Notorious Hope

39. Time Stands Still

Northside High-11: 30 am

The brunette shuffles down the halls in agony. Her mother's lifelong secrets on her mind as her back aches like never before. Despite nearing her due date, Riley barely shows any signs of a baby bump. 

''Hey Riles. how're you doing? How's the baby?''

Missy carefully envelopes her childhood and current best friend. Grinning to cover her pain.

''The baby's doing well. I have a scan this afternoon which is the 33-week scan to make sure everything's in order.''

Looping their arms together the girls walk upstairs towards the library for their free period.

''I can't wait to see the baby, if it's anything like you, it'll be so cute!''

Since they were little Missy has had big dreams for any children in their futures. So she knows Missy is the perfect choice for Godmother. As Maya already bagged favourite aunt.

''You are already loving on my child. See, this is why you'll be the perfect godmother, Missy. It's like you were born to do this. Whereas, I, am anything but.''

Squeezing her best friends' shoulders as they run into Maya who is already waiting for them with food in tow. Riley winces in pain as another agonizing ache rushes through her body. Quickly placing herself on a cushioned seat.

''Riles, are you sure you're okay? You've been wincing since we got to school.''

Giving into the pain she shakes her head. Biting her tongue as she senses her boyfriend's arms around her shoulders.

''Hey...''

His soothing voice in her ear distracts her for a minute. Before her mind comes back to reality.

''You okay, sweetheart? You don't look too good.''

The Texas-native sits beside her. Caressing her cheek as she buries her head into his shoulder.

''I think I'm getting contractions.''

On instinct, her boyfriend scoops her into his arms. Heading for his truck.

''Wait what about school?''

He deeply breathes before turning towards his girlfriend.

''That doesn't matter right now. All that matters right now is you and the baby's safety.''

Lifting her into his truck as carefully yet as quickly as humanly possible. Taking the wheel and rushing towards the local hospital.

''Okay, let's just be...careful here.''

***3 hours later***

Maya and Missy rush with urgency down the hospital corridor. Opening the door to find their best friend in pain.

''How're you doing, Ri?''

Lucas sits at her bedside, brushing loose hairs from her face.

''Alright despite the fact that there is a baby pushing through my body. And yes, I did reject an epidural.''

The twins roll their eyes in unison. Crossing their arms across their chests.

''Ri, you may be our best friend, but you're being an idiot. When it comes time to push, ask for one, you'll be thanking me later.''

Maya pats the brunette on the shoulder for support.

''Ok May, I'll take that into the consideration pile. Oh wait, we both know I won't''

The blonde doesn't take Riley's words to heart. She just knows the brunette is in pain.

''Ri, listen to Maya, cause quite frankly, I'd prefer to keep all my limbs.''

The brunette chuckle at her boyfriend's lightheartedness. That, however, is replaced by pain that's excruciatingly agonizing.

''Uh oh, I think the baby's coming, now''

The next thing she knows, doctors are swarming into the room and the rest is a blur.

***1 hour later***

''It's time to push, Miss Jones''

Chomping her lip to avoid bellowing profusely. After pushing for forever, the most beautiful sound in the world enters Riley's ears.

''Congratulations, Miss Jones, you have a beautiful baby boy''

 Her heart beats back to a regular pace, as the pain subdues. A beautiful human being is placed in her arms.

''He's so beautiful''

''