Page 92 of Never Really Mine
We’ve been at this for hours, and don’t seem to be any closer to delivery. Marley’s exhausted, and I’m exhausted watching her. She’s been sitting at seven centimeters pretty much since we arrived, but her contractions are getting closer and stronger each time. Her water broke shortly after we got here, which I guess means things are way more painful now.
There’s a quick rapping knock on the door, and Dr. Ness and Peyton come in. Both are wearing bright smiles, a contrast to the frown marring Marley’s beautiful face.
Marley is standing in front of me, her body bent, elbows and arms resting on the bed, with her head on her hands. I’ve been massaging her back between and during contractions as she sways her body back and forth to try and ease the pain.
When they enter, Marley slowly straightens, giving them the fakest smile I’ve ever seen on her face. If I weren’t so anxious, I might laugh at her attempt to be kind while she’s this uncomfortable.
Peyton chuckles. “Dr. Ness wants to see how you’re doing. It’s been a while since your last check.”
Marley nods, sighing softly. “Beau?” she asks, gesturing to the bed.
I help her get in and attempt to get her in some semblance of comfort. Dr. Ness gets a set of gloves on, and sits down on the rolling stool.
They adjust the lights, and Peyton throws a blanket over Marley’s lap to cover her as Dr. Ness adjusts her hospital gown. She starts her examination, something Marley seems to have gotten used to, since she barely reacts.
“You’re ready,” Dr. Ness practically exclaims. “You’re at a nine, so by the time we get everything ready, you’ll be ready to push. One of the heads is sitting right there, just waiting. Peyton is going to coach you through a few practice pushes, while we get the rest of the crew. It’s about to get real crowded here.”
I look down at Marley who is mirroring my reaction. Both of our eyes are wide, mouths agape in shock. “You’re serious?” Marley asks.
“Honey, if I lied about that, I would get into a lot of trouble,” she replies with a chuckle. She snaps off her gloves, and pats Marley’s bare leg. “I’ll be back in about ten minutes, then we are going to have some babies!”
I think my brain is in a state of shock. Marley gazes up at me, brown eyes filling with tears. “I’m so scared,” she whispers.
Her fear knocks some of mine out. I need to be strong for her right now, I can’t show her how scared I am, afraid that something will go wrong. “You can do this,” I tell her, wiping her sweaty bangs off her face. “You’ve made it this far, and you’re going to run to the finish line.”
She nods, the tears falling down her cheeks. “We should probably send a text update, our moms are probably losing their minds. Oh, and can you text Marissa to come in?”
I’d completely forgotten that Marissa is in the waiting room, ready to come in to take pictures of the delivery. She offered todo it as a gift to Marley, and I’m glad, because now I can be present, and not have to worry about taking my own photos, and then we don’t need any of our family in the room. Don’t get me wrong, it would be amazing to have them here, but also, I want to have this moment for just Marley and I.
I nod, pulling my phone from my pocket and texting Marissa first. Once the message is sent, I pull up the group thread with everyone in it. Ignoring the previous messages asking for updates and how things are going, I send off a message.
Me
Almost time. Nine cm dilated, doing practice pushes. Will update later.
I put my phone away before any additional messages come through. I’m not going to worry about them right now. Focusing back on Marley, I notice that Peyton has her legs up in stirrups now, a bright light beaming down on her. I shudder. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be so… displayed.
I look down at her, and help her adjust her pillow. “Feeling okay, love?” I ask.
“As good as I can be,” she replies. I kiss her swiftly, cupping her cheeks in my palms. When I pull away, she glances between her legs to Peyton, who smiles sweetly.
“Ready to practice?” Peyton asks.
Marley nods, and Peyton gives her some instructions on what to do. Right before she’s about to push with the next contraction, Marley looks up at me. “This is really happening.”
“It is,” I say. The contraction hits her, and Peyton starts to count to ten. Marley squeezes her eyes shut, her brows furrowing, face growing red with each passing second.
“Actually,” Peyton stops counting after five, her brows furrowing. “Stop pushing.”
Marley does with a heavy breath. “Why?”
“You’re a really good pusher, and I’m not about to catch my first baby. So, you’re going to hold them in while I go get Dr. Ness. Got it?” Peyton holds up her gloved hand, pointing at Marley.
Marley nods, eyes growing wide in shock. “Okay.”
Holy shit.
The room is suddenly full of people. All Peyton had to do was open the door and wave, and what feels like twenty five people are now crammed into the small space.
