Stressed.
With each inhale of oxygen, I send a prayer out to a woman I think about often. A woman I wish was here with me every day, but especially today.
Mom, if you’re listening, please help her. We’re almost at the finish line, and all I’ve done for the last nine months—no, practically the last decade—is dream about meeting her, about being the kind of mother you were to me. She’s a part of you, so please, if you can do anything at all, please come through for me.
Because I can’t . . . I simply won’t be able to go through losing another baby again.
“What does ‘sustained deceleration’ mean, Doctor?” Piper asks impatiently. “What’s the next step?”
Dr. Gilbert’s calm exterior breaks for a moment, her mouth setting in a grave line as she sets her decisive gaze on me. “That means we need to prepare you for an emergency C-section.”
The room spins, and my heart seems to cease beating momentarily. But I have no time to gather my thoughts or even let the panic set in. I have no time to look at my phone or wonder where Patton is anymore.
Because minutes later, I’m being wheeled into the operating room.
thirty-four
patton
Seven Schlongs Hen Party
Troy Winters
Has anyone heard from Patton today? Sarina’s been blowing up my phone. He’s not responding to any of his missed calls or messages, and Nisha is looking for him.
Dev Menon
Piper has been calling me, too.
Dean Meyer
He’s probably in the middle of filming a men’s cologne commercial or some shit. The dude always smells so good.
Hudson Case
Not at all weird that you’ve sniffed him.
Dean Meyer
Please, as if you haven’t done it yourself. Everyone knows what a hard-on you have for him. Don’t act like you wouldn’t buy his post-workout sweat.
Garrett Meyer
An article I read recently said Patton Pierce’s used bathwater was in high demand. How much do you wanna bet that demand comes from one person in our group?
Hudson Case
Fuck off. I just admire the man’s craft.
Dean Meyer
Is that why you have his whiskey commercial bookmarked on your browser? The one where he’s shirtless, wearing a cowboy hat, showing off his abs. Because of his CRAFT??
Hudson Case
I like that brand of whiskey!
Garrett Meyer
