Donald and Rachel Kennedy had arrived on schedule for the first night of their honeymoon. After a long and tiring journey, Donald was looking forward to the total relaxation that lay ahead, a two week break, something he hadn’t had for years. Alba Corporation, for once, was taking second place. The location of their honeymoon had been chosen carefully. There were absolutely no phone lines, computer terminals or mobile phone masts anywhere for miles. Donald was effectively cut off and had no option but to relax and enjoy quality time with his new wife, something he was still having difficulty getting used to.
It was everything they had envisaged, the forest opened up as the guesthouse came into view, the trees giving way to a large well kept lawn which itself gave way to a stunning beach with gentle waves lapping against the pristine sands. After checking in, they were shown to their room, housed in a new annex, the room had a spectacular terrace that opened directly onto the beach. Within a minute, Donald was cracking open the champagne and toasting his new wife.
“Mrs Donald Kennedy,” he announced turning to face Rachel and finding nothing but an empty room. The door to their room stood wide open and Donald could just see the back of his wife rushing across the driveway towards a battered old taxi. As he rushed after her, the full picture came into view. She wasn’t running to grab the taxi, she was running to help a young man who was struggling to help his pregnant companion from the taxi. Although relieved his wife wasn’t ‘doing a runner’, Donald had the feeling that he was going to be the only one giving up work during their honeymoon.
As he approached the car, Rachel was in full flow. Orders were being barked to the young man and the guesthouse staff as Rachel helped the young woman into the reception area, sitting her in a chair before grilling the young man who confirmed his name was Saki and informed her that his wife, Tylanni, was due to give birth in less than a week.
“OK, Donald, where are you?”
“I’m here,” replied Donald standing in the doorway behind Rachel.
“Find out what room they’re booked into and make sure it’s a cool one.”
As Donald went to check the room with the receptionist, Saki followed.
“Excuse me but who is that woman?” he whispered quietly, ensuring Rachel didn’t here him.
Donald stifled a laugh but smiled.
“She’s my wife, well I think she is. When it comes to being a doctor, she’s extremely… how can I put it… efficient. And unless you’re her patient, she’s even a little scary.”
“Hmm yes,” agreed Saki. “But she is a Doctor!” he repeated excitedly.
“Yes, a paediatrician. You know, a child doctor.”
As a more relaxed Saki turned back towards Rachel and Tylanni, Donald discovered that the coolest room in the property was theirs as it benefited from the sea breeze. It was also by far the most comfortable. With this knowledge in mind, he traipsed back to Rachel to deliver the news that was going to ensure his wedding night would be a lonely one.
“Right, Donald, Saki, a side each please,” announced Rachel on hearing Donald’s news. “Take Tylanni to our room. I’ll stay with her and you two can share the other room.”
Both wanted to protest, both wanted to be by their wives’ side but both could tell from Rachel’s tone that any protestation would be futile.
Both would later live to regret their decision.