Can we love again?- A Reddie Short Story

Chapter Six

Four hours had gone by. Eddie and Rachel were still stuck in the office, with no sign of getting out or anyone coming to help. They were well and truly stuck.

The baby wasn't waiting for anyone. Rachel was in a significant amount of pain and discomfort now. She was kneeling in front of the sofa, leaning on it whilst Eddie rubbed her back in an attempt to ease some of the pain she was experiencing. His heart threatened to break with every scream, whimper and cry that escaped her lips.

The pain was excruciating, worse than Rachel had ever imagined. She'd never felt anything like it. At first, she had been able to breathe through the contractions, but not now. Each pain was strong enough to make her feel like she was going to pass out. Had it not been for Eddie rubbing her back and whispering words of encouragement to keep her focused, she probably would have.

As another painful contraction finished, Rachel sighed tiredly, resting her head in her arms on the sofa.

Eddie placed his hand on her arm comfortingly.

"You're doing great, Rach" he reassured

She shook her head

"I can't do this" she whimpered

"You can, Rach. I promise you, you're doing so well" he encouraged

"You're not helping" she grumbled as another contraction began

She grabbed Eddie's hand, squeezing it hard as he rubbed her back. The pain quickly grew intense again, causing her to cry out and shift uncomfortably.

She was starting to panic now. It was only getting worse and there was no sign of anyone coming to let them out of the office. They needed help, or the chances were that she would be giving birth in her office and Eddie would be delivering the baby.

Eddie continued to rub her back as she groaned in pain. He was panicking too.

"It's getting worse" she whispered breathlessly as the contraction melted away again

"I know, love. It's ok" was all he could really say in response

"We're never going to get out of here" she mumbled, turning around so she was sitting against the sofa

"We will, I promise" he reassured

"Yeah, on Monday morning! Eddie, I can't hold this baby in until then!" She snapped tiredly

Her heart started to hammer against her chest at the thought of them being stuck in here for the whole weekend. She wouldn't have minded, if she wasn't in labour and about to give birth. She was scared. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Even though she was relieved that Eddie knew, she needed to be at the hospital, where her baby would be born safely, not in her office. What if something went wrong?

Eddie could feel the anxiety radiating off her as another contraction began. She grabbed his hand as she cried out, her body shaking with pain. He rubbed her knee comfortingly. She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the pain she was in. He wished he could take it all away, but he couldn't.

He continued to comfort her as best he could, hoping that someone, anyone, was still in the building and would hear them and let them out.