Songbird [H.S]

THIRTY-SIX

7 weeks later - February 13th

"So, did you enjoy your birthday? You never actually said." Rain urged, flopping herself next to Marley on the bed as she insisted on having their daily gossip.

Since the end of January, Marley's mother had put her on strict bed rest after finding the girl overdoing it trying to make sure the baby's room was clean and ready for when Josie arrived. It meant that Marley and Harry had spent their birthday together, laying in bed while eating cake and watching old films on the television Harry had dragged into her room - not that the girl minded considering she had no need to actually celebrate. Harry didn't care either, he was just happy to have the day off work to spend with his girlfriend.

"It was nice and quiet. We slept for most of the day actually." Marley replied, a fond smile spreading across her lips as she thought back on the day. Her sister had to bite back the need to tell Marley how boring it all sounded, knowing the pregnant girl would've done something proper to celebrate if she could have.

"So...no birthday sex for you guys this year then."

"Well, no...not for me anyway." Marley blushed a little at the admission, hiding her face in her hands when her sister gasped next to her. Thankfully, Rain had a very active imagination and didn't push the subject any further as she knew how embarrassed her sister was but they still burst into a fit of giggles.

All of a sudden, a sharp pain wrapped its way around Marley's stomach - stopping her laughter instantly. She gripped her bump as she let out a little whine, alerting Rain that something was wrong. The pain dissipated shortly after it arrived but settled as a dull ache in her lower back, making the girl shift about on the bed to relieve some of the pressure. No matter how many times she changed positions, nothing seemed to work.

"Mae, love. Are you okay?" Rain softly swept Marley's blonde hair from her face, concern lacing her features as she watched the girl shrug it off. Deep down, she knew that something was wrong - her reaction wasn't the same as it was when it was just usual pregnancy aches and pains but Marley being her usual stubborn self refused to admit it.

"Yep, just my back hurts." It was clear by the look on her face that Marley didn't believe her own words, but smiled nonetheless to stop her sister from worrying. For the past few days, she had been experiencing frequent braxton hicks that never progressed into anything more and while she knew this time was different, Marley tried telling herself it was another bout of false contractions. 

It was the middle of the day and both girls were the only ones home. Harry was at college and their parents were at work. Marley didn't want to bother anyone if it turns out it was nothing to worry about.

"Mae, I'm not stupid."

"I'm...fine." The girl tried to insist there was nothing wrong but another pain began, causing her to whimper mid-sentence. Her blue eyes glanced up worryingly at her sister who was watching her with her brows raised.

"I'm calling Mum." The older sister flung herself from the bed before Marley could protest, only to be shouted at before she could even leave the bedroom.

"No! She's working!"

"She's a midwife, Marley. She's doing her job by coming to see you!" Just as she was about to protest again, the pain grew worse and Marley had no choice but to give in.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to be looked over." She sighed in defeat, sitting up against her pillows.

Half an hour later, Johannah had confirmed that Marley was in fact in early labour.

The teenage girl had never really been anxious about giving birth, she'd never had the time to think about it and just assumed she'd be able to go through with it without much worry. But now she was officially in labour, the girl couldn't help but panic. It was still early but she was stressing about the pain and whether she was actually ready to have the baby. Rain remained by her side, helping her through the pain with words of encouragement as they waited for Harry to arrive.