DEDICATED TO RUECHARI

It was now mid June 2000, half way through the first year of the new century. Clare and Angie were sitting in the garden at St Helen's church eating their lunch. It was a hot, sunny day and they were glad of the shade of the old oak tree near their bench. After a busy morning in the office, they had sought refuge in the peaceful church gardens where several groups of people were sitting on the grass, eating lunch or talking.

The week before, Alan and Clare had returned from their trip to Canada where they'd laid wreaths on his parents graves and spent three weeks sightseeing.

"It's a lovely country, Canada." said Clare. "The people are so friendly and welcoming. I can see why people emigrate there."

"They get harsh winter's though, don't they? I wouldn't like that." Angie replied. "All that snow would get me down. I would prefer somewhere hot.  I suppose it's in my blood."

"Yes, but I think you'd get used to it. They're more geared up for the snow than we are. A little fall here and everything grounds to a halt. It's quite ridiculous. They would laugh at us." said Clare, biting into her ham sandwich. Angie laughed.

"I remember one winter when they bought a load of snowploughs. They've not been used since and they're probably rusting away in an old warehouse somewhere, all forgotten about."

They finished eating and both put the lids on their sandwich boxes and put them into their bags.

"This hour has flown by. We'll have to be going in ten minutes. I really enjoy it when we come here." said Angie.

Clare smiled. "We'd better not be late back today, Alan's in charge!"

Angie looked down at her hands. "I've got something to tell you, but I'm finding it a bit difficult. I'm going to tell Bob this afternoon."

"You're pregnant aren't you?" said Clare, excitedly. "That's why you fainted in the office that time!"

"Yes!" said Angie, her eyes sparkling like dew. "My babies are due on Christmas Eve of all times. Matthew is so happy, he's started to decorate the second bedroom and he hates decorating!"

"Babies?"

"Yes, twins!"

Clare hugged Angie. "Wow! Twins! How exciting."

"It's very exciting. My brothers can't wait to be uncles. They've really surprised me with their attitude and my mum. She could hardly contain herself, I've never seen her like that before!" said Angie. "And dad was pleased as well."

"Why did you find it difficult to tell me?" asked Clare. "Is it because I want a baby so much?"

"Yes, and because you've had two miscarriages. It made me feel so awkward and here am I expecting two at once!"

"It doesn't matter, you're my best friend and I am so pleased for you. I've read that only a small percentage of couples conceive in the first month. Most conceive within the first year, so I've still got about nine months to go!" said Clare laughing. "Funnily enough, our Minister was talking about patience on Sunday. I felt he was talking just to me, it was so relevant. So I've decided not to think about it. Anyway, we've got to start house hunting soon, but we can't decide where we want to live. We keep on changing our minds."

They walked happily back to the office, where Angie told Bob and Alan her good news. They were delighted and later that afternoon, other colleagues also came to congratulate her.