Meant To Be by Fiona McCallum Read Free Book Online Page A

possibly be a worse friend? After everything Barbara’s done for me…
    There had been so much upheaval in recent months, she really just wanted things to be settled for a while, not change. But she put her concerns aside with the stern reminder: It’s not about me.
    â€˜So what’s wrong? Isn’t this a good thing? You guys want kids, don’t you?’ She placed the two mugs on the table and sat down on the end around the corner from Barbara.
    Barbara nodded. ‘I’m just so scared,’ she said, and began sobbing. ‘I’m a mess.’
    â€˜Is it the hormones?’
    â€˜No. I wish.’
    â€˜Is there a problem with the baby?’
    Barbara fiddled with the handle on the mug and then without looking up said, ‘I’ve had two miscarriages in the year since we’ve been married. I’m so scared of going through it again. But not enough to stop trying,’ she added with a wan smile.
    â€˜Oh Barbara, I’m so sorry.’ Emily put her arm around her friend’s shoulder again, this time loosely. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
    â€˜Because I wanted to be positive, put it all behind me – us.’
    â€˜Well, let’s hope it will be third time lucky,’ Emily said softly, giving her a gentle squeeze.
    â€˜Hmm.’
    â€˜So how far along are you? When does morning sickness set in?’
    â€˜I’m only a couple of weeks. It should be too early for morning sickness. I think my problem is the stress and anxiety.’ She took a tentative sip of her tea and then sat with her hands wrapped around it for a few moments.
    Emily waited her out.
    Barbara finally looked up. Her forehead was creased with concern. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but we didn’t want anyone to know until three months was up and we were in the safe period. Although that’s a bit of a misnomer; I lost Isabella at four months. She was the second one. They were both before I knew you.’
    â€˜I’m so sorry,’ she said, hugging Barbara again.
    â€˜The doctors haven’t been able to find anything wrong,’ Barbara said with a shrug, answering the question on the tip of Emily’s tongue. ‘Just bad luck, not meant to be, and all that,’ she said with a resigned shrug of her shoulders.
    â€˜God, I feel so helpless,’ Emily said. ‘I can’t even begin to imagine how you must be feeling.’ She wondered why Isabella had a name but not the first baby. But she wasn’t about to ask.
    â€˜We’re just trying to be as normal as possible and try not to jinx things. We know you guys didn’t buy our non-drinking story last night,’ she said, smiling weakly. ‘We discussed it on the way home. David’s going to tell Jake today too.’
    â€˜Well, you tell us if there’s anything we can do for you – both of you – no matter what it is, or what time of the day or night. Promise me you’ll call if there’s anything at all – big or small,’ Emily said.
    â€˜I promise. Thanks, Em, that means a lot.’
    â€˜God, Barbara, after all you guys have done for me…’
    They hugged briefly.
    â€˜Now, should we start our totally indulgent and lazy day while the men folk are out toiling the fields?’ Barbara asked.
    â€˜Yes! And let’s pop the corn! It can be lunch,’ Emily declared.
    â€˜I was hoping you’d say that,’ Barbara said, grinning. ‘I seem to be craving popcorn at the moment.’
    Halfway through the movie – the new Julia Roberts – Emily’s phone began to ring. Barbara paused the DVD as Emily picked it up from the coffee table.
    â€˜Sorry, I’d better get this,’ she said, looking at the screen. ‘It’s Simone, Jake’s sister,’ she added, and answered. ‘Hi Simone.’
    â€˜Hi Em, how is everything?’
    â€˜I’m good, but what you really mean is,