Another Chance

Isabella Katherine

Janet POV

"A girl? Wow! I still can't believe it. I mean, I always pictured us with a little boy first, to teach him football and how to ride a bike and all that."

"A bike, huh? So you can have my blood pressure up! Doing tricks off of ramps? No, thank you." I quickly interjected.

He laughed quietly. "Well a girl... that's going to be amazing." His smile was radiant, lighting up the room and easing my tension.

"Yeah, I know," I replied, a laugh escaping my lips. "I can already imagine her being a little princess. You're going to be wrapped around her finger, you know that?"

"Not if I can help it," he teased, but the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him. "But I guess I'll be the softie when it comes to her."

The contractions were painful and almost unbearable. It was unlike my pregnancy with Eissa. With Eissa, I was able to do a home water birth using a doula. It was an amazing experience even when dealing with Wissam. I didn't want to chance it in case anything unexpectant happened, especially with me being older. 

Joey quickly got us in the car, my bag in the back seat.

"You good J?"

"Mhmm..."

I leaned against the window, breathing through my contractions, each wave passing intensely.

Once we arrived at the hospital, Joey parked the car and Darius helped me inside, where the staff quickly took charge. They guided me to a private room, and I was soon lying on the bed, monitors beeping around me. I had everything set before so we wouldn't run into any trouble with the paparazzi.

As the minutes ticked by, I realized that the time between contractions was shrinking, and the pressure was becoming more intense.

"Just focus on me. Breathe," Darius said, guiding me through the process. We had practiced together during our birthing classes.

With each contraction, I felt my body responding, urging me closer to wanting to push. 

"Okay, Janet, we need to check how far along you are," the nurse said, moving with efficiency. As the nurse examined me, I felt another contraction, powerful and demanding.

"Darius!" I gasped, gripping his hand tightly.

"I'm right here," he reassured me, his eyes locked on mine, determination shining through. "You're doing amazing."

My labor progressed rapidly. It was happening faster than I anticipated. I had planned for an epidural, but with every contraction, the urgency of the moment overshadowed my birth plan. The nurse came in often to check on me, but everything seemed to be moving too quickly.

"When can I get my epidural?" I asked taking a deep breath. My body felt like it was on fire.

"I'm sorry Ms. Jackson. Per doctor's orders you have to get a liter of IV fluids before we can get that done by the anesthesiologist." After she checked a few things, she left out again. 

My head dropped back in exhaustion.

"This is bullshit!" I couldn't help, but cry. I was fatigued and overwhelmed. "Darius?"

"It's okay baby. I got you."

He tried to soothe me, but it wasn't helping.

To take my mind off of things he asked, "Why didn't you tell me J? That it was a girl?"

"Because I knew how much you wanted another little boy." I mumbled. 

"Look I don't care as long as the baby is healthy. Sit up let me massage your back."