Surfacing

Chapter 11

Earth 1

Janet (9 months pregnant)

Janet woke up and went to start her morning hygiene routine, before she could get to the bathroom, she felt liquid running down her legs. She thought she had just peed her pants until the pain kicked in bringing her to her knees. She was glad she had her phone in her hand because she was going to put some music on while she got prepared for her day. She dialed the first number she got to in her recent calls.

"Hey Queen. Do you know what time it is? You know I don't rise before noon." It was seven in the morning.

"Fuck what time it is...aaaaahhhhhhhh...Gil, I'm in labor. My water just broke."

"Oh damn, alright. Sit tight I'll be there soon. Call your doctor." He panicked before he got himself together enough to pick up Janet.

"Siri, call Dr. Williams." Dr. Williams answered on the second ring.

"Hey Janet are you okay?"

"No Doc I'm in labor. She's a week early though."

"That's fine Janet. Remember I told you due dates are just estimates. If she wants out, she wants out."

"Alright, I'll see you soon."

"I'll meet you at the hospital."

He got to her house within twenty minutes. Janet was able to get up and put on some fresh shorts and a big T-shirt. Her contractions we're only 20 minutes apart. As Gil walked through the door another one hit. At least she had made it down the stairs with her bag and the baby's bag.

She was leaning over the back of the couch making this weird moan/groan sound Gil had never heard before.

"J, I'm going to put the bags in the car."

"Okay" it came out more as a high-pitched cry than a normal tone.

He quickly put the bags in and went back into the house. Janet was now standing but moving at a slow pace. Gil helped her to the car and drove like a crazy person.

"Got Damn Gil, are you trying make me car sick while in labor?"

"Sorry J, I'm just trying to get us there quick."

"I'm calling Tamar and Rebbie."

She dials Tamar first.

"Tay, I'm in labor and on my way to the hospital. That's if Gil doesn't kill me first."

"Janet Damita Jo Jackson why didn't you call me?"

"Cause I was in pain and just dialed the last number I called. It just so happen to be Gil's crazy ass."

"Alright Mamas, I'll be there. I'm leaving out the door now, okay?"

"Yes...ooooooh shitttt...yall gotta get this baby outta me now."

"J breath." Tamar quietly told her. She talked in a calming voice for once. "I'll call Rebbie and your mother."

"Thanks Tay." She breathed through the contraction.

Ten minutes later they arrived at the hospital and met Tamar at the entrance. The nurse had brought a wheelchair but Janet opted to walk to the delivery room. Walking seemed to help. They were led to a private elevator and when they got to the floor Joey was there waiting. They had secured part of the birthing floor just for Janet to have her baby girl.

Janet changed clothes and got into the bed. Tamar was rubbing her back and just talking with her to help take her mind of the pain. Dr. Williams had come in and checked her dilation, she was only 4 centimeters. She had been in labor for roughly two hours. She thought in the back of her mind 'this might take a while.'