Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 56~

~Emily~

~November, 12th 2023~

The last 3 months have been a whirlwind of love, laughter, and anticipation. I'm standing at the cusp of motherhood, my belly round with the promise of new life.

Aspen Jean Brock, a name chosen with love, dances in our conversations, her presence already a part of the trap house's daily rhythm. After graduation, we vowed to always watch each other's backs, especially after Brynn is born.

Our relationship wasn't exactly approved by our elders. And us having a baby together was even more illegal. As November golden hues paint our world, the trap house has been a hive of activity.

We transformed a room into a sanctuary for Aspen, with walls of soft pastels and the gentlest touches of decor, each piece a testament to the love waiting to greet her.

Colby and I have found solace in each other's arms, our bond deepening with every flutter and kick from within. She was due in two weeks, she'll be a fight that's for damn sure.

Our adventures, like the soothing waves at Hollywood beach and the tranquil hikes in the Hollywood Hills, have been our way of savoring these final days of waiting, of just us before we become three. Isa has been the sparks of joy, our laughter echoing off the walls, turning every moment into a cherished memory. Blake, now seven, brought the spirit of Halloween to life with a birthday bash that was nothing short of magical, our front porch a gallery of jack-o'-lanterns.

The roommates have been my pillars, their support unwavering. From indulging my cravings to soothing my aches, they've been there for every Braxton Hicks, every mood swing, a family not by blood but by choice.

~

The clinking of cutlery and the hum of conversation filled the air as we gathered around the dinner table. Laughter and the aroma of a home-cooked pesto pasta enveloped us, a cozy blanket of camaraderie. I pushed my chair back, excusing myself with a smile, my hand resting on my swollen belly.

"I'll be right back," I murmured, the roommates' nods a silent understanding. Upon my return, fatigue draped over me like a heavy cloak.

I announced softly, "I think I'm going to call it a night, you guys." Smiles and 'goodnights' followed me. The stairs seemed taller tonight, each step a mountain to climb.

I reached the peak, our bedroom, sanctuary, and cradle of our soon-to-be-expanded family. I eased into my pajamas, a soft cotton embrace that was a gentle reminder of the world outside my body's current turmoil.

As I nestled into bed, the minutes ticked by, each one a silent conversation with the life stirring inside me. The weight of the baby seemed to press harder on my aching back, sending sharp pains through my body. I couldn't help but sigh, a mixture of exhaustion and discomfort.

Colby, ever attentive, sensed my distress. "Hey, beautiful," he whispered, his breath a gentle caress against my ear. "You okay, baby? How's your back doing?"

I turned to face him, wincing as the movement sent a jolt of pain through my lower back. "It's awful," I groaned, my voice barely a whisper. "I don't know how much longer I can take this. I want her out already."

Colby's eyes filled with concern. "I know, honey, I know. Just hang in there. We're almost there. Two more weeks." He reached out to rub my back, his touch a comforting balm.

"I'm so tired," I mumbled, tears starting to well up in my eyes. "I just want this to be over."

Colby pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me protectively. "Shh, shh, it's okay," he cooed, his voice soft and soothing. "You're doing great. Just relax."

He began to stroke my hair gently, his rhythmic movements helping to ease the tension in my body. "Remember that breathing we practiced in childbirth class? Try to focus on that."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I can't," I whimpered. "It hurts too much."

Colby kissed the top of my head. "It's okay, honey. Just do your best. I'm here for you, no matter what."