Ruins

55

It wasn't until hours later that I felt the need to push. It was a pressure unlike any I'd ever felt. It wasn't like Noah's birth, but I guess that was just the age difference.

And within the fraction of a second all of that pressure turned into a sheer, white hot, burning pain.

"Okay, it's okay. You got this, baby." Daryl spoke, holding onto my hand, pressing light kisses to it every so often.

"Alright stop." Jules tapped my legs. "Just take a break, we'll push on your next contraction." She said, taking a step back.

She had given Noah part of a crushed pain med when she got here, and I could see him stirring awake.

"Hey." I croaked, reaching sideways to grab his hand.

"Mm... Momma?"

"Hi baby." I breathed. "You're okay." I said, watching Daryl move around the bed.

"Hey kiddo."

"Daddy." Noah murmured. "What happened?"

"You fell buddy. And you hurt yourself, but Mom took real good care of you." Daryl spoke, stroking Noah's hair.

"I'm tired." He whined.

"Yeah I know. Get some rest buddy-"

"I love you Noah." I breathed, running my thumb over his hand. Remembering when his hand fit perfectly in the palm of mine. He replied with a faint 'Love you too.' "God it seems like yesterday that I was watching you hold him for the first time." I let out a whimper.

Daryl cracked a smile and leaned down to kiss Noah's head. He sent me a smile and kissed him again for me.

"Well git' ready to see it again." He sighed, moving back to my side to rub his hand over my stomach.

"This kid has been a pain in the ass since I found out I was pregnant." I admitted, getting us both to release a laugh. "You know... I used to think I was too old and dried up to have a baby... Before Noah." I shook my head. "Now look at me 35 five times over." I said making him chuckle.

"You ain't aged a day since I met ye'." Daryl shook his head.

"Mmm, flattery. My favorite." I breathed. I sat up on my elbows, attempting to alleviate the surging pressure radiating down my spine. "Okay, Jules?" I called, getting her to come in.

"Ready?" She asked, flipping the sheet up. "Oh yeah, you're ready." She nodded, leaning forward. "You know what to do, push when you're ready."

I reached out for Daryl's hand and tucked my chin, sending Jules a nod.

I sucked in a breath and pushed, holding it for as long as possible. My body was beginning to throb, every single inch of it.

"Okay good job Sam. Give me one more and I can dig those shoulders out!" Jules encouraged.

"Come on, baby you got this." Daryl rubbed his fingers into my shoulder.

"Remind me again. White sand?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Warm weather." Daryl said, as I tightened my grip. "Warm water, lots a' very protected sex." He added, making Jules laugh.

She gasped and I could feel a pop of utter relief.

I let out a pant and then lifted myself to where Jules was wrapping the little bundle up.

Her face blurred into the wall she stood before a blinding ache overcame me. I closed my eyes, pushing away the urge to scream and cry. Something felt different. Like my insides were freezing over.