This Thing Called Love (ON HOLD INDEFINITELY)

chapter sixteen

NOW

"Do you know what room she's in?" I asked Tobias as we pulled into a visitor's parking area.

Tobias turned his Range Rover off and I immediately jumped out the car. On the way over I found a pair of sneakers I left in here before. Though it didn't match my dress, or look particularly pleasing, I tore my heels off and wore them anyways. I had a feeling that it was going to be a long night and wearing my heels throughout the whole thing wasn't part of my agenda.

"No, I don't. Didn't Noel tell you her birthing plans?" He asked, jogging up so that he could come besides me.

"Yeah, she did," I sighed. "But have an early birth wasn't part of it, so now I'm unsure of everything."

Tobias wrapped his arm around my torso and pulled me in closely. His lips left a soft, gentle kiss on the top of my forehead.

"It's going to be fine, sweetheart," he assured me. "It's Noel. She's going to be a great mom."

I smiled at the thought as we continued to lead through the hospital. I couldn't deny that. She was definitely going to be a great mom with her bubbly personality and keen eye.

After gathering the basic information of where Noel was and if we were allowed, we hurried to the third floor, where Noel was currently still facing contractions. I knew she planned to have a natural birth, but I didn't know if that was going to be the case. As we stopped outside of her hospital room, I heard ear piercing screams. I winced, before charging into the room.

Inside, I saw my best friend with sweat lathered all over her tanned complexioned body. Her legs were spread apart and she had a death grip on Scott's hand. Pain was written all over her face and the first time in six years I was glad I didn't experience my own laboring.

"You're still too far out," the OBGYN told Noel, sliding her gloves off. "It looks like this would be a long labor."

Tobias and I stayed by the door, unaware as to where our place was. The OBGYN left after Noel asked her a series of long questions.

"I'm here," I suddenly announced, reaching Noel's other side.

I grabbed her hand and saw a weak, grateful smile come on her face. But it vanished soon, as she felt another unpleasant feeling.

"It's too soon," she cried, laying back down. "Micah wasn't supposed to be born for another two months!"

I shushed her while running my hand wearily through her forehead. Scott looked panicked as he glanced up at me. Tobias, however, stepped in before I could try and comfort him. He placed his hand on Scott's shoulder, catching him off guard. Once Scott realized who it was his shoulders suddenly relaxed and for the first time since we came I could see a little weight life off his shoulders.

"It's okay, Noel. Just breathe."

~*~

Three hours later and Noel was still suffering. Every time I thought she was about to drift off to sleep she felt a pain of discomfort and I finally had enough. I couldn't watch my best friend suffer anymore. I told her I was going to be right back. Scott took my place and held onto her hand tightly as I looked for her OBGYN.

Tobias took Olivia home a little bit after we arrived. There wasn't much Tobias could do at this moment. Olivia was thrilled. Her daddy was finally in a great mood and she was going to take advantage of that.

"I need Dr. Coates, ASAP please," I told the nurse at the nurses station.

She nodded her head and picked up the phone, ready to page her back to Noel's room. I sighed, exhausted from everything that happened recently. From the events that happened at the work Gala to Noel going into labor, I didn't know what to expect next.

What was Silas going to tell me? The way he acted was very unlike him. His whole demeanor was different. In fact, I never seen him like that before. He seemed nervous, and for someone who was acting so confident the entire night that surprised me.

"Hey."

I turned around and was greeted with an outstretched hand with a coffee cup placed in it. My eyes scanned up slightly and I saw Julian smiling warmly down at me.

"It's chai. I had one of my interns go to the cafe a couple blocks away. Enjoy."

I smiled softly before taking a sip. I closed my eyes on content. Even after all these years Julian knew exactly how I enjoyed my chai; two packets of sugar and a little bit of half and half milk.

"Thanks. Not just for this," I said, raising my cup. "But for taking care of Olivia too, once she came here."

Julian shrugged easily, indicating it was no big deal. "She's a good kid."

Outside of Noel's room, I could see her and Scott having a deep conversation. Noel was using her hands furiously as talked to Scott. Scott tried to calm her down, by grabbing ahold of her hands, but that only made her more angry.

"They've been fighting you know," Julian mentioned. I frowned, not believing what he was saying.

"You've been so busy with Tobias and your own life go even realize it, which is fine. But Noel needed you for the past two months. Hell, even Scott needed you. He's been over my house almost every week. Though Rebecca won't admit it, I know she wants him out."

"What... How?" I gasped, slowly walking forwards.

Scott was pacing around now and Noel had her arms crossed. As I stared at the two of them I could faintly see Tobias and I in their place.

"I still don't know the full story. Scott doesn't enjoy sharing his personal life so easily. I remembered that since we were kids. But I have a feeling it has to do with the child Noel is currently carrying."

If I wasn't confused before I was definitely confused now. I turned my head back towards Julian and this time he met my eyes.

"I don't think Scott ever wanted kids. Noel, sure, but Scott? I think he always envisioned of having Noel all to himself. Now with baby Micah on the way I don't know what he'll do."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, my heart beating loudly now. Julian sighed, his eyes low and desperate.

"I have no idea, Reign."

Short chapter I know. And it's been almost a month since I've posted anything. With college starting back up again it's been hard. But, there's a blizzard that's affecting where I live so I decided to make use of this time and write.

The next chapter will be NOW again, since I have no inspiration in a BEFORE scenario.

Please vote/comment and I hope y'all are having a safe New Year.