Life is Beautiful || 5sos

IX.

The one where we welcome a new life into the world.

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“How ya feelin’?” Sutton asks Lena as she sits down beside the blonde, who is lying uncomfortably in the bed that’s in her private hospital room. Lena offers a grunt. “I’m fine,” she lies. Another contraction passes by and she lets out a deep exhale. She and the girls had arrived at Norwest Private Hospital almost an hour-and-a-half ago and since then, Dr. Rutherford has already been in twice to check on her; the last time informing her that she’s almost three centimeters dilated. The pain hasn’t been too immense, but Lena just wants everything to be over soon.

Suddenly, Annie burst through the door followed by Liz, Andy, and Jack. “I called your parents and they’re going to try and get the earliest flight possible.” Lena simply nods, knowing that her family probably won’t arrive until after the baby is born (well she’s praying that she’s not in labor for over 20 hours). She’s surprised that Jack has tagged along with her in-laws, considering it is almost 4 o’clock in the morning and he has a wife and daughter at home asleep. Nonetheless, she’s happy that at least some of her family is there if the rest aren’t able to be.

“Did you tell Luke?” Lena voices the thought that’s been nagging her brain for a while now. Sutton and Annie’s guilt-ridden eyes swerve over to Phoebe, who is sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. “No,” Lena moans. “It’s only right. He is the father; he has the right to know, Lena. Do you know how furious he would be if he came back and found out that you had the baby without him?” Phoebe answers, her voice hard. “I’m ruining everything for him again.” Lena wails. Phoebe stands from her seat, her face twisted in anger and snaps, “You’re right - maybe you are selfish after all.” She rolls her eyes and stomps past the Hemmings and out the door.

Lena sighs, her head falling back onto the pillows propped up behind her. “Is he on his way?” Sutton nods, equally as fed up with Lena. “First flight he could get. He should be here in about an hour or so.” Lena closes her eyes. This is not something she is looking forward to.

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Luke bounds as quickly as he can off the small plane and out into the terminal where he’s supposed to meet Phoebe. Frantically, he searches the massive crowd (the fans and paparazzi have somehow found out that he’s coming back to Sydney earlier than expected) for the petite blonde and her jade colored eyes. Shouts and screams are flying his way; questions about the band, the music, Lena and the baby -  everything is flowing in one ear and out the other.

“Yo, Luke!” He finally manages to hear over the noise. He spins on his heel and sighs in relief at the sight of Phoebe standing there, spinning her lanyard with her keys on it in her hand. His lanky body runs over and he pulls his friend in for a quick hug, before she ushers him outside and towards her car. Once he’s seated in the passenger side of Phoebe’s Jeep, Luke can’t seem to hold back the tears that freely fall from his blue eyes.

“Dammit,” he cries, “I’m so stupid!” He rubs his hands all over his face, trying to shield his tears from Phoebe’s view. Although the tears don’t go unnoticed by Phoebe, she doesn’t acknowledge them, but instead rests her hand on Luke’s shoulder in a way to comfort him. Despite the pair frequently bickering and jabbing at one another, they have been friends for a long time and care for each other.

“Luke, you need to calm down. The girls and I have already expressed our frustration at Lena in the past hour and if you go in there angry then she’s just going to become even more upset.” Phoebe tries her best to reassure him, and so far it looks like it’s working. Luke nods and straightens his back, a sigh escaping his lips. Phoebe answers all of his questions about how his wife is doing and after that the rest of the car ride is silent.