Page 103 of Lily In The Valley
“Kelly,” she panted. “Something’s happening.”
I jumped up. “What kind of something?”
She winced. “I’ve been feeling pressure all day, but I thought it was just Braxton Hicks. Now? These are different.”
I rushed over. “When did they start feeling different?”
“After the shower. But they were far apart. I didn’t want to make a big deal.”
“Nessa,” I said through gritted teeth. “You should’ve told me.”
“I know,” she howled. She doubled over slightly. Another contraction.
“Nyah, time it,” I said. “Lynn, grab her bag. Call Zay.”
“What do I say?” Lynn asked, already unlocking her phone.
“Tell him his daughter’s on the way, and he needs to get home now! Like now-now!” Nessa yelled through another contraction.
I crouched beside Vanessa and helped her breathe through the next wave. My palms were steady, but my heart was racing.
“Okay,” I whispered, pressing two fingers to her wrist to count her pulse. “You’re doing great.”
She nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. “I’m scared, Kelly.”
“It’s okay, Nessa Ann. I’m here, okay?” She nodded, and a few tears dropped from her eyes.
Lynn turned to me. “He’s not answering.”
“Call Khalil.”
“But”
“Call him!”
I pulled on gloves from the emergency kit Vanessa kept by the hall closet.
“Nessa, we’re about to get even more personal, okay?”
“I don’t care, just make sure my baby’s okay,” she cried.
“I’m about to check your cervix, see how far, if you’re dilated.” She nodded. When I checked her, my chest tightened.
8 centimeters.
“Oh my God,” I muttered.
“What?” Vanessa asked. Her eyes were wide with fear. Nyah looked at me, holding her hand.
“Nessa, you’re eight centimeters dilated.” Nyah understood what I meant immediately. “We need to call an ambulance. This baby could come any minute.”
“What do you mean any minute? Zay’s not here. I’m not at the hospital.” She was panicking.
Khalil’s voice came through the speaker, crowds and music blasting in the background.
“Y’all bored without us?” He laughed on the other end.
I grabbed the phone from Lynn.
