Page 5 of Fanatic

“Not happening,” I said. Gathering myself, I moved and sat on the bed behind her. Willow collapsed back against me. Oninstinct, I wrapped my arms around her, and Willow grabbed my hands.

Oh fuck! She had been working out, judging by her grip. I was sure she’d break my bones.

“Make this stop!” Willow snarled.

“What the hell do you want me to do?” I asked, amused despite my worry.

Somehow, I knew Axel and Ellen had no idea Willow was pregnant. She’d run like I told her too seven months ago, and nobody had heard from her since, apart from the random ‘I’m alive’ text.

“Dad, shut up arguing,” the midwife said.

Well done bitch! That did it. Willow burst into sobs as I freed a hand and rubbed her back. I glowered at the midwife, who looked thoroughly confused.

“I am not the father, I’m her best friend,” I explained.

“Where’s the dad?” the midwife asked, and I wondered about her empathy level.

“Dead!” Willow shrieked as she turned her face into my chest. “Make this stop. I can’t do it without him. Fanatic, tell her I need Grey.”

I rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. “Baby girl, you’re in labour, you got to push.”

“No!” Willow cried, and the midwife looked worried.

“She’s been fighting pushing. Miss Ware, you’ll require a c-section if you continue,” she warned.

“Babe, listen to me. That’s your baby, yours' and Grey's. You gotta push. Grey’s here, and he wants you to push. Do you know what you’re having?” I asked, softly stroking her hair. My eyes watched Willow’s huge, rounded stomach ripple alarmingly.

“No. I want Grey!” Willow wailed.

“I’m sure he’s here. Push Willow, or you’ll hurt his child.” Yeah, that was a dirty thing to say, but I’d no shame in this game. I would not let Willow harm herself or the baby.

Willow stiffened under my hands and then bore down with a huge scream.

“That’s it, I can see the head!” the Midwife called.

A doctor entered, and I saw the name badge. “Mr Michaelson?” she asked.

“I hope so,” I replied sarcastically.

“Glad you could make it in time. Let’s get this child born,” Dr Stratford said.

“Fuck this!” Willow cussed as she bore down again.

“Keep going, push… you have a son!” the doc cried.

An angry wail filled the room, and a wriggling bundle was placed on Willow’s chest. She stared down as my arm curved around her to hold the baby in place.

Willow took one glance and burst into tears. “This is all wrong, Fanatic. Grey should be here to see this.”

“I know,” I said as the midwife quickly removed the baby. She sent Willow a worried glance.

The doctor seemed very busy between Willow’s legs, and I couldn’t look. Instead, I watched the midwife with Grey’s son and kept a sharp eye on her. As I did, I comforted Willow.

“Why was I called?” I finally asked. “I was told this was an emergency.”

“Because Miss Ware was at possible risk of postpartum haemorrhage and was refusing professional help.”

“Babe,” I chided. Willow sobbed in my arms.

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