Paragon

Chapter 37

"Well, it's finally October," Olivia states, leaning back onto the cushions. I nod, watering the plants in the house. "Not even a full month to go."

"Oh, and I'm so ready. My back is killing me. I can't stop eating. I'm always falling asleep- everywhere. I have to pee all the time."

She laughs, shaking her head. "Do a countdown. The 29th is only what- three weeks away?"

"Almost two."

"Jesus, are you guys ready?"

I nod. "We are. I'm getting into that nervous stage. I'm scared."

"For what part?"

"Labor," I admit, laughing.

"I'd be scared too."

Setting down the container, I nod, feeling Sophie kick again. "She has to be grumpy today or something because she is kicking so hard."

"Tell her to stop."

I rub my stomach, taking deep breaths. "She's doesn't have an off and on button, Oli. It doesn't work like that."

"Come sit down. Maybe it's because you've been up, moving around so much."

I nod, not faulting her observation and make my way over to the couch. "When does Stellan get back from France?"

I take a seat, smiling. "Today, thankfully. I've been going crazy. A week is too long."

"To you. I find it refreshing when Chris goes away on business."

"Well, considering you've been dating for a month, that's not a really good thing," I mutter, smirking.

"No, no, no, I like him. Just sometimes I need some 'me' time, you know?"

My lips turn down amusingly and she rolls her eyes, groaning. "Of course you don't. You've got the perfect man."

I'm pleased to know I'm happiest when he's around. "Just make sure he treats you right, Oli. You deserve no less."

"I know. I know."

"Well, I hate to kick you out but I gotta. I have to shower before he gets here."

"Ugh, fine. I'm going," she groans, sitting up. I chuckle, grabbing her extended hand, lifting myself up off the couch.

"I'll walk you out."

"Okay, so just so I have this right- you want Marley in the show now, Donna to cater, and Greg decorating."

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll call today and check out what Marley's schedule looks like because you know she's always..."

I stop in my tracks by the kitchen as I hear a splash, a rather large one and water running down my legs in a rush. Gaping in shock, I look up at Olivia, who's staring at the puddle around my feet.

"Oh my god," she gasps, finally looking at me. "Oh my god!"

"Did my water just break?" I exclaim, on the verge of panic.

"We gotta go," she says, looking around frantically. "Where's the bag? Where's the bag?"

I point to the living room, stepping out of the water as she sprints for the bag. I feel no pain... Aren't you supposed to be having contractions by now if it was labor?

"It's too soon!" I utter nervously as she grabs my arm, ushering me towards the door. "It's not time yet."

"Your water just broke. It's time!"