Growing with J.A.C.I.E. (All Time Low Fanfiction | Jack Barakat)

Chapter 18

"How you feeling?" May asked as I exited the bedroom and entered the living room, where she was making herself some breakfast.

I breathed out heavily and ran a hand over my bump. "My back's hurting, I'm exhausted, but no signs of labour yet. It seems like we'll have to be patient for a bit longer."

May chuckled. "Babies have their own schedules, don't they? I'm sure she'll come when ready."

I nodded, trying to embrace the unpredictability of the situation. For weeks, I was afraid I'd give birth prematurely. Then the days leading up to the due date, I knew it could happen at any moment. Of course, the due date was just an estimate, but now that it was officially the fourth of March, I was more nervous than ever before. I was just waiting around for the first signs of contractions.

The restlessness was insurmountable. I couldn't shake the feeling that something monumental should be happening. The nursery was ready, the hospital bag was packed, but there I was, still waiting. And all I could do was just that – wait.

My dad was already back in LA, but was on standby to fly out at any moment again to help out when Meerkat finally arrived. It would have been great if he had been here for the due date as well as the weeks after, but that just wasn't possible. There was still Ben to consider. He had an important soccer game just days earlier. And I knew just how important it was for a parent to show up. I wasn't going to take that away from him.

So, that was where May came in. To make sure I wouldn't be alone before Jack came back, May was staying with me. Despite living in the same city, she was staying in our guest bedroom. That way, if anything ever happened at night, somebody would be around.

"I just wish I had some sort of sign," I complained as I joined May in the kitchen. "It feels like every little twinge or ache can be the start of the big thing."

She gave me a sympathetic look. "Want to do something to take your mind off it? Maybe a little distraction could help."

I considered her suggestion. A distraction might be just what I needed to ease the anxiety. "Yeah, maybe. Any ideas?"

"How about a little walk outside? Some fresh air might do us both good. Plus, it could be a nice change of pace," May suggested.

A walk sounded like a reasonable idea, a way to clear my mind and momentarily escape the confines of the apartment. I nodded in agreement. "Sure, a walk sounds nice."

We ventured out into the crisp early March air. Despite the cool weather, the sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the New York City streets. The familiar sounds of the city surrounded us as we strolled along the sidewalk. May and I engaged in casual conversation, discussing various topics to divert my attention from the anticipation of labour.

May told me all about her latest work projects even though I already knew most of it, shared anecdotes of her recent trips, and even cracked a few jokes here and there. I appreciated her efforts, and it took my mind off things a little. Still, I was worried that it could happen at any moment while we were away from home.

"So, I'm assuming you and Jack have already picked out a name," May asked, trying to maintain a lighthearted conversation.

I nodded as I chuckled softly. "Yes."

"And will you tell me what it is?"

"No," I laughed as I stuffed my hands in my pockets to warm them up.

She raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Still keeping it a secret, huh?"

I nodded with a mischievous grin. "Yeah. Nobody knows except us."

"Come on, Jacie," she pouted playfully, "I promise I won't tell a soul. I can keep a secret."

"I know you can, but I'm keeping my mouth shut. You'll find it out along with everybody else."

"But what if I'm the one who needs to write down the name on the birth certificate."

"Nice try," I smirked with another laugh.

We continued our walk, and I found myself grateful for May's company. The rhythmic sound of our footsteps, the bustling city around us, and May's lively chatter created a sense of normalcy amidst the looming anticipation. It was a welcome distraction.

As we started to approach a bench, May suggested, "how about we sit down for a bit? Take a little break?"

I agreed, and we sat down, letting the world pass us by as we took a second to breathe. It was nice to just be present for a moment. I still wasn't feeling any different. Part of me was starting to convince myself that nothing would ever change. But I knew it would only be a matter of time before something would happen. Whether that be natural or induced.

"You know," May began with a thoughtful expression, "I'm glad that you and Jack ended up together."

"Yeah?" I looked at her with a smile. "How so?"

She shrugged, genuine warmth behind her eyes. "I just like you. When Jack first told us he was seeing a twenty-one-year-old student in LA, we were all worried. But the way he talked about you was special. I can't imagine him with anybody else. You're like the little sister I never had."

I couldn't help but feel touched by May's words. She was the first person Jack introduced me to, soon after we had our Vegas wedding. Despite not knowing me, she immediately accepted me. Who knew what would have happened if her reception of me hadn't been so good.

"Thanks, May. That means a lot coming from you," I replied, feeling a sense of comfort in her companionship.

She grinned, nudging me playfully. "Plus, I've never seen Jack so committed to anyone. He's head over heels for you, and it's adorable."

"Well, I'm glad," I laughed. She was right, despite only sleeping together initially, Jack and I'd quickly forgotten about other people and only saw each other even though we weren't really in a relationship.

"I miss him," I admitted, looking down at my belly. "It's tough not having him here for these moments."

May nodded with understanding. "He'll be back soon. And once he is, he'll be the most doting dad ever."

I smiled gratefully at her. Despite Jack not being around, I had so much support in other people. I was probably the luckiest person in the world. The lengths all these people went, expecting nothing in return, was something I'd never forget.

We stayed on the bench for a little longer before deciding to start making our way back to the apartment. As we resumed our walk, May told me all about Jack's childhood and some memorable family adventures. Some stories I already knew, some I didn't. It was comforting to hear all the stories, knowing that Jack had such a supportive and loving family. It made me look even more forward to creating similar memories with our own little family.

As we entered the warmth of the apartment, I couldn't shake the feeling of a countdown ticking away in the background. The waiting game continued. I put my coat away and pulled out my phone to see if there was anything I missed. And I certainly had missed something.

Missed call from Jack

Along with a text message.

Jack: Just checking in. How's everything going?

Feeling guilty, I quickly opened up our text conversation and responded. I had no idea how I had missed the buzzing on my phone, but I could only assume the thick coat had something to do with it.

Me: Sorry I missed your call, May and I were out on a walk

Jack: That's okay. Everything still good over there?

Me: Meerkat seems content to stay put for a little longer...

Jack: Nothing yet?

Me: Nothing yet

Jack: Well, my phone's always on for if things suddenly change

Me: I know, you'll be the first to know