October, November

Gab studied hard during second semester. That made her feel more like the old self she knew. Exams came, and she did much better in them than she had in first semester when she had been feeling horrendously sick and thoroughly exhausted every day. Plus, having blocked Gina’s calls had cleared up an incredible amount of brain space and emotional energy for Gab. And she needed it.

Moving day was approaching quickly, and Gab and Freya were having a blast planning their new home. Gab had raised Jack on a shoestring when it came to baby equipment, so, unlike other soon-to-be mothers attending the hospital’s childbirth education classes, she was quite happy to keep things simple. She found a second-hand cot, a used but excellent pram, and bags of quickly-outgrown baby clothes from a family who was happy to sell them to her for a minimal price. A baby carrier and a car seat were the only things she bought new—and the nappies of course. Her small bedroom was becoming a baby supplies warehouse and she had no idea how she was going to get everything to the new apartment.

She didn’t want to ask Tony to help her move again. She had’t spoken to him but assumed Gina had shared the pregnancy news; Gab felt embarrassed and didn’t know what she would say to him even if they did talk. In reality, Tony would have done exactly what he did when Gina had fallen pregnant both times—been happy to help. But the more Gab put off talking to him, the scarier it seemed.

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However, when Gab raised the question of moving logistics with Freya, Freya informed her with surprise that her dad and the younger girls were planning to come and help. It was almost assumed for Freya, though of course she’d asked as a matter of politeness—but it was just what their family did. Gab was happily folded into that, and it was a relief and a weight off her mind, because she didn’t have to ask Tony or Brian, who had already given too much.

***

Moving day came in November, a week after both girls had finished exams. It was just the two of them left in the apartment now. Morgan had made a quick dash for home as soon as exams were finished—but not before profusely wishing Gab good luck and gifting her with a generous bag of baby goodies. Steph had gone on holidays to Queensland.

“All the best, Gab,” Morgan had smiled, on the morning of her departure. “I hope it all goes really well in the new place.”

“Yeah, with the baby,” said Steph, arms crossed, with a little too much emphasis on the last word. It was awkward.

“Don’t worry about her,” said Freya later on. “You never have to see her again after this!”

It didn’t really make Gab feel any better, but it was true. Another new season was just around the corner.