Unconditional Love

Chapter Two - Kenneth

There's a small knock on the door then it opens. My mother walks in like she owns the place. I don't think I said come in. She has all these balloons, flowers, stuffed animals and all these gift bags. Did she forget where the shower is?

"Hey, how are things going?"

"Hey Mama. As long as Key stays relaxed and stops stressing my baby, things should be good. The nurse said that she might be able to start pushing soon."

Mama and I started to laugh while I helped her with all this stuff. She knows her well.

"Keisha? Didn't I tell you to not worry about anything? Everything will be okay. You are so beautiful, strong, and an amazing mom. What can you be so worried about that you will put your child in danger? Your blood pressure has been through the roof since yesterday."

I said a quick prayer. My mama needs to understand that talking about the problem will only cause her more stress. Why ask the question?

"Nothing Ms. Brenda. I'm just emotional. My insecurities are getting the best of me."

"Uh-huh, do these insecurities have to do with a certain person who is having a baby shower today?"

She never liked my wife. I'm not sure why. Lay has always been respectful and kind. I'm not going to allow anyone to disrespect Lay or Key. No matter how they feel about our situation.

"Mama, do not start. I just said she needs to relax."

"Ms. Brenda, it's not the shower really. I want her to enjoy this moment, it's her first child. It's just that she's calling back to back. I know she wants Ken there with her today but I'm having complications with this pregnancy. I don't want him to leave me here by myself. Why can't she just give us this day to celebrate our daughter's birth in peace?

I know that they could reschedule it for another day, that would be better for everyone. I would even help with the arrangements. I just can't do this on my own, I need him here."

She starts crying again and my mama runs over to hug her. Both of them are dramatic as hell. These damn monitors start going off again. This is exactly why I wish my mama never brought this back up. She knew this would upset her but she opened her mouth anyway.

The doctor steps into the room unaware that Key is having a meltdown. Dr. Jeff knows of our situation, he's actually Lay's doctor too. He looks at Keisha then takes a quick look around the room before speaking. Probably trying to see if Lay is here.

"What seems to be the problem Ms. Johnson? Are you in any pain?"

"No, I'm just having a moment. I'm okay really."

"Well your heart rate and blood pressure seems to have a different opinion. I am starting to get concerned. We've been monitoring you throughout the day and your BP has had occasional spikes here and there. It's normal to see some increase due to the fact that childbirth stresses your body. Your spikes are very close to putting you into the danger zone. If this keeps happening, we may have to do an emergency cesarean to avoid causing the baby any distress. If that occurs things could turn serious really quickly.

I was hoping you would have an easy delivery. It seems like this little troublemaker likes throwing me curve balls and you are assisting her by getting overwhelmed. I understand you are dealing with a lot but you need to push all of that to the back of your mind and make your daughter your priority right now until she is safe in your arms.

You are already in active labor at 36 weeks but that's not a big concern. We knew that could have been a possibility since you delivered early in the last pregnancy. The only concern are these hikes we are seeing with both of you. Try using those breathing exercises you learned during class to see if you can slow your heart rate."