DAY ONE [declan rice]

TWENTY-FOUR

Anna's POV
10th December 2021

Dec has been very patient with me as I can get very angry and annoyed since I am 10 days overdue.

I have an appointment to get induced in four days and I can't wait to meet our baby.

The shop has been open for just over a month and it's been going so well.

I've had so many customers and even some who have came back in.

I hired a few members of staff so when I have the baby, I know it'll be in good hands.

I've grown a bond with them so I know I can trust them and it takes me awhile to trust people.

I'm in my office that has took awhile to get the way I wanted.

I have my desk the far end away from the door and a place for the baby to play when they arrive and some toys in the corner that Theo plays with when he's here.

Dec had dropped him off at school but he went to Tesco for me because I am craving Pringles.

I'm not going to miss my weird cravings but I will miss Dec going to get me food whenever I want because I'm pregnant.

There's a knock at my door so I tell them to come in.

"Hey, someone wants to talk you about something." No one has wanted to talk to me so far so this is nerve wracking and exciting.

"Could you send them, I'm exhausted." I laugh as they say yeah before going to get them.

A few minutes later someone walks in so I stand up to greet them but feels a gush of water between my legs.

"It appears your water has broken lovely." The old lady says with a smile on her face.

"I'm so sorry, what did you want to talk to me about?" My contractions start and damn they are painful.

"Oh, it doesn't matter, I'll just talk to one of the staff you have your own things to be worrying about." She walks out before I can say anything and look at the picture on the wall.

It's the one of our family that Theo drew in nursery a month and a half ago.

I pick up my phone and call Dec.

Dec❤️: Hey love, are you ok?

Me: No. My water has broke, I need you here.

Dec❤️: I'm on my way right now.

I hear metal clash on the floor and lots of 'excuse me' in the distance as his phone wouldn't be in his ear.

Me: Ok, please hurry but be safe at the same time.

I scream out in pain as a contraction hits and Dec gets very worried.

Dec❤️: Are you ok love?

Me: Yeah the contractions are just really strong.

I take deep breaths and hold my belly and wait for it to pass.

Dec❤️: I'm on my way now. I'll be 5 minutes.

He puts the phone down as he's driving and I just take deep breaths and wait for Dec to get to me.

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We just arrived at the hospital where someone is waiting with a wheelchair for me.

Dec called his mum and Theo's school and told them that Decs mum is going to pick Theo up as I've gone into labour.

"I called to make sure they are ready for you, princess." That nickname gives me butterflies.

He kisses me forehead before getting out the car to help the man get me into the wheelchair.

When we get to my room, their are nurses ready to hook me up to the monitors and help me get up onto the bed.

Once I'm on the bed, all the nurses hook me up to all the different monitors which scares me a little but I focus on Dec holding my hand and running his thumb on my hand to calm me, which works.

When they all leave, Dec sits next to the bed and refuses to let go of my hand.

The doctor comes in to check how dilated I am so she knows how long it will be on average.

"Guess we didn't need to induce you did we?" She laughs and does the exam.

It's a little uncomfortable but Dec is there to comfort me.

"So your already 7cm dilated which makes sense to why your contractions are already quite close together. They might have not wanted to come out before but now they are raring to get out." We all chuckle at the joke since it was quite funny.

She checks the monitors and some other things before leaving the room.

"She reminds of my mum, she was always making jokes like that." I sigh and I don't even realise the tears that have started to fall.

"It's ok love. I know you miss her but she's watching over you. She's doing what mums do best which is protect us." The tears are falling down my face quite quickly but Dec manages to wipe them all away as he hates seeing me cry.

"I know, I'm upset that you never got to meet her. She really would've like you." Dec moves to sit next to me and strokes my hair.

"Well I kinda did as she called me and told me to sort myself out when I lied to you."

"She did?" He nods his head and I start to cry even more. "That is something that she'd do." I sniffle and relax against Decs chest.

"Well it worked." I agree with him as he kisses the top of my head.

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I'm now 10cm dilated so it's time to push.

"I want you to push on your next contraction. Are you ready?" I shake my head and look at Dec who is nodding his head in encouragement.

After about 20 minutes of pushing the doctor says, "I can see their head, your almost there."

I start to push but I give up as it hurts too much.

"I can't do it." I throw my head back in frustration and then I feel the bed dip and someone move to behind me.

"Come on love, you can do it." He moves my hair out my face and ties it up in a messy bun on the top of my head.

He then kisses right behind my ear which is where there's a tattoo of a love heart that I got for Dec awhile ago.

His actions give me motivation to push as he puts his hands on the top of my thighs.

After pushing for another 10 minutes the doctor says, "One last push and then they will be here."

I nod my head and push for the final time.

The sound of cries enter the room and I begin to cry again.

"Here's your beautiful baby girl." She is placed on my chest as she cries so I hold her and instantly fall in love with her.

"I'm so proud of you love." Dec whispers in my ear before I turn around and kiss him. "She's another perfect addition to our perfect little family."