The Family Origin

Chapter Thirty: MAISIE POV

 Clara's absence became more apparent the more the baby grew. At first, I learned to distract myself by humming as I cleaned. It was enough to get my mind off that terrible day she died. Unfortunately, my stomach grew so large that the pain in my back would easily become unbearable. I was forced to sit on the couch and rest so I would have enough strength to prepare dinner before Miles and Joseph came inside.

Joseph was unable to get a midwife, but he reassured me multiple times that he knew how to deliver my baby. Any time I thought about how I was going to give birth in a few days, my body trembled with anxiety. I had to keep reminding myself whatever pain I would experience would be worth it when I could hold my daughter. That was what Clara had always told me.

There was the familiar click of the lock when I finished placing dinner on the table. Miles and Joseph had been locking the door every day since Clara's death. I checked the door myself when they went outside. Knowing I was safe in the house caused most of my anxiety to ease. If no one could get in, then no one could hurt me.

I sat to rest my aching bones while Miles and Joseph washed up before eating. Miles lingered around the kitchen windows to stare out at the farm. He would sometimes stare out the windows for what felt like hours. Initially, I would try to convince him to return to bed when I would wake in the middle of the night and see him staring out the bedroom window. He was too stubborn for me to put the effort into arguing.

Joseph was no longer stumbling around the home drunk. I never saw him with a bottle of whiskey anymore, and the stench of alcohol no longer lingered on his breath.

Once they were at the table, I struggled to eat. The pain in my lower back was growing more intense and diminished my appetite. I closed my eyes and leaned back my head as I rubbed my sore muscles. I listened to the sound of cutlery against the plates as a form of distraction. At least I was not stuck in silence.

"Maisie, you should lie down," Joseph said.

"No." I shook my head. I needed their company so I could continue to distract myself. "I am fine. I promise I am fine."

"I'll bring her upstairs," Miles said.

I opened my eyes to see neither of them had any remaining food on their plates. Miles walked around the table, but I shook my head. I stood and grabbed the plates, wanting an excuse to remain around people. Miles put his hand on my shoulder.

"Maisie, put the plates down," he said.

I forced a fake laugh as I continued to shake my head. Surprisingly, Miles let me step away from him and head toward the sink.

"Nothing is wrong," I said. "You two are overreacting."

While placing the plates in the sink, a wave of pain ran through my abdomen. The dishes slipped from my hand as I cried out in pain. I gritted my teeth and squeezed my eyes shut as I gripped the edge of the counter. I took a few deep breaths and held my stomach while I waited for the pain to disappear.

Miles shouted my name twice, but I did not respond. He slid his hand around my back and grabbed my elbow to support my body. When I opened my eyes, I could see his brows were furrowed in worry. His eyes scanned my body for any injuries.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I had a really bad pain," I said.

"Is the baby hurt?"

A chair screeched across the floor. I looked over my shoulder to see Joseph walking toward us. A small smile was on his lips as he rubbed his hands together.

"I think this means the baby is coming," Joseph said.

"Now?" I asked.

I wished I could hide my panic in my voice. I expected this to happen soon—maybe in a couple of days—but not now.