I am yours FOREVER (A Zac and Tom story)

Bathroom break

*Zac*
I watch as Lumi struggles with the electrolyte drink. I gently encourage her, saying. "It's important to stay hydrated, babe. Just a bit more".

After she has finished drinking, Lumi tells me she wants to get up and walk around. I support her as she rises, wrapping my arm around her waist.

As we walk, the contractions continue to hit. Each time one comes, I gently stroke her lower back, trying to alleviate some of the pain, wishing I could remove it all. "Just breathe, Lumi. I'm here for you". I whisper to her.

Across the room, Meri is voicing her regret about not getting an epidural. Lumi, feeling her sister's pain, walks over to comfort her. "It's going to be okay, Meri. We are in this together". She reassures her sister.

Seeing that Tom needs a break, having noticed him shuffle his feet for a while, I tell him, "Go ahead, man. Take a quick bathroom break. We will be here".

As Tom goes to the bathroom, I stay close to Lumi and Meri, prepared to help them through whatever comes next.

I can't help but smile as I notice Lumi's calming effect on Meri. They share a special bond, and it's heartwarming to see them support each other.

When Tom returns, he looks relieved and ready to support Meri again. I give him a nod, acknowledging his quick recovery.

I then help Lumi back into bed, taking care to ensure she's comfortable. "You are doing so well, Lumi. I adore you so much". I tell her.

She smiles at me, her eyes full of love, and says. "I adore you too, and you are so very cute wookie... but you don't need to keep cheering me on. I'm not the first woman giving birth, you know".

I grin at her and point out, "Well, you are the first to give birth to my child, and that makes it pretty special".

We share a tender moment, feeling more connected than ever as we prepare to welcome our baby boy into the world.

*Meri*
I do feel a bit guilty for cursing at Tom earlier. I know he is just trying to help and comfort me, but the pain is excruciating, and I can't seem to control the words that spill out.

As I watch Lumi handling the pain better than I am, I can't help but worry that something might be wrong with me. The difference in our pain levels is noticeable, even though the doctor assures us that everything is okay.

I reach out for Tom's hand, seeking reassurance, and he quickly takes it, offering me a warm, comforting smile. "I'm sorry for earlier, Tom". I apologize, my voice wavering. "And I am sorry if I will curse you again later, I don't really mean it".

He gently squeezes my hand and says, "It's okay, Meri. I understand that you're in pain. We will get through this together".

His support means the world to me, and I try to focus on that as we continue to navigate this journey together. Hoping I won't say anything too rash when the end game starts.

The doctor comes back in and asks. "How are you both doing ?"

Lumi answers, "The contractions seem to be kinda moving lowe". Her words makes the doctor nod. "And the electrolyte drink really helped with my dizziness".

"Let me examine you and see how you are progressing". The doctor says as she turns her full attention to Lumi.

As the doctor examines Lumi, I exchange a glance with Tom, trying to hide my nervousness. He squeezes my hand softly.

The doctor finishes up the examination and announces, "Lumi, you are making great progress. You are now 8 cm dilated, so it probably won't be too long before you have to start pushing".

"Thank you, doctor". Lumi replies, relief in her voice.

I can't help but smile, feeling happy for my sister. But at the same time, her progress makes me nervous.

As the doctor and Lumi talks about her options for the birth itself, I turn to Tom and whisper. "I'm glad Lumi is doing well, but it's making me more nervous about my own prograss".

Tom takes my hand and reassures me, "You are doing great too, Meri. We are all here for you, and the doctor will take good care of you".

I nod, taking a deep breath, and try to focus on the present.

The doctor comes over to me, and when she asks how I am doing I tell her. "It still feels the same, and it really hurts".

She examines me and shares the results: "Meri, you are still 6 cm dilated".

Feeling frustrated and upset, tears welling in my eyes, I exclaim, "I can't even give birth right !"

The doctor reassures me, "Don't compare yourself to Lumi. Even though you are twins, you are different. I suggest you get up and walk a bit, it might help it along".

The doctor leaves the room, saying she will be back in 20 minutes unless we ring for her.

Tom gently suggests, "Meri, why don't we try walking like the doctor said ?"

I growl at him in frustration, as he said it just as a contraction hits. "Do I look like I want to walk right now?"

Tom ignores my outburst and when the contraction is over he manages to help me up, even as I complain. We slowly begin to walk around the room.

After walking for a bit, I exclaim. "And now I really have to pee. Getting up must have shifted the baby, and he is pressing right on my bladder".

Tom helps me to the bathroom, and I find that it's actually a huge relief. Apparently the pain had kept me from noticing how full my bladder was.

We return to the room, and Tom helps me back onto the bed. But then, suddenly, I feel like I have to go to the bathroom again, and this time, it's more than just needing to pee. Tom looks unsure about whether he should help me back to the bathroom.

Zac interjects, "Meri, I think you should stay in bed and call the doctor".

He calls the doctor, and when she arrives, asking what is wrong I tell her. "Zac is just being a ninny. I really just need to go... you know, to the bathroom, to take care of business".

The doctor decides to examine me again before making any decisions. After the examination, she says. "Meri, you are now fully dilated. What you feel wanting out is the baby. It's time for you to push".

The news takes me by surprise, but with Tom by my side and the doctor's guidance, I know we are ready to welcome our baby into the world.