ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

24. It's time

P.O.V. MAYA DELUCA-BISHOP

The sound of water falling on the floor made me turn automatically, my heart shooting in my chest. Carina was standing in the kitchen, her eyes wide and her hand holding the counter to support herself.

For a second, my brain didn't process what was happening. And then reality hit.

- Amore mio... - she started, with the trembling voice, but she didn't even need to finish the sentence.

I already knew. Her water broke.

My body went into automatic mode. Everything we have been preparing in the last few weeks, all the birth plan that we have organized so carefully, came to my mind as if I were reviewing a mental checklist.

Plan for the birth. Table. Pillows. Baby's bag. Keys. Liam. Call Andy. Call Miranda and Ben.

I took a deep breath, trying to concentrate so as not to panic. I looked at Carina, who was now breathing deeper, trying to keep calm.

- It's all right, my love - I approached her, holding her hand firmly and giving a quick kiss on her forehead - Let's do this as we planned. It will be all right.

She nodded, eyes fixed on mine, trusting me as always did.

I quickly went to the kitchen table and took the clipboard that was hanging on the hook next to the door. The birth plan was there, ready, with every detail noted. We had rehearsed for this moment more times than I could tell, but now that it was really happening, it was different.

- Ok, first... Favorite pillows - I murmured to myself, eyes scanning the list - Where do we leave the pillows?

- In Liam's room - Carina said with a heavy breath, squeezing her hand on her belly as another contraction seemed to begin.

— Okay, I'll get them - I ran out to the guest room, coming back in a few seconds with the pillows in my hands. I put them in a bag and threw the package next to the delivery bag, which was ready for weeks - Pillows, check. Bag... It's ready.

My wife gave a slight smile, but I could see the tension growing in her shoulders as another wave of pain began to manifest. We didn't have much time.

- Now the keys... - I went to the dresser near the door and found the keychain with ease, throwing it in the pocket of the pants - Check.

Liam was playing in the living room, oblivious to the tension that took over the house. He was stacking blocks of wood and laughing alone, not knowing that his sister was about to arrive.

- Liam, come here - I called you with the softest voice I could, trying not to let the rush of my life show. 

He looked at me with curiosity, and then stood up with difficulty, coming towards me with his stuffed dinosaur in hand.

- Mamma? - he said, pointing at Carina, who now sat carefully in the nearest chair, his hands resting on her belly.

- Yes, mamma is fine, we just need to go to the hospital because your little sister is coming - I leaned down on his height and gave a quick kiss on his cheek - Now you will spend some time with Aunt Miranda and Uncle Ben, ok?

He didn't seem to understand very well, but smiled back at me. I put him in the cart, arranged his toys and quickly returned to Carina, who let out a low moan as another contraction began.

Andy and Bailey.

I picked up my phone, quickly dialing Herrera's number while keeping an eye on my wife.

- Andy, it's now - he said, without blunts, as soon as she answered - Carina's water broke. I need you to come over here soon, but Miranda and Warren need to stay with Liam.