Fate || BENNIFER

Breathing

Jennifer's P.O.V

We had been struggling to get used to the sudden overwhelming media attention, with reporters and paparazzi hounding our home and workplaces. Our unusual situation made us a target for unflattering headlines run by media outlets and rumors about the pregnancy. The whole situation had become so untenable that I felt forced to hire extra security to deal with the constant attention, whether inside or outside the house.

With the paparazzi swarming outside our home, we felt grateful for the presence of the new security. We climbed into the black SUV parked in the driveway, the doors opened by the two bodyguards who quickly stepped in afterward. The tinted windows protected our privacy once we were outside.

The car ride was relatively quiet, with our bodyguards occasionally updating us on the route. When we arrived, camera shutters went off, blinding us with bursts of light. We plastered on a smile and walked into the building as our security men took care of clearing the way for us to move quickly.

I had never attended a prenatal class before, but since the possibility of a natural birth was on the table, my doctor had recommended that I learned a few breathing techniques that would help me remain calm and focused during labor.

We were greeted by an instructor who showed us to our spot. There were other couples scattered throughout the room, expectant parents eagerly anticipating the arrival of their little one. We sat on the mat ignoring the fact that they had recognized us, it didn't bother us one bit.

"During labor, your breathing can help with the pain and discomfort, your focus, and your energy levels." She began and took a deep breath, capturing our attention. "Let's start with the basics. Close your eyes and observe how you are breathing. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth."

Everyone followed her instruction, and the room grew quiet as we began to focus on our breath.

"Good. Now, try taking a deep breath in, filling your belly with air, holding it in for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This will help you relax." She demonstrated the action.

I couldn't help but open my eyes to see if Ben was still doing the exercise. He was, and he looked adorable.

"During the early stages of labor, try to maintain deep and controlled breathing. It will help you manage the pain and discomfort. As labor progresses, your breathing patterns will change. You may find yourself focusing on short, quick breaths." She explained.

We practiced together, with our hands intertwined and our eyes locked on each other. As we breathed in deeply and let out sustained breaths, we relaxed into the moment as if time had stopped.

"When you reach the pushing phase, you will need to breathe progressively, taking a deep breath in, using that breath to push for ten seconds, and then letting the breath out in a controlled manner. Repeat that process with each contraction." She continued.

Suddenly, Ben started to make strange noises with his breaths. He began to exaggerate his inhales and exhales, resulting in loud and long breaths.

"Ben, stop." I tried my best to contain my laughter.

I tried to keep focused, but the sounds he made were too much to ignore and I burst into laughter.

The whole class turned their heads towards us as Ben continued to make silly sounds with his breaths.

"Ben." I cupped his face to try to make him stop, but I couldn't stop laughing.

The instructor's attempt of holding back her laughter failed miserably as she too joined in.

Finally, he stopped his exaggerated breathing and looked around.

"Sorry, I just wanted to make her laugh." He said, giving me a bashful smile.

The giggles of everyone sitting around us subsided as I looked at him, a look of pure love on my face.

As the class continued, our connection only grew stronger, his playful antics brought joy and laughter to the moment.