Words are hard, so I hope she doesn’t think I’m being rude as I pant through the pain. My pack rushes to the elevator, heading through the doors as they open.
“Floor four,” Syrus reminds them.
“I know,” Izzy mutters.
We're all kind of a mess. Time isn’t really a thing when you’re pregnant. I’m quickly finding that I’m not in charge of shit. Lexi is pregnant with twins, and is currently thirty-seven weeks. Those babies are very comfortable, but the doctor wanted to induce her to be safe.
“Fuck,” I whine, pressing my forehead into Syrus’ throat.
“I know, baby,” he whispers. “We’re almost there.”
“There’s just so much pressure,” I groan. “It feels like there’s something pressing on my cervix.”
We all know what that probably is, and the guys move quickly as we get to our floor.
“Contractions are two minutes apart,” Kyren says. “I started to track them in the car. That’s very close together. Will you let us know when you have to push, Princess?”
“Yes.”
Even though they’re spaced out, it feels as if my contractions are closer than they are.
“Hello,” the nurse says as we make it to the desk. She listens to my low groan, and she nods. “That is definitely active labor. Give me some information, and we’ll get her a room, alright?”
“Thank you,” Izzy says tightly.
“Fuck. Why do I feel lightheaded?” Kyren mutters.
“You’re pack?” the nurse asks, waving at us to follow her. “Sometimes, there’s a feedback loop during intense pain, like child labor.”
“I’m building you the garden you asked for,” Harlan says, starting to sweat.
“You need a new car too,” Kyren says. “Fuck. You’re my hero, Princess. This shit is rough.”
“I’m going to have someone come check to see how far along you are,” the nurse says without missing a beat. “We need to get you into a gown first though.”
A few minutes later, all of that is done, and I have a nurse looking up my gown.
“There will be a little pressure,” she murmurs.
Breathing through it, I wince as I feel exactly that.
“You’re almost eight centimeters dilated,” the nurse says finally, straightening. “Do what makes you feel better. Walk, sway, whatever. Have you been very active today?”
“Chasing a toddler,” I rasp.
“I’m surprised you can still talk,” she says.
All words fail me as pain crashes over me. The world feels as if it’s been swallowed up until my focus is only the contraction.
“Up,” I whisper once it’s over.
“Yep,” Syrus says. He appears to be the only one functioning, so I’ll take advantage of that. He holds me while I sway, whispers words of encouragement, and Izzy makes sure I drink water.
“Mm,” I say in way of thanks.
“You’re doing so good,” Harlan says, watching me. While he’s still sweating, it looks like he’s able to push aside what he’s feeling. “Such a fucking badass, love.”
“I think I’ll punch anyone who says this is easy,” Kyren decides. “Keep breathing, Princess.”
