Another Chance

Here

Omniscient POV

She could feel the little kicks and movements of the baby inside her—a constant reminder of something she had been waiting and longing for. Darius was in the kitchen making dinner, humming to himself. Something he seemed to be doing a lot of lately.

She smiled to herself. He still couldn't sing as much as he tried.

He had taken on more responsibility around the house as it was difficult for he now. He was a wonderful partner, and Janet cherished every moment they shared. They had built a life together, even with all of its struggles and challenges, it was intertwined with love and laughter. 

Janet lay on the couch, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she tried to find a comfortable position. At eight months pregnant, her body felt like a battleground of exhaustion and anticipation. The faint sound of Darius chopping vegetables in the kitchen floated to her ears. Today, she felt more overwhelmed than ever, and she didn't know why. 

Eissa was recovering from the minor accident that had sent their entire family into a whirlwind of panic. Watching her little boy—her heart, her joy—struggle through pain had been the hardest thing Janet had ever faced. Now, as he played quietly in the living room, she couldn't shake the worry that lingered in the back of her mind, gnawing at her peace. What if something bad happened with her having this baby?

"Hey J, do you want some water?" Darius called, his voice breaking through her thoughts. He had been her rock through the storm, always knowing when she needed a hand or a shoulder to lean on.

"Yes, please," she replied, forcing a smile despite the exhaustion weighing down her limbs. He appeared moments later handing her a glass of water and a look of concern etched across his handsome face.

"Are you okay?" He settled beside her, his hand resting on her belly, feeling the gentle movements of their baby inside. "You've been quiet the last few days."

Janet took a sip, the cool liquid soothing her dry throat. "I'm just so tired, Darius. Eissa's accident really shook me up. I thought—what if it was worse?" Her voice trembled slightly, revealing the emotions she fought to contain.

Darius nodded, his expression softening with regret. He felt like an asshole that it even happened. "I know. I'm really sorry. We got through it. I know to be just a little more careful. Plus he's strong, just like you. And you're doing an incredible job. You're almost there." He leaned in closer, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "I also appreciate you not holding out on me." He smirked. 

"Yeah yeah...whatever." She gave a small laugh. 

At that moment, Janet felt a familiar flutter in her belly, a reminder that soon they would be a family of four. But just as quickly, she felt a tightening sensation, a wave of contractions rolling through her. She clenched her jaw, trying to breathe through it as Darius's hand instinctively tightened around hers.

"Janet?" His voice was laced with concern as he noticed her discomfort. "Is everything okay?"

"I think it's just Braxton Hicks," she reassured him, though a part of her was nervous. "It's nothing serious. It's been happening the last few days. The doctor said it was just false contractions."

Darius's expression changed from worry to determination. "Hang on a moment baby. I'll get the pillows, and we can sit together. You need to rest."

As he moved to gather cushions, Janet couldn't help, but admire the way he cared for her. He had always been attentive, but now, with the impending arrival of their baby, his tenderness magnified.

When he returned, Janet sank into the pile of pillows. Darius settled beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Let me know if you need anything else." He whispered, kissing her forehead.