One and Only

Chapter 41

Avaa POV

On the way to the hospital, Khalil called Julia and the rest of our family. This time around, it would be just us two, Julia, Alayna and Anya in the delivery room. Last time, having all our family there at one point or another was a bit overwhelming and even though I was the one in labor, I felt like I had to make them comfortable rather than the other way around.

We were half way to the hospital when I another contraction came. I grabbed onto the door handle and held it tight as the contraction got worse. Instinctively, I held my breath for a second before taking a deep breath.

"Breathe baby, breathe through it" Khalil encouraged and he reached over to rub my belly. I took in the biggest breaths I could manage, but this shit hurt like a bitch. "We're almost there."

About 15 minutes later, we pulled up to the Emergency Department entrance to the hospital and we rushed inside. Julia was already on standby at the door, so we were taken directly up to a room. A nurse helped me change in between the few contractions that came and went and I settled into the bed.

Khalil's phone rang and he picked It up, but I could hardly hear anything going on. A contraction hit just as he said 'hello' and I screamed. They were now more painful and closer together and I am tired already. He took my hand in his and let me do my thing, while trying to carry on conversation with whoever was on the other line.

"Ms. Linda, she's doing good really, I mean screams aside, she's good...nah y'all get some rest, come by tomorrow when babygirl is here....rd now, I'll keep y'all updated...love you too, bye" My contraction ended just as Khalil wrapped up his conversation and someone knocked at the door.

"Just need to check your cervix Av" Julia spoke as she entered the room. I lifted my legs into the knee up position and she stuck her hand up there.

"How many centimeters" I asked. I was hoping to be near at least 7cm, so this labor would go by a little quickly.

"4 and a smidge" she said and I blew out a breath, "Ms. Kamrey is the move at your own pace kinda gal." I knew she was just trying to make me feel better, but all I could think about was crying. Ten days overdue and she still doesn't want to come. I held in my tears until Julia left the room and tried to hide them from Khalil.

"Baby-" he said, looking down at me but stopped after noticing my tears. Instead of trying to encourage me and tell me everything would be fine and quick, he held me. Khalil got in bed beside me and pulled me close and let me cry. "I know you're frustrated and hurting...and I sorry I can't do anything about it" he spoke softly while rubbing my back. I heard the door open and shut behind me, "hold on" he said to whoever it was and continued to let me cry. After a few more minutes of frustrated crying, I could feel myself calming down in his arms. "Avaa you are the most amazing woman I know. Working full time, caring for our kids full time, all while pushing through the challenges and curveballs this pregnancy has thrown is nothing short of an achievement. This is the last big hurdle and once all this is over, our little girl will be in your arms, so let's rock through this like champs, ok?"

"Ok" I mumbled.

"Nahh that's not how a champ would say it...I said let's rock through this, ok!" Khalil said, only louder and more enthusiastic this time, earning a laugh out of me.

"OKAY!" I replied, matching his enthusiasm.

"That's my girl" he raised his hand for a hi-five and I met him in the air, then he cupped my face in his hands and kissed my lips. With his mini pep talk, I felt a lot less bummed out by the slow progression of my pregnancy and labor. I wiped the remaining tears from my face and pushed through.