THIRTY-SEVEN
I Never Said Anything About No Mannies
Tessa - Day 3 of Motherhood
This is Veronica Platt, live in front of Valcourt Memorial Hospital, where Princess Tessa and Prince Arthur are expected to be leaving the building any moment now with their two bundles of joy. As you can see, there is an air of excitement as thousands of people have gathered outside the hospital in spite of the cold weather and the snow.
“The media is also out in full force, with everyone waiting to catch a glimpse of the new babies,” she says. “If you've been keeping up with the Royal BabyWatch here on ABNC, you'll know that there has been nothing easy about this pregnancy, from the extreme morning sickness Princess Tessa suffered to the massive criticism she has endured about her weight gain to what's been called a dramatic and terrifying birth by hospital staff.
“The statements made by the palace yesterday indicated that the Duchess of Wellingborne and her two babies are both doing well and are healthy and thriving.” Veronica smiles broadly into the camera. “While waiting, we thought it would be fun if we asked a few of the royal watchers here on scene to share their thoughts on this happy day. We’re joined by Mr. Daniel Peters and his wife, Phyllis. Have you two always been fans of the royal family?"
Daniel nods. "Of Princess Tessa, yes. I never had much use for the rest of the family, however. They always seemed like such an uppity bunch. We met Prince Arthur and Princess Tessa in the hospital once, actually. Right after my double lung transplant. They were there when her brother had a new baby."
"Well, it was her sister-in-law who had the baby," Phyllis says, shooting Daniel an irritated look.
Veronica moves the mic over to Phyllis. “What about you? royal fan or foe?”
“I've always been an avid royal watcher. Unlike my husband, I certainly was not in favour of the marriage between the former Royal Watchdog and Prince Arthur. But I do have to say, what she's accomplished in these past few months really shows a depth of character I hadn't given her credit for possessing."
Veronica smiles and nods at Phyllis. "A lot of people are saying that. It seems as though her Good Enough Mum Campaign and the beautiful op-ed she wrote for The Weekly Observer calling for a real coming together of women everywhere to celebrate our differences and support one another has been the miracle the palace has been looking for."
"I agree," says Phyllis, looking directly into the camera. "It really was that letter she wrote that brought me around. And her desire to give the spotlight to regular people, and well... to just help others, really. She really is the People's Princess."
"That she is, Phyllis. That she is." Veronica nods enthusiastically, then smiles at Daniel. "Like Daniel, I've always been a huge fan of Princess Tessa, back to her Royal Watchdog days. Just the extraordinary strength of her character and her desire for fairness and her relentless fight for the little guy.”
“So true, Veronica. It's impossible not to fall in love with her strong moral standards and spunky spirit.”
Veronica’s face lights up. “Oh, and here they are now! The babies are completely bundled up because of the cold weather, so we'll be lucky to catch a glimpse of their faces. Prince Arthur is carrying one car seat and with his free hand is helping his wife navigate the slippery steps. She, of course, cannot carry one of the babies right now, as she is recovering from an emergency caesarean section. So where is the other baby?
“Oh my! This is a surprise—King Winston has just exited the hospital carrying the other car seat. I don't think I've ever seen him look this happy before. That is the face of a very proud grandfather."
The camera pans to the family as they reach the bottom of the steps. They stop, then Princess Tessa, Prince Arthur and King Winston are now standing together. “Oh! They’re lowering the blankets to give onlookers what I’m sure will be a quick glimpse of the babies. And it appears as though the cold weather has woken them up."
Veronica chuckles a little bit as the camera zooms in on the now crying babies. King Winston and Prince Arthur cover them quickly, then wave to the crowd, thanking everyone for coming before ducking into the waiting limo.
“Oh my," Phyllis says, leaning into the microphone that has not been offered to her. "They’re going to have their hands full, aren't they?"
"Yes, Phyllis, they certainly are."
The limo pulls away from the cheering crowd. "And there you have it. A new generation of Avonia’s Royal Family to enjoy and watch over until they are old enough to watch over us."
***
TEXT FROM NIKKI:When you get a chance, watch the replay of Veronica Platt's commentary of you leaving the hospital. Apparently, she's always been your biggest fan.
Me:Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Two babies is a lot of babies, especially at feeding time. I’ll make sure to check out the news as soon as I get a chance. First, I should have a nap.
Nikki:Let me know if you need some help. Otherwise I'll see you Monday for my weekly ‘twin sesh’.
***
Top Ten Things About Being a Mum
1) NOT ONE, BUTtwoperfect babies to love.
2) New baby smell.
3) Newborn smiles (even if the book says it is only gas, it still melts my heart!)
