Half the world away

Chapter 26

America again. I resigned from the coffee shop and sold my flat to Patsy. She said that she would miss me. I would miss her too, but I needed to do this.
We found a good OBGYN. The care was totally different than it was in the UK. Childbirth was treated more like an illness over here, where in the UK, you just get on with it. You take folic acid, get checkups every so often, and then give birth, with various pain relief options.
Here, they want to see you at least once a month. Your diet is looked at, prenatal vitamins are prescribed, and the only pain relief option in childbirth is an epidural. Before I even looked at moving here, I had worked out my birth plan. I wanted to be active. Being stationary during labour can make the pain more intense and make labour longer.
My OBGYN here wasn't sure about what I was telling her. She said it may be best to stay in bed for the whole thing. I googled the research and showed her it. She should know all this, anyway.
Her name is Dr Geller. She is a lovely person and one of the best in her field. I still had 3 months left.
We decided to look for a house together so we could both pay the mortgage. Brendon had the means to buy a house outright, but I wanted to contribute.

"This house has 3 bedrooms, a swimming pool and some outbuildings. The kitchen has wonderful cabinets, a kitchen island, and a breakfast bar. There's a utility room just off the kitchen. The living room and dining room are all open plans. There's a downstairs bathroom, an ensuite on the master bedroom, and a family bathroom upstairs." The realtor said, pitching the house as best as he could. The house is beautiful. We went upstairs and looked at the bedrooms. The master bedroom was beautiful. The windows were huge and overlooked the yard. I walked into the ensuite, and it was gorgeous.
"This has recently been remodelled." Katherine Phoenix said. I nodded, and Brendon took hold of my hand.
We went and had a look at the bedroom next to what could potentially be ours.
"This room is ideal as a nursery." Brendon murmured to me. I nodded in agreement. Brendon put an arm around my stomach, rubbing it. I felt our daughter kick as he did it.
"She knows her daddy already." I said, smiling. Brendon kissed my cheek and walked to see the 3rd bedroom.
"What do we think?" I asked Brendon and Spencer, who had joined us.
"The house is beautiful, ideal for your needs." Spencer said. "It's the price, though." I nodded in agreement.
"Yea, it's a lot they are asking for. If it was beach front, then I could understand." I said. Brendon agreed.
"Could we maybe ask if they could go lower?" Brendon said.
"There's only one way to find out." Spencer said.

"Careful with that table!" I said to the removal guys. We bought the house, quite a bit under the asking price, too. A month later, we were moving in. The nursery had been done, and so had Brendons studio in one of the out buildings. I even had my office set up. There was another room off the living room that we weren't shown. It makes an ideal office. I am nearly 8 months pregnant now. Brendon was so protective of me now. I wasn't allowed to do anything. Once we got settled, my parents were coming over for a 3 month stay. They both had enough time saved up to take the time from work.
Along with the movers, there was Spencer, his wife Linda, who I was getting friendly with, Dan Mike and Nicole. I was picking small boxes up and taking them to the correct rooms. As I put a box in the office, I turned around and got such a surprise. Patsy was stood there.
"OMG!"I screeched, and we hugged, then jumped up and down. "What are you doing here, Pats? Why didn't you call me?" I was crying happy tears right now.
"I am over here working, I couldn't wait to see you. I miss you, Gen. Hastings misses you."
Patsy looked at me. "You are glowing, Gen. Pregnancy suits you."
"I don't feel like I am glowing. I feel fat. I can't remember what my feet look like, and my legs haven't seen a razor in, I don't know how long." I laughed.
"May I?" Patsy asked, wanting to touch my stomach. I nodded, and she rubbed my bump.
"This is your Aunty Pats. Gizmo, don't give your mummy too much trouble, will you? Be good and let her rest. Also don't forget to run away to my house when you are 15 and well you know parents." I laughed, and we sat down. Brendon came through to the living space.
"Patsy!" He said and hugged her.
"Babydaddy."Patsy said.
"I love how white trash that sounds." Spencer said. We all laughed and introductions were made. As Mike brought a box in, he saw Patsy and came over to hug her. Dan and Nicole followed suit.