“Excuse me, it was great catching up with you.” Turning towards my Mom, I welcome her, “Mom, glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, my first grandbaby.” She pulls me into a hug before pulling back and inspecting me from head to toe, her scrutiny evident by the way her eyebrows scrunch at my lightly wrinkled dress.
“Lorraine, I’m glad we are finally meeting. I’m Rose, Tatum’s mother.” This woman is a blessing from heaven, I feel her presence beside me, silently thanking her for interrupting.
“Lovely to meet you.” My mom smiles curtly.
“I’m going to let you two get to know one another. Thank you both for being here.”
I scan the room for my besties, and when I lock eyes with Sin, she waves me over frantically as if she needs me.
“Doing okay?” Kodi asks, “Did they buy it?”
“Doubtful, but I’m fine. Rose is an angel for taking her attention off of me.” I tell them.
“Do you want to do games or gifts first?” Sin asks next.
“Gifts!” Bella squeals.
“Bella baby, the gifts are for Auntie Darcy and the baby in her belly, okay?” Kodi drops to eye level with Bella as she explains this.
“Ah phooey.” Bella furrows her eyebrows at Kodi in frustration.
“You can help me open them though.” I smile down at Bella, and her mood instantly brightens. She jumps up and down excitedly, running over and plopping down on the floor next to the chair Sin placed near the gift table.
“Alright everyone, let’s find a seat, Darcy is going to open her gifts. Tessa and Tinsley, paper and pen for the list are behind you.” Kodi announces loudly for the room. The next hour flies by with oohs and aahs at little onesies, mama care kits, books, and other gifted odds and ends. Bella flies through the bags, handing me items with wild abandon.
* * *
As everyone leaves,my mom pulls me to the side of the room. “Where will you be delivering?”
“Why?” I ask, nerves coiling in my stomach.
“So that when you go to deliver, I can make sure to be there to support you.” She says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“With all due respect Mom, Tatum, and I will be the only ones present in the room when I give birth. After that, we’ll have time where everyone can come and visit at home.” I say sternly, trying to keep my cool.
“You don’t want me there?” she throws back, impetuously. I swear she would be stomping her foot if she wasn’t in a room full of people.
“That’s not what I said.”
“Will she be there?” She gestures across the room where Rose sits with Bella reading one of the books we received today.
“Rose? No, Mom, just like you, she will be coming and meeting her grandson after he is born and I’ve been able to rest.” I stop, but then add, “But unlike you, she is okay with the choices that we’ve made regarding the birth of our child.”
“Darcy Marie, that is no way to speak to your mother.” She whisper yells, in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to us.
“Maybe if I felt respected, I would give it back. However, in the past seven months, instead of love and support from you, I’ve felt pushed to do the things thatyouwant.” My throat begins to clog and I quickly survey the room to make sure we don’t have an audience. I catch Sin stealthily making her way across the room from the corner of my eye and her approach brings me a small sigh of relief.
“Ms. Whitestone, I think maybe it’s time to go.” Sin interjects, her voice firm but not disrespectful. “Let me walk you out.”
“I’ll call you, Mom. Thank you for coming today.” I manage to choke out, forcing a smile. Before I know what’s come over me, I turn about and quickly make my way to Rose.
“Hey, sweetie.” She smiles brightly at me but upon seeing the tears running down my face she changes her tone and says, “Oh Darcy, come here honey.”
“Thank you. She’s just so difficult.” I sniffle into her shoulder.
“I know honey but I’m here for you when it’s tough.” Her love and empathy cocoon me just as tightly and warmly as her hug does. At this moment, I know that if I do want someone else in my delivery room, it will be her.
