by K E Osborn
“You’re doing so well baby, just work through it,” I say as I rub her back with my free hand.
“Don’t touch me,” she yells and I instantly take my hand from her back, the last thing I want to do is hurt her.
“No, keep rubbing my back, but don’t touch me, you’re the ass fucker who did this to me in the first place,” she mumbles making me laugh.
Great, now she’s not making any sense when her crazy comes out.
I should so be recording this!
“Okay, I’m not touching you, but I’m rubbing your back,” I say and she moans and nods. Right, good, at least that’s settled. Her contraction eases and her panting slows back down as the nurse comes in.
“Hey Sarah, just had another one?” she asks and Sarah nods as she lays back down on the bed in exhaustion.
“Okay, I’m just going to check how far along you are? It should be getting close now—”
“Thank fuck, get this spawn of Satan out of me now,” she blasts as her head rolls to the side. The nurse and I laugh and Sarah huffs.
“No, seriously Chris you’re the fucking Devil to do this to me again,” she says.
“Remember baby, you were the one who wanted another child,” I retort and she frowns.
“Shut up fuck face! Who asked you anyway?” she mumbles under her breath. The nurse looks at me and smirks and I hold back a laugh.
She checks how dilated Sarah is. “Okay, Sarah, you’re at ten centimeters, we’re pretty much ready to push. I’m going to let everyone know that we're ready to go, okay? We might need to break your water seeing as it won’t break on its own,” she says and Sarah suddenly looks panicked.
“Hey baby, I’m going to be here the whole time. I know you can do this,” I say while I watch a tear form in her eyes. I caress her cheek as the doctor walks in.
“Okay, Sarah, it’s go time, we’re just going to break your water and then we can start to push. How does that sound?” the doctor says.
“Sounds fucking awful and to be honest, I don’t really want to do it,” she says.
“Well to be honest, you don’t have much of a choice my dear,” the doctor says. He sets up at the bottom of the bed and Sarah’s feet go up in those stirrup things.
Fuck this is really happening!
I feel like I’m about to lose my shit, my heart is racing through my chest and I’m nervous as hell, don’t ask me why, I have no idea.
I’m concentrating on Sarah’s face because she looks terrified. I fucking hate seeing her like this. My strong, feisty girl looking so scared. Another contraction hits right as the Doctor is about to break her waters.
“I hate you right now Chris!” she yells.
I feel helpless, like there’s nothing I can do to help her.
“I know baby, I hate me too,” I mumble as she grips onto my hand tightly.
“Oh shut up you pussy, stop feeling sorry for yourself! Man, I need to piss,” she says making me laugh, and then a gush of liquid sprays out of her in all directions covering the Doctor and one of the nurses. It’s like the freaking exorcist just went off in here.
“Shit, Sarah now that’s what I call a power piss,” I exclaim and the Doctor laughs at me as Sarah shakes her head.
“That was her water breaking, looks like I won’t need to do it after all. So Sarah, are you ready to push?” he questions.
Sarah nods her head as I inadvertently shake mine. I’m so not ready for this.
“Okay, deep breath, and push,” the Doctor instructs and I feel her tense as she pushes hard.
“Keep going baby, you’re doing so well,” I whisper in her ear. I watch her beautiful face scrunch tight with pain.
“Aaaand relax,” the Doctor says and she stops pushing and exhales loudly. “Well done Sarah.”
She lies back down on the bed and closes her eyes. I lean in and kiss her gently and she kisses me back, no tongue just a quick peck to let her know how much I love her. She rests for a few minutes and then she feels the need to push again. I can see how exhausted she is, but she keeps soldiering through.
Fifteen minutes later the doctor says to push again, she grips onto my hand so tightly and I breathe in and out like they do in the movies like an idiot. I have no idea why, but for some reason it’s helping calm my nerves.
I fucking hate this!
It’s such a long waiting game and I’m beyond tired and Sarah looks about ready to give up.
This is ridiculous!
“I can’t, I can’t do this anymore,” Sarah says as she starts to cry uncontrollably as she lies back on the bed. She’s shaking her head from side to side and it’s obvious that she’s beyond exhausted.
“Baby, just a little more, that’s all we need,” I try to reassure her but it doesn’t work.
“No, I can’t, just cut it out of me, I can’t do this anymore, please, I just want to sleep,” she begs.
“I’m sorry Sarah the baby is in position and it’s too late for a Caesarian. You’re just going to have to push, and the longer you wait the worse it is for your baby,” the Doctor states.
“I can’t Chris… I can’t,” she says sobbing and I take both my hands and place them either side of her face and look her straight in her beautiful eyes.
“Sarah, I know this hurts baby, and I know you’re exhausted, but you have to keep going, for the sake of our baby. It needs to come out so we can meet him or her, plus the quicker you get this done the quicker it will be over. I love you Sarah, and I know you can do this,” I tell her and kiss her lips. She sniffs and nods her head.
“Okay, we ready to go again?” the Doctor asks and I nod my head.
“Right Sarah, push,” he says and she scrunches up and pushes with all her might.
I fucking love my wife.
“Okay, I can see your baby's head Sarah, keep pushing,” the Doctor says and it’s like all my tiredness and fear dissipate and I start to feel excited. Our baby is nearly here. I keep hold of her hand, but move down a little so I can see what’s going on.
Fuck, I should never have looked!
That’s disgusting and yet somehow I can’t seem to look away. I can see our baby’s head starting to come out.
“Baby, I can see the head,” I say excitedly as she continues to push. A sudden wave of emotion hits me and for some pathetic reason I’m crying. I wipe the tears from my cheeks with the back of my free hand and look down at Sarah. I am in awe of her bringing our baby into this world. I don’t think I could love her anymore than I do right now.
“Sarah, one more push, a really big one okay? Let’s meet your baby,” the doctor says.
I hold her hand tightly and she groans as she pushes and then I see it. Our baby slides out of her with some help from the doctor. I catch my breath as I watch the doctor make sure that our baby is okay. My heart is thudding and I’m breathing so quickly as I look down at Sarah, who’s laying back on the bed exhausted. I lean back over and kiss her strongly.
“It’s a girl,” the Doctor says and Sarah smiles through her tears. I kiss her again and run my hand through her hair.
“I’m so proud of you. We made a girl,” I say to her and I can’t help the tears that fall from my eyes. I’m so happy that Sarah got the girl she always wanted.
“She’s a girl,” she reiterates and I lean down and kiss her again.
“Dad, do you want to cut the cord?” the Doctor asks, and I smile and Sarah nods at me. I walk to the end of the bed and see my girl fully for the first time and an undeniable feeling of love and adoration wash over me. She is stunning. The doctor hands me the scissors and shows me where to cut, so I cut the cord and our little girl is bundled up and then taken to Sarah. I walk back and smooth out Sarah’s hair as the nurse places our girl on her chest. Sarah starts crying again and I move my free hand to our baby's face and caress it.
“She’s so tiny,” I whisper in awe.
“She’s perfect,” Sarah says as she runs her finger along the baby’s cheek.
“She
looks just like you.”
“I think we should call her Ella, after your grandmother,” Sarah says.
Grandma Ella taught me how to cook. Naming our baby girl Ella means so much to me. Fresh tears fill my eyes and I nod as I can’t say anything, I’m too choked up.
“Ella it is then,” Sarah confirms leaning down and kissing Ella on the head.
* * *
I spent a couple of hours with Sarah and Ella before I head out of her room and into the waiting area to see Mom and Dad. I walk through the doors to notice that Mom is asleep on Dad’s shoulder while he rests his head on hers. I realize they must have had a horrible night waiting for some news. Trish is here too, and Sarah’s Dad. I walk over to them and Dad wakes.
“Hey CJ, is Sarah okay?” Dad asks, waking everyone else.
“She’s great, tired, exhausted beyond belief, but she’s fine. It’s a girl!” I exclaim and they all jump up and rush me for a group hug. I laugh and Mom and Trish start crying.
“We finally have a Granddaughter,” Mom says and I smile at her.
“We called her Ella, Mom,” I inform her and she bites her bottom lip and smiles.
“Mom would be so happy to hear that. It’s just a shame she not here to see it for herself,” Mom cries and Dad holds on to her tightly.
“C’mon, I’ll take you through to see my girls,” I say and Mom and Trish lead the way.
* * *
My sisters brought Ethan in to meet his baby sister, he wasn’t impressed at all. He wanted to play with the iPad instead. Can’t blame him, angry birds is pretty addictive. But by the end of the visit he was up on the bed with Sarah and he even kissed Ella on the forehead which made Sarah cry. Freaking nearly made me cry as well.
Aiden and Jeni walk in and Amy, Skye and Jade all gush over Aiden as always.
“Hi Aiden,” Skye says and rushes over to hug him. He laughs as does Jeni. They’re so used to my sister being infatuated with Aiden. She even has a boyfriend, but she still lusts after my best friend, it’s so gross.
“Hi Skye,” he says, hugging her back.
Jeni shakes her head as does the rest of the room.
“Okay, everyone out, let’s give Aiden and Jeni some time with them,” Dad says and my sisters, Mom, Trish and Sarah’s dad all leave, so there is just Jeni, Aiden, Ethan and me.
“So Ella, lets have a look at you little one,” Jeni says, walking over to Sarah and bending down to take a look at Ella. I can’t help but notice Aiden is eyeing Jeni’s ass as she bends over.
“Congrats man,” Aiden says, slapping me on the back. “How’s it feel?” he asks and I exhale.
“Tiring, but absolutely amazing. You and Jeni need to have another one,” I say and Jeni looks back at me and smiles.
“Well, there’s actually something we need to tell you,” Jeni explains and I look at Sarah and she smiles.
“Yeah?” Sarah asks, looking right at Jeni.
“Well, we’re pregnant again,” Jeni says.
I smile brightly as I look at Aiden, who looks so happy.
“Well, congrats to you too, dude,” I say and slap him on the back this time.
“Yeah, we’re just baby making machines you and me,” Aiden says and both the girls scoff while I laugh.
“Yeah, we’re the sperminators,” I joke and Aiden laughs knocking his knuckles into mine.
“Man, will they ever grow up?” Jeni asks and Sarah shakes her head.
“Nope, but that’s why we love them.”
“Right now, give me a couple of months and I’ll be back planning Callie and Mike’s wedding. It’s in a year's time, so I really have to start confirming things,” Sarah announces and I shake my head. God, she’s only just given birth and she’s already in party planning mode, but that’s my wife.
Chapter Eleven
Another year passes and Aiden’s having trouble with being a CEO, a father of a three year old, two newborns and being a husband. My best friend is struggling and I think the best thing I could give him is a night off. I pick up my cell to call Aiden because I have a brilliant idea.
“Hello?” Aiden answers and I hear screaming babies in the background.
“Hey man, everything okay there?”
“Yeah, Kassie has colic and won’t go to sleep. And because Kassie wakes up all the time she’s disturbing Katie, who then screams, which then causes a cascading effect to Brody, who throws a tantrum because his sisters won’t quiet down. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, but sometimes I just want a night off, you know?” Aiden says with a long sigh.
I feel for him, I really do, Ella and Ethan both had colic and I was a mess for a while until they finally got through it. Now luckily for me the worst thing I have to deal with is Ella’s nappy rash.
“That’s why I’m calling. I think you need a night off,” I say as realize Kassie is settling down enough that I can actually hear him.
“I dunno man, it’s so hard to organize anything and I’m not up for anything big. I don’t want to leave Jeni with all three kids on her own, it’s too hard, especially with two babies,” Aiden replies.
“Okay, nothing big, but what I’m thinking is Mike and Callie’s wedding is only a few weeks away. I think we should throw Mike a bachelor party. He’s never had one, and we can have it at your house, so we can all be there to help Jeni with the kids. I’m sure Sarah and Bree will help as well. We can go to the man cave with Mike to celebrate and the girls can have the rest of the house. We can all stay at your place that way everyone can help out. With all the kids around everyone can pitch in. So, basically nothing big, just something for us to celebrate with Mike. What do you think?”
There’s a long pause. “I guess it’s a great idea, I know Mike said he doesn’t need one, but maybe we can make it a surprise for him? I think he would love it. No strippers though, seeing as there will be kids in the house,” Aiden jokes, making me laugh.
“No strippers, got it! So it’s a go then? Bachelor party for Mike at your place?” I question and Aiden chuckles.
“Yeah, sounds like a plan. This weekend?” he asks.
“Yep, sounds great, leave everything to me. We’ll have a barbeque dinner and then us men can head into your man cave for beer, pool and cards. I think a night off is just what we all need,” I confess.
“Sure is! I’ll invite everyone, if you want to organize the food and whatever other shit we need?” Aiden asks.
“Yep, leave it all to me. You don’t have to do a thing except provide the house and invite the guys.”
“Thanks Chris, you really are a great friend to do all of this for me and Mike,” Aiden says.
“Oh, shut up you pussy, I just wanna get drunk, no mooshy shit?” I joke and Aiden laughs.
“Yeah, right, sorry I’m overrun with females in this house; I’m bound to get a little soft.”
I scoff and laugh. “Dude, you were always soft,” I joke and he chuckles.
“Fuck off, now go and do something useful, like plan a bachelor party or something,” Aiden replies.
“No worries, catch ya Saturday night,” I say.
“Yep, catch ya,” he replies and we hang up.
That went well. I was sure he would say no, but I think this is exactly what we all need.
* * *
Sarah places Ethan and Ella in their car seats while I pack in the coolers with all the supplies into the trunk. I didn’t want Aiden and Jeni to worry about getting any of that stuff other than providing the house. I organized for a load of beer to arrive at their house and some champagne and other drinks for the ladies.
“You all set babe?” Sarah calls out as she buckles up Ella.
“Yep, just need to put in our suitcase and we can head off,” I tell her as I place it in the trunk. It’s a tight fit but I get it all in there.
I walk to the driver’s side and hop in as Sarah fusses over the kids. I start the engine and we’re off to Aiden’s. When we arrive, there’s already a couple of cars parked on the driveway.
Sarah gets the kids out of the car and it takes two trips to bring everything inside. Everyone is out on the deck and for once the twins aren’t crying. I finish putting all the food in the fridge and take our suitcase up to our designated room. Jeni has a crib and a bed for the kids ready she always knows exactly what we need.
I grab a beer, head out to the deck and finally greet everyone.
“Hey dude,” Aiden says as I walk out handing him a beer. I take a seat next to him while he rocks Brody on his knee.
“Hey, hey Brody,” I say and scruff his hair. He smiles up at me and waves and then continues playing on his iPad.
“No wonder Brody and Ethan are such good buds - they’re both obsessed with Angry Birds,” I say. Brody looks up and sticks his tongue out at me.
“Brody Michael Christopher O’Connell, you know better than that,” Jeni calls out as she walks out holding one of the twins — I can never tell them apart.
“Sorry Mom,” Brody says not missing a second of his game on his iPad.
“Hi Chris,” Jeni says as she comes over and sits down next to Callie who has the other twin. “Thanks so much for organizing this for us Chris, we would’ve struggled to get everything done. I know Mike will appreciate it.”
“Hey, it’s my pleasure and you know we’re here to help any time. Speaking of Mike, where is he?” I ask and Callie laughs.
“It’s a surprise for him so Aiden has sent him all over Mornington Vale today doing odd jobs, so when he finally gets home everyone should be here and we can surprise him,” Callie says.
“Getting the step father to do all your dirty work hey, nice bro, real nice,” I smirk at Aiden and he rolls his eyes at me.
Blair and Benjamin walk out on the deck with their adopted five year old, Lilly. They adopted her from a drug addicted mother when she was two, and they’ve spoiled her rotten for the last three years.
“We’re just waiting on Brielle and Adam. They should be here soon,” Callie announces.
I nod knowing that when they get here I’ll probably spend most of the evening behind the barbeque.