'What the hell?' I think as I feel a warm liquid run down my legs. Worried I pissed myself, which wouldn’t be a first in this pregnancy; I sit down on the toilet and notice a tinge of blood in my panties when I do. Scared, I scream out for Amy to come. What is this? Maybe my water broke? Is blood normal?
Barging in the door Amy says, “What’s wrong?”
“I think my water broke. And there's blood! Is this normal? ” I hurriedly explain, hoping Amy knows what's going on.
“EEK! It’s time?” she asks with a concerned look.
“I don’t know, but I think we should go find out,” I reply as she runs out of the room in a frenzied rush. I can hear her throwing things around, so I assume she is throwing the bags I packed to the front door. While she does that I email my professors, who have all been supportive, to let them know I won’t be there today. Seconds later Amy comes, offers me her hand, and helps me out the front door and into her car.
Settling in the car, we start the forty-five minute drive to Faith Memorial. I can’t help but worry on the way. I’m not having contractions, but I’m having terrible back pain. It hurts so bad the tears start falling freely. I don't really have a birthing plan. My visits were few and far between, and suddenly I am scared to death. Can I do this? I'm about to bring a tiny person into this world. Will I be able to be a good mother, even with the absence of mine?
“FUCK! AMY!” I scream as I feel the contractions moving around to the front, holding me in a painful grip. Oh good God! I need pain meds now! I hear contractions only get stronger and stronger and this one hurt like a son of a bitch. FUCK!!!
“Ok. It’s 9:02. We'll start timing them.” Amy says. I don’t respond because I’m still coming down from the pain when another contraction hits me hard. This one scares me because I look at the clock again and it’s 9:03. We are still five minutes away from the hospital, and my contractions are one minute apart!
“Drive faster, Amy. PLEASE!” I scream again as Amy holds her hand out to grab mine.
“Almost there, Mallory,” she says. I’ll just take her word for it, because I can’t open my eyes.
I feel her slam on the brakes, then the door opens and I hear her screaming for help.
“What’s going on?” I hear a deep, manly voice ask.
“My sister… she’s in labor. The contractions are a minute apart already!”
“Molly. Go grab a wheelchair.” I hear the deep, comforting voice say. “What’s your sister's name?” he questions.
“It’s Mallory. Is she ok?” I hear Amy ask fearfully. I open my eyes so I can reassure her I’m fine. I might feel like I’m dying but…. FUCK!
“Oh God help me.” I cry out and my eyes search for the manly voice. When my eyes make contact with him I try to place him. I’ve seen this man before. I know I have.
“Hi Mallory. My name is Noah and I’m a doctor. My wife Molly went to get a wheelchair. We are going to get you checked out alright?” he coos in a low voice.
“O-Ok.” I cry out. I see his beautiful wife come back with the wheelchair and she softly places her hands on my elbow to help me out of the front seat. I hear them telling my sister where they’re taking me. He tells her that her car will be towed if she doesn’t move it from this spot and I almost lose it. “I need my sister.” I start crying harder, they can’t make her leave she’s the only person I have.
“Mallory. She’ll be right back. Is there anyone else we can call?” the doctor asks.
“No, it’s just me and my sister,” and again I start crying because she isn’t beside me.
I feel soft hands stroke my hairline as his wife brushes the hair off of my sweaty face. “I promise your sister will be right back. We’re in the room right now and we need to check you over. Is that ok, Mallory?” she asks in a comforting tone. I know she’s probably in her early fifties, but she’s aged beautifully. I don’t know how I have the capacity to notice this right now, but she really is very pretty and sweet.
“Ok.” I say, giving my consent. They both lift me up and place me gently on the bed. I can feel my leggings coming down. Once I've been laid down, the sudden urge to push is here. My body is instinctively taking care of itself.
After my first big push, I take a deep breath but before I can push again I hear Dr. Noah say, “Mallory do not push.”
“Why? What's wrong?” I ask the doctor, fearful after hearing the urgent tone of his voice.
“The baby's head is already out. There’s a cord wrapped around the neck so we need you to not push for a moment. ” He informs me and it terrifies me. I know this baby wasn’t planned but I want my baby.
“You know Mallory, today is my husband's last day on the job. He’s been a damn good doctor for over thirty years. You’re his last patient. I want you to know and believe me when I say if anyone can safely deliver this baby it’s my husband.” Molly says with such sincerity that I have no choice but to believe her.
“Is the baby here?” I hear Amy question as she runs into the room.
“Not yet. Mallory give me one push. Just one.” Noah says and when I do, the most beautiful little cry fills the room.
“Here she is!” he says holding her up for me to see. Instead of being incredibly happy, I’m immediately sad. She has a head full of dark black hair; she’s gorgeous just like her daddy. I’m sad for my beautiful baby that she won’t know her father.
“Do you have a name picked out?” Molly asks.
“Annie Elizabeth,” I announce, and instantly see the nurse freeze which is odd. But I find myself lost staring again at my beautiful daughter. A few seconds later my baby is all cleaned up and lying on my swollen stomach. I’m so in love. It may have been a surprise whirlwind delivery, but I thank her several times for not making me lay in labor for several days.
“She’s beautiful!” says the doctor with a sincere smile.
“Thank you. And thank you for saving her.”
“It’s the perfect way to end my career. The pleasure is all mine,” he says as he nods and heads out the door. His wife stays behind and is cleaning me up.
"We are going to move you up to postpartum,” she informs me.
“Wait. How long will we have to stay? I don’t have insurance... but I promise to pay,” I explain. I hadn't thought this part through.
“OK, calm down Mallory. This can all be sorted but right now we need to finish getting you ready to move,” Molly explains. After I'm cleaned up and just waiting for someone to move me Molly exits the room, leaving me alone with Amy.
"Amy, what are we going to do? I hadn't taken into account staying in. I have no insurance. How will I pay for this?" I weep anxiously.
"Don't worry Mallory, we will sort it out. For now just look at your daughter, she's gorgeous!" We both look down and gaze at Annie as she sleeps soundly.
Just then the nurse returns, followed by her husband. “Mallory, Molly and I are going to cover the expense, and before you refuse, we insist.” he says softly. What? No way.
“No. I promise I’ll pay. I just don’t have the money right now. I can make payments. Right?”
“You could, but you won’t. We are taking care of it. Our kids are grown, and my wife never spends a dime. We have nothing else to do with our money. Please accept this?” he says and I look to my sister.
“Mallory, accept it. You’ve been through so much and if you’d contact the lowlife dad maybe he could pay for it, but since you won’t, what other options do you have? Besides graduating college with debt.” Amy says to me and I know she’s right. If I’m ever going to get ahead, I need to take the help and these people seem so genuine. I know Noah, but can't place from where.
“Thank you, I accept. What can I do to repay you?” I question, hoping they need their cars washed weekly. Anything at all.
“Can I hold her?” Molly asks.
“Of course,” I say, handing her Annie.
“Noah, don’t you think she looks like Lacey?” Molly questions. Noah bends down with a soft l
ook on his handsome face.
“Yes, I thought that too!” he says and smiles.
“Who’s Lacey?” I ask.
“Our daughter,” she says sweetly. “Can I ask how you came up with her name?”
“Growing up, my dad would call me Annie. You know with red hair and all. But he passed away about four years ago so I wanted to honor him in some way, and Elizabeth is my sister's middle name,” I explain, squeezing Amy's hand.
“Annie was my mother's name. She also passed a couple years ago,” The nurse admits, choking back tears. There’s sadness lingering in the air of this happy room.
Lane
I’m going over to my parents today to celebrate my father's retirement. My entire family will be there. Well, minus Landon, but we plan to Skype him. He’s been back a few months from his year-long deployment but he won’t be taking leave and coming home until the summer. We’ve planned a big camping trip with everyone, even my grandpa is coming.
I also feel better about Mallory. Her first year of college is almost up so now it’s only three years. Yes, three long years but I’m holding out hope that she’ll forgive me.
When I walk into my parents’ penthouse, I realize I’m the last to arrive. It’s noisy like usual and everyone is talking over each other. I see my parents on the balcony, so I go out to congratulate my dad. They are deep in conversation when I go out, neither acknowledging my presence.
“Congrats, Dad,” I say clapping him on the back.
“Thanks, son,” he says giving me a quick hug. My mom comes in for a hug and I kiss the top of her head.
“What are you all doing out here?” I ask, but my cousin Harper interrupts us.
“Uncle Noah, the food is ready.”
“We’ll talk later,” my dad says and walks inside. Mom and I follow him to the table where we all sit down. As I sit, I notice the empty seat to my left.
Man, I miss my brother. I love my younger twin brothers Logan and Lucas but they always work crazy shifts at the fire department so it’s hard for us to all get together.
“How was your last day?” Uncle Maddox asks.
“It was actually perfect,” my dad says.
“Oh yeah? Why was it perfect?” Aunt Kerrigan asks.
“I got to deliver a baby today. My last patient too!” he informs us.
“You should’ve seen her Lacey. She looked just like you when you were a baby,” my mom gushes.
“She did. So much so that I was worried one of my sons or nephews knocked this girl up,” Dad chuckles as us guys start throwing up our hands to proclaim our innocence.
“I know. Apparently, the baby’s dad is a real dead beat. So we took care of the hospital bill and diapers and formula will be delivered to her hospital room tomorrow.”
“Are you sure this girl wasn’t just acting?” my always suspicious Uncle Evan asks.
“No. She’s a good girl who apparently played with fire and got burned!” my mom says, rolling her eyes in pity.
“That’s good that you’re able to help, I guess. So now what are your plans?” Evan asks Dad.
“Well, it got me and Molly thinking today. We’re going to build a house out in the burbs. You know, to prepare for grandkids,” Dad says.
“Who the fuck is going to give you grandkids?” Logan asks confused. I’m just as confused. None of us wants kids. Not for a long time anyway.
“He said to prepare. Not that we want them now!” Mom rushes to defend my dad.
“What are you going to do with this place?” my sister Lacey asks.
“Well, whoever gives us the first grandchild, it’s theirs. Free and clear,” Dad says.
“So I guess I should get the rest of my shit out,” Logan says.
“Me too. I don’t want it either,” Lucas says.
The entire table is laughing…. this beautiful penthouse, free and clear. The cost? The first grandchild. I chuckle to myself; this place will be empty for years.
Chapter
11
Mallory
I now have the first year of college under my belt. Me, Amy, and Olivia were silly to think the three of us could care for an infant. It was difficult. We all missed classes and work, and we barely managed. My sister suggested I come work with her a few nights a week. The money is excellent and it’ll help me save for when I need a babysitter next fall. Sure, I have to shake my bare ass, but there is a no touch policy. I know I can't make this kind of money anywhere else. I also know there isn't a thing I wouldn't do for Annie. She's growing so quickly. She's only two months old, but I still feel like time is going by too fast. I brought her with me tonight. It's my first night working, but Amy said other mothers bring their babies and all the girls take turns watching them. At first, I scoffed at the idea of a stripper watching Annie but she assured me they were also single mothers trying to get by. I understand that and I can obviously relate.
"You ready for this?" A blue haired stripper named Mandy asks me.
"As I'll ever be I guess."
"Thom has you in the private lounge this week. The crowd will be smaller but he likes seeing how the girls work before he puts them on the main stage. The money is good though, so shake that ass!"
I look at myself in the mirror and I'm sparkling, it's like the glitter fairy sneezed on me. Amy even rubbed glitter on my stomach for which I was thankful. My body still hasn't quite returned to the way it was before Annie. My hips are wider, my boobs are larger and I have a few stretch marks on my lower stomach.
"You're up, little lady. Purple room, the second door on the left. Six guys! I'll be on the cameras," says Thom.
Well all right then, I quickly give Annie a kiss and leave her with Amy, shaking off the nervousness as I go. You can do this Mallory. I whisper to myself.
Lane
Landon got in late yesterday evening. My brother Lucas and my cousin Eli insisted we come out to the strip club. I tried fighting it, but the vote was 5-1. Since I'm the only one who objected, I agreed to go as long as we did a private show with the excuse that it would be very uncomfortable to see a student's father here. So here I am, sitting on this plush purple couch.
"You're different." Landon says, taking in my annoyed look.
"Why? Because I don't want to be sitting on this crab infested couch?" I question in a clipped tone.
"No, I know you've never been into this stuff. But once we got you into a place like this you let go. So who is she?" Landon questions quietly. I'm thankful he isn't making a big deal about this, but I'm not ready to talk about it.
"Later, ok?"
"Yeah, ok," he says and a smile crosses his face. I thought I would be embarrassed to talk about her, but I want Landon to know.
"Here we go boys," Gavin says scooting up in his seat like a schoolboy. "I hope it's a blonde," and I have to laugh.
The music starts playing and the purple curtain slowly opens.
"Ah... It's a redhead. That's all right. Who doesn't love a fire puss?" Gavin says again. And instinctively I look up. I know it's not Mallory but I need to look. The girl has her back to us and her hair is halfway down her back. It's silky smooth like Mallory's but this girl standing in front of me is a woman. Her hips are thick and her body is shaped like an hourglass. For some reason my cock twitches and it's the first time it's had that reaction to anyone since her.
This girl can move; she's dancing down the pole moving to the cheesy burlesque music. But I’m captivated as I watch as her hips move back and forth.
"I'm taking this girl home tonight," Logan calls dibs.
"Bullshit. I'm paying for this room. I'm taking her home," Eli retorts.
The girl continues to shake her ass and she moves her hand to untie her bikini strap. Again, my dick twitches. She starts making a slow turn to face us and as much as I hate to admit, my eyes are waiting for her to reveal her tits. Jesus I'm fucking hard. I can tell she's about to show what I'm aching to see, so I quickly look up to put a face to the rest of her gorgeous body and, what the mot
her fucking... Mallory! MY girl is about to show her tits to my family? No fucking way. Before her top begins to fall from her noticeably larger breasts, I launch myself at her, covering her petite body with mine.
"Get the fuck out of here! NOW! " I scream at my family.
"What? What's going on?" Someone asks as they all look at each other trying to figure out what is going on.
"Get out. NOW" I scream again pulling her closer to my body so no one can see even an inch of her. I watch as Landon ushers everyone out and I finally release Mallory.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" I angrily ask.
"I'm working. You asshole!" She screams back as some huge fucking ogre-sized man comes rushing in.
"You know this guy, Mallory?" he asks.
"Yes, she fucking knows me. Get the fuck out!" I say again, pulling her close to me. Her top is untied and hanging loosely, threatening to expose her newly full breasts. Immediately, I take my shirt off and hand it to her. She must have picked up on my mood and the fact that I'm not to be messed with because she quickly puts it on without contesting.
"I own this place. I'm not leaving," says the hulking giant of a man, crossing his meaty arms.
"Thom, it's ok. Just give me five minutes and he’ll be gone," says Mallory like she isn't a fucking stripper. Like this is a normal conversation! FUCK!
Lane (Made From Stone Book 1) Page 9