Twist of Fate

A New Perspective

Liam
Niall has been laying around all day, and I'm not sure what to think. Is he tired? Most likely. He's up all night because she won't stop kicking. Is he in labor and won't tell me? Maybe. Am I reading too much into this? Yes.
"Hey, love. How's she doing?" I ask, wandering into the living room. Niall is sitting on the couch with June, and they're chatting about something. He turns, smiling.
"She's doing okay. Kicking strong though. Why won't she come already??" He asks. I smile and wag a finger at his huge belly.
"I don't know. You hear that, princess. Get yourself out, please!" I say. I kiss his head, and head to the kitchen.
"Hey, I'll be right back, Niall. I'm gonna go get a water." June says, and comes after me.
"Hey, what's up?" I whisper, when she comes up behind me.
"Hey. So, he didn't want me to tell you, but he's gotten a few pains these past few hours, according to Harry and Louis. And he got one about 10 minutes ago, and when I asked, he said it'd been a little less than an hour." She informs me while getting water. I nod.
"Thanks, Bug." I say, and she heads back out to Niall. I spend some time sitting in the nursery, just thinking about everything.
"Hey, babe." I hear, as Niall wanders in, and sits.
"Hello, loves. How long have I been in here that they sent my beautiful fiancée to find me?" I ask.
"About 50 minutes." He says, hissing on the 's'. I'm concerned.
"Okay, Niall?" I ask.
"I don't really know, actually. I've gotten a few pains, but they were more cramps than anything." He explains. "But that was more of a contraction than a cramp." He says.
"May I?" I ask, placing my hands over his belly.
"You don't have to ask. You're her Papa." He says. I feel the bottom of his abdomen. Rock hard. A sign of labor.
"Hey. It's rock hard." I say.
"Holy shîtė. Okay. This is really happening." He says. We make our way downstairs, and give everyone a heads up.
"How you doing, Niall?" Zayn asks.
"Um. I'm nervous. But I'm so ready. I'm really trying to not freak out." He says.
"Calm down, babe. Let's watch a movie, yeah?" I ask. He nods, and we end up watching a movie we've seen a million times: 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' because it won't get Niall worked up over what may happen. About half an hour in, Niall makes a noise.
"Okay?" I ask.
"They're about 5 minutes closer than they have been. But that wasn't too bad. Just caught me
off guard because I thought I had longer." He explains. I nod, and intertwine our fingers. About 45 minutes later, Niall's grip tightens a little. He nods when I look at him.
"Little stronger. Would you head upstairs and grab the bag? Just to be safe?" He asks. I nod, and return a few minutes later with our bag, getting attention.
"You guys leaving?" Louis asks.
"Not yet. Just being careful. Let's eat something, it's about supper anyway." I say. I can tell Niall wholeheartedly agrees with eating, and we head to the kitchen. He's on a chocolate cherry smoothie kick, so I grab one from the fridge for him and make us all grilled cheeses. Everyone's is different. Zayn likes his with tomato grilled with it. Gag. June makes her own, like always, and lays bacon on it. Harry and Louis like pepperoni on theirs, and Niall and I go plain.
"That was really good, but I think I'm gonna get some sleep because I think tomorrow is baby day. Night, all. Love you." Niall says.
"Night." We all say.
"Guys. We need a plan for this. How are we going to work with this in case Liam is out tomorrow getting something." Louis says. We all agree.
"How about one of us is here if he's here at all times. Then, we'll call everyone. Sound good? But what if it happens in the middle of the night? Do you all want me to wake you up, or just text you?" Liam says.
"Wake me up." June says. Everyone else wants to sleep.
"I think we have a plan. I have a feeling we're getting close to time, so let's all head to bed and get some rest." Harry says.
"Yeah. Night." I say, and we all head upstairs. Niall is laying on his side, crying. I'm at his side.
"Are we making a mistake? We're only 20! What if something happens to her? To us?" He asks, with his head on my lap.
"Niall. She will be fine. So will you. And me, too. Yeah, we're 20. So what? We've toured the world. But that's no adventure compared to what's about to happen." I say softly. He nods, and we cuddle up. When he's sound asleep, I finally allow myself some rest.
"Argh!" I hear, shooting awake.
"How far apart are they?" I ask.
"20 minutes. I think we need to go." He says. I nod, and we head downstairs. I sit him on the couch and go wake June up.
"June, we're leaving in 5 for hospital. Be ready." I say when she's awake. She nods, and comes out in 2 minutes, in jeans and Louis' Adidas jumper. Her hair is in the midst of being brushed. She throws the brush on the table when she finishes and we are out the door.
About 2 hours later
We just got to the hospital room, and Niall is changing into his gown. They're allowing him to have sweatpants on until he needs to push. I have called Niall's family, and mine, and they'll be here tomorrow afternoon. June texted the boys, and Zayn is on his way, and the others are asleep.
"Liam..." I hear from the room, and walk in to see Niall in his gown and sweats, hooked up to a million beeping machines, and obviously having a contraction.
"Hey love. How you holding up?" I ask, taking his hand.
"Not too great. As soon as possible, I want that epidural." He says. I kiss his head, and nod.
"I think that's a god idea, so you can get some sleep before she arrives." I say. We hear a knock.
"I hear I have a niece being born today!" Zayn says, smiling in the door.
"God here's hoping." Niall groans, as as he opens his arms for a hug.
"Agreed." I mumble in Zayn's ear as he passes to Niall. He smirks, and gives Niall a hug.
"How's it been so far?" He asks.
"Pretty good. I mean, absolutely awful, but pretty good." Niall replies. Zayn's face as priceless.
"What? You make no sense." He says. I laugh until I have tears in my eyes.
"He means it hurts like hėll but he can't wait to have a baby, you idiot." I smile, and he gives me a rather rude gesture with a smile. Niall laughs pretty hard at that.
"I heard there's a party in here?" June asks from the door. "How you doing, Nialler?"
"Ugh." Is all he says. She nods.
"Your Mom and dad will be here tomorrow, and Greg and Denise and Theo about 2 hours before them." She says. Turning to me she says: "Your Mom will be here in about 8 hours, and the rest tonight." She says. I nod.
"Any news from our heavy sleepers?" I ask. She nods.
"Harry is up and he's working with Louis. He hopes to be here within 2 hours. He's stopping for food." She says.
"Ahh!" Niall says, a contraction kicking in. I check my phone. 16 minutes.
About 3 hours later
"Hey, Niall. How's it going?" Wanda, our nurse, asks. He smiles a little, but he's exhausted. It's been almost 5 hours, and he's at a 2 last we checked.
"As good as it can, I suppose." He replies.
"I'm gonna feel around to see how long until we can make the incision, okay?" She asks. He nods, gripping my hand. I run my thumb over the back of his hand.
"What's the magic number?" I ask, as Niall gets another contraction.
"You'd be a four as a woman. We can't do any incision until 8. You'll have a little while." She says, heading out. Niall groans.
"Seriously?! Jesus--they might as-- well start-- pie toes sin--- or whatever." He moans. Pitocin. Haha.
"No ones been born yet, right?" We hear a joking voice from the door. Harry. "Hey, Niallator. You okay?" He asks, wrapping him in a hug.
"Still being stubborn. I'm a 4, so to speak. Awful. But I'm so excited. And terrified." Niall says, as Harry hugs me.
"Where's Lou?" I ask.
"If you look right there, that's them sucking face." He says, pointing. Wow. I hope they know there are others around.
"UGH!" Niall moans. "Go along with it." He whispers. We nod. Louis and June come in.
"Hey, Niall. She still playing hard to get out?" Louis jokes. Niall smiles, and motions for a hug.
"You know it, Lou." He says.
"Hey, nice show you were putting on behind the plant, guys." Harry says to June, who goes the color or a fire truck. We hear loud laughter from the door as Zayn comes in. Now it really is a party. We're all in here joking around and laughing.
"HOLY JESUS!! MOTHERF***ER." Niall screams after about an hour. I'm concerned. He's been a little hazy in between contractions. But it's kinda funny to see my little Catholic boyfriend say this stuff. "Maybe get that anesthesiologist now, yeah?" He groans. June takes my place with his hand and I head to find Wanda.
"Hey, Liam. I heard that scream. Nice mouth he's got, yeah?" She teases as we laugh.
"Best part: he's never said that in his life. I'm trying so hard not to die laughing. Anyhow, could we get that epidural as fast as possible? I think he's gonna pass out soon. He's really not able to handle this much longer." I say. As I finish speaking, I hear a scream. Wanda and I run to the room, and Niall is unconscious. June is sobbing into Louis and Zayn and Harry are sitting by him.
"Everyone clear out except Liam. He's overworked. I'm going for the anesthesiologist. Press the button if he wakes." She calls, heading down the hall. While I wait, I scroll through the list of names. I add the name Faith Mallory to the list. Just because Faith is sticking with me. I need faith that Niall will be up soon, and that our princess will be okay with one kidney. About 10 minutes later, there's a stir.
"Li..." I hear, before a small groan. Niall. I press the button. Wanda comes in with the anesthesiologist.
"Hey love, when this one is over, why don't we get this done, shall we?" She asks. He can't even speak through them now. He can barely nod. He's breaking my hand. When it ends, we help him sit up.
"Drop your head. This may sting a little." The doctor says. Niall has panic all over his face, and he's starting to shake. I take his hands and talk to him.
"Hey... don't focus on that. Focus on me. Focus on the little girl who is making her appearance soon." I whisper. He's fine as soon as I speak. He jumps a little when the catheter is placed, but then he's fine.
"Hey, I thought of a new name. Faith." I say. His face lights up.
"I think that's her name. But let's not call her that until we meet her. Let's surprise her, hmm?" Niall jokes. I nod.
"Hey." Louis pokes his head in.
"Come on in, everyone. I promise I won't pass out this time." Niall says, and smiles. Everyone files in, hugging again, and asking for updates.
"If I was a woman, I'd be at a 6." Niall says, yawning some.
"So you have a little while." Harry says. I nod.
"So we have a name possibly picked." Niall says. "Faith." He says.
"Aww that's beautiful!" June says. Harry does one of those head tilting and hand over heart moves, getting a laugh out of us.
"Hey, I'm bored." I say, with something in mind.
"Seriously? You're child is being born and you're bored. Nice to know where you stand Liam." Niall grumbles, and I smile.
"Well I have an idea to keep everyone else form getting bored. Who's ready?" I ask. They all nod, even Niall.
"I tried playing it cool..." I start. Harry catches on immediately, and sings along.
"But when I'm looking at you, I can't ever be brave-" he joins in. Zayn and Louis catch on, and sing as well.
"'Cause you make my heart race. Shot me out of the sky, you're my kryptonite. You keep making me weak, yeah frozen and can't breathe." We sing together. We don't care about parts, we just want to sing. Then, Niall joins, and One Direction is singing in the middle of a hospital. So calm. Where Niall forgot about his fears, forgot he was in labor. It was just us, like it was before. When we finish, there's clapping from the door. We all go red to see Wanda and Dr. Green there.
"That was awesome, lads. Now, Niall, we good to check you?" He asked. That moment of calm was pretty much gone. Niall looked at me, and all I saw was fear. He was excited. So excited. But right now, he was so nervous, you could only see fear in his eyes. He was starting to shake. I shook my head.
"Can we have a few minutes?" I ask.
"Sure. We'll go check on a few more patients. 20 minutes good?" Wanda asks. I nod, and they exit, closing the door behind them. And Niall breaks. He just starts sobbing.
"Hey... what's wrong baby?" I ask. He shakes his head.
"It's so stupid. We've been talking about this for seven months. But it's just now hitting that this is really happening. That we're going to be parents. I mean, I've said it, but now I can feel it, and it scares me more than ever.." he admits, sobbing. He finds himself engulfed in a hug from me and everyone else. When we break, I take him by the hand.
"Hey. It's normal to be completely terrified. I am too. Okay? Just remember, you are not alone. You never will be. You have me if you don't have anyone else. I promise." I soothe him. He nods.
"And you guys are going to be amazing parents. You're so amazing together, how could there be better parents out there?" Harry adds. Niall manages a weak smile.
"Just remember, even if we might not be in the room, and we're out there, we will still be with you. And in a few hours, we will be back in here, and Liam, your family should be here by then. You guys got this. Just remember that you have the world on your side." Louis says. Niall holds out his arms, and Louis moves into them. I join.
"You guys are going to be fine." He whispers before pulling away. We give Niall some time to kind of calm down, and by the time he's fine, the doctor walks in. He doesn't say a word, just grabs my hand. His grip tightens as they feel around his belly.
"You're a technical 8. We need to go ahead and make the incision. That good?" Wanda asks. Niall nods.
"Would you all be willing to leave for about 10 minutes while we do this?" Dr. Green asks. They nod, and exit. June flashes us a wink as she walks out. They go for the anesthesiologist again, and in moments Niall is shaking.
"Think about her. This isn't about us anymore. Stay strong for our little girl, okay?" I ask. He nods. At that moment, they return with the doctor and a cart of stuff.
"Ready to do this, lads?" The anesthesiologist asks.
"As ready as we'll ever be." Niall says.
"I'm Dr. Lucas by the way. I thought you'd wanna know the name of the guy who was about to cut you open." He smiled. Niall nodded in thanks. "So, basically, I'm going to numb your whole lower abdomen, so you won't be able to feel a thing. I'm going to lower your sweatpants a bit to make the incision, but other than that, you can keep them on. And everything else, feel free to move. But I just need to use two injections. Okay?" He asks. Niall grip tightens, but he nods.
"If you need to close your eyes, that's fine. Most people do." Wanda adds. Niall looks relieved, and shuts his eyes. Dr. Lucas pulls out a syringe with a really long needle. He places it into the skin, and Niall takes a sharp breath. I can't watch this. I focus on our hands. Another very sharp breath. I focus on him. Then we're good. His eyes fly open, my head comes to meet them. His eyes give a silent message. 'I'm okay' they seem to say. I nod.
"Can you feel that?" Wanda asks.
"Feel what?" Niall asks.
"I was pinching you so hard it left red marks." She laughed. I look to were she's pointing.
"If you didn't feel that, you're numb." I chuckle. He smiles. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" I whisper. He nods. "Well I said it again."
"Niall, find a comfortable position to be in, because you won't be able to move around until this over. Okay?" Dr. Lucas tell him. Niall nods and readjusts himself. "I'm marking where I need to cut. I'm not cutting yet." He says. We nod. He marks about 6 inches on his belly, and picks up the scalpel. Niall shudders, and I kiss his hand.
"Close you're eyes" I mouth. He does. So do I.
"And done!" Dr. Green says, smiling. "You're good to move around now, but be careful." He instructs. Niall nods. By their estimate, we have about 2 hours left.