JR SWAT 4: JunIor AdVocates

Chapter 5: Playing nice

Minutes later, Harrelson's Place...

Groan.

Oh no, not now! C'mon, babygirl, please behave!, Nichelle pleaded in her mind. It wasn't the right time or place to go on a kicking rampage! She needed to get to the center, as fast as possible. Ever since she hung up with Hondo, she'd been on the run. Gathering things, washing up, changing clothes, tightening up the place, etc.

Brunch with Winnie was amazing. Just what the doctor ordered! Nichelle felt an immense weight off her shoulders and a new wave of light. She downed her entire plate, successfully tasting the food for the first time since breakfast the previous day. Letting it all out with Winnie really helped her confidence and her mood. So much so, that even baby girl was excited...and kicking! Ouch!

Nichelle pressed a hand on the bottom of her belly, trying to encourage the baby to stop moving. She needed to finish getting ready and rush to the center. Hondo asked her if he and his crew could use the brand new conference room -the one that's only half way finished! Yeah, sort of the same progress as the baby's room in their house! 

Breathe in, breath out. Inhale, exhale. Groan.

She couldn't take it anymore, she had to stop and take a breather. It wasn't uncommon for pressure to build up towards the bottom of her belly, but it was annoying. Usually sitting or lying down for a few minutes did the trick. So, she grabbed a water bottle and sat on the rocking chair in the nursery.

Suddenly, Nichelle found herself surrounded by tranquility and peace. Deep breath. She leaned back, closed her eyes and and breathed deeply. She practiced a few rounds of breathing exercises, just like the ones she had rehearsed in the sessions for pregnant mothers at the center. She also remembered Miss Helen's soothing words. Peace. Quiet. Yawn. Without her noticing -and without permission- Morpheus grabbed her gently in his arms and took her away.

ZZZZZZZ

She found herself flying...no direction, no obstacle, nothing. It was pure delight! She was in an eternal voyage when...

KNOCK KNOCK

GASP

Nichelle almost jumped out of her skin! She turned to the door of the room, then remembered Hondo's request. She had to get out of there! Thankfully the baby relaxed and the pain was gone. She grabbed the hand rests and slowly pulled herself upwards.

"Nichelle? Baby momma, you alright?" she heard Deja call.

Nichelle stopped and smiled, then rushed to the door. "Deja?"

Nichelle unlocked the door and opened it wide, revealing her coworker carrying several plastic bags. The newcomer showed a big smile and offered her arms wide for a hug.

"Come in! Come in!" she said waving the newcomer in.

"Gurl, I've been worried bout you! How are you? How's the baby?" she said while wrapping Nichelle in a big bear hug.

"I'm ok, Deja. What's all this?" she asked, staring at the plastic bags.

Deja came in and placed the bags on the dining table. "Well, I can't have my favorite baby momma and girlie go on starving, so...your girl Deja, gotchu all the essentials!"

"Essentials?" Nichelle asked, skeptically.

"You know? The fried chicken, mashed potatoes, apple pie, candy, ice scream and all the fixings my girl loves! I gotchu!" she responded confidently, tanking container after container, pack after pack from the bag.

"Deja!" Nichelle scolded playfully. "You didn't have to!"

Deep breath. "I knew somettin was up withchu yesterday, but I didn't wanna insist. I was worried bout you, boss. Texted you, called you." she paused as both women sat down next to the dinning table, "I know you ain't the type to respond with one liners. After Hondo called for the second time, that's when I knew somettin was up. Then, I went by the house after I closed up, all the lights turned off really early.  I said 'I better check it out in the morning' but I swung by and there was a car up front. I figured Hondo must've returned early from Washington...coz I know that man's worried!"