Till Baby Do Us Part

The Drift

I looked at Tay as he scrolled through his phone, and I shook my head. How pathetic. I was certainly done with his bullshit and carelessness. I looked at him one more time before standing up to leave. I still needed to go to the hospital. I grabbed the babies' bag and a little bag I packed for myself, unsure how long we would stay there, and made my way to the front door.

"New, where are you going?" Tay asked.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "The hospital, of course," I said, putting on my shoes, ready to leave.

"I'm coming with you," Tay said.

He quickly put his shoes back on and made his way to the door. I looked at him, a little irritated.

"Go and change your clothes, Tay."

"Oh, don't worry, I'm not uncomfortable," he replied.

Right now, I couldn't care less about his comfort. I wasn't going to let him go to the hospital all dressed in a suit while I looked like mashed potatoes. Was he trying to show everyone that he was the 'working husband' while I was just a mere 'househusband'?

"Well, I'm not comfortable with you dressed like that. So change, and be fast about it. I'm heading to the car."

"Let's use mine. I'll drive us there. Here's the key," Tay replied, handing me the key before rushing to the bedroom to change.
The drive to the hospital was tense. Tay seemed worried, glancing at me occasionally, but I didn't bother easing his mind. Let him worry. He deserved it after leaving me to handle everything alone. It felt like forever before we finally arrived at the hospital.

I didn't wait for him as I rushed into the pediatric ward, heading straight to the room where the twins were admitted. Tay trailed behind.

"New, you're back," my mom greeted, standing from her chair to take the bags from me. She had been at the hospital all day, handling what Tay couldn't.

I cast a glance at Tay, who hadn't even thought to help me carry anything. Maybe he was too wrapped up in his worry, or maybe, more likely, he just didn't care enough to notice. This wasn't the first time.

"How are the kids, Mom?" Tay asked, his
voice soft, worry clear in his eyes.

"They're good, you don't have to worry" my mom replied with a smile.

"Thank you for being here," Tay replied, his hand briefly touching her arm in acknowledgment. "We got here as fast as we could."

My mom gave him a tight smile. "I know. The important thing is you're both here now."

"Tay, New," Inn greeted us. I was surprised to see him. When I couldn't reach Tay earlier, I had called Inn, but he had been busy with work.

"You still came?" I asked, surprised.

"Of course. So, what happened?" he asked.

Tay, who had sat down in the chair my mom had vacated, turned to me as well, clearly wanting an explanation.

"It was a stomach bug, but it was serious. Both of them got it at the same time. I swear it's like they're telepathic, being twins and all," I tried to joke, but my exhaustion showed.

I hugged Inn, finally letting the tension of the day melt away. I had been too busy to even process my fear earlier, and now, wrapped in my friend's arms, I felt a little relief.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tay shift uncomfortably. He turned back to the twins, who were still sleeping, and kissed their foreheads. I knew he loved them—he adored them—but love wasn't enough anymore. Not with the way things had been.