Five friends sat facing each other. Joined by a sixth person they formed a circle around a small table. The conversation waxed and waned as they waited patiently. The lobby was quiet for the most part. At the far end, near the entrance a TV showed El Cid on a Spanish channel. The sound competed with the rain beating against the bank of windows.
There were plenty of jokes bandied about. Stories were told to help pass the time. All the while everyone wondered when they would hear something. Anything.
The quiet is suddenly punctuated by the sound of a text arriving on one of the many phones, then another, then another. Followed immediately by :
“She’s here! Oh my goodness, she’s adorable!” as the first phone was held up to reveal a picture.
There were cheers and smiles. And more waiting. It was another hour or so before a very happy, loopy and tired father came into the lobby and said they could come up.
Harper Natalie Williams was welcomed into this world, first by her parents at 11:56 p.m. on the 8th of January. Then again at 2:30 a.m. by the five friends (three aunts, two uncles) and a new grandmother.
