Pray For Me

Something is Wrong

*One week later*
"Timothy," Jude cries, sitting upright in bed. She grips her stomach and sobs. Timothy bolts up, grabbing her arm tightly.

"What's wrong? What's happened?" He asks, frantic.

"Something is wrong with the baby," She sobs, doubled over on the side of the bed.

"Let's go to the hospital," Timothy says, struggling to remain calm. He turns on the lights and sees something that makes his heart drop. Between Jude's legs, a pool of blood has formed on the sheets.

"Oh, God." Jude sobs harder, nearly making herself sick. She coughs and dry heaves, struggling to catch her breath. Timothy crouches in front of her.

"Shh, baby, stay calm, okay? I know it's hard, but we have to go to the hospital and make sure our baby is okay." Jude nods and sniffles, holding her stomach in her hands as Timothy helps her stand up. She shivers and leans heavily against him as they walk down to the car. Timothy grabs a towel for her to sit on and they leave. The car ride to the hospital is silent. Timothy is trying to keep himself calm, and Jude is trying to get her heart rate down. Blood is drying on her legs, and it starts her all over again. She hasn't felt the baby kick since they went to bed.

"Mrs. Howard," The nurse says softly, smiling at them.

"Is everything okay? Is my baby hurt?"

"No, ma'am. Your baby is fine. What seems to have happened is a bit of your placenta tore, we were able to stop the bleeding, but you'll need to be on strict bed rest until you deliver. It was a very small abruption, but even that much can cause lack of oxygen to the baby. You need to do everything to prevent a further tear. Do you hear that, daddy? Make sure mommy stays in bed until your little baby is ready to come out."

"Yes, ma'am," Timothy smiles, squeezing Jude's hand and kissing her cheek. She wipes her tears and nods her head, letting Timothy and the nurse help her up.

Once in the car, Jude feels the baby kick.

"Don't scare me like that, little one," She smiles, lightly brushing her fingertips over her protruding belly.

"Jude?" Timothy asks, turning to her once he pulls into the driveway.

"Hmm?" She asks, looking up and smiling softly at him. Timothy tears up, and starts sobbing. "Aww, babe," She says, pulling him into her chest. He wraps his arms around her and cries. Jude comforts him and giggles when the baby kicks her.

"Say 'everything is fine, daddy.'"

Timothy wipes his cheeks and kisses her forehead before placing his hand on her stomach. Timothy helps her out of the car and into the living room.

"I'll clean up the room for us," Timothy says softly, helping her onto the couch.

Jude's natural instinct is to be independent, but for the next 19 weeks, she'll be completely reliant on Timothy. Jude slouches down on the couch and caresses her baby bump, singing to the baby softly. Timothy smiles and listens to Jude from the top of the stairs.

"Jude, the room is ready," He smiles, coming up behind her. She smiles up at him and pulls herself to her feet.

"I wish we could dance right now," Jude pouts, resting her forehead on his shoulder and leaning into him. Timothy smiles sadly and strokes her hair softly.

"I know, love, but I'd rather have out baby be healthy and safe."

"Me too," Jude smiles, giggling lightly when Timothy picks her up gently. "Thank you."

"Anything for you two," He smiles, reaching the last step. Timothy sets her on the bed and kisses her forehead before grabbing the pile of towels and sheets from the corner. He takes them into the bathroom and runs the cold water into the tub. He pours some hydrogen peroxide into the water and submerges the laundry. Jude turns away from him when she sees the water turn pink. The baby kicks her, as if to reassure her that it's okay.

"I love you, peanut," She smiles, deciding to use her wedding ring to predict the gender of the baby. She knew that Lana did that with Johnny, and it was accurate. Of course, it's just a silly old myth, but what could it hurt?

"What are you doing?" Timothy asks, chuckling when he sits next to her. Jude doesn't answer, just watches the ring move in a slow circle, hung on a single strand of her hair.

"A girl. I knew it." Timothy nearly falls off the bed from laughing so hard.

"You really believe that works?" He asks, wiping the corners of his eyes. She glares and turns over onto her side. "Oh, Jude. Come on."

"Rude," She giggles as he tickles her neck with his stubble. She turns in his arms and kisses him, smiling.

"I love you, Judy. So much."

"I love you too, Timothy."

"I'm glad baby Howard is okay."

"Me too. Now to go bed, a placental abruption takes a lot out of you." Jude giggles at Timothy's serious face. He rolls his eyes and smiles, kissing her once more before turning off the bedside lamp.