Helpless

Chapter 10: Baby Shower

Waking up to the sounds of birds chirping, the sun shining in my window, no kids screaming. It's a dream come true. I can't remember the last time I got to sleep in until 9. The only reason this is happening is because my mom took the kids for the weekend so I could help out with Nora's baby shower.

I cannot wait to meet my godchild. And yes of course they made me the godmother. I mean hello, I am Nora's best friend. That obviously means that Benji is the godfather. Anyways, they decided to not find out about the gender until the baby is born.

No offense to anyone who waits, but I couldn't wait with any of my children. I don't see how anyone can! I mean I get way too excited and absolutely need to know as soon as possible.

Hopping out of bed, I walk over to my closet to decide what I'm going to wear. It's pretty nice outside today, according to my weather app, so I go for my yellow maxi dress with small spaghetti straps and my favorite pair of wedges.

I shower quickly and do my hair and makeup. For my hair, I decide for a soft bun and curl the pieces of hair around my face. I go pretty light on the makeup because I'll probably just sweat it off anyways with all of the running around I'll be doing. I have to make sure this is perfect. Absolutely nothing is going to ruin it. I'm determined.

****

Making my way downstairs, I poke my head around every corner wondering where Conner went. I go into the kitchen to find a note on the counter with my husbands hand writing on it. Just a quick scribble saying that he was going out and not to wait up. I glance over my shoulder at the clock on the microwave. What is he doing going out this early? I think to myself.

I shake it off because honestly, it's probably better that he's not around for Nora's baby shower. I'm sure he would find a way to screw something up.

I make myself a bowl of cereal and sit at the island. While eating, I flip through a magazine when my phone starts ringing. It's Nora.

"Hey, girlfriend. What's going on?"

"Ella!" my best friend shrieks in my ear. "Everything is going wrong. Please come over now," I sigh. Nora can sometimes be a little bit dramatic about things. Especially now that she's pregnant.

"Nora, I'm sure nothing is wrong. But of course I will be over as soon as I can. Everything will be perfect today. Don't worry so much sweet pea."

"Okay okay. You're right. I... I just need to breathe."

"Exactly. See you soon," I hang up the phone and put my dishes in the dishwasher. Grabbing my car keys and my purse, I head out the door.

****

"Done!" I shout with excitement. I finally finished decorating the rest of the house. Yellow balloons and streamers are lining the walls, the present table is up, food is prepared, now all we do is wait for the guests to arrive.

Nora sighed with relief. "It looks amazing El," she said hugging me. I can see her eyes start to fill up with tears.

"Oh no not the crying again," I say," C'mon... I know you're hormonal but I hate seeing you cry."

She quickly wipes away her tears and smiles. "Okay, I'm good." And with that the doorbell rings. Nora rushes over to see who the first guest is. "Hi momma!"

Nora and her mother are extremely close. Like they're the kind of close that I hope me and my children are one day.

Her mother, Lucinda, hugs her daughter and brushes the hair away from her face. "How is my baby doing?" Holding Nora's stomach she continues, "And my grandbaby?" Nora smiles and chats with her mom as they go into the kitchen.

I proudly look around the living room once more before answering the door for the rest of the guests.

***

"Phew, that was exhausting," Nora says plopping down on the couch next to me.

The entire living room is filled with amazing gifts from all of Nora's friends and family. "I think you're going to be set for awhile with all of these diapers and onesies," I say holding up a onesie that says "Worlds Cutest Baby"

Nora laughs and holds up another one. "Yeah I hope so... I'm getting a bit nervous now that I see all of these teeny tiny things," she sighs.

"That is absolutely ridiculous," I scoff. "You were born to be a mom, Nora," I say rubbing her belly.

Suddenly I feel a big kick. I smile and look up at Nora. "Oh my gosh! This is the first time I've felt the baby kick," I say excitedly.

"I know! The baby has been super active lately," she proudly says. "Even though I'm a little terrified, feeling the baby kick is so exciting," Nora starts to yawn. I don't blame her, I'm exhausted and she must be way worse since she's carrying around the extra weight.

I rub her shoulder and give her a big side hug, "You should probably go lay down, your hubby should be home soon," Parker went out with some friends so the girls could enjoy the shower.

Nora nods and gives me a hug. She thanks me for all of my help and off to bed she went.

***

After I pick up the kids, I get them all ready for bed so I can finally settle down. Conner is still not home. I should be worried, but after the last few days that we have had together, I honesty just feel relieved. I've never lived on my own, and I can't help but image what my life would be like if I finally grew a pair and filed for divorce. It shouldn't be this hard. However, I don't want to tear my children away from their father. They don't know him like I do, thankfully.

I check on the kids one last time before heading to bed. Sprawling out, I take this time by myself to just relax. I think of how lucky I am to have such amazing kids and such good friends. I ignore the fact that my husband is a monster, and for the first time in a long time I fall into a deep sleep with a smile on my face.