Because Of You (Sequel to Love & Lies)

Chapter 35: Due

>> Janine <<

Today.

It started this morning when I woke up to an aching pain in my back.

I turned to Harry who was asleep in the chair beside me and with any energy that I could muster, I call his name, tears threatening to spill out my eyes.

"Harry?" I say, trying to keep my composure. "Harry you need to wake up."

Still, he continues to sleep and I feel guilty to wake him. But it's time.

"Harry!" I screech, feeling a contraction tug away at my insides.

He jumps up, rushing to my side.

I grab his hand, feeling his warmth for what would be one of the last times. "I'm in labor babe. It's happening."

Harry's bright green eyes spark with excitement before realization hits him. Tears begin to well up in his sad green eyes.

I shake my head. "No, don't cry. Just get the nurse, this is our baby girl Haz. We can't let my fate ruin her day."

He nods and heads out to find the nurse.

*

Four hours and several contractions later, I found myself arguing with Harry and the doctors.

"I don't want a C-section, I'm going to die either way! I don't understand why I can't have a natural delivery." I say, trying not full on blow up on everyone in the room.

"Jen," Harry says, gripping my hand tightly, "you cannot do this. Not because of you but because of the baby. It's harmful to her. It's bad enough this is harmful to you, but her? Do you want to put her through that?"

I shake my head thinking of the risk of jeopardizing my little girl.

Taking a deep breath, I nod. "Okay, I'll do it."

The doctor steps out of the room to get the operation room in order for my C-section, giving Harry and I some time alone.

He squeezes my hand giving me a weak smile. I give his a small squeeze back, stroking the back of his hand with my thumb.

"I'm sorry." He says, his green eyes filled with sorrow.

I look up at him, watching my man sulk like a boy. "For what?"

"For everything. From the time we met, all I did was cause you pain and just when I thought that we could start our lives in the best way possible, all I've done is cause you pain yet again." Harry says, his eyes flickering to my swollen belly.

"Oh baby," I gasp softly, "never. The moments I've spent with you are some of the best moments I've ever experienced in my life. In those moments you given me nothing but happiness and I can't ask for anything more. But mostly, you given me the greatest gift of all." I say, placing my hand on my stomach. "I'll do anything for my baby girl and I know you will too. Knowing that I'll be taking that to my grave causes me no pain at all."

A tear slowly runs down his face as he brings his lips closer to mine. "I love you mummy. Because of you, I'll be the best father I can be to baby girl."

I close the space between our lips, remembering his kiss for what could be the last time.

He pulls away slowly allowing me to still feel his warm breath on my lips.

"I love you daddy. And because of you, I'm the luckiest girl in the world." I say, holding back an abundance of tears.

He pulls away, staring up at the white hospital walls and I can easily tell how hard he's trying to be strong. For himself. For our daughter. For me.