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Not long did Mrs Sloan board the public transport than the snow downpour becomes more intense. "Fasten your seat belt. We're in the middle of a blizzard." Announced the conductor. Mrs Sloan makes to heed the conductor's instruction but finds it difficult considering her protruding belly. She is a week due to be delivered. Breathing with both mouth and nose she utters, "anyone with magic fingers please?" Ben a finely dressed gent, with a smirk interjects. "Let me..." Almost losing her breathe, she gasps for air and muffles to the Cinderella sitted by Ben. "You must be a proud chick." She winked but growled seeing that her joke was complimented by Betty's wry look. "There you go ma'am." Ben retreats to his seat but freezes abruptly. 'Cinderella' had rested her palm on his seat and Ben unknowingly had sat on it. "There she goes again." Muttered Mrs Sloan. Irritated by both Ben and the chatterbox who keeps getting on her nerves, Betty cast a rather disapproving life taking glance on Mrs Sloan. "What better punishment could one ask for madam!"

Taken aback, "oh dear...

"I am no dear of yours."

Jingling and saying to no one in particular. "She's quite the hostile one. It's such a relief one could derive such fun out of this disaster."

Traffic has been on standstill for hours now and Mrs Sloan is far behind schedule for her antenatal. Closed windows covered in thick snow yet the bus reeks of winter, leaving Mrs Sloan shivering feverishly, almost like a crowing hen soaked in iced water. Already she has Ben's cloak but it seems not enough for warmth. Finally the weather had caught up with her and peace would be restored again but Betty is already under the influence of Layne Victoria's "Oh Holy Night," she is slightly aware of Mrs Sloan who had turned red in the face. A boy runs through the aisle past Betty, stealing her gaze. He hands over to Mrs Sloan a well decorated Christmas bed spread. John and his dad had just got it from the store. He had requested it for Christmas. That it was given to a squealing Mrs Sloan renders his father surprised. Not sure whether to accept this present which seems so precious to John, Mrs Sloan stares in dismay.

"Come on. This should keep you warm." John added, giving her a reassuring smile. Ben reaches for the cloth, wraps Mrs Sloan in it and ruffles John's hair, then a soft pat on his shoulder. John makes a child-like chuckle and runs back to his father who's very pleased at his son's kind gesture.

"Where did that come from?"

"I was told that Christmas is about extending love to people. You taught me that." John said. Both father and son laughed.

"You've made yourself a good son." Ben added unexpectedly.

Excited, "oh dad, he helped wrap the woman in the blanket." John said between breathe.

Happy to see his son excited. "Easy chap, easy."

John grins

"How is she now?" Asked John's dad.

"Oh, she's quite better now. Thanks to John." This provokes another contagious smile from John.

"I'll make a good father, don't you think dad?" The bus resounds with laughter as a ten-year-old John says that amidst excitement.

"You sure will chap."

"By the way, a fine guitar you have here." Ben said.

"It's a Christmas present from grandpa."

"Oh, that's great. Mine was a magical calendar." Replied Ben.

"Oh dad, have you seen a magical calendar? Not waiting for an answer. "How about I play mister Ben my guitar?"

"Yeah, go ahead son."

"How about you play for everyone?" Ben suggested. "It would be amazing John."

"That'd be nice considering the situation now." Said John's dad.

"Perfect!" Ben clasped his thigh, prepared to make the stage open for some showcase.

"Attention everybody! Coming right up is an artiste known for his uncommon love towards mankind. And through music, we'll be having a feel of his sweet spirit. He's going to usher you into the world of ecstasy in a short while. Make welcome, JOHNNY!"

A round of applause echoes resoundingly, tweaking John and rendering him beaming in ecstasy. John grabs his guitar ready for a display. Mrs Sloan who had been confined to her life saving blanket, on the first strike of John's string, stands sharply, walking towards John and beckoning on Betty who is already almost dancing to the popular Boney M's Feliz Navidad, for a duo dance. In two minutes, the bus is already filled with music. Within a twinkle of an eye, Ben comes snatching Betty's hands. They both dance vigorously. John is having a fun time. Amidst this display, he spots Mrs Sloan dancing with his dad. They are both talking and laughing that he feels the urge to laugh too. The blizzard is still on and those caught up in it are making the most of it. The driver who is a middle aged man leaps into the scene with a disco dance step. Betty laughs provokingly and everyone is laughing again. Just then, the water breaks!

"My water broke!" Shrieked Mrs Sloan.

Immediately, the funfair comes to an abrupt stop.

"My water broke!" This time she muttered in severe pain.

"The hospital! We must take her to the hospital." John's dad is in a confused state but taking Mrs Sloan to the hospital in this blizzard is absolutely an impossible task. The streets are piled in heavy snow and the storm, unbearable. Just then, Betty offers to help.

"I'm a doctor. We have to lie her down." She said. Mrs Sloan is in no mood for chitchats. Glancing timidly at Betty.

"What in heaven's name are you doing?"

"Remember our conversation before? It's unfinished. Now let's talk." Ben is holding the patient's hand, John is stroking her hair.

"Now, I've got magic fingers too remember?" Mrs Sloan laughed unexpectedly and paused immediately.

"The baby is coming!"

"Push!" Comes a loud cry from nowhere. Now everyone's urging her to push..!

"Shut up! Everyone is talking!" Like a miracle, the cry of a baby is heard.

"It's a girl." Cried Betty.

A sound of jubilation overtakes the moment. And minutes later, Mrs Sloan is holding her bundle of joy.

"She's such a beauty. How about we pay Mrs Sloan a visit dad?"

"If you're okay with that, we could pay a visit." John's dad said to her.

"Of course! Y'all should visit. Signaling Betty, you're no exception." They both laughed.


January 04, 2020 22:50

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RBE | Illustrated Short Stories | 2024-06

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