Jake
Not a week had passed since moving into Griffin’s home before the onslaught of pain began.
We were on the couch watching TV and petting Lilith when I shot up with a gasp. I hesitated, turning my focus inward to figure out if I was actually in pain or if I was just making myself anxious. But when the second wave hit, I knew it was time.
“Jake?” Griffin asked, immediately on full alert. “What’s happening?”
“I - I don’t know, it just hurts,” I whimpered.
Griffin’s eyes darted down. He examined my legs and then said, “Your water hasn’t broken yet. How painful is it? Should we go to the hospital now?”
My entire body trembled from pain and fear. Maybe I should have been excited, but mostly I was just afraid. I nodded miserably to Griffin, who instantly shot up to prepare. He grabbed our jackets and hospital bag, then helped me from the couch.
Lilith, whose fur had puffed out from the sudden commotion, stared at me from the floor with wide eyes. I wondered if she’d been in this much pain and stress when she gave birth, too.
Standing was difficult. Even though I’d grown accustomed to the weight, it was still hard to move properly, especially when I was gripped by anxiety.
“Come on, love,” Griffin urged.
Lilith followed us to the door and cried, almost as if she was shouting a last-minute encouragement to me.
Griffin drove like a madman to the nearest hospital. The city streets and sounds became a blur. Everything felt razor sharp and numb at once. All I could focus on was my practiced breathing exercises. I shut my eyes, wanting nothing more than to curl up into a ball until this was over. But I knew it was just beginning. I had a long, arduous few hours ahead of me.
“You’re doing great,” Griffin encouraged me. “Right, Jake?”
I managed a grunt in reply. I was too afraid to speak, like I would throw up if I tried.
And then my water broke.
My eyes snapped open. I cried out. “Oh my god.”
“What’s wrong?” Griffin demanded, not taking his eyes off the road.
“My water broke!”
“Everything’s going to be fine, Jake,” Griffin continued in the calmest voice he could muster. “This will be over before you know it.”
Sweat dripped down my brow as I clutched my fingers hard enough for my nails to dig into my skin.
I could only hope that he was right.
* * *
“Why didI agree to get pregnant again?” I groaned.
Two hours had passed since my labor began. The nurses and doctors and hospital all ran together in one big blur. All I knew right now waspain,and I wanted it to be over.
“You’re doing great,” Griffin assured me. He held my hand - or rather, I held his, squeezing it so hard his skin began turning red from pressure. “Just keep breathing and push.”
“Breathing and pushing… That’s all I do!” I snapped. “Why can’t this baby just come out already?”
“It’s coming!” the nurse cried at the same time. “The baby’s crowning, Jake, just keep pushing. Keep it up.”
I threw my head back with a frustrated cry. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, the baby just wouldn’t escape. Sweat drenched my body with the straining effort. My muscles felt ready to give up.
“Come on!” I groaned.
Griffin popped his head into my field of vision. “Jake, remember to breathe. I know it sounds cliche, but it helps. Do it with me, okay?”
