Chapter Seven

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Flash Back - 1 year ago …

Democratic Republic of the Congo

A roaring fire crackled as its flames snapped and swayed in the wind.

Women and girls of various ages were dancing around it, clapping their hands and stomping their feet to the rhythm of the drums. They raised their hands and heads to the inky-blackness of the night, calling upon the gods above to bless them and to give strength to the one who needed it most.

Nearby, in a hut, a young woman tossed her head back with a scream.

The pains of childbirth encased her small form, her large belly carrying the child she had loved and cherished these last nine months. Unlike how the women in the West would give birth, the young woman was naked, with only a wide strip of cloth covering her lap.

She also sat on the birthing stool, which allowed her body to open up and gravity to help with the birth. To her right was her mother, an Elder in their Tribe who was greatly respected for her wisdom. While her mother had seen many births in her lifetime, the fact that this was her own blood ’s first terrified her.

A head rose from under the cloth, and Bonnie ’s hazel eye met the expectant mother’s.

“You’re so close,” Bonnie said encouragingly. “I can feel the head.”

The young Bennett Witch was a long way from home, but then again the Congo was as far from Mystic Falls as she could get.

The Mother nodded and turned to her daughter. “Keep pushing,” she whispered. “She’s almost here…”

The young woman tucked in her chin and did as told.

They did it again, as Bonnie counted to ten as she pushed with all her might.

One …

Two …

Three …

Four …

Five …

Outside of the hut, the women and girls danced faster and chanted louder. The sound of their shrill voices growing higher and higher as the rhythm and tempo of the drums increased.

Six …

Seven …

Eight …

Nine …

Ten ….

The Young Woman ’s womb slowly began to open, and Bonnie could soon both feel and see the new child. First, came the head, then the shoulders - which was the most difficult part - and then the rest of the body. The newborn baby dropped gracefully into Bonnie’s waiting arms, who quickly cut the cord and then got to work by wiping her mouth followed, by rubbing her back.

“Mon bébé…” the new Mother said weakly, her head rolling from the pressure that was no more in her body. “Mon bébé…Donne moi mon bébé...”

“In one moment,” Bonnie said. “I need to make sure she’s alright.”

‘Come on, come on,’ Bonnie thought, panic starting to shoot through her. ‘Come on, little one, cry. Please.’

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⏰ Last updated: Dec 14, 2023 ⏰

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