A Different Christmas: Novella (University Park Series)

by CM Doporto

  Two hours and eight contractions later, Mimi showed up.

  “Hi, Mimi.” I opened the door, allowing her to come in.

  “I made a pot roast last night in the crock pot and thought I’d bring it over.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.” I followed her to the kitchen.

  “I figured you might be tired and this will make for an easy dinner.” She placed the large steel and ceramic container on the counter. “I’ll whip up some mashed potatoes. With Raven at practice, no telling what time he’ll get home.”

  “I appreciate…” I grimaced, feeling another contraction hit, “you cooking,” I managed to mumble.

  “Lexi, are you okay?” Mimi placed a supportive hand under my arm.

  I inhaled a breath and let it out. “I think I’m having contractions.”

  “Sit down.” She ushered me to a kitchen chair. “When did they start?”

  Glancing at the clock, I said, “About two hours ago. After Raven left for practice.”

  “How far apart are they?” She rubbed my back. “About fifteen minutes…give or take.”

  “Do you want to go to the hospital?”

  “I think they need to be closer before we go.” I stood up and walked to the sink, recalling what the Lamaze training taught me. “Let me drink some water and lay down. If they don’t stop, then I know I’m in labor.”

  “Stay downstairs. I want to be able to keep an eye on you.”

  I nodded, took my glass of water to the living room, and lay on the couch. Using the notes app on my phone, I logged the time.

  “Do you have clothes in the washer or dryer?” Mimi asked.

  “Yes, but don’t worry about them. I’ll take care of it later.” I positioned several pillows around me, trying to get comfortable.

  “Nonsense.” She waved off my instructions and headed toward the laundry room. “I don’t have anything else to do.”

  Mimi was adamant about helping around the house, no matter how many times I told her she didn’t have to. Once the babies arrived, I was sure I wouldn’t be protesting. As I lay there watching the minutes pass on my phone, I thought about Raven and me. Everything that had happened and how far we’d come. What it was going to be like when the twins were born. How they would change our relationship. I hoped it would only strengthen us.

  My mom told me babies weren’t a reason for people to get married or stay together. Deep down, I knew that, but my reasons for not agreeing to marry Raven were more complicated. I needed him to prove he would be there for our children and me, no matter what life threw at him. When something didn’t go as planned, I worried the demons would take over and he’d be out the door — again.

  When I agreed to reenter this relationship, I was well aware of the risk. But they were risks I was willing to take because I loved Raven. I loved him more than anything. And so far, it had been worth it. I wanted that happily ever after. It didn’t have to be picture perfect, but I needed Raven to be a part of my and the twin’s lives. For the past five months, he had been proving he was worthy of being my husband and I hoped that never stopped.

  As another contraction started, I knew this adventure would be debuting sooner than we’d expected. Part of me was glad they wouldn’t have to induce, but another part wasn’t mentally ready. I took a few deep breaths until it passed. Forty-five minutes later, the contractions only increased. I was definitely in labor.

  Grabbing my phone, I sent Delaney a text.

  Me: I think this is it. Contractions started about two hours ago and are increasing.

  It took less than five seconds for my phone to ring.

  “Hello?”

  “You’re in labor?” Delaney replied, her breath hitched.

  I released a slight laugh. “Yes, I think so.”

  “Oh my God!” she squealed. “Are you at the hospital? What did they say?”

  In the background, a horn sounded and Delaney released a string of expletives. “Hey, are you driving?”

  “Yes. Dumb ass,” she said with force. “Sorry, not you, Lexi.”

  The last thing I wanted was my friend getting into a serious accident. “I’m going to hang up so you can focus on driving. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “Wait.” Delaney pressed. “So, what next?”

  “I’ll keep timing my contractions. When they’re five minutes apart, I’ll head to the hospital.”

  “Okay, let me know. I’m on my way to a photo shoot and then I’m done for the day. I’ll call Luke and see if we can catch an earlier flight. I already have everything ready to go.”

  “Don’t rush. I could be in labor for eighteen hours or more.”

  “Or four hours. You never know.”

  “True.” Delaney had a point. “I think it will be a while before they are born.”

  “I’ll see you shortly.”

  “Okay. Be careful. See ya soon.” I hung up the phone and called my dad. Since my mom had no intentions of coming to the delivery, I didn’t bother dialing her number. It rang a few times before voicemail picked up.

  “Hello, you’ve reached Travis Thompson. Please leave a message and I will return your call.”

  I cleared my throat, feeling a sudden release of hot tears stream down my cheeks. “Hey, Dad, it’s Lexi. I think this is it. I’ve been having contractions since this morning.” I wiped my eyes quickly, not wanting Mimi to walk in and see me crying. “I’m at home at the moment, but will go to the hospital once they get closer. They were supposed to induce me tomorrow and Mom said she couldn’t come because of her toy drive obligation. I understand if you can’t make it…” My voice squeaked and I was certain he’d be able to tell I was crying. “I’ll keep you posted. I love you. Bye.”

  It was a long message, but I wanted to let him know what was going on. Something told me he’d be on the next flight, just like Delaney and Luke. My mother, on the other hand, probably wouldn’t come, but I honestly didn’t care.

  Two hours later, Trish and Cassie arrived. Mimi called them after I told her to hold off on calling Raven. I wanted him to get a full day of practice and not be distracted. Besides, there wasn’t much he could do other than hold my hand. I promised her once we left for the hospital, I would call him to meet us there.

  “Yep, girl, you’re in labor,” Cassie said as I stopped pacing the kitchen. “Sex will do it every time,” she leaned and whispered in my ear.

  “I had no idea.” I shrugged, feeling a tinge of heat hit my cheeks. When it came to sex and babies, I was still inexperienced. And Delaney couldn’t help me this time. “I guess I should’ve confided in you,” I admitted to her.

  “All you have to do is ask.” Cassie winked.

  My contractions were consistent, but holding steady at twelve minutes apart. I held on to her arms as I breathed out the painful contraction. “Man, this sucks. But as long as the pain stays at this level, I know I can do it.” I grunted as I clenched my jaw tight.

  Cassie’s brows arched. “Not sure that will happen, but you never know. Everyone is different, and every delivery is different.”

  “I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.” I sighed in relief as the pain subsided and released her arms.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” Worry washed over Mimi’s face, causing her lines to deepen. She was always the strong, confident type; I wasn’t used to seeing her distraught.

  “Once I hit ten minutes, we’ll leave. I promise.”

  “Don’t worry.” Cassie placed an arm around Mimi. She’s not going to deliver in the car.”

  Mimi gave a slight roll of her eyes. “Well, I hope not.”

  I glanced at them and then Trish. They quickly averted their gaze. “I practically had Ella in the car on the way to the hospital,” Cassie admitted, keeping her chin tucked to her chest.

  “Yes, and I was so scared.” Mimi straightened. “Cassie was screaming like she was dying.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” I questioned both of them.

 
; “We didn’t want to scare you.” Mimi placed her hand on my arm. “It was a little traumatizing for us and Alice.”

  “She was the one driving us to the hospital,” Cassie said with a meek smile.

  “And probably the best one, since she’s the calmer one of the group,” Trish replied, looking up from J.S. Christensen’s book, one of the titles I’d edited. “This is a good book,” she mouthed, and I nodded in agreeance.

  “Did you make it in time?” I turned my attention back to Cassie.

  “Barely. It was a close call.”

  “So, if I seem a little nervous, you know why.” Mimi gave a slight shrug.

  “Okay, I get it. Let’s keep a close watch on the clock and not play around.” I glanced down, feeling a sudden wetness hit my panties. “Oh, great. I think I just peed on myself.”

  “Huh?” Trish peered over the book in her hand.

  “Darn it.” I sighed in frustration. “I’ll be back. I need to go change my clothes.” I started to walk out of the kitchen when Cassie reached for my arm, stopping me.

  “Hold on, are you sure it’s not your water that broke?”

  “Umm…” I shifted to the side, feeling a weird sensation hit my crotch as another contraction struck, totally off schedule. A sudden rush hit my bladder, causing my muscles to relax as I lost all control. Water soaked my pants and hit the floor in a loud swoosh. Glancing down at the clear liquid, I said, “Oh, shit. I think it did.”

  “I’ll get the car,” Trish said, tossing the book aside.

  “I’ll grab some towels and her bags.” Mimi scurried out of the kitchen.

  Cassie grabbed my phone from the counter. “We’ll call Raven.”

  ***

  Raven

  “Lexi, it’s been fifteen hours since your water broke and you’ve only dilated five centimeters.” Dr. Castillo pulled off her gloves after checking Lexi and tossed them in a hazard waste trashcan. “I’m also concerned because your son’s heart rate is fluctuating.”

  “Is everything okay?” Lexi and I asked simultaneously.

  “Yes, at this point.” She smiled. “And I want to keep it that way.” The doctor washed her hands in a nearby sink and then took a step closer toward the bed. “I recommend we go ahead with a C-section.”

  “Oh, no.” Lexi shifted in the bed as her face weakened a little more.

  “You’re tired, and the last thing I want are the babies going into distress.” The doctor turned toward the monitors, reviewing the data scrolling across the screen. “It’s the safest option at this point.”

  Lexi grabbed my hand and looked at me with weary eyes. “I didn’t want surgery.”

  “I know. But you heard the doctor.” I squeezed her hand. “It’s the safest option. I don’t want anything to happen to you or the twins, so I think we should agree.” I stroked her hair, brushing the strands to the side.

  “Okay.” She gave a less than approving nod. “If that’s what we need to do.” Turning toward the doctor, Lexi asked, “Can he come with me?”

  “Of course.” The doctor smiled. “We’ll send him to get suited up for the operating room.”

  “O-kay.” Lexi released a heavy sigh. “Let’s do it.”

  “Perfect. I’ll inform the staff and the nurse will be here shortly to get you ready for surgery.” The doctor started for the door and then stopped. “Let your family know the babies will be here in the next hour or so.”

  My heart skipped a beat knowing I would be seeing our babies real soon. After waiting many months, I’d finally get to hold my sweet baby girl and boy. A lump formed in the back of my throat thinking about it. It didn’t seem real. It felt like Lexi had just told me she was pregnant.

  A knock on the door made me man-up quickly. “What did the doctor say?” My mom and Mimi peeked inside.

  “Come on in.” I motioned for them to enter. “Looks like Lexi will be having a C-section,” I said as Lexi’s parents walked in behind Mimi and my mom.

  They had arrived a few hours after Luke and Delaney. We were surprised to see her mom since she had a fundraiser to manage, which I thought was a shitty excuse. I think Lexi was happy to see her, but disappointed at the same time when her dad said he had to force her to come. The woman had serious issues, but I did my best to keep peace with her.

  “How come?” Lexi’s mom, Olivia, questioned.

  “Because it’s been fifteen hours since my water broke and the heart rate for one of the babies’ is dropping.”

  “I guess it is a good idea. Then we can get some rest.” She yawned and looked at her watch. “We’ve been here for nearly eight hours.”

  “Olivia,” Lexi’s father snapped, “quit being so selfish.”

  Her mother glared at her husband, as though ready to rip his head off.

  “I’m sure the doctor knows what’s she doing,” Travis stated firmly, not backing down.

  “Will you let everyone else know?” I quickly took charge of the conversation before a heated debate erupted. I was thankful Lexi was nothing like her mother. I wouldn’t be able to take it.

  “Of course we will,” my mom said with a headshake.

  Travis walked up to Lexi. “Don’t worry, Princess, everything will be okay. We’ll be outside waiting.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

  Lexi clenched her dad’s hand. “Thanks, Dad.”

  “Good luck, you’re going to need it,” Olivia said, her tone snarky.

  Lexi stared at her mom and then looked away, ignoring her comment. I wanted to get up and slap her. What was wrong with this lady? Lexi was scared and didn’t need any added stress. Travis didn’t say anything, just ushered his wife out of the room.

  “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” Mimi stroked Lexi’s hair, giving her the comfort that should’ve come from her mom. “You’ll be holding your bundles of joy before you know it.” It was awesome my grandmother was being more of a mother to her, but sad at the same time.

  The nurse entered the room and my mom motioned for Mimi to leave. “Can’t wait to see the babies!”

  “Thanks. We’ll see you guys shortly.” Lexi waved as a tiny smile emerged.

  It didn’t take long for the nurse to get everything ready. I was suited up for surgery and waiting for Lexi to be brought to the operating room. Within a few minutes, the hospital staff pushed Lexi into the cold, sterile room. A peculiar smell floated through the air, turning my stomach. Three large lights hung from above and a flash of me lying in the emergency room last year hit me. I shuddered at the memory, glad to be at the hospital now for another reason. It was crazy how things changed in just one year.

  “Are you okay?” I asked as I sat next to her.

  “Just a little nervous.” Her lip trembled and her eyes watered.

  “Don’t be.” I kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right here next to you.”

  Lexi reached for my hand, squeezing it tightly. She looked helpless, near fragile on the operating table. I knew she would be fine, but it was a little scary to see the woman I loved about to be cut open. Not wanting to frighten her with my own thoughts, I put on a brave face. Lexi needed me to be strong and that was exactly what I would do. She’d been there for me so many times, now it was time for me to be there for her.

  The doctor informed us what she would be doing and I assured Lexi everything would be okay. A sheet was placed below her chest, blocking the view. Lifting my head, I had a clear shot of everything, but I made it a point to look at Lexi and talk to her so she wouldn’t be scared. I really didn’t want to see any of her insides anyway. I saw enough blood and guts on The Walking Dead and preferred to keep it that way.

  “Lexi, you’re going to feel a lot of tugging and pulling, but no pain,” Dr. Castillo said with a calm, soothing voice.

  “Okay,” Lexi replied.

  Lexi’s body shook as the doctor jerked her from side to side. “You’re doing great, baby.” I coaxed her as my heart pounded. A few minutes passed before the doctor asked, “Raven, do you w
ant to see one of your babies being born?”

  Cautiously, I glanced over the sheet, praying I didn’t see anything gross. As my eyes grazed over the barrier, I saw one of the babies being pulled from Lexi’s stomach.

  “Here’s your son.” The doctor held him up for me to see. His body was covered in a thin, white coating and a little blood. Nothing too gruesome or gut wrenching. I waited with baited breath for him to cry and after several long seconds, he released a strong, forceful yell.

  “Wow, he’s big.” I blinked several times, totally awestruck that just moments ago he was inside of Lexi.

  “I want to see him.” Lexi lifted her head, struggling to see our boy.

  The nurse swaddled him in a blanket and then placed him directly on Lexi chest, skin to skin. “He’s so handsome.” Lexi looked at him and then at me. “And he looks just like you.” Tears streamed down her face. “I can’t believe we have a son,” she sobbed.

  I took a hard swallow, trying to keep from crying, but tears seeped from the corner of my eyes. “Hey, Jonah. Glad to finally meet you.” I latched on to his tiny hand feeling his baby soft skin.

  “And here’s your…” a burst of crying filled the room, “daughter.” The doctor shook her head. “She’s going to be the feisty one.”

  I smiled, seeing my beautiful baby girl screaming like someone had royally pissed her off. “Oh, no. She’s already claiming her diva status.”

  Lexi laughed. “Don’t say that.”

  The nurse brought Nevara to Lexi and I helped her hold both of them on her chest.

  “Unbelievable. She looks just like you, baby.” I brushed my daughter’s plump cheek as she continued to cry. In all my life, I’d never seen anything so sweet and innocent that was actually part of my DNA.

  “It’s amazing. They are so perfect.” Joy filled Lexi’s eyes and all traces of worry vanished in an instant. “I didn’t think love at first sight was possible.” She kissed the crowns of both our babies. “But it is.”