One Night Stand

Chapter 5

I was discharged from the hospital the following morning. After Abigail had her hearing tested and blood taken for all the tests they do, I was given a once over and was told everything was perfect and where it should be.

As dad placed Abigail in the back seat, mum helped me in the front. I was still a little tender and uncomfortable down below which was to be expected but no-one can tell you what the pain is like. There are no words to describe it.

Arriving back home, the four off us soon got settled. Dad leaving the room so I could feed Abigail, but I was struggling to get her latched on. After nearly 15 minutes of her screaming she latched on, but it hurt like a b***h.

I really can’t see me doing this much longer. I will keep at it for a week or two, knowing I have formula and bottles in the house is a blessing. You just never know how a baby is going to take to it or if at all.

After having a nap while Abigail was sleeping I felt a little better.  Mum helped me wash her and change her before feeding and putting her down again.  Dad had been out to get a takeaway for dinner, so we soon tucked into it.  Just as we finished eating Monica and Nathan came to visit.

Nathan was cooing over Abigail when she started screaming for a feed. He had no issue with me breastfeeding in front of him. I thought Monica would have asked him to leave the room, but he did state it was totally natural.  I also covered the top of my breast, more for my benefit than anything else. Not totally confident getting my boobs out in front of people.

We sat and talked while Abigail fed. Monica filling me in the gossip from her work, Nathan telling me they set a date for the wedding. Luckily it’s over a year away so gives me time to get my figure back. I hadn’t gained too much weight with being pregnant, but I know I will have a bit of a belly.

As the days came and went. I got into a decent routine with being a single mum. Tony had dropped by today with paperwork for me to catch up on. Of course he didn’t leave without getting cuddles from Abigail.

As I sat going over that paperwork Katy and Monica popped by. The paperwork soon forgotten as the three of caught up with each other. I haven’t been out of the house since Abigail came into the world. I don’t have the energy to get dressed most days let alone get both of us ready for a day out.

“We should really go shopping this weekend” Katy announces.

“I don't know. I’m not really needing anything” I say.

“Bree, you need to get out of the house. You have been cooped up in here for weeks now, we want to show of baby Abigail”  Monica says chuckling at the end.

“I know. I just don't feel up to going out.” I say to them.  They know I have been struggling slightly, I wouldn’t say a depression, but I have no energy and I have no confidence in myself anymore.

Pretty much since that night with Dale I have kept myself to myself, not really going out that much. I did try the odd lunch here and there but since Katy’s wedding I stayed busy with my business and the house. I didn’t think it would bother me, being a single mother to a one night stand. But when the whispers started and the looks from, what I called friends, started I changed, and I don't know if I will ever be the same again.

“We are going shopping even if we have to drag you out. We can help get Abigail ready, you need this Bree, its been too long”  Monica says sympathetically.

“Fine. Lucky Abigail is not breastfeeding anymore, so I don't have to hide if she needs fed” I chuckle. Even though its not funny.  I had to stop breastfeeding as I got an infection and a blocked milk duct. I tell you that was not a good few days.

After making arrangements for Saturday morning, they both left. I did feel a bit better after having talked to my friends. They both have been a great support, with the simplest of things, even watching Abigail while I had a bath or changing a nappy here and there. I suppose I should accept the fact I need to get a grip and live my single mum life.

Saturday came quicker than expected and we are currently walking around the shopping centre. Monica was determined to find the perfect dress for Abigail for her wedding, even though it is like a year away, she was willing to buy several dresses for my little princess.

After a little shopping Abigail started to get a little restless. I quickly got her nappy changed in the family bathroom and found a restaurant in the food court who could warm her bottle for me.  We also ordered some food for ourselves and waited for it while I fed Abigail.

“She is the sweetest little thing”  Katy says after I have fed her and burped her.

“Yeah, only sweet when she isn't screaming the house down or filling her nappy” I laugh as Katy takes her for a cuddle.

“Don't you listen to mummy. She is just getting grumpy.”  Katy coos at Abigail.

“I’m not grumpy. Its not easy doing it all yourself at 330 in the morning.” I point out to her.  She shakes her head, just as our food is delivered.

After settling Abigail in her pram we get stuck into the food. Chatting away like we always do about anything and everything.  The girls were right. This was totally what I needed.  I feel a little bit more like myself.

Just as we head back to shopping, my sister Joanna calls me. She is telling they are having a huge barbecue for her 30th birthday in a couple months. She is telling me now because she wants me to make her birthday cake and other pastries for the day.  I tell her to email me the details and I will get the shop organised for it.

She is a bit crazy when it comes to parties, always too well organised. And when she throws a party it is always a success. I suppose with her being an event planner, it comes with the territory.

After a good few hours shopping, I am done. I head home after leaving the girls still shopping.  I think it is the most walking I have done since I fell pregnant. Just goes to show I have no stamina at all, well not like I used to anyway.

 As the days and weeks go by, I am beginning to feel more like my old self.  I have started going walking everyday taking Abigail out in her pram for a few hours a day. I feel my body changing, almost like I am back to normal.  I still have a way to go but I will get there.

Abigail is doing brilliant. Putting on the weight she is supposed to, both the doctor and health advisor are please with her progress. They have been keeping an eye on me as well for my mental health. I did have to admit that I was feeling down, and they diagnosed me with Postnatal Depression.

I have a councillor and a few groups that I can attend once a week. Which has helped out so far.  I think the biggest thing for me is being on my own. I was always a social butterfly, you know, going to every gathering my friends held. Partying most weekends, but now I pretty much stay at home at the weekends. Even though my parents have offered to babysit, I don't think I am ready to leave her just yet. The most I have been away from Abigail was two hours and that was horrendous. I went for a haircut and just couldn't stop thinking the worst would happen while I was away.

Abigail is just over four months old now and next week is my sisters party. I had spoken to Tony to get the pastries and her birthday cake made the day before. I am going to decorate it the morning of the party, so it is nice and fresh.

I have came to the shop today to get some paperwork done. Tony had made a little corner in my office for Abigail, it has a small travel cot and a few toys in it.  He even went and got a baby monitor so I can work in the shop while she is napping. He really is a great manager and friend.

I must admit walking into my shop with Abigail was a bit strange. All the regulars were desperate to meet her, and it took me nearly an hour to even get to the office. Customer after customer wanted to see her and every time the door went someone else wanted to see her.  So, you could say that Abigail is the star attraction of the shop now.

After a few hours of working in the shop and catching up with the paperwork in the office. I left Tony and the others to lock up the shop. I was pleasantly surprised how well things were going in the shop. It really has been picking up.  Orders for birthday cakes has double in the last year and we have had several businesses use our cupcakes for promotional events and the likes.

I can happily leave Tony in charge for a little bit longer, knowing he has everything handled.  He even had to get in more staff to cover weekends. Which is normal for it being the holidays. So it is all good in the shop and its making me money for me and Abigail.

The week has flown by and I cannot believe it is Joanna’s birthday bash already. I headed to the bakery to decorate her cake first thing, taking Abigail with me. My dad was coming by later to pick up the cake so I could go back and get changed.

I have just finished boxing everything up when dad appeared. Tony helping him out to the car with the boxes, making sure they are stacked correctly so they won't topple or get squashed.  I gave my dad strict instructions on his driving.

“I have been driving longer than you have been alive my girl” he says to me as he pulls away from the bakery carpark.  I shake my head as he slowly goes over the speed bump.

I head back to the house to get quickly washed and changed and make sure I have everything that Abigail could need. Plenty nappies and changes of clothes and bottles for feeding time.

Heading out to Joanna’s house I am getting nervous for some reason. I mean this is family and a few friends, I have no need to be this nervous. I have seen most of them since Abigail came into the world.  As I pull up and park, getting a sleeping Abigail out of her car seat and putting her in her pram, loading her bag and Joanna’s gift. I head inside and am greeted by the one person I never though I would ever see again.

Dale.