“Kat.” I snorted.
“I’m just kidding. I’ll stop by Sal’s workshop for a plushie. Nothing too ‘creepy.’ How’re you doing?”
“I’m fine. Or I will be. Just a lot going on.”
Various people in scrubs hurried by. A nurse flicked a curtain aside to check on the patient inside the divide.
That was one of the nice things about working in a hospital. There was always something to do. Not like at the mall where I’d stand there sorting underwear for three hours when customers weren’t in.
I wrapped up my conversation with Kat and knocked outside Jen’s room. “Can I come in?”
“Tori? Yes,” Jen called with more enthusiasm than I’d heard in years.
She waddled across the room with urgency, wearing her hospital gown and those non-slip one-size-fits-but-also-flops socks they always gave patients, then clasped my hand in her sweaty palm. “I’m so sorry about the room. And for pushing and screaming at you.” She rubbed her belly. “This baby…the hormones and everything. Please say you’ll forgive me.”
That was about as close as it came to Jen taking accountability. Any other big changes would have to wait for the new baby.
I patted her hand. “I’m sorry you’ve been so stressed lately. How’re you feeling?”
“Anxious. The baby’s early, and I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ve forgotten everything those new-mom VidToks told me.”
“Good,” Mom said, pulling her phone from her ear. “Those channels are all trying to sell you an idea of what motherhood should be. Right now, just focus on breathing. Walk, if helps distract you from contractions. And if they offer, take the epidural.”
I chuckled and led Jen toward the hospital bed. “We’ll be here for you. Dad’s picking up baby supplies as we speak.”
“Really? That’s so sweet.” She winced and doubled over, squeezing my fingers together.
“Easy,” I squeaked, writhing along with her. “We’ve got you. Just don’t break my hand, please.”
She grunted in acknowledgment.
Various professionals came in to check on her, and every time, she’d look at me to ‘translate’ as her emissary inthe medical field.
I couldn’t help but take mental notes on each person’s role. Which one would be best for me?
Jen’s heart monitor beeped, and she whipped her head in my direction.
“It couldn’t read your heartrate for a second, but you’re stable,” I assured her, readjusting one of the clips to be more secure.
“Is everything okay with the baby?” she asked.
“I think so. You should be able to meet them relatively soon.”
She shook her head so hard that her hair flared out. “No. Not yet.”
I chuckled nervously. “Um, well, it’ll happen when it’s ready.”
She turned to me, her eyes shining. “The father isn’t here. He promised he’d be with me. If I can just hold on a little longer…”
“Jen, you can’t wait for him,” I said seriously.
“I’ll try calling again,” Mom said, reaching for her phone. “But I haven’t been able to leave a voicemail yet. It just beeps and disconnects.”
“He might’ve blocked you for spamming him. He does it to me all the time,” Jen said.
“What?” I balked. That didn't sound like a healthy relationship.
“Tori, can you please get a hold of him? Maybe through text?”
