The Ex-Husband of Alice Langley

18

ALICE LANGLEY
I grip the sheets tighter, groaning as another wave of pain surges through me. Taylor is beside me, her hand resting gently on my arm, her voice soft but strained as she tries to console me. "Remember to breathe, hon," she says, starting to mimic deep, slow breaths, hoping I'll follow her lead. But I can't focus on anything but the sharp, relentless pressure. I wish I had an epidural.

I push her hand away, frustration mixing with the pain. "Where's Hunter?" I ask, my voice desperate, a hint of panic creeping in.

Taylor shakes her head, worry etched across her face. "I don't know. He's not picking up his phone. I think the storm knocked out some cell towers."

"Oh god!" I cry out, the pain almost unbearable now. I try to breathe, to steady myself, but all that comes out is another agonizing groan.

"I'm here, I'm here," Paris says, rushing back into the room, her arms full of towels and medical supplies. She looks at me, assessing the situation quickly. "I know it hurts, Alice, but you're doing great. Just keep breathing through it."

"Easy for you to say!" I snap, gritting my teeth as another contraction hits.

Paris sets the supplies down and moves closer, her voice calm but firm. "I'm going to check you again, okay? Just hang in there."

Taylor rubs my arm gently. "You've got this. Just a little longer." But all I can think about is the pain and the fact that Hunter isn't here.

I let out another groan, louder this time, as the contraction peaks. I'm not sure how much longer I can do this.

Paris looks up at me, her expression serious. "You're 10 centimeters."

My heart skips a beat, anxiety washing over me. "I still don't feel like I have to push," I reply, my voice tinged with desperation.

"That's okay," Paris says calmly, trying to reassure me. "It's actually better to wait until you feel like you need to push. Your body will let you know when it's time. But when you do get that feeling, tell me right away. That means the baby is ready, and I want to make sure he arrives safely."

I nod, though the pain is making it hard to think clearly. My hands grip the sheets as another wave of discomfort rolls through me. Taylor sits beside me, rubbing my back, but nothing is easing the tension. The minutes feel like hours as I wait for that undeniable urge to push, hoping it doesn't come too soon.

"Hunter will show up. Don't worry," Taylor says softly, trying to keep me calm, though I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.

Tears blur my vision as I shake my head. "I... I want him to be here. I want to be with him. He's my best friend." My voice cracks, the pain and fear mixing with an overwhelming need for Hunter's presence.

Taylor squeezes my hand, her expression tender but helpless. "He loves you and wants to be here too. I know he does."

But the gnawing ache in my chest is just as strong as the contractions. I need him here, now.

"He should be here," I whisper, my voice trembling.

Taylor brushes a tear from my cheek. "He should, but it's more important that he's there for the rest of your baby boy's life."

I nod, trying to take comfort in her words, but the tears keep coming, trailing down my face. The ache in my heart is just as painful as the labor itself. I wanted Hunter by my side, holding my hand through this.

"It's going to be okay," Taylor adds softly, squeezing my hand. But the fear, the uncertainty, clings to me.

"I think he's coming," I say, feeling the pressure intensify.