“I’m coming with you.” Iris is already pulling on her coat.
“No one’s going anywhere,” Sasquatch calls over all the commotion. “The roads are closed. I had to wade through waist-high water to drag this one off her hood.” He looks down at Quinn.
“I thought I’d be able to get through.” She folds her arms and defends herself, though looks pretty pleased with herself.
“We have to get through, I gotta get Alicia to the hospital. Sasq, she’s havin’ the baby. It’s comin’ right now!” Vike tells him as if that wasn’t already clear.
“I can see that, brother, but she ain’t gonna have it at no hospital.” His words make me want to cry, and I squeeze Vike's arm tight in my hand as I breathe through another painful contraction.
“Don’t worry, Alicia.” Iris wraps her arms around me, “You’re going to be just fine, things rarely go wrong in these situations, and you're a strong, healthy girl... Does anyone here know what to do if the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck?” she asks the room, causing me look up at Vike in horror.
“Please, get her away from me.” I clutch my stomach and sob, because this wasn’t supposed to be this way. I can’t have my baby here.
“Iris, you need to calm down; that’s not gonna happen.” Peyton tries her best to steer the woman away, but she’s not budging.
“Vike, I can’t have this baby here; you promised me a hospital and drugs.” I claw at his t-shirt when he tries to comfort me.
“I know, and I’m sorry, but this little girl has decided she’s ready to come.” I can tell from his voice that he’s panicking; he’s just trying real hard not to show it.
“Fuck, it hurts.” I tense when another contraction cripples me.
“Come on, let's get you more comfortable.” Vike lifts me up and carries me toward the double doors that lead to the meeting room, and when Iris starts to follow, I pray someone holds her back.
“Quinn,” Vike calls out, his voice all shaky as he places me on the cot bed. “Quinn!” he calls again, this time much louder and more aggressive.
“What do you wantmefor?” She trudges in behind us.
“What do you think I need you for? We’re having a baby.” He stares back at her as if she’s crazy.
“Vike, I’m a coroner, not a fuckin’ doctor.” She laughs while I grip the edge of the cot and scream through another wave of agony.
“Push, dear push.” Iris drops down to her knees next to me and grabs my hand. “She’s going to be a big girl, if she’s anything like her father; he was almost ten po?—”
“Get her out of here!!!” I growl, past the point of politeness.
“Iris, you need to get the fuck out.” Vike takes some control, grabbing the woman by her shoulders and lifting her back on her feet.
“I’m not gonna miss out on my granddaughter being born.” She shakes her head, “Alicia needs supp?—”
“Vike!!!” I reach out for his hand, and when Dev comes out of nowhere, he lifts Iris up over his shoulder and marches her out the way she came.
“Do something,” Vike orders Quinn, as he takes the position Iris was in beside me. I can still hear her protesting, but pay her no attention. I’m in too much pain to care.
“Vike, I told you, I’m not a doctor.” Quinn looks nervous as I open my legs in front of her, and she helps me remove my panties.
“You work in a hospital, and right now that's good enough.” Vike climbs onto the cot behind me, sliding his arms through mine and offering me both his hands. “You're gonna do this, Alicia, and you're gonna be fine.” He kisses my temple.
“I need to push…” I tell her when that pressure gets heavier.
“No. No, don’t do that. I’m not ready.” Quinn searches around her, then looks relieved when Freya and Millie rush in with a pile of towels.
“I got the first aid bag.” Eden comes in a few seconds later, her face looking shocked when she sees what's happening between my legs. “Is that…”
“Yes, it’s exactly that!” Quinn snaps back at her, taking off her jacket and rolling up her sleeves. “Why did I have to try that fucking road? I could be at home watching true fucking crime, right now.”
“I really need to push,” I manage to moan, squeezing Vike’s hands and bearing down.
“I can’t watch.” Eden covers her mouth and rushes out.
