𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐄, ERIK LEHNSHERR

𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑹𝑻𝒀-𝑻𝑾𝑶

A pain-filled cry left her mouth as Kara bent over in pain, her hands holding her nine-month swollen stomach. Sweat stained her forehead and the stray pieces of her white hair that framed her face stuck to her flesh, making her shiver in disgust.

A black shirt adorned her frame, loose and able to cover her stomach. She brushed aside the pain in her arm, the black serum appearing and reminding her of her past.

Her eyes were closed tightly while her teeth sunk into her bottom lip, resisting another cry as the pains in her uterus shot up and surrounded her stomach.

Her midwife was currently on the way, Charles having called her as soon as liquid spilled down her legs, letting her know that it was time to give birth to the baby she was eagerly awaiting.

Kara was exhausted, not gaining any sleep in the past two days from the amount of pain that she'd endured. She felt like pain was burdened on her, staining her shoulders throughout life.

Brushing away the thought, she opened her eyes and caught sight of the stingray necklace Erik had gifted her for her birthday, a slow and calculated breath being breathed out through pursed lips.

Tears stung her eyes at the charm, her heart aching at remembering he wasn't there to help her through birth, nor raise their child together.

She let out a heavy grunt once a sharp pain threatened her lower back, her eyes closing again to focus on her breathing.

She turned when the door opened, seeing Kit hesitantly striding in. He looked older than nine months ago, his worried expression making her frown. She hated seeing him distressed but she bet that she didn't look any better herself.

"How are you doing? Wait, that's a stupid question. What can I do to help?" He questioned, shaking his head at the first question.

Kara inhaled a deep breath and straightened her posture, gesturing to the cup of water on her bedside table. He quickly grabbed it and brought it over to her. She gladly took it in her grasp and chugged down the liquid, a sigh leaving her lips.

"Is she here yet?" Kara asked huskily, her tone not gentle but not heavy either. She was tired, he knew, and she didn't mean to sound harsh.

"Your midwife?" She nodded. "No. Not yet." He answered, his lips turning downward as she bent over in pain again.

"I'm sorry you have to see me like this, Kit. I'm so sorry." She apologized, a heavy breath sounding from her mouth as she avoided his gaze.

Kit's shoulders shrunk and he frowned further. "Kara, don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for, you hear me? You're bringing your child into this world, and I want to help you as much as I can." He huffed, his voice calm.

She didn't get to answer as her door opened again, the sight of her midwife walking in making her visibly relax for a short few minutes. Charles rolled in after her, a small smile on his face, though it faltered upon seeing her again.

"Kara, honey, how are you feeling?" Her midwife, Claire, asked her with a smile planted on her round face. Kara didn't understand how cheery she could be in a situation they were in.

She glanced up from her bent-over position and sarcastically smiled back. "Like I can run ten miles, Claire, amazing." She rolled her eyes and hung her head, regret filling her chest at her sarcasm.

"Well, let's take a look at you, shall we?" She hummed, sending a pointed look to both men as Kara laid down on her bed covered with towels that would soak up any liquid afterbirth if she didn't use her bath when giving birth.