Maxerica

The Rainbow On a Muggy Day

"Can you get me some more cookies?"
"Of course miss," the maid says after refilling my tea.
"Thanks," I say.
She leaves.
I'm watching movies all day. That's the plan at least. Maxon's in a meeting so I've got some me time. I'm past my due date, and my stomachs ready to pop. Even though I'm on bed rest, I get up to walk around the room every now and then. It's a little difficult, but I hold onto things.
The maid comes back with more sugar cookies shaped like snow men for the holidays. Christmas is in three weeks. I'm so excited.
I eat some cookies then get up and walk a bit. I rub my stomach. It's been feeling extra tight today, which is one of the most uncomfortable things in the world.
I look out over the garden from the window. It's really cloudy today, I think it'll rain. I love the rain. It's so relaxing.
I go back to the bed. As soon as I sit down, my crotch gets wet. My jaw drops and I look down.
Did my water just break?
Suddenly, pain shoots up my side.
"Ah!"
The guard runs in.
I'm holding my stomach, breathing heavily. It hurts so bad. It fades.
"Lady America?" the guards says concerned.
"Get a doctor."
He runs out.
After a few minutes of deep breaths, the doctor comes in with a few nurses.
I'm already in a dress, so they have me lay down. The doctor checks everything and says it'll be awhile.
"Should I get the king?" the guard asks.
"No, tell him once his meetings over," I say.
For awhile I just sit there watching the movie, rubbing my stomach and gripping the blankets during a contraction. They slowly get closer together.

"America!"
Maxon rushes over to my side. The contractions are only five minutes apart now.
"Hey Maxon," I say.
"You should've gotten me immediately."
There's panic in his eyes.
"I'm fine. They're just now starting to get bad."
"That's not fine America. You're in labor.
"Please don't be mad at me."
He sighs.
"I'm not my dear."
I get a contraction and grip the bed.
I can tell he's worried and doesn't know what to do.
Once it stops I look at him.
"Maxon," I say, tears threatening to spill.
"What is it?"
"I'm scared," I admit. I look away from him.
"About what?"
"Giving birth. Being a parent. I don't know if I can do it."
"Well, that's alright."
I look at him again. He smiles.
"I know you can," he says.
I smile until another contraction hits. I wasn't prepared for this one, especially how hard it hit. I scream in pain. Maxon looks horrified. I say I'm fine between heat breaths.
Maxon rubs circles on my hand with his thumb. He had someone open a window to let some fresh air in. I think the sound of the rain hitting the Earth is far more comforting than the cool air blowing in.
After half an hour of Maxon comforting me, the pushing begins.

Once both of them are out I close my eyes and catch my breath. Once I feel better I let my eyes flutter open.
"How are you feeling?"
I look at the source of the question, Maxon.
"Fine," I reply.
"You did great darling."
He stands up, holding a baby. He puts it in my arms. This baby has little blonde curls and brown eyes. He's a mini Maxon. I smile.
Maxon picks up a smaller baby with brown hair and hazel eyes.
"To bad it's so muggy outside."
"They're our bright rainbow in the mugness."
"That doesn't help with pictures in the garden."
"Is that all you care about?"
"Not ALL I care about. But yes, I care about the pictures. Which reminds me."
He puts our little girl on my other arm, so I'm holding the both of them. He grabs his camera. I groan.
"I'm gross and sweaty. No."
"Yes. This is a big moment in our lives."
"Ugh. Whatever."
I smile a bit as he takes the picture.
"Are we sticking with the names?" he asks, looking at the picture on his camera.
"Yup."
"Eadlyn Helena Margarete Schreave and Ahren Calix Schreave."
"Perfect," I say.
He puts the camera down then looks at our little baby girl.
"She looks just like my mother," Maxon comments with tears in his eyes.
"She's beautiful."
"Just like her mommy."
"And our little boy is handsome, just like his daddy."
We smile at each other.
"We're parents Maxon."
"That we are."