Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 41: A helping hand

"I have to go Hay. I promise I will help you with your dance uniform when I get back ok?"

Hayley sighed at Juliet and then looked down at the colorful red, white and blue fabric in her hands.

"I hope that baby is safe mama."

Juliet nodded at Hayley and headed out the door.

"Me too baby girl."

On her way to the hospital, Juliet ran over in her head the dozens of scenarios that could possibly crop up during this delivery. When she arrived at the hospital, she took a breath and headed toward the admit desk.

"Good. Doctor Burke. Laura Carrolson has been asking for you."

Juliet took a chart and went down the hallway towards the room Laura Carrolson was in. Opening the door, she entered.

"Hi Laura. How are you feeling?"

A woman with dark hair and green eyes stared back at Juliet and blew out a breath.

"What do you think Doctor Burke? I want this baby out of me!"

Juliet put a hand on Laura's and gave her a warm smile.

"I'll call for an anesthesiologist to come and give you an epidural. But first I'm going to need you to scoot down."

Laura sighed and looked up at the ceiling trying to distract herself. Juliet made small talk to help keep Laura focused on something else.

"Where's Jeremy?"

Laura playing with her wedding ring winced and blew out a breath.

"Ow. He's stuck in traffic. He said he feels terrible he isn't here yet."

Juliet gave Laura an apologetic look and helped her lie back on her side.

"I know. I'm sorry. I promise it won't be so uncomfortable once the epidural is onboard ok? Just relax and have a rest. The good news, already dilated to 6 centimeters. I can get the anesthesiologist down here right away."

Laura took Juliet's hand and squeezed it in her own.

"Thank-you so much Doctor Burke. I really appreciate everything you've done for Jeremy and me."

Juliet sympathized with Laura, just like she did with every other mother she helped deliver their children. Something told her this one was going to be different though. She
couldn't put her finger on how though.

"I'll be back to check on you in half an hour. You rest."

Laura nodded and closed her eyes. Noting Laura's vitals along with the baby's in her chart, Juliet set it back on the end of the bed and left the room. She had a full plate today.

Seven babies to deliver and it wasn't even noon. The next room she entered, there was a woman in her mid-twenties named Allison Garson.

"Hi Allison. How are you feeling?"

Allison looked surprised/alarmed and held onto her husband's hands.

"I need to push."

As Juliet went for a pair of gloves, she motioned for one of the nurses to approach her.

"Ann, how far is she dilated?"

Ann looked at Juliet and then back to Allison.

"While you were next door with Laura Carrolson, Doctor Jacobson came in and checked her progress: 9 centimeters. She's already had an epidural but she's still in a lot of pain. Should we give her more local?"

Juliet knew she had to make a judgment call. On the island, it had been much more surreal for her. But all her patients had been in comas and on an operating table.

"No. She's already maxed out on pain medication. We'll have to make-do."

Turning around, Juliet put on a smile and sat down in front of Allison.

"Ok Allison. I want you to listen to me very carefully. I want you to blow through the pain like your blowing out candles on a cake. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Nice and easy now. That's it. Relax. I want you to give me a push. Not too hard and not too fast ok?"

Allison stayed focused on her husband and held his hands so tight she thought they'd break. She let out a scream and gave another push. Then another and another. Juliet put a hand up to stop Allison.

"Ok. Let's take a little break. A couple of minutes and we'll start again."

Allison plopped her head back against the pillow and let a few tears flow. Her husband kissed her forehead and gave her some encouragement.

"You're doing great honey. This baby will be out before you know it. I promise."

Two minutes went by and Juliet resumed her seat in front of Allison.

"Ok Allison. Are we ready to start again?"

Nodding, Allison put her chin to her chest and gave another push. It was another fifteen minutes before a baby's wailing filled the room. Allison let out a sob of happiness.

"That's my Lyn!"
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It was well after midnight when Juliet got home. Tip-toeing inside, she carried her shoes with her into the front entryway. All the lights were off except for a lamp in the living room. Setting her shoes inside the hallway closet, she went into the living room only to find Hayley fast asleep on the couch. Her heart sank. Pulling a blanket off the back of the couch, she draped it over her. Hayley stirred and woke.

"Mama?"

Juliet sat on the edge of the couch.

"Hay its really late. What are you doing up?"

Hayley wiped the sleep from her eyes and sat up.

"I wanted to wait for you. We were supposed to finish my new costume for my next dance competition."

Juliet frowned and tucked a piece of Hayley's unkempt curly blond locks behind her left ear.

"I'm sorry baby girl. The last baby I helped come into the world was having some trouble. So, I had to stay later and help make sure that baby was ok. Work is very important. But so are you and your sister. I promise, tomorrow after I've gotten a little bit of rest, we'll work on your costume ok?"

Hayley got up and gave a frustrated sigh.

To Be Continued...