Free Falling

Radiant

Before Dr. Porter could answer, a little cry came from the newborn. It sounded weak and that worried everyone in the room.

"Your baby is having some trouble breathing." Dr. Porter said. "We are taking her to the NICU to get the help she needs."

Jessica sobbed as Danny tried to calm her down.

"Jessica, we are going to take really good care of your baby girl." One of the nurses said. "We will update you with some news as soon as we can."

Another nurse rushed out of the room with the baby in her arms. She rushed to the NICU to get the help the baby needed.

"Jessica, I need you to calm down, okay." Dr. Porter said. "You still need to deliver the placenta. I know you're worried but you're not out of the woods yet. You need to concentrate on yourself for a moment."

*In the waiting room*

Shannon was holding Rick's hand tightly; he was very nervous about his mother and new sibling. Rick gave Shannon a small smile then he leaned in and kissed her lips. They pulled away and looked at each other lovingly. No matter how many arguments they had and how close they thought they were to getting a divorce, it was in this moment that they realized that they could get through anything.

Their marriage was strong enough and they knew that their dream of becoming parents would happen someday.

John and Abigail sat next to each other and were sending silent prayers for a safe delivery.

Suddenly, they looked up when they heard a door open then a nurse rushing away from the room. They could just make out a baby bundled up in some blankets.

They stood up and John asked. "Was that mom's room?!"
"Yeah, oh my gosh. What's happening?!" Abigail said in a panic.

A few seconds later, Sarah walked out of the room and ran over to the waiting room.
Sarah volunteered to let everyone know what was going on.

"Jessica is doing fine. She just needs to deliver the afterbirth." She said with tears in her eyes. "The baby however is having trouble breathing. They rushed her over to the NICU."
"Her?" Shannon asked. "It's a girl?"
"Yes." Sarah said with a nod. "It's a girl. Now, we all just have to pray that the baby will pull through."

Sarah decided to stay with everyone in the waiting room until they moved Jessica into another room. Evan hugged Sarah for comfort; she was really scared for her best friend and the baby.

A few minutes later, Jessica delivered the afterbirth. Danny of course by her side the whole time.

Jessica was cleaned up and moved into a new room where she waited anxiously for news on her baby girl.

Sarah and Evan decided to stay in the waiting room while they gave Jessica's children some space so they could be there for their mother.

Abigail, Rick, John and Shannon went into the room and comforted Jessica to the best of their abilities.

"I want to see my baby!" Jessica sobbed. "I need to know if she is okay."
"Mom, please calm down." Rick said. "You're going to make yourself sick."
"I just need to see her!" Jessica said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Jessica was so tired and emotional; she didn't know how much more waiting she could take.

Danny's hand squeezed Jessica's hand a little tighter. Jessica looked over at Danny and looked into his eyes.

"It's going to be okay, Jess." Danny said. "If she is anything like her mother then I know she will pull through. She has Lange blood in her and I know your baby girl will be okay."