Page 23 of Wait for the Dream

I give him a sweet smile as Georgie walks into the room.

“Alright, let’s get going here, do you have an arm you prefer for the I.V.? One that works better for blood draws?” Georgie asks.

“It doesn’t really matter, honestly. I’m not a huge fan of needles, just so you know. I don’t usually pass out, but my heart rate will probably spike.” I tell her, and Aiden grabs my left hand and places a kiss on my knuckles. My face heats, I need to get these emotions under control before he figures out what I’m thinking, and I make things awkward. I mean, considering he knows me better than I know myself, it shocks me that he hasn’t figured it out already.

“That’s good to know.” Georgie mutters as she gets to work.

“It’s going to be okay sweetheart. Remember when you almost passed out in my hospital room after I got hurt?” Aiden asks, trying to distract me, “Momma was freaking out because you went so pale as they went to put the I.V. in so they could give me pain meds and fluids before surgery. It was so funny, because everyone kept trying to get you to leave the room, but you refused. You were trying to be so strong for me, but everyone could tell that you didn’t like that needle. Eventually Maggy just forced you out of the room and got you some juice to bring some color back. Momma was completely convinced that you were gonna be in the hospital bed next to me for passing out.”

I giggle at his story, “Momma made Pop come with us to make sure I didn’t pass out on the way to the vending machine. It was a little traumatic at the time, but it’s pretty funny now.”

“What did you hurt?” Both our heads snap up to look over at the sound of Georgie’s voice, I almost forgot she was there, “I tore my ACL, MCL and patellar tendon after a dirty tackle halfway through my senior season. Ended my career.” Aiden says looking really sad. He hates talking about his injury.

“That sucks, I’m sorry.” Georgie says, “Alright, I’ve got everything I need.”

“Wait, you already did the blood draw and started the I.V.?” I ask in shock looking at my arm.

“Yup, you were so wrapped up in conversation, you didn’t even notice.” She sounds proud of herself, and honestly, she should be. “Alright you two, I am going to put some orders in and touch base with the doctor then I’ll be back. Let me know if either of you need anything.” She says as she leaves the room.

Aiden and I sit there for a few minutes, still holding hands, “Thank you.” I say in a quiet voice. I am in awe of this man.

“For what?” he asks, genuinely confused.

“For loving Little Bear, for accepting me, for taking care of both of us the way that you do. You don’t have to do everything that you’ve been doing. I’m just your best friend, this baby isn’t yours, but you’re treating them like they are.”

Emotions flash through his eyes, so many of them, so fast that I couldn’t name a single one if I tried. It was intense, but before he has a chance to respond there is a knock on the door, and Dr. Richards comes in with an ultrasound machine. “Hey you two, I hear this baby is giving his momma a hard time? What’s going on, Bailey?”

I recount the last couple of days to her, fighting tears the whole time. Aiden squeezes my hand in his. I’m honestly just so tired, I want to feel better, but sometimes it feels like there is no end in sight.

“Have you been able to take your blood pressure medication? Your blood pressure was pretty high.” Dr. Richards asks.

“No, I’ve tried the last couple of mornings, but within five minutes I’m throwing up again.” I’m fully crying now.

“Let’s take a look and check some things with this little one, and I’m gonna order you some nausea medicine through your I.V., which hopefully will help. I am going to keep you going on fluids, but I would like for you to eat something, even something small, like crackers, and drink some juice or water before you head home. We have a few things we can try if the I.V. medication doesn’t work.” She gets started on the ultrasound, and Georgie comes in and quickly puts the anti-nausea medication through my I.V. before she leaves the room again, “Well, baby looks good. Your amniotic fluid is right where it should be, which was my concern with you being so sick, so let’s give those meds 10 more minutes, then we can try sips of water or ice chips. If we keep that down, we will try some crackers, and then go from there.”

“Sounds good, thanks Dr. Richards.” I say. I’m still feeling pretty nauseous, so I’m not crazy hopeful, but I’m not going to give up.

Dr. Richards leaves the room just as my phone lights up with a text from the family group chat.

Momma: How is it going over there?

Bear: They just did an ultrasound. Little Bear looks good and healthy according to Dr. Richards. They gave her some anti-nausea meds through her I.V. They’ve got fluids FLOWING, getting her rehydrated. Just kinda a waiting game right now. 🤞🏼 that the meds work and she can eat something. Then come up with a plan for home.

Pop: Take care of my girl! We need her healthy!

Maggy: I thought I was your girl?

Charly: I thought I was your girl?

Maggy: JINX!!!

Charly: JINX!!!!!!!

Pop: I have three girls! We all know this. I love you all equally!

Me: Don’t lie to them Pop. You know I’m your favorite!

Bear: Shots fired!