The Day Before You Came

Chapter Fifty-Five

The sun had not yet risen when the big gate to the Anderssons' house swung open. It was a quarter past five and the employees were ready to start their day, two gardeners bowed their heads when Mrs. Andersson's son's car passed them, but they didn't know what he could be doing so early at his mother's place. Benny parked the car outside the entrance, the house was huge, more like a mansion. He opened the door and went back to catch Colin in his arms, the little one sleeping peacefully in his special chair. He took his suitcase and slung it over his shoulder. He walked around the car and opened the passenger door, where Frida was sitting.

"My baby," Frida caressed Colin's head and gave him a kiss. She was so emotional that she could cry right there. "I'll see you in a bit."

Benny winked at her and closed the door, she would wait for him in the car. The butler opened the front door, and just as he entered the hall, Laura stepped out of it, tying her silk robe. "Son! It's the day!" She exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah, I'm beyond nervous," Benny said with a giggle.

"It is not for less, today your child is born!" Laura clapped her hands. Finally after months of waiting, the second Andersson baby would come into the world. Frida was scheduled to give birth today, she was scheduled for six in the morning, they would do a cesarean section. For that, Colin would have to stay at his grandmother's house and once the baby is here they could all go meet it at the hospital.

"Boy or girl, we don't know yet, that makes me more anxious." Frida insisted that they wait for the delivery to find out the sex of the baby, alluding that it would be more exciting.

"I have my suspicions, I must say," she winked at him. "Anyway, give me Colin, you must hurry!" Laura held Colin who stirred in his sleep, but continued sleeping. Benny said goodbye to his son and mother, later they would join the rest of the family in the hospital...

"Are you okay? Is it gone?" Benny asked concerned stroking her hand as he tried to drive at an appropriate speed. From time to time Frida had contractions and one had just passed.

"Yes," she answered, trying to catch her breath. Her huge belly weighed too much, her back ached and lately no position made her comfortable.

"Just a little longer, love. We're almost there."

Soon the couple arrived at the hospital, everything was ready for their arrival, they checked in and two very kind nurses took Anni-Frid to her room where she changed into a special gown and started an IV. The gynecologist came and performed an ultrasound, also hooked up a monitor to record the baby's heartbeat. Everything was in perfect order. Benny remained all the time by her side, holding her hand. He could not imagine what felt like to be in her position, but as Dad he could tell it felt like a surreal experience, even breathing was a chore due to the nerves. The anesthesiologist came to put the epidural, the moment was getting closer. Frida sat on the edge of the gurney and followed the doctor's instructions, Benny supporting her as she arched so the needle entered her spine.

"Here I come, Mrs. Andersson," the anesthesiologist said. "You won't feel more than a little sting."

Frida held on to Benny and moaned slightly in pain as the needle pierced her, it was not as simple as a vaccine but something totally different. Benny stroked her arms and whispered soothing words into her ear. Seconds later everything was done and Frida lay down again. "What time is it?" she asked wearily.

The nurse checked the time on the wall clock. "Seven thirty. The C-section is scheduled in an hour. The epidural will do its job soon and we can get on with it."

Frida let out a big sigh, the minutes went by very slowly and she didn't have the patience at this moment to wait. The nurse and the Anesthesiologist walked out leaving the couple alone again. "What clothes do you want to put on the baby first?" Benny held her hand gently.