𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲'𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐧 ⏧ Jey Uso

𝟎𝟑.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

𝐒𝖾ρ𝗍𝖾ꭑᑲ𝖾𝗋 5, 2023
18 ω𝖾𝖾𝗄𝗌 ρ𝗋𝖾𝗀𐓣α𐓣𝗍

Joe, Galina, Jon, and Trinity arrived at Natia's home, their arms filled with supplies and excitement. The nursery was the day's main project, and with Joshua on the road, Natia welcomed the extra hands. She watched from her chair as the group began to assemble her stroller and finish setting up the room that would soon welcome her twin daughters.

"I don't know why he wanted to do the nursery so early," Natia said, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

"You know why," Jon replied, a knowing smile on his face.

Natia sighed and waved him off, an acknowledgment that she understood but still found the urgency a bit much. Joshua had been particularly insistent about getting everything ready before the twins arrived.

With their schedules being unpredictable—both with his touring and her impending motherhood—he wanted the nursery complete. Statistics showed that over half of twin pregnancies could result in preterm deliveries, and Natia knew the reality of that risk too well.

"So, do you guys have names picked out?" Galina asked, breaking through Natia's swirling thoughts.

Natia nodded, her heart swelling with pride. "The boys picked out their names." She paused, deliberating whether to share. Ultimately, she couldn't contain the joy. "Jamila and Janiyah."

"Awe, that's cute!" Trinity exclaimed, grinning widely.

"What about middle names?" Joe asked, curious.

"Sian and Seosai," Natia replied.

Jon chuckled lightly. "I'm not even gonna ask how you came up with those middle names."

Natia smiled, glancing at her phone just as it buzzed with a message from Joshua. She shook her head and chuckled as she read his text aloud: "Y'all better not mess up my babies' nursery or else I'm kicking your asses."

Joe rolled his eyes, while Jon laughed and kissed his teeth. Galina and Trinity shook their heads in amusement. Natia texted back quickly, assuring him everything was going well and that the nursery was shaping up nicely.

"I think I'm gonna start putting stuff away in the closet," Natia said, preparing to rise.

"No, I got it. Joshua said not to let you lift a finger," Trinity insisted, gently pushing her back into the chair.

Natia pouted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I can't even help with my babies' nursery?"

The group exchanged worried glances, knowing that Natia's desire to contribute was strong, but they also wanted to protect her from overexerting herself. Joe quickly interjected, "No, it's not that you can't help, Tia. Joshua already did the closet—that's all set."

Natia fanned herself, still feeling bewildered. "He did?" she asked, confusion knitting her brows together. She couldn't recall Joshua doing anything other than painting the nursery walls.

"Yeah, so just relax and let us finish the room. Then we can have lunch," Galina suggested, trying to steer the mood back to lightheartedness.

"Alright," Natia acquiesced, though a part of her still felt restless.

Unfortunately, the cheerful atmosphere didn't last long. As the group worked, Natia suddenly clutched her abdomen, a wave of severe pain coursing through her. Panic gripped the room, and they quickly decided to take her to the doctor.

In the sterile hospital room, Natia lay on the bed, Trinity and Galina at her side. Outside, Jon and Joe were on the phone with Joshua, desperately trying to keep him calm as he prepared to fly back.

"Let's take your temperature and blood pressure first," the nurse instructed, her tone professional yet warm.

Natia nodded, feeling vulnerable as the nurse went through the motions. When the nurse mentioned her blood pressure was a little high for a pregnant woman, Natia sighed heavily, anxiety creeping in.

After some tests and blood draws, she waited for the doctor to arrive, tension mounting in the room. "Are you okay?" Galina asked, concern etched on her face.

"No, I'm not okay," Natia admitted, frustration bubbling over. "Being sick while pregnant is not fun. I have so much on my plate. I'm worried about the babies, and I know Joshua is freaking out because he's not here. This is tough."

Just then, the doctor entered, accompanied by the nurse and, much to Natia's surprise, Jon and Joe, who held the phone so Joshua could see everything.

"I'm concerned about your blood count," the doctor said, his expression serious. "It's lower than what we typically see during your routine blood tests for hemoglobin levels. This could indicate anemia, which can have complications for your pregnancy."

Natia's heart sank. The doctor explained that anemia could hinder the babies' growth, increasing their risk of arriving early or having low birth weight. The room felt heavy with fear as he continued, suggesting that appendicitis might be the underlying issue, which could require surgery.

Natia wanted to cry. She felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. Joshua's voice came through the phone, anxious and concerned. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

The doctor asked Natia to lift her shirt. "Show me where the pain is," he instructed.

Natia placed her hands on her lower abdomen. "The pain is the worst here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor pressed gently on her stomach, and Natia couldn't help but let out a painful sigh. He frowned and signaled for the nurse to bring in an ultrasound machine.

As the doctor moved the wand over her stomach, Natia's mother, Nilisa, arrived just in time to see the fear etched on her daughter's face. "Hi," Nilisa said softly, moving to stand next to Trinity, her eyes focused on Natia.

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically as the doctor examined the ultrasound. "Okay, that's pretty serious," he said, his brow furrowing. He called out a code, and the room erupted into action, alarms sounding and medical staff rushing in.

"What's going on?" Joshua's voice came through, panicked.

"It's appendicitis," the doctor informed Natia, his tone grave. He explained that acute appendicitis, while rare during pregnancy, was a risk, particularly in the second trimester.

"We need to do a quick surgical intervention to prevent any serious complications," he said, his words heavy with concern.

Natia felt tears prick her eyes as the reality of the situation sank in. All she wanted was reassurance that everything would be okay, but the doctor's demeanor indicated otherwise.

"There's some infection causing inflammation," he whispered to the nurse, though Natia caught every word. Fear flooded her, her heart racing.

"Is she going into surgery now?" Nilisa asked, her voice shaking slightly.

"That's the plan," the doctor replied, glancing at Natia with a look of empathy.

Natia turned to her mother, feeling small and scared. "I want Joshua," she cried out, her voice breaking.

Joshua's heart ached as he heard her plea. "I'm coming," he said through the phone, his determination clear, but he knew he wouldn't reach her in time.

"Stay strong, sis. He's on his way," Trinity reassured Natia, holding her hand tightly.

As the medical team prepared for surgery, Natia felt a rush of emotions—fear, love, and a desperate hope that everything would turn out okay.

She held onto her family's support, knowing they would be there for her, even if Joshua wasn't physically present.

The uncertainty of the moment loomed large, but deep down, she resolved to fight for herself and her babies, ready to face whatever came next.