Left Behind

Late

August 21st-

"One centimeter." The doctor says

Jessica was back in the same position as she was before. She didn't receive the news she'd want. It was a few days past her due date and she barely made progress. Jessica was so tired of trying. She had given up.

"So we wait until Saturday?" She asks with disappointment.

"If you aren't in labor by Friday night then I will meet you at the hospital Saturday morning."

Jessica nods slowly. "What can I do?"

"What have you been doing?"

"Walking, drinking all kinds of teas, using the birth ball, swimming. I am out of ideas." She shrugs her shoulders

"Sex?" He asks

Jessica looks around and chuckles. "No one to have it with." She says

"I'm sorry... uh, maybe a massage."

"I guess I could try that. But I have a feeling I'm going to be leaving here saying, see you Saturday."

"Yep, I'm sorry Jess. If your water breaks or you get contractions, give me a call."

//-//

Later in the day Jessica got squeezed into an appointment to get a massage. She took Sarah along with her to keep her company.

After their massages they decided to head hack to Jessica's and swim. Aspen came along with them.

Jessica walked in circles in the pool while Sarah played with aspen in the water.

"You love the water little fish!" Sarah says as her daughter splashes around.

Jessica puts one hand on her back to support her and groans.

"Are you okay, Jess?"

"Im getting sick of this." She says in an irritated tone

Sarah walks over to her with Aspen in her arms. "How much time have you spent in this damn pool with a cup of tea in your hand?" Sarah asks

Jessica thinks for a moment. "A week now."

"You know Jess, it's better to just rest. If she isn't going to come on her own it's better to wait."

Jessica gives Sarah a stern look and shakes her head. "I can't do that. I want to meet her, now!"

"I understand that, but you're doing so much and obviously nothing is working."

Jessica sighs and walks over to the stairs of the pool. She slowly walks out and grabs her towel.

"You're right! Nothing I'm doing is working. Thanks for reminding me! Don't you think I know?" Jessica snaps

Sarah follows after Jessica. Aspen begins to fuss. She wanted to be in the water so bad.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I know you didn't. This is just stressful."

"That's my point. You're stressing yourself out trying to get her to come. It's better to just relax these last few days."

Jessica contemplates for a moment then thinks about what Sarah had to say. She knew her friend was right. It was a lost cause at this point. There is nothing more she could do.

"I guess I'll hang up the suit and just rest." She sighs

"It's only best... you want to ultimate stress. If trying to naturally induce labor is stress, it's better to stop."

//-//

Thursday night-

Jessica and her mom were on the couch catching up on some tv episodes. Jessica was of course discouraged, but she had to remember that no matter what she'd meet her baby. It was only a matter of time. Jessica just wished she could avoid being induced medically.

"She's kicking a lot tonight." Jessica says feeling around her stomach.

Dorthy turns to her and smiles. "Can I?"

"Of course."

Dorothy places her hand on Jessica's stomach. The baby gives her a strong kick. "Wow, that's amazing, isn't it?"

Jessica nods "It's hard to believe it's almost over."

Dorthy nods then suddenly and unexpectedly begins to tear up.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Jessica asks

Dorthy wipes her tears and shakes her head. "Your dad would be so proud of you. You've overcome a lot these last nine months. I've never seen such a brave side of you... I know for a fact your dad would tell you everyday how amazed he is. And I know he'd love this little girl just as much as you."

Jessica tears up with her mother as she thinks about her father. Not only did she wish Danny was here, but her father as well. He was her best friend and biggest role model. It hurt knowing that her daughter would never be able to have a father daughter relationship like Jessica did. Jessica's relationship with her father was one of her most important relationship.

"I always dream about them being best friends like dad and I were when I was younger."

Dorthy smiles "I think they'd be the best of friends."

"These nine months went by fast..."

Dorthy agrees "you're almost there, Jessica. You're so close to starting a new chapter of your life. This chapter will be hard but it is the most beautiful out of them all."

Jessica leans in and hugs her mother. They hold each other and taken in on another's embrace. Jessica was so thankful for her mother. She didn't know where she'd be without Dorthy. She helped her through everything and was always by her side. Whenever Jessica needed someone, she was the first one at her door step. Jessica only hoped she'd have the same relationship with her daughter.

//-//

3am-

"Mom!" Jessica cries from her bedroom.

She sits up and turns on a light. She was woken up by terrible pains. Right as she calls her mother she notices that her lower body was soaked. Jessica began to panic. Her heart skipped a million beats.

"Mom!" Jessica cries again as another pain comes.

Dorthy wakes up to Jessica's screams and cries. This was it, she knew it.

Dorthy runs to Jessica's room and swings the door open.

"Jessica!"

"My water broke! she's coming!" Jessica cries

Dorthy pulls off the covers and sees a wet bed. Jessica was hysterical.

Dorthy tries to calm her down all while trying to stay calm herself.

"Shhh, relax. Take deep breaths. Are you having contractions?"

Jessica breathes a bit then nods. "Yes, I think so."

Dorthy smiles "This is it, Jessica. You're going to meet your baby girl."

Jessica cries a bit harder. "I'm not ready. I take it all back. I'm not ready to have a baby yet. I need more time." Jessica says quickly

Dorthy chuckles and takes Jessica's hand. "Don't be silly, Jessica. You're more than ready."

Jessica gets another pain in her abdomen. She hunches over and squeezes Dorothy's hand. Dorthy helps her through and rubs her back.

"You need to breathe."

"It hurts so bad!" Jessica yells

"I know, baby... I'm sorry... just keep it in your mind, it's a step closer to seeing her."

//-//