Roles Reversed

35

The next morning when I got out of bed, I was careful not to step on Shay, whom I thought was on the floor beneath me.

I became curious when I noticed the empty sleeping bag.

I threw one of his sweatshirts on over my tank top and shorts and headed downstairs for some coffee.

After I made some, I walked to the back door that led to the porch.

I was about to open it when I saw Jay and Shay sitting out there talking. I couldn't hear them, but I saw their mouths moving. I watched them for a few more seconds before they shook hands and headed back for the house.

I scurried back into the kitchen before they saw me.

"Morning, beautiful," Shay said. He came up behind me and kissed my neck.

Jay glared at him but didn't say anything.

"Do you want some break-" Jay started to ask but was interrupted by his wife's shouting.

"Jay! Jay help! Ahhh!" Angie cried from the bedroom.

Jay tossed my the keys and Shay a duffel bag.

"Start the car."

We looked at each other in fear but did as we were told.

I started Jay's truck and Shay put the bag in the back seat.

Moments later, Jay came out of the house carrying Angie.

"Lock the house and meet us there later," he yelled to Shay.

He gingerly laid Angie in the back seat of his truck before climbing in next to me.

"Go."

~

We arrived at the hospital about fifteen minutes later.

Jay had called to have people waiting for us when we got there, thankfully.

I watched worriedly as they lifted my sister-in-law onto a mobile bed. Jay held her hand the whole time.

We walked into the maternity ward together. I was told to stay in the waiting area by myself.

Jay and the nurses disappeared behind big white doors.

I was scared. What if she had lost the baby? Was she going to be okay?

I didn't realize I was crying until someone wiped the tears from my face.

Shay wrapped his strong arms around me and my heart stopped racing ever so slightly.

I locked my arms around his neck and cried.

He just held me until I couldn't cry anymore.

About an hour later, Jay came back out from the doors.

His eyes were red from crying.

I jumped up to hug him.

"Is Angie okay? Please Jay, tell me she's okay," I sobbed.

He started to cry.

"She's going to be alright, kiddo," he said.

My next set of tears were tears of joy.

We all sat down together in the waiting area.

"What about the baby?" I sniffled.

Before he could answer me, a sweet looking nurse came out from behind the doors. She looked at her clipboard.

"The family of," she looked again, "Angela Jacobs?" she asked.

"Yes?" Jay said as all three of us stood up.

"Are you the husband?" she asked Jay.

"I am."

"Well then, Mr. Jacobs, would you like to meet your baby daughter?"

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