His Biggest Fan

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The day when my baby is born is finally here.  I started my labor pains and my mom and sister brought me to the hospital.  In less than an hour my two brothers and Robert joined us.  I’m already in my room and my labor pains are intolerable.  The nurse said that I was only two centimeters dilated.  I needed to be at least ten.  I’m happy for that since Ian is not here yet.  He is already flying from Atlanta, my sister called him when I was admitted in. 

      It had been going on for seven hours now. Seven hours of writhing, wincing, and whining from the pain I was feeling. I had heard from many people that the pain was worth it.

      My sister claimed that the minute my nephew was out, it was like her memory of the sixteen hours of labor was erased.  My mother said that while it felt like the greatest discomfort of her life, it was quickly chased by the biggest joy of her life.  It was my stomach that felt like it was being ruptured. My eyes that would squint shut every eight minutes or so, my legs that gently quivered with the severe current of pain coursing through my body. My voice that was getting hoarse from a constant stream of moans and soft screams that echoed in the bedroom where my very baby will be conceived.  But none of it mattered because I was finally going to have my baby in my arms.  The day is finally here when I will see him for the first time.  My mom and my sister are right, all this pain will be forgotten just as soon as I see him and hold him in my arms. 

      Robert didn’t make a peep when I gripped his hand in near certain pulverization. He rubbed my back I was panting like crazy in between contractions. He didn’t cringe when the doctor prodded me between my legs forcing liquid to rush out of me as he pushed what looked like a knitting needle in.  Robert was every bit of supportive as he was in the past.  I am happy that he is here. The only time he got up from my side was to wring out and moisten the cloth that he was continuously pressing on my forehead. He addressed my forehead, neck, arms, with cooling pressure that aided, however minimally, in my relief during my laborious struggles.

      “You’re so amazing,” Robert murmured to me. “You’re doing so well.”

      I didn’t think I was doing anything. I was just lying here and complaining about it.  I only whimpered in response.

      “No, no, sweetheart,” my mom was stroking my hair now and looking right in my face, “You are so incredible. You are so wonderful. You are so beautiful. You’re going to be okay.”  She looked more nervous than me.  The pain is bad but worse is my fear that Ian won’t make it on time to see his baby being born. 

      As my contractions increased in frequency, my nerves rose, as well. I had begun to shiver and shake as if the previous assaults on my body weren’t enough.

      The nurse comes in the room and checks for anymore dilation. 

      “You are eight centimeters, and you’re contractions are coming in faster.  I am calling the Doctor, I think it’s time.”  She half smiles and leaves the room.