Highschool Lovers

baby #4

The sound of laughter and chaos erupts from the living room as I try to crumple into a corner of the couch. My feet, swollen and aching, feel like they're about to burst from the weight of this baby. "Adrien!" I call out, half-laughing, half-sobbing. "Can you come help me?"

"On it!" he shouts from the other room, but I can hear the hint of a smile in his voice. I hear the thump of small feet as Mia, our four-year-old, races past, followed by the giggles of Charlie and Chandler, barely keeping up with her, all energy and curiosity.

"I can't keep up with them like this," I groan. Just then, Adrien appears, looking like an angel sent to rescue me.

"Need a breather?" he asks, leaning against the doorframe, playful mischief in his bright eyes.

"You could say that." I gesture toward the cacophony of noise. "Can you entertain our tiny tornadoes for a bit? My feet are killing me."

"Of course! Hey guys! Who wants to help me with a treasure hunt?" His voice booms like a drummer calling an army.

"Me! Me!" Mia squeals, jumping up and down, while Charlie and Chandler echo her with excited shouts.

"Okay, assemble the crew in the backyard! We'll find the 'golden treasure' hidden by the sea monster!" He waves them toward the door, and suddenly, it feels eerily quiet for a moment.

"Ahh... peace," I breathe, sinking deeper into the couch, when suddenly, a sharp twinge pulls my belly taut.

"Y/N? You okay?" Adrien calls from outside.

"Maybe...?" I wince, pressing a hand to my belly. The twinge intensifies, accompanied by a wave of nerves. No, no, not yet!

But my body has other plans. The contractions come faster now. I stand up, uncertainty washing over me. "Adrien!" I holler, a slight panic creeping into my voice.

He bursts through the door, instantly sensing the change in my demeanor. "What is it?"

"I— I think this is it. The baby... He's coming!"

His eyes widen in realization, instantly morphing into calm determination. "Okay, let's get everything ready. Remember the plan: the pool is all set up in the living room."

"Right... the water..." I breathe heavily, glancing toward the inflatable pool filled with warm water in the corner. "What about the kids?"

"I'll distract them. Just focus on breathing," he assures, shooting out of the room to gather the little ones.

A few more waves of contractions roll through me, sharper this time. "Mia!" I hear Adrien raise his voice outside. "You can help me! We need to find the golden treasure in the dungeon!"

Mia's excited giggles ring back, and I can envision her running around with her brother and sister, oblivious to the monumental moment about to unfold.

"Y/N, honey, you good?" Adrien reenters, aiding my journey to the birth pool.

"I think so." I grip the edge of the pool as another wave hits. "I need the midwife!"

"I've called her. She's on her way. You're in control, remember! Just breathe!"

"I'm trying!" My confidence wavers. "Oh, Adrien..."

He kneels beside me, gripping my hand. "You can do this. We're a team. Just like always."

"Okay..." I take a deep breath as the midwife rushes into the room, flowing with a calm demeanor.

"Y/N, it's almost time," she says softly. "Listen to your body. You've got this."

"I don't even know what this means!" I cry, starting to panic as I feel another contraction rolling through me.

"Breathe through it," the midwife urges gently, and I nod, trying to anchor myself.

The room fills with sounds—the faint laughter of the kids drifting in and out, the soft whispers of the midwife, and Adrien's steady encouragement. As the contractions crescendo, I push back against the tightening in my belly.

"C'mon, sweetheart," Adrien murmurs soothingly, brushing my hair back. "Almost there."

And with a final, primal push, I feel the baby's head crown, the water soothing against my skin.

"Almost there, Y/N! One more big push!"

"I can't!" I shout. But I know I have to; I can feel him, just on the edge.

"YOU CAN!" His voice shakes me out of my doubts, urging me forward. With a strength I didn't know I had, I surge through the pain, and suddenly...

I feel him slip free, my heart pounding as the gentle embrace of water envelopes him.

"Congratulations! You did it!" the midwife exclaims. "Welcome to the world, little one."

A moment later, I hear the soft, precious sound of his first cries, the melody I've been yearning for. With trembling hands, I lift him from the water and pull him close.

"There you are," I whisper, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Our little miracle."

"Oh, Y/N..." Adrien watches in awe, overwhelmed. "He's perfect."

"Just like his dad," I murmur, smiling as I cradle my son, feeling all the love pooling in my heart—a love I never knew could grow so fiercely.

And around us, our kids' laughter bursts back into the room, echoing the joy of our growing family, ready to embrace this new journey together.