New Life

New Life

Jules was well known for artwork. He had had exhibits all over Europe and people admired and respected him. His wife Nancy was proud of him; she was always behind the scenes whenever there was an exhibit. Sometimes though, Nancy felt that she was just Jules’s shadow. She longed for a child. It had been five years now and Nancy felt that life would pass her by.

“Maybe next year” Jules would say in an off-hand way, as if he were speaking of the weather. Nancy, always patient, did not let his manner bother her too much.

Jules and Nancy talked of different things; the household responsibilities and such, but Jules could be abrupt sometimes, especially when he was at work on one of his paintings.

After another successful exhibit in Paris, they went for a small vacation to Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the riviera. Jules had brought his sketch book of course. He was up early each morning, enjoying the beautiful weather and diligently working.

Jules’ work was astonishing; Nancy had to admit that and of course there was praise from people each day.

Nancy could not understand that since they returned home, she felt no energy at all, quite unexpected after a restful vacation. She wanted to sleep all day. Jules became out of sorts, as Nancy was always there to help with preparing the paints and setting up canvases. Nancy tried to help as much as she could, but then resolutely decided to see the doctor. She took a cab to the medical center, as Jules was too busy to take her. Sitting opposite Dr Matins Nancy felt a twinge of anxiety.

“Well, you will come back in one month, eh, and we will see how things are going.”

“A month?” Nancy asked in a bewildered tone. “You need to see me again?”

“Why yes,” answered Dr Matins with a smile. “We have to take care of that baby of yours.”

“you, you mean I’m pregnant?” whispered Nancy.

“Yes, yes, everything is good. We will send you for some tests to check on a few things,” replied Dr Matins briskly. “But you look very well. You must buy some special vitamins right away. Nicole will make your next appointment.”

“But when will the time be?”

“I should say you are about eight weeks along, so in late August.” Dr Matins peered at Nancy and smiled again. “Pretty exciting, eh? Some special news for Jules.”

Nancy walked to the chemist down the street in a dream-like state. She bought the vitamins, stashed them in her bag and then took the tram to her street. Jules was waiting by the window, watching for her arrival.

“I didn’t expect that it would take so long,” he stated, as Nancy walked in the door. “Well, what did the doctor say?”

“Oh, it’s not much,” replied Nancy. She knew very well that she would have to find the right time to tell Jules.

“It’s late, I will start dinner now.” She walked into the kitchen and peered into the fridge.

“What should I cook?” she murmured to herself. She felt the fatigue creeping up on her.

Jules looked after her and after some hesitation he went back to his studio. He knew somehow that something was different, but he just put it out of his mind.

The next day Nancy went about her usual household tasks. She and Jules also talked about a new exhibit of some of Jules’ latest work. Nancy sighed, as there was so much preparation involved with the framing and other tasks. She still battled fatigue and Jules, somehow resigned to it, did not pressure her. He just remained very involved with his work.

It can’t go on like this, thought Nancy. I have to break the news sometime.

“Today is Thursday,” chirped Nancy. “How about some fresh lobster from the market?” Nancy knew that was one of Jules’ favorite meals. “I’ll take a walk there; I need some exercise.”

“Yes, yes,” replied Jules. “but, don’t be too long, I may need some help.”

That evening, much to Jules’ surprise, Nancy set the table with candles, and there was a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and wine glasses on a fancy tablecloth.

“What’s all this?” exclaimed Jules “is it someone’s birthday?”

“No, no,” replied Nancy. Then, after a pause, she murmured “I have something to tell you, Jules.”

“What, what could it be?” he replied anxiously.

“Jules, you are going to be a father.”

Jules stared at Nancy for a full minute, speechless. So that was it, the unexplainable change in the atmosphere that he had been feeling for the past week.

Nancy sat in front of Jules, her eyes shining. Jules instinctively reached for her hand. “And when is this to be?”

“The doctor said in August.”

“Well, we will have to prepare for it.” said Jules as he stood up. He gave Nancy a peck on the cheek and walked to his studio in a daze.

Well, the worst is over, thought Nancy. She smiled to herself. It will take some time for him to come around, but I am not worried.

Jules worked hard each day, preparing for the next exhibit, while Nancy did her usual chores. As the weeks passed, she began to feel more energy and she was anxious to help Jules as much as she could. Of course, things were not the same as they once were. Jules rarely mentioned the baby coming, but there was an unmistakeable change in the atmosphere. Nancy somehow looked different. Jules could not explain it, but it seemed to be a special glow that Nancy seemed to have. Jules even thought of painting Nancy’s portrait, but he focused on other ideas. His landscapes were glorious, filled with light and color.

Nancy’s creative energies came to the fore; she spent hours looking through baby magazines and designed patterns to make baby clothes, much to Jules’ consternation. One could not deny how beautiful Nancy looked. It was if the pregnancy changed her whole outlook on life. She began to wear makeup, and she had her hair restyled. There were expensive clothes purchases, which Jules found disconcerting.

The exhibit was a success, but Nancy, beside her husband and heavily pregnant, had created a special atmosphere. Jules had had his usual conversations with the patrons, but Nancy was surrounded by excited women who were so anxious to speak with Nancy and share their own experiences. This was quite unexpected to Jules, who had always expected Nancy to remain in the background. It was awkward to answer questions about his approaching fatherhood, but he could not avoid it.

As August approached there was a flurry of activity. The spare room was repainted. Nancy chose the colors with Jules’ input. Nancy found a beautiful antique cradle and she made a quilt for it. Nancy longed to visit her family, but they decided it would be better to wait until the baby was born.

On a stormy night in late August, Nancy felt the first pangs of labor. Jules had been working all day and was looking forward to retiring for the night, but it was not to be. It was 4am when they arrived at the hospital. They met Dr Matins, who had bloodshot eyes and a shaggy beard.

“Well, she is in active labor, but it may be a while. Maybe you should go home and rest,” he told Jules.

“No, I will wait here,” replied Jules. He went to the lounge reserved for visitors and sat in one of the uncomfortable chairs that was facing the window. He managed to fall asleep for a short time, but when the nurse touched his shoulder, he woke up. He could just see the sun beginning to rise. The nurse led him to Nancy’s room. There he saw his daughter, asleep in Nancy’s arms. He stared at them for a long time. The ideas for his own artwork faded from his mind. Overcome with emotion, he realized that this child was the most beautiful work of art, far greater than his own. And so, he knew in his heart that it was Nancy who was the true artist.