by Beth Carter
“I’m a balloon pro,” Gus said as he set a tray of their favorite cocktails on a table. “Compliments of the house, ladies.”
All three women reached for a drink amid echoes of “Thanks” and “You’re the best.” Alex raised her glass. “Here’s to Suzy, the bravest woman I know having twins at almost forty.”
Hope’s brow furrowed. “Let’s don’t keep reminding her of her age and the fact that she’s having two babies.”
“Well, she is—” Alex shrugged. “But okay.” Turning toward the cupcakes as Gus worked on the knots, she asked, “What flavor did you make, Cheri?”
“I mimicked the cake we used for Suzy and Ken’s baby reveal party. Half are French vanilla and half are white chocolate. I alternated cherry and blueberry icing. The cherry is on the white chocolate cupcakes and blueberry on the French vanilla.”
“My mouth’s watering,” Hope said as she took another sip and continued strategically placing stuffed animals on top of the tables. “Where should we put the gift table?”
“My gift’s in the car. Be right back.” Alex soon returned with a small white package with an enormous pink and blue bow. “What did you two buy? I decided on a baby monitor since they likely didn’t have those when she had Jon.”
“There you go with the age thing again,” Hope said.
Alex winked. “I also bought Suzy a porn book.”
“Porn?” both Hope and Cheri’s eyebrows shot up.
“Porn for new moms. It shows new dads offering to babysit, vacuum, cook elaborate meals, change the dirty diapers, you know, stuff they should be doing but they expect platitudes when they take on their daddy responsibilities.” She paused. “Not that I’d know.”
“Me neither. Cute idea,” Cheri said. “What did you get her, Hope?”
“I don’t know anything about kids or babies, so I checked with Ken and found out they already had two baby beds, bassinets, and a changing table, so I decided to buy several giant boxes of diapers and wipes.”
“God knows she’ll need constant shipments of those. I can’t even fathom it.” Alex shuddered.
Hope continued, “Do you have any idea how many different brands and types of diapers there are? It’s nuts.” She shook her head. “I Googled the top three brands, read some reviews, and went from there. What did you get her, Cheri?”
“I don’t know the first thing about babies either, so I put a post on Facebook asking for suggestions.” Cheri held up both hands. “I was overwhelmed with the mountain of ideas, half of which were foreign to me, so I did what I know best.”
Alex cocked her brow. “And?”
“I bought a ton of designer baby clothes for newborn boys and girls from Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ralph Lauren.”
“Show off.” Alex elbowed her friend. “Maybe I can slip you my name for Christmas.” She noticed the server had untangled the balloons and began tying them to the backs of chairs. “Thanks, Gus.”
He nodded and said, “No problem.” Disappearing behind the bar, he returned with a small gift bag. “I bought a little something for Suzy.”
Hope’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re a sweetheart.”
“Yes, you are. What did you get her?” Alex asked.
Cheri crossed her arms. “You know, I think the host is supposed to open the gifts at showers and surprise the guests.”
“Yeah, but we’re not normal baby shower people, plus it’s just us.” Alex winced. “I didn’t think about posting a notice on her Weddings by Suzanne Facebook page. I bet some of her previous brides would have come. I’m terrible at baby stuff.”
“I think she’ll be very happy to see us,” Cheri said.
Gus placed his bag on the table. “It’s bibs, by the way. A lot of funny bibs with silly emoticons or humorous sayings for both boys and girls. I thought they’d make her smile during those early feedings.”
“Great idea,” Alex said.
Hope nodded. “Very sweet, Gus.”
After admiring the transformation of Coconuts into a baby shower, Alex checked her watch. All three had finished their drinks and made idle chitchat while they waited.
“She’s late. That’s not like her,” Alex said. Clutching a baby elephant, she asked, “I wonder where Suzy Q is?”
Hope glanced at the time on her cellphone while she absentmindedly straightened the tissue paper in Gus’s gift bag. “Maybe she’s caught in traffic.”
Cheri traipsed across the room and reappeared with a tray of champagne. “Anybody want an early taste?”
Alex reached for a flute as Hope said, “I’ll wait for Suzy.”
Setting the cocktail back on the tray, Alex said, “Way to make me look bad.” Gus supplied water while the women shifted in their chairs and took turns staring at the door.
“Maybe we should call Ken? Is he coming too?” Alex asked.
“I’m not sure,” Hope said. “Worth a try.”
Staring at her cell, Alex scrolled and scrolled. Forehead creased, she said, “I don’t have his number, do you?” The other two women shook their head. “I guess we’ll have to wait.”
Chapter 22
After what Suzy hoped would be one of her last doctor’s appointments before the birth of the twins, she couldn’t wait to get to her baby shower at Coconuts. Her girlfriends had insisted on throwing one, even though Suzy claimed there was no need since she had had one twenty years ago for Jon, her firstborn. Alex had said it best, “They have new stuff now, Suzy Q.” Smiling to herself, she thought, I have the best friends.
Glancing at her watch, she realized she had almost thirty minutes to get downstairs to her car and drive across town. Normally, that would be plenty of time, but due to her ginormous girth, thanks to providing housing for two, she walked as slow as someone who was ninety years old. On the fifth floor of the ten-story building, she waited until other patients and healthcare professionals filed out. Once inside, she held the door open for a toddling woman down the hall, but the elderly woman waved her on. Suzy pressed the button for the first level.
Seemingly the second the elevator door closed—as if Martin Scorsese had directed it—Suzy felt a piercing pain in her belly, followed closely by another one. Dropping her purse to the floor, she leaned against the wall and attempted to remember the breathing techniques she learned while watching Lamaze classes online. After several deep breaths, in and out, another stabbing pain let her know who was in charge.
Talking aloud to no one, she said, “This can’t be happening. What’s wrong with the damn elevator?” She punched every button on the wall several times to no avail.
The elevator creaked, groaned, and lurched to a stop.
“Oh, no!” Easing herself down the wall, Suzy sat on the floor of the elevator. Between contractions, she reached for her purse and after an excruciating contraction, accidentally kicked her cell out of reach. Crawling on her side since her enormous belly wouldn’t allow otherwise, she eventually edged closer to her phone and punched in 9-1-1.
After writhing on the floor, she waited until another agonizing contraction subsided and glanced at the screen. Nothing. Peering at her phone, Suzy noticed she didn’t have a signal. She laid on her back as tears threatened. Keep it together. I’ve got to keep it together. She attempted more breathing exercises as a sob escaped. I can’t call Ken. I can’t call my doctor. I can’t even call my girlfriends who are likely wondering why I’m not at my own damn baby shower. Brushing sweaty hair stuck to her face, Suzy’s heart raced. I’ve got to stay calm for the twins, but I don’t want to have these babies alone in a freaking elevator. Determined to find a way out before it was too late, Suzy rolled onto her other side and eased herself off the floor and onto her knees where she could reach the emergency button.
Saying a silent prayer that the alarm would go to someone—anyone at al
l—Suzy waited for what seemed like an hour but was likely less than ten minutes.
~ ~ ~
Suzy broke out in a sweat as she writhed on the floor and timed her contractions. They were ten minutes apart. Oh, God. Someone do something. I can’t have twins in this elevator by myself. Droplets of sweat formed on her upper lip. Her hair stuck to the back of her neck. She bit her lip so hard it bled. After wiping the blood with the back of her hand, she glanced at her watch. She was already fifteen minutes late to the shower, which no longer mattered. They’ll know something’s wrong but won’t have any idea where I am.
Mind racing, she tried to remember if she had told Ken she had a doctor’s appointment. He was continually preoccupied with Izzy in Hollywood, so she surmised they hadn’t discussed her whereabouts. She knew Ken was waiting until a proper time after the twins were born so he could drive to California and bring his daughter home. I should have told him my schedule. He only knows about the baby shower, I think. Which I’m going to miss . . .
Clutching her phone, Suzy again dialed 9-1-1 to no avail. She didn’t have even one-half a bar on her cellphone. She tossed it aside as the elevator screeched, jolted, and plummeted toward the ground. “Oh, my God! I’m going to die.” Sobbing, tears streamed down her face. “I’ll never get to see my precious babies, son, or husband again.”
Another contraction hit and she thrashed on the floor. Twisting her body until her feet faced the elevator doors, she pushed with all her might but couldn’t make the doors budge. Choking back sobs, she screamed, “Help! Help! Somebody help me. I’m having a baby—two babies.”
After what seemed like forever, she heard voices gather outside. ”HELP! HELP ME,” she yelled as loudly as she could between sobs and whimpers. “I’m stuck inside and about to have a baby.” Another sob escaped. “Two babies. I’m having twins. Hurry!”
A crowd had gathered, likely after hearing the sirens outside. Firemen rushed up the stairwell, and after hearing Suzy’s cries pulled out a crowbar. One fireman began prying the door apart.
“Hey, Copeland. You tryin’ to impress the ladies?” A second firefighter stepped in front of the rookie fireman and winked as he held a 10-inch metal key. Pointing toward a nickel-sized hole above the elevator doors, the more experienced fireman inserted a key which disengaged the inner doors.
“Remember that next time, Mark,” he said, as he finished prying the doors apart with his fingers.
“Yeah, yeah.” The rookie stared at his boots. “Got it, Owens.”
A reassuring male voice spoke. “Remain calm, ma’am. I’m Firefighter Mike Owens with the Crystal City Fire Department.” Suzy was sprawled on the elevator floor. “We’ll get you out soon.”
“Oh, my God. Thank you.” Suzy felt her tension ease half a degree. “Please hurry. I’m pregnant with twins and having contractions five minutes apart.” She stared into the handsome firefighter’s kind eyes. “How did you know I was stuck in here?”
“Someone heard your screams and called us. I guess you didn’t have a cell signal.”
She bobbed her head. “No, no. I didn’t.” Sniffing, she said, “I was so afraid I’d have my babies in here—alone.”
“You were lucky, ma’am. The elevator dropped two floors. It looks like one of the cables broke. Stay calm. You’ll be at the hospital in no time. The ambulance is already here.” Firefighter Owens smiled. “But I have delivered a baby or two.”
The paramedics rushed to the scene and gingerly placed Suzy onto a gurney. As they loaded her into an ambulance, one paramedic said, “We’ll get you to the hospital. Luckily, it’s nearby.”
Suzy’s face contorted as another contraction hit. ”But-but my doctor’s in this building.”
The paramedic hesitated for a half second. “Sometimes there are complications, ma’am. It’s better to be at the hospital. It’s just three blocks away. We’ll make it.”
Chapter 23
The ambulance ride was a blur. When they arrived at the Crystal City Hospital, Suzy remembered the antiseptic smell, nosy onlookers, and being wheeled through enormous double doors. She heard the paramedic yell, “Pregnant patient with twins. Contractions five minutes apart,” as three young nurses worked together to place her on a hospital bed. Wincing as another contraction hit, Suzy clenched her teeth. “I want to push. I need to push.”
Running through the hallway while pushing the bed, the nurse said, “It’s too soon. Hold on. We’re almost there.”
Thrashing in the hospital bed, Suzy said, “Call my husband. His name’s Ken. His number is in my cellphone.” After another agonizing contraction, her skirt became soaked. “My water broke.”
”We’re going straight to a delivery room.” The nurse rushed Suzy down a long, pristine hall and pressed a button on the wall. Two wide doors opened. The nurse said, “It won’t be long now.”
~ ~ ~
In the delivery room, which was akin to being in a deep freeze, Suzy stared at her always-smiling doctor at the base of the bed.
“Thank goodness someone called you.” Suzy blew out her breath.
“Long time no see, Suzy. I heard about your elevator fiasco.” Dr. Camejo shook his head, then smiled. “I guess you didn’t want to wait for your due date. Are you ready to meet your babies?”
Gripping the cold, metal bed rails, Suzy said, “My husband. Where’s my husband. Someone call—” She moaned as another contraction hit. A nurse reached for her hand as the doctor said, “Push. It won’t be long now.”
Suzy glanced over her shoulder toward the door. Tears stung her eyes as a masked, gloved, and gowned Ken entered the room. “You made it.” Through clenched teeth, Suzy bore down as hard as she could.
“Thatta girl. I’m proud of you, babe.” Ken kissed the top of her head and stroked her cheek. “I wish I could endure this pain for you.”
Dr. Camejo concentrated at the base of the bed and said, “One more good push should do it.”
Straining so hard she bit her lip again, Suzy bore down, and the room filled with a wail. “Which one is it?”
Ken leaned around to take a peek but the nurse had already bundled the baby and the doctor was concentrating on the second addition.
Leaning partially up, Suzy caught a glimpse of her sweaty red hair splayed across her pillow in the mirror overhead. She squeezed Ken’s hand. “Our lives will never be the same.”
“They’ll be even better,” Ken said.
Dr. Camejo peered at the monitor and back toward Suzy. “Give me another good push just like last time.”
Suzy did as she was told and the second baby emerged, pink, squishy, and bawling. Through choked tears, she asked, “Are they both okay? Ten fingers and ten toes?”
One of the nurses said, “Yes, only I count twenty fingers and twenty toes.” The room erupted in chuckles as Suzy twisted to face Ken. “Our babies are here. We’re the parents of twins. Can you believe it?”
Chapter 24
An hour after Suzy gave birth and was reassured by a nurse that the babies had been examined and were healthy, she practiced breastfeeding for two, which was akin to an old comedy routine until the nurse suggested she nurse one at a time. “That makes more sense,” Suzy said, as she handed Matthew to Ken while Maggie nursed. Grinning, she said, “Ladies first.” After the twins had full bellies, she nuzzled them while Ken sat close by on the bed. Suzy kissed their pink cheeks and rubbed their soft heads—until she remembered her baby shower.
Eyes widening, she said, “Oh, my gosh. Alex, Hope, and Cheri must be worried sick. They’re likely still at Coconuts waiting for me.” A nervous laugh escaped. “They don’t have any idea what happened in the elevator or that I gave birth.” Pointing with her head toward her purse, she said, “Ken, please call Alex and ask her to tell Hope and Cheri. They must be scared to death.”
“On it, babe. Wha
t’s her last name?” After Suzy told him ‘Mitchell,’ Ken scrolled through Suzy’s phone until he found Alex’s number and began dialing. While trying to update Alex between many, many interruptions and questions, he laughed and simply said, “Suffice to say, Suzy had an incident with an elevator and we’re now the proud parents of twins.”
Alex shouted so loudly, Suzy could hear her say from across the room, “Oh, my God. We’re on our way.”
“We’re at the Crystal City Hospital. See you soon.” Ken winked at his wife. “Your friends are something.”
Snuggling her babies, Suzy grinned and said, “They’re the best.”
The next few minutes were a flurry as the nurses changed shifts, wrote their names on white boards, and checked Suzy’s vitals. The babies napped until Alex, Hope, and Cheri exploded into the room. After a flurry of questions ranging from:
“Are you okay?”
“What about an elevator?”
“The babies are . . . here?”
Suzy patted her bed and asked her friends to sit beside her. Putting a finger to her lips, she said, “Shhh. They’re sleeping.” She motioned with her head as the women one by one stared slack jawed at the two birthing room nursery tables. One baby was bundled in purple and the other in yellow.
Alex rolled her eyes. “I see the hospital is being politically correct.”
Sighing, Hope said, “Maybe they were out of pink and blue.”
“Girls.” Cheri patted Suzy’s leg. “Tell us everything, Suzy. We knew something was wrong when you didn’t come to your own baby shower.”
After Suzy regaled them with the horror of being trapped alone in a stuck elevator that fell several floors, Alex interrupted. “Wait. Why were you alone? Why didn’t you press the emergency button? Why didn’t you call 9-1-1?”