Below The Surface - A Lackadaisy Fanfiction

Advice and Anxiety

"You came all this way? Why?"

"Because I understand the struggle and the pain you've gone through."

Here, Celeste was in her hospital bed after giving birth to her twins. They were currently in the NICU, and her husband Alexander was looking after them, as well. Mandisa paid her a visit. She was wearing a dark trench coat, and her hands were stuffed into her pockets. Her eyes were tired, slightly droopy.

"...how many times did you go through childbirth?" Celeste asked gently. Mandisa sat down on a nearby chair, crossing one leg over the other. Her tail curled in her lap.

"Three separate times. My youngest was the hardest to give birth to." She replied.

"Was it because of complications?" Celeste lowered her voice.

"That, and Aziraphale was born a month early. Stress ate at me more than ever before. He was born premature, and I'm thankful he survived." Mandisa recalled.

"...do you think Alexander and I will be good parents?" Celeste asked. Mandisa's gaze snapped towards the younger woman's: uncertainty was clear. It was almost like a reflection, from all those years ago.

"Oh Celeste..." Mandisa whispered, her shoulders dropping. "I have heard nothing but good things about Alexander: he loves you dearly."

"He's currently fawning over the twins...he's been so happy these past few days. He's just been smiling so much more."

"That's a good father."

"He's an amazing husband, too."

Mandisa smiled, finally. She gazed at Celeste with a softened look in her eyes. "I'm proud of how far you've come."

"Really?"

"Really. I am so astonished with how much you've grown. You're witty, smart, overly sarcastic...yet you are this wonderful wife, and you are becoming an even better mother."

Celeste giggled at the comments. "Thank you, Mandi."

"Of course." Mandisa gave a firm nod.

"...what is some advice you can give me? So I don't mess up?"

"Remain calm: nothing works when you're panicking. Also, make sure you rest for a week or two: you don't want any complications after birth."

"I read about postpartum, as well...how bad is it?"

"It varies. Sometimes it can last two to six weeks. Other times it could last up to six months."

"Was it bad for you?"

"The first time around, yes...though when I had my second, it lessened. It's perfectly normal for you to be feeling any type of sadness or anxiety. You'll also feel rather exhausted."

"I see..."

There was a short silence between them.

"...thank you. For coming here." Celeste said quietly. "You really didn't have to."

"I didn't: but I wanted to." Mandisa shrugged. "...did James almost faint at the potential sight of a miracle or two being born?"

"Yup: that's when the nurses ushered him and Raquelle out, and Alex in."

Mandisa chuckled: "Understandable."

"...you really love James, don't you?" Celeste smiled lethargically. Mandisa tilted her head, and her eyes dulled. A light blush spread across her cheeks.

"Very much." She told her.

"Does he treat you well?"

"Much better than Lorenzo."