Each Other

CHAPTER TWELVE

Her mom rubbed her back, "You're gonna be okay. Andito lang ako."

Samantha's mom visited her in since she told her about her pregnancy. At first, she was scared of how she would react. But now that she's there with her, she felt relieved.

"Thanks, Ma."

"Kelan ka ba due?"

"In about two months." She sighs but also chuckles, "You're gonna be a Lola."

She laughs, "I'm excited to meet him. Tumatanda na 'ko, panggatlo ko na 'yan. 'Yung kay Jaime pa!"

They laugh.

She's thankful for her Mom. She's been there for her at her worst and celebrated with her at her best.

"Mom, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I-"

Her mom sighed. "Alam mo, wala nanaman tayong magagawa. Nandiyan na 'yan. Atsaka at the same time, ayokong isipin mo na pagkakamali 'yung apo ko."

She shakes her head and looks up to her mom, "No, Ma. Ofcourse not."

Her mom holds her hand, "You'll get through this. It's gonna be hard pero kaya mo 'yan, 'Nak. Ikaw pa?"

—————————————

It was a cold winter morning in Massachusetts and today was Sam's last check up before her predicted due date.

Samantha was more than grateful that throughout this pregnancy, she has her mom, Jaime, and her sister-in-law with her. Deciding to stay in Massachusetts for sometime after her research fellowship was a big step.

"Nervous, Ma?" She asked, as they wait outside her OB-GYN office.

Her mom just smiles, "I just want him to be healthy, that's all."

"Samantha Mariano?" The nurse called and seeing them about to stand up, "We're ready for you."

—-

Check-up was good. Her little boy is healthy and that's all that matters.

"Sigurado ka bang ayaw mo munang umuwi?"

She eyes her mom, "Ma, we've talked about this, hindi ba?"

"I'm just saying kasi baka naman you're just doing that dahil kay Ma—"

"Ma, no. I'm doing this for this baby. I want him—us—to have the best medical care possible when he comes out, in case something goes wrong again."

Yes, again. She was rushed to the ER one time for abnormal spotting and her Alexandra prescribed her with medication for it. It wasn't fun. The side effects were just painful but she knew she had to do it. She knew it was part of this journey and it was more than worth it.