The Silence Within

Chapter 25

Amarachi's hand flew over her back. She let out an agonizing scream, her grip over her husband's hand very tight that she could break a bone in his hand. She let out a whimper as another pain shot through her back, teeth grounded together as she tried to hold in a scream. Running down her legs to the floor was water.

"Amarachi, is something wrong" Aunty Dammy who was closer reached for Amarachi and was the first to speak. "You look distressed" she said with worry.

Cynthia moved away from Lola to meet her daughter in law. She was fast to get to Amarachi and held her hand.

"What's wrong Amarachi?" Cynthia asked, care laced in her voice.

"My...my" Amarachi found it difficult to speak. She took in air to fill her compressing lungs and exhaled hard.

"Baby" Makinde called, clasping a hand over his wife's hand. The phrase of endearment had irked his mother. She shot him a look under her eyelashes which many were oblivious to including him "Are you al....."

"Her water has broken!" Mofe announced, eyes wide looking at the floor.

The mood shifted from relieve to panic. Everyone's heart galloped in their chest before worry saturate every part of them. Tola came closer. Everyone's senses became alert at the situation on ground.

"Jesus!" Aunty Dammy exclaimed like she was seeing a woman in labour for the first time.

"Amarachi, you have to get up" Cynthia tried to help. With the help of both her mother in law and husband, Amarachi got to her feet. When another contraction hit her, causing pain to spasm though her back, she let out a tiny yelp. Her back went stiff so also her legs.

"Someone should call a nurse" Richard chipped in noticing what had happened. "Mofe" Richard called.

At the strident call of his name, Mofe sprinted down to call a nurse. Within minutes amidst panic and fear, Amarachi was led down the hallway by the older women except Dammy. She could barely walk. Every second, she let out a whimper and painful cry. A stretcher arrived and she was taken away on it.

While some stayed back to know when Damijo will wake up, others followed Amarachi. Every now and then, Amarachi would shriek, grip her husband's hands as she spew out words of annoyance. Water broke free from her pores including her eyes. The minute she was taken into the delivery ward, they all backed away. Makinde rubbed his palms together. He exhaled pacing the hallway as his wife's kept screaming. Each scream that emitted Amarachi made the hair at the back of everyone's neck rise. Among those who could not settle down was Cynthia. Cynthia tried calming her son down. She would walk back and forth, pray in her heart that her daughter in law gives birth safely.

"This is not going to happen again. I promise you Makinde!" Amarachi screeched with every part of her body.

During the hours Amarachi spent trying to push out another being into the world, Damijo woke up. Rebecca was the first to get to her feet when the news was broken to those around. She let go of Richard's hands as tears broke free from her eyes.

"Thank you so much doctor" she gripped the young man's hand. The young man gave her a smile as she continued to thank him and shake him, more tears streaming down her tired face.

"You are welcome ma'am" the doctor kept repeating.

"Can we see him?" Rebecca asked sniffling.

"Yes, you can"

Those present were few of Damijo's children and grandchildren. Everyone had wanted to get in but the doctor stopped them saying they were too many. They divided themselves into groups. Rebecca went in first. Aunty Dammy, Lola, Aaron and Sarah, followed. The rest stayed back.