Married But Alone

Chapter 13

“Francis… Francis wake up” Mary said while she touches her husband’s shoulder. The midwife told her that the baby will come any day now, she felt Francis stir and look at her in alarm.

“What’s wrong Mary?” Francis said worriedly

“I think the baby’s coming.” Mary said as she touches her belly

And with that Francis stood up in a quick motion

“Can you stand Mary? We must get you to the birthing chamber quick” Francis said as he helps his wife stand up

Mary moans in pain as she felt another contraction, she was already on her feet but she decided to sit again on the edge of their bed

“I don’t think I can Francis” Mary said as a tear escapes in her eyes, she didn’t expect the pain to be this agonizing, she haven’t even given birth yet but the pain is already unbearable

“but you have to Mary, I’m here and I’ll be here every step of the way, please be strong for our child” Francis said as he wipes the tear off Mary’s cheeks

Mary looks up to Francis and tries to stand up again, ignoring all the pain. Her husband is right, it’s true that she have been fearful and yet excited for this moment to come and she can’t let the fear get on her way, she will get through this, they will get through this…together.

~^oOo^~

“But you have to let me in, she’s my wife!” Francis said angrily

“I’m sorry Francis but only women are allowed inside the room while Mary is giving birth” Queen Catherine said to her son

“But she needs me by her side! You know it well enough that Mary is afraid of giving birth, I should be there to comfort her!”

“Francis! Weren’t you listening? I want you to be with your wife, believe me, I do…but you are not allowed inside the birthing chamber, now leave this to me and I will make sure your wife and your baby will be safe.” Catherine said while she touched his sons face. And with that Queen Catherine entered the room leaving Francis standing helplessly outside.

~^oOo^~

He’s now walking back and forth in the hallway while he hears Mary screams in pain inside the chamber, he can’t contain his concern about his wife and their baby, he needs to make sure that both of them will get through this safely. He’s aware that there’s a high possibility of the mother dying while giving birth, the stakes are the same in terms of the baby. I can’t lose them, either one of them…I’ll go crazy if that happens Francis said to himself as he continue to walk outside the room. He’s also aware that giving birth is a long process, it’s been 8 hours now and the baby still hasn’t come out yet. His mother comes out of the room from time to time to convince him that it will be alright and that he should get some sleep. But how can he sleep when he hears his wife screams in pain and he hates that he couldn’t do anything about it, he have never felt this helpless before. His thoughts were disturbed when the door opened.

“Francis, why are you still here?” His mother said to him

“I won’t leave until you let me see my wife and child, mother”

“The midwife said that the baby will come out soon, but Francis you need to rest, you shouldn’t be tiring yourself, you haven’t completely recovered from your ear infection yet” Catherine said

“You shouldn’t worry about me now mother, your grandchild is about to be born, please just make sure that Mary and my child will be alright” Francis said pleadingly

“I will Francis” Catherine said, she walks inside the chamber and slowly closed the door. Francis saw his wife for that brief moment, he can tell that she’s been sweating a lot and is in a lot of pain, but nevertheless alright, the glimpse of her made him hope that maybe in the morning, he will finally be with his wife and see their child.

~^oOo^~

“Francis” her mother said

“I think you can come in now” Catherine said with a smile on her face

Francis walked hurriedly inside the room and the first person he saw was his wife

“Mary…” Francis said as he reached for his wife, Mary cried in relief as she buries her face into Francis’ chest. She did it, she actually did it she said to herself

“I’m here now Mary… you did well” Francis mumbles as he wipes off tears on Mary’s face and caresses her cheeks.

“Your grace, it’s a boy” The midwife said as she handles the little babe to Francis’ arms. Francis couldn’t believe what he’s seeing, this child is not only the future heir to the throne of France and Scotland but most importantly the fruit of his and Mary’s love for each other.

“Mary… he’s beautiful” Francis said while grinning widely to his wife, he leans in closer to her so she can see their child as well.

“What should we name him?” Francis added

“I think we should call him James” Mary said as she kissed her baby’s forehead, right now she feels like she’s the happiest person in the world, her husband and child is safely beside her and in that moment she couldn’t ask for anything more.