New Beginnings

Part 8

The last month of pregnancy felt like an eternity. The waiting game and just keeping Elisa comfortable in the last weeks. Sato came on a weekly basis to make sure things were proceeding normally.

For a few months, Elisa had felt Rose's feet kicking her in the ribs, diaphragm, and lungs, but by the 38th week, she had descended into the pelvis, ready for birth soon. Now there was constant runs to the bathroom, pressing on the bladder.

Elisa felt really uncomfortable. She wondered if she would ever gain her figure back after this.

Diane and Peter were also constantly waiting near the phone to hear if Elisa was in labor. They wanted to be at the castle when the time came. Diane was going to be part of the birth too.

September 17th came and went. That was Elisa's due date, but it wasn't to be.

Everything was fine, just Rose wasn't ready to be born yet. If Elisa didn't go into labor by the 25th, she would be induced. They were opting for a normal delivery rather than a c-section. If there had been more gargoyle features, it would have been a c-section a few weeks ago.

September 23rd turned out to be the day that Rose decided to come into the world.

Elisa had gone into labor in the morning hours after the gargoyles had all gone into stone sleep. Dr. Sato and his team came to watch over Elisa and Rose for the day.

Diane and Peter were called that the baby would be born soon. They also called Talon and Maggie, and Beth. For Talon and Maggie, coming to the castle in daylight was risky. They would come after nightfall.

Diane, Peter, and Beth came to the castle to show Elisa their support. She was mighty glad to see them. She wanted her mom with her through this. Diane wouldn't miss this for the world.

Fox had been helping too. She was her birth coach.

Elisa really wanted Goliath to be in here too, but his stone sleep prevented it. It was a long day ahead. She was only at five centimeters.

Sato checked her every so often and she was getting further along, but after six centimeters, she finally had the epidural to relax from the pain.

Around sunset, Owen went out to the parapets. The clan awoke and he gave the joyous news. The baby was on the way. There would be no patrols tonight. Goliath was off to the medical ward in a flash. So was the clan.

Brooklyn and Katana went to the rookery to see Taichi. They brought her to the waiting room near the infirmary. Bronx and Fu-dog came with them.

Elisa was so pleased that Goliath made it to the labor. "How are things going? Are you alright, Elisa?" he asked, concerned.

"Everything's fine, Goliath. At least you weren't in here when I was in pain earlier." Elisa said. "I'm glad you're here now."

"But how is it you're not in pain now?" he asked.

"She had an epidural." Fox replied.

"Epi-dural?"

"It's an injection the doctor gave her to let her have some pain relief. The contractions get really intense." Fox stated.

"How's the baby?"

"She's fine. I'm getting close to delivering her. Just not there yet. At eight centimeters." Elisa said.

"I still don't understand that." Goliath said.

It was further explained to him by Dr. Sato how it worked. "Okay. I understand now." Goliath replied after the explanation.

Sato went out after his exam on her and told the clan what was going on. At least they were here for the birth too. It was just the waiting was tedious.