“Yeah, it’s just another one of those practise contraction things.” I smile, starting to wonder if they could possibly be the real thing. I’ve been having them on and off all day, but they haven’t been regular, or anything like as painful as that last one.
“Alicia, are you okay? That's the third time I’ve seen you screw your face up like that since you've been here.” I roll my eyes at Vike when I hear Iris approaching from behind us.
“I’m fine, honestly. She’s just kicking hard.” I turn and smile at her politely, hoping she’ll be satisfied and leave me alone. The last thing I need is for her to suspect that I’m going into labor.
“Your due date was three days ago.” She frowns suspiciously.
“I’m very aware of that, Iris.” I scratch the back of my neck, trying not to sound as irritated as I feel, and when that dull ache in my lower back gets heavier, I take the weight off my feet and lower myself into the chair next to me.
“Siddy, get her some water,” Iris calls out to her son.
“Iris, I told you, I’m fine.” I stroke the side of my stomach and try to hide my shock when another sharp pain slices through my middle.
“Well, I did it.” Peyton comes out of the office looking much happier than she did before she went inside.
“And?” I grip the edge of the table and bite down on my back teeth.
“And ...they said he can stay here with me until the roads are clear.” She smiles.
“Are the roads not clear?” I swallow nervously. I was starting to think that my biggest concern was gonna be alerting Vike that I think this could be it, without Iris noticing. Turns out I could be wrong.
“Apparently, a power cable came down on Main Street, and the top road is completely flooded.” Peyton looks delighted. This must be the first time she’s managed a smile in weeks.
“I can confirm that.” Quinn steps through the door, shaking the rain off her coat. “Luckily, this strong knight in shining armor was passing and rescued me.” She looks up at Sasquatch, who steps in behind her, soaked wet through.
“You can make up a bed for Leo in the meeting room with us,” Eden tells Peyton. “Wrath said there are more cot beds in the storage cupboard."
“Alicia, you’ve gone very pale. Have you eaten anything since you arrived?” Iris continues to henpeck me.
“I was feeling a little sick,” I admit. “But I’m fine now,” I add, in case she starts fussing over that.
“You must eat; you need your strength, you could go into labor any day now an–”
“Please, stop worrying.” I close my eyes and breathe when another pain hits.
“I will not stop worrying about my grandchild’s safety; you’re being irresponsible.” Her tone gets sharper.
“Oh, please, Iris...shut up!” I lose my temper and yell at her when it all gets too much.
“Who do you think ya talkin’ to?” Greaser hears me and starts charging across the room, hitting a solid brick wall when Vike steps in front of me to block him.
“And who the fuck are you steppin’ up to her like that?” He shoves him in the chest and gets right up to his face. “Calm the fuck down before I beat the crap outta you. ”
“Please, don’t fight.” I use the table to help me get up. “Please, jus—ahhhh!” I know for sure that what I’m feeling is a real contraction when it’s accompanied by a huge gush from between my legs.
“Oh, my god!” Peyton rushes to grab my arm, and when Vike spins his head and sees what's happened, he abandons his argument with Greaser and comes straight for me.
“Was that…did your waters just break?” He stares at the puddle on the floor in shock.
“Yes,” I nod, feeling petrified. “We have to go to the hospital; the contractions haven’t been regular, but they’re definitely getting stronger.”
“What fuckin’ contractions? You never told me you were havingcontractions.” Vike’s voice turns high-pitched with panic
“Well, I’m telling you now. I really think we need to go.” All of a sudden, I’m feeling a lot of pressure, and the pains don’t seem to be stopping for very long.
“You put the hospital bag in the car when we left, right?” I check.
“Of course, I did.” Vike takes over from Peyton and holds my arm. “Can you walk?”
