings and medications and options available for something she called ‘pain management’ made me feel sick. But looking at my bride, my lovely Lesley, I could swear it was not going to happen to her, that they’d made a misjudgment and she’d live a long and happy life. She was a bit skinny, but her color seemed good and healthy. She smiled easily and was well versed at avoiding the subject of her coming death. And I … I had permitted myself to be duped by her act.

But deep inside … we knew the truth, had swallowed the bitter flavor of it and were trying our best to cope. This morning, we discussed how and when to explain it all to little Valerie. Perhaps that was the precipice of the cliff I was denying … and perhaps I’d finally fallen over the edge. I have no excuses and no explanations. I should be with my new family, standing beside them, facing this coming anguish with them … but I have run like a coward. Deserted when the call to battle sounded. Just for a while, just for a little while.

I can not say how many bars I have visited, how many drinks I’ve consumed. At this point, I can not recall how the snow came to be so deep or determine how drunk I am. How many times I’ve slipped and fallen between bars. I just do not know. All I know is that the numb sensation growing from my belly to my flesh feels comforting. I can’t make a clear statement or plainly speak my name … but I am not feeling the pain of the loss I must be ready to carry.

BEN WADE

As I passed the lobby doors I could see that the weather had gone damn bad. The blizzard was blowing hard and fast and most of the skiers had returned. Made me laugh, don’t people know winter in the mountains ain’t nothing to take so lightly? However, those guests getting back safely meant they had all the warmth and comfort the Inn offered. Several of them were lounging around the parlor near the fireplace, laughing and drinking hot cocoa spiked with liquor.

I trotted up the steps to the top floor and my meeting with Biebe, but I wondered if he’d even be up there. The snow wasn’t slowing down and he might still be out with that plow, but at least I would do like we agreed and be at his apartment on time. Again, I thought to help with the weather difficulties, and perhaps if he was still at it, I would.

Ever get a feeling? Like an instinct? I got a real strong feeling there was something else I was supposed to be doing. Maybe it wasn’t going to be much help to the Inn, but the feeling was getting stronger as I reached the fourth floor hallway and saw her there.

“Miss Natalie? You okay darlin’?” I admit the fear of God running through my gut when I watched her turn to me. She was kinda bent over, holding that massive belly with one hand and the wall with the other. There was a look of terror on her face. I slid an arm around her, knelt and looked up into her straining face. “Sweetheart? You okay?”

“Ben Wade,” she panted, “do I look okay?”

“Well, what say we send for a doctor?” I thought to lift her but was afraid I might upset or hurt her. “Can you walk?”

“No … no doctor … can’t leave for the hospital until this damn storm ends … yes … I can walk. It’s what I’ve been doing for hours. Up and down and up and down and … Ow! Ow! Why won’t this stop hurting!” she gasped.

I quickly reached and pounded on Biebe’s door.

“No … one … fucking … home … OW!”

I knew I was in trouble. I had a woman about to give birth, swearing and grunting and refusing a doctor. “Hospital? Why would you need a hospital?” I helped her stand straighter and planned to get her into her own apartment. Where the hell was her husband?

“Need … need a hospital … Jesus, Ben Wade! Twenty-first century women have babies in hospitals! But not yet, can’t go yet. Too early. Can’t go, not ‘til it stops snowing. Ow!”

I glanced at the window, it wasn’t gonna stop snowing for a real long time. “Where’s the Captain?” I asked as calm as I could and she doubled over again. This time I waited until she was breathing again and just lifted her in my arms. It was awkward but at least I felt like I was helping, even though some of the words coming outta her mouth made me think we might actually need a preacher to exorcize a demon.

“Motherfucker! OW! OW! OW! Put me down, dammit! Oh Ben,” she started to sob and I laid her on the bed. She rolled to her side and I pushed her hair from her eyes. “Ben, I’m scared!”

“It’s okay, darlin’. Let me run and find the Captain, maybe Maturin can help ‘til you can get to a hospital. Where are they?”

“Fuck if I know! OW!”

Alright, I figured to just leave and start a search. They couldn’t be far, probably never left the Inn in this weather. But then she started crying, softly, her hands shaking and I kinda wanted to comfort her.

“Hush now, Natalie. Shh. Let me run and get them and you’ll be in good hands.”

“No! Don’t leave me! Damn you! Don’t you leave me!”

Ah, the harpy was back and I stood away from the bed. I read once about Medusa and wasn’t real interested in seeing what I read about. “Ah, I swear, darlin’. I’ll be right back. I swear.”

“Please,” sweet Natalie sobbed and again I held her close to my chest. “Don’t leave me, I getting so scared.”

Childbirth must be like being tortured. Her body shivered and stiffened, relaxed and quivered. She was hot and cold, covered with tears and sweat and her grip on my arm was tighter than hell. It took a while to get loose but when I did, I stood a few steps out of her reach. “I ain’t deserting you, darlin’, I will be right back. Just gonna go find your husband and Maturin.” And once I do that, I damn well will run for the hills!

“Don’t leave! Call!” She shuffled, reaching for the phone. “Dial! Call! They have their cells! OW! CALL! OW! CALL! OW!”

“Okay! Relax. How do I do this?”

“Press the numbers!” and she spouted off numbers and I tried to hit the buttons right. The first time I hit ‘send’, the man who answered said he was at the local kennel. The second time, it was 7/11. But the third time, sweat running down my face, it was answered with a crisp voice I recognized.

“Aubrey.”

“Get your ass up here, your wife needs you!”

“Who is this?” I could hear him shuffling, noise in the background, must’ve been in the pub.

“Wade. And you need to get Maturin up here, now!” I shouted as I watched water spill from the edge of the bed where Natalie was trying to sit up.

“Oh shit,” she growled. “My damn water broke.”

I inched my boot away from the growing puddle. In less than a minute I heard stomping out in the hall and the door swung opened. Can’t begin to tell you how bad I wanted to just run, especially when Maturin started sliding Natalie’s clothes from her. Had my hand on the doorknob, almost a clean escape!

“Ben,” Maturin said calmly and turned to me. “Would you please bring Claudia up here? You remember Claudia, correct? Antony’s woman?”

I nodded dumbly.

“She’s a midwife and I will require her assistance.”

Natalie let out the howl of a wild apache and I looked around for the phone. But they all shouted at once. “Don’t know her number! Just go find her!”

I could do that and I heard Jack call behind me. “She was in the gift shop a while ago, or find her in room 10! Hurry man! Step lively!”

Damn, I felt fucking shanghaied! But, whatever was gonna get me away from the crying woman was fine by me. It was breaking my heart. When I found Claudia, she was in the parlor talking with a few guests. Her face went white as the snow outside when I told her what was happening.

“You’re kidding! Damn. Come with me, I need your help, Mr. Wade.”

I wasn’t getting away too fast, that was sure. We went out to her car and collected several cases and odd looking machines then hauled them all the way up to the apartment. Could hear Natalie’s cries through the door and I froze. Claudia chuckled.

“It’s okay. Just leave it all here, Jack will help me carry these things inside.”

“No ma’am. I’ll get them in for you … then … then …”

“Then you probably want a drink in the pub.”

“Right.”

JEFF

School called off on account of snow. Scourge of the northeast! Could be days before Stowe digs out from this one.

I can only imagine the disappointment my students must feel at the thought of missing a scheduled chapter test on Solvent Effects in Organic Chemistry. But a temporary reprieve for the students also means a reprieve for me, and I could think of no place that I’d rather be during a snow storm than with Kelly.

I called her from school before heading out, and was given the assignment of stopping off at the store for kitten chow and cat litter. “Can’t you make Shalimar go to the store and get it herself?”

I smiled as I heard her chuckling on the other end. “Well, I had thought about that, but I can’t find her mittens or her boots.”

“Need anything else? Wine? Lobster? Chocolate ice cream?”

“Oooh, speak to me big guy.”

“The usual?” A good boyfriend knows what his lady likes, and endeavors to provide her with easy access to her heart’s desires. In Kelly’s case, it was Häagen Daas chocolate ice cream, Hershey’s syrup, maraschino cherries and Redi Whip topping.

“You know me so well.”

“See you in about thirty minutes or as long as the snowy roads allow. If you have any coffee brewing …”

“But of course.”

A few more teasing comments and I said goodbye and headed back towards town, intent upon accomplishing my mission. The main drag was snarled with snowbound traffic, snow plows, laughter and bustle, so I took a short cut through the side streets luckily not too deep for passage. This little out of the way section was off the beaten tourist path, but the little pubs were popular with the locals as they offered great service with little fanfare, specializing in whiskey straight up and no cocktail umbrellas.

I noticed a hunched over figure shuffling through the thick snow along the sidewalk as he stumbled out the entrance of one of the pubs, his hand bracing against the side wall as he felt his way along. There was something about him that struck me as familiar and when I realized just what it was, I pulled the car over to the curb just behind him.

“Pullo?”

He kept walking, but I got out of the car and rushed over to him. “Pullo, is there anything I can do to help?” A man just doesn’t go out and get shit faced drunk that early in the day unless there was something very wrong. 

He stopped and turned to look, but when our eyes met, he just stared at me, uncomprehending. His boots were untied, he wasn’t wearing a coat, and if his appearance didn’t give him away, his breath was the kicker. “I’m fine. Just fine.”

“Like hell you are. Let me take you home.” I wasn’t sure if he was going to get violent as he straightened his back and gave me a strange look, but luckily gravity and equilibrium were working against him and he fell back towards the wall.

I reached out to steady him and he clasped onto my shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to leave her …”

My mind was only beginning to comprehend what he meant, but I wasn’t about to start an interrogation. It had been a while since I played nursemaid to a man apparently suffering from a broken heart, but what he needed was some strong coffee and a hot shower.

“Let me take you back to Kelly’s and get you warmed up. You smell like you’ve had plenty of whiskey …”

He shook his head. “Scotch …tequila …”

Oh brother. “All the more reason to get you inside.” I hefted his arm over my shoulder and got him into the car. 

“Where we going?”

I got into the driver’s seat and activated the child proof door locks. “Kelly’s house for now.  Then home when the roads are cleared.” I leaned over and buckled his seat belt. 

If Kelly was surprised when I showed up with a very inebriated Pullo instead of the promised ice cream, she didn’t let on. She took one look at me as I pulled into the driveway and came running down her front porch to help me get the drunk out of the car and inside.

We set Pullo down on the family room couch and she pulled me into the kitchen. “I’d better make some phone calls and let Lesley know that he’s okay. Where’d you find him?”

I gave her a brief accounting and her eyes welled with concern. “You haven’t heard, have you?”

“Heard what?”

Kelly glanced over at Pullo and pulled me back into the bedroom out of earshot. “Jeff, the woman he just married, Lesley, is dying. Lizbeth told me about it just yesterday and apparently she doesn’t have very long.”

My heart went out to him. I had all kinds of questions, but figured they could wait. Kelly could alert the troops that Pullo was safe, and I could keep him distracted in the meantime.

I went to get a blanket and grabbed a couple cups of coffee. I wasn’t quite sure what to say to him, but we’d try to get him sobered up before taking him back home to his wife. Hopefully he’ll understand that we’re all here for both of them. But what does one say under such circumstances?

Sometimes all one can do is offer a sympathetic hand and just listen.

KIM

Bloody hell.

I hate snow. I never had to really worry about it too much when I lived in Manhattan. Everyone uses the subway or hires a taxi, so I’ve never had to actually drive much through the stuff myself. But after today, if Hando can’t provide me with a loaner vehicle, I’m gonna have to bite the bullet and buy an SUV with four wheel drive.

Never mind how my day went. Let’s just say that it makes the Seventh Level of Hell look like a tailgate party. When we finally got the Porsche towed back to Andy and Monna’s (Don’t ask what happened. Let me just reiterate: I HATE snow), I was knackered and wanted nothing more than to down a few stubbies and catch good long kip. But when I fired up my laptop I found a message from my friend, PrimaVera:

Hey NYSE411,

I received your e-mail this morning after a rather stressful day at work, and once again, you made me smile and forget all my troubles. I look forward to hearing from you, as you always make me look on the bright side of things. Thank you for being a friend. Even though we’ve never met, I get a warm feeling whenever I see your name on a message and it always lifts my spirits. If I could give you one thing, it would be a big hug and kiss for reminding me that nice people do exist. 

I hope your day went well. How’s the new position with all the important responsibilities? I’m sure that your winning personality makes everyone feel valued and appreciated, and I envy those who work for you. My new boss is a total jerk, unfortunately. I’ll spare you the details but just knowing that I might find a message from you when I got home today kept me going. Imagine my expression when I found it waiting for me. (Yes, I’m still smiling.)

I’m going to be busy this afternoon, as I have to do laundry. (No seriously, I really do!) But I’ll be available after 7PM if you’re around and would like to chat on IM. I can’t think of a better way to top off an evening that to spend it laughing with you.

Hope to catch you tonight.

PrimaVera

What a lovely e-mail!  I was certainly ready to respond right off!

Dear PrimaVera,

You know, I look forward to hearing from you as well. After reading your e-mail I’m almost glad that my day went as badly as it did, because I can’t remember the last time that a message from someone ever made me feel so good. I’d love to chat with you again this evening, so I’m setting my clock for 7PM sharp. I’m sorry your boss has turned out to be such an idiot, but don’t lose hope. Perhaps it was just a bad day. Even the best folks have them from time to time.

I should probably do some laundry myself. Think of me during the spin cycle, LOL.

NYSE411

NATALIE

OW! OW! OW!

STEPHEN

Dispatching Mr. Wade to retrieve Miss Claudia, I did a quick assessment of Natalie’s status. As her water had already broken, it was obvious that the babes would arrive soon. However, as with any eminent birth, it was necessary to be assured there would be no complications that would require the services of an emergency room, which would be most difficult under the circumstances. With Miss Claudia’s help, I ascertained the health of the babes if not both of their positions in the birth cannel and Natalie’s overall condition. The first babe was in the proper position and the birth should be smooth, if somewhat complicated by its father constantly underfoot.

JACK

The blow had arrived and I was overcome. I could not simply stand by and watch my wife screaming with pain and do nothing. I offered my assistance and encouragement to both Stephen and Miss Claudia, pointing out Natalie’s obvious discomfort and to the copious amount of blood. Much to my annoyance, Stephen pushed me aside more than once. Miss Claudia advised me that the station at which I would be most helpful would be beside my wife, encouraging her during this trying time and calming her between the pains.

Natalie was working hard to push the babies from her womb, her face red with exertion. Why, my delicate dear had nearly broken my hand when I held hers during a particularly painful contraction. I was astounded that women could survive such agony and marveled at their strength. To think of poor Sophie, enduring such tribulation while I was at sea, it is no wonder she was not keen to engage in any activity that would result in another birth.

Stephen called me over when the first child’s head was crowning and I watched my first daughter make her entrance into the world, sliding into Stephen’s open hands. He handed her to Miss Claudia, who cleaned and examined her while he attended to Natalie. When Miss Claudia handed my tiny daughter to me, she cooed and I greeted my daughter Catherine into the world.

CLAUDIA

Oh what joy on the Captain’s face! What a pleasure when things go smoothly but we were far from out of the woods here. I checked all the monitors as Doctor Maturin struggled to fasten the monitor coil to the second infant’s head, deep in the path. Then I got the look every midwife fears. Maturin actually went pale.

He stepped back, handed me the coil and I tried. It was impossible. The second baby was presenting breach. My heart stopped and my eyes shot to the window. It was still snowing heavily and I drew in a deep breath.

“Perhaps, Miss Claudia, you would proceed with finding transportation for us?”

Panic soared across Natalie’s face and the doctor patted her shoulder. He explained the situation calmly and was repeating it all for the Captain’s benefit as I ran from the room. I dialed my cell only to learn that the access roads up to the Inn were impassible and no ambulance would make it. I charged through the lobby and out into the cold, my eyes desperately following the growl of the plow.

“Claudia? You will freeze!” Antony took my arm and attempted to send me back inside but I broke loose and ran to the plow.

John jumped out. “What?”

“Can you plow the road to Stowe? We have to get Natalie to the clinic down there!”

“Fuck!” he shouted and a passing guest stopped.

“What’s up?” the man asked as Antony shoved his coat over my shoulders.

John pushed his knit hat deeper on his head. “Mr. Valentine? You got a Hummer, right?”

“Yeah, what do you need, man?”

“I’m gonna do my damn best to clear the road to town. If you can, will you follow me with a laboring woman? She needs the clinic now!”

“That big woman?” cried his wife. “The one carrying twins?”

I swallowed hard. “One baby’s born, the other is in trouble. We don’t have a lot of time!”

“Then let’s fucking go!” shouted the man and we left to gather our precious cargo.

When we got the doctor, the Captain, the new infant and Natalie settled in the Hummer, John began his trek out of the front gate. It was going to be slow going, John’s plow wasn’t like the big municipal vehicles but he was making headway. We followed closely with Antony driving behind us. I called the clinic and they were getting ready.