My Girl ~ Alessia Russo

Motherhood

It had been 6 months since Hailey had found out she was pregnant. She had been attending all the appointments, and she has grown fond of the baby. She called her 'little monster'. Hailey woke up to the sound of rain tapping against her window. She rolled over, squinting at her phone to check the time. It was early, but she could already feel the familiar fluttering of nausea in her stomach. Her 'little monster' was making its presence known. Smiling to herself, she rubbed her belly gently.

“Morning, little monster,” she whispered. “Let's get through another day.”

Dragging herself out of bed, Hailey made her way to the kitchen. She flicked on the kettle and started her morning ritual. While waiting for the water to boil, she scrolled through her phone, checking for messages. A video call from her brother, Alex, popped up.

“Hey, sis!” Alex's cheerful face filled the screen. “How's my favourite niece or nephew doing today?”

Hailey laughed. “Morning, Alex. We're doing fine, just a bit of morning sickness.”

“Awesome. Robbie and I were thinking of dropping by later. We've got some news.”

“Sure, I'd love that. See you then.”

As she ended the call, Hailey felt a warm glow. Alex and Robbie had been her rock through everything. She finished her tea and nibbled on some toast, hoping it would settle her stomach. She had a midwife appointment later and wanted to be ready.

---

At the clinic, Hailey sat in the waiting room, her mind wandering. She thought about her best friends, Kiera and Lucy, who were living it up in Spain. They were both footballers and had been training hard for the upcoming Women's World Cup. Despite the distance, they’d been super supportive. Her phone buzzed with a message from their group chat.

Kiera: How’s our favourite mama-to-be today?

Lucy: Yes, how’s the little monster? 😊

Hailey: We’re good! I'm just waiting for my check-up. How’s training?

Kiera: Intense! But we're pumped. Can’t wait to come home for the World Cup. We miss you!

Lucy: We seriously do. And we're going to win this time!

Hailey: Miss you both, too. Let's video call soon!

The door to the consultation room opened, and the midwife called her name. Hailey took a deep breath and followed her inside. The routine check-up went smoothly, and soon, she was on her way back home, feeling relieved.

---

Back home, Hailey felt a sudden urge to tidy up. She arranged the baby clothes she’d already bought and set up the crib in her bedroom. Her phone buzzed with a call from Kiera.

“Hola, Hailey!” Kiera’s voice was bright and cheerful.

“Hey, Kiera! How’s Spain treating you?”

“Sunny as ever. We miss you here, though. How’s everything going?”

“Good, actually. The check-up went well, and Alex and Robbie are coming over later.”

“That’s great! Have you thought more about names?”

“Not really. I think I’ll wait until I meet the little one. There’s plenty of time for that.”

“True. Well, Lucy and I are sending you lots of love from here. We can’t wait to meet the baby.”

“Thanks, Kiera. Love you both.”

“Love you too. Talk soon!”

Hailey hung up, feeling a wave of warmth. She was grateful for her friends, even if they were far away. She decided to take a short nap before Alex and Robbie arrived.