“My water broke like an hour ago,” I said.
“I’ll check back in an hour to see what’s the progress. I want to say you’re moving at a nice pace, but I’ll know for sure then. Do you need anything? Dr. Bloom has issued an epidural for you so the anesthesiologist will be in shortly to handle that. She suspects a flare during or after birth, so she wants to make you as comfortable as possible,” she explained.
“Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. We’ll be right outside at the nurse’s station. You can have ice chips if you’d like but nothing more.”
Nodding, my attention was caught by my ringing cell. “Nesh, can you hand me my phone please?” She dug through my purse and walked over my cell. Seeing that it was Jason, I answered with a smile. “Hey boo, what’s up?”
“Relic just got to town to help me move my things to the new house. Our time is done friend,” he said, and I grew a little sad. He was fun to have around.
“Do you have to leave? I’m attached,” I whined.
“And I’m attached to my man. You’re about to give birth to a beautiful baby boy and I don’t want to be in the way. I just called to put you up on game. I’ll call you back when we’re done so you can tell me how to lock your place up.”
“Will do. I love you, Jay,” I sang.
“Love you, too, C’for.” He hung up and Nesh took the phone putting it on the stand beside me.
“What was that all about?” she questioned.
“Relic is back so they’re moving his things out and into their new place. I’m going to miss his fruity ass,” I frowned.
“Facts. The way he would get in that kitchen and throw down…” she shook her head as she whistled. His cooking would definitely be missed as well.
“This the greed the Bible spoke about. You need to cut it out,” I jested.
She was walked back over to her recliner and resumed her comfortability. Time passed and the anesthesiologist came and got me right along with the nurse checking my cervix again. I’d gone from six to eight in a matter of an hour. Malachi wasn’t going to wait.
Finally, my mother and father had made it to the hospital and so did Dr. Bloom. My parents shared the space with Nesh relaxing until it was time. The epidural numbed all the pain and discomfort Toneshia said came with childbirth. I was a little high, but I felt content as well.
“Okay my favorite girl, let’s check this cervix one more time. You’re moving at a fast pace so I think you should be ready,” Dr. Bloom voiced. She gloved herself up and used her fingers to check. When her smile stretched from ear to ear, I knew what time it was. “He’s ready to make his presence known, Cheyonne. You’re ten centimeters and ready to push. Alright team let’s get active,” she shouted.
The entire room turned into an organized chaos. With Dr. Bloom conducting the circus, each nurse and student was moving with precision. Spring Memorial was a teaching hospital so there would be more eyes than a little watching me. I was extremely nervous but also happy that it was finally happening. I was eager to meet my son. Nothing could take that joy from me.
As everyone moved around, I noticed the door to my room open. I was in the middle of labor and delivery. Everyone thatwas needed was already here and present. My door shouldn’t have been opened again until after my son was in my arms.
Tears streamed down my face as soon as his came into the light.Royce you really will make a way out of no way. No disrespect God.His eyes locked with mine and it was like everything around me froze. I didn’t think he would witness his son’s birth, but Royce had other plans. I guess him saying let him handle something was him getting his little brother here.
He casually walked over to my bedside and assessed what was happening. I could see everything processing in real time for him. However, he didn’t show an ounce of fear or confusion. He wore the same expression I’d known him to wear since meeting him. His gaze finally rested on mine and that softness I witnessed while we fucked all night was back.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered looking up at him.
Bending down, he kissed my forehead and softly spoke, “We’ll talk later.” His focus never shifted from me but mine couldn’t stop going from him to my parents across the room. “You aight?”
“I’m fine. It’s time to push, so you came right on time.” With a light nod, he grabbed my hand and pocketed his other. “What we having?”
We. I didn’t expect you to jump in without a fuss.
“A boy,” I answered. Another nod was offered as he went silent.
One thing I knew was how gentle this man could be. This side of him though was softer than I expected. I didn’t know if it was because I was literally getting ready to push or not, but he stood there quietly refusing to say a word. I was sure he had a million questions as well as thoughts running wild. At this very moment, I felt like he’d forgiven me for sending him away. Then again, I’d assumed so much shit, and I wasn’t trying to do that anymore.
Toneshia walked over with caution. When we locked eyes, she mouthed,bitch is you good?I nodded giving her the okay and she backed away. She’d seen Black’s face all over the news and so had my parents. They knew exactly who he was and what he was doing here. I looked at my father and you could see the anger building up. I knew my father wasn’t going to be okay with Black in any shape or form. I just convinced him to at least be cordial but I didn’t trust that at all.
“Alright beautiful, here we go,” Dr. Bloom said getting to the bottom of the bed.
From the second I started pushing, everything moved at the speed of lightening. I was in excruciating pain as well as out of breath. The epidural they administered did nothing for me. I squeezed on Black as hard as I could, and he didn’t seem to mind.
