Page 74 of Revenge

“I wanted to check on you. I was calling but you didn’t answer. I was worried. What’s going on? Are you ok?”

“I’m pretty sure I’m in labor.” I try to take deep breaths trying to subside the pain.

“What should I do? What can I get you?” I want to slap Max. His panic is not helping me.

“Take a breath,” I order, trying to breathe through a contraction. The time has come.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do.” The man looks like a white sheet of paper.

“Get me my phone,” I say once the contraction passes. I dial the only person who will not freak out and know what to do.

“Ava, are you ok?” There is a sudden panic in his voice.

“No. I need you. It’s time. The baby is coming, and Max is freaking out. I can’t do this alone.” I try not to cry. I know I need to keep my cool.

“Where are you?”

“Home. I got back a few days ago.”

“I’ll be there in twenty. Do you think you’ll be ok?”

“I think so. Contractions are about twelve to fifteen minutes apart.”

“If anything changes before I get to you, call me.”

“Ok. Hurry, please. I think Max might pass out, and I can’t do this alone.” I look at Max, and now he looks green.

“What a punk.” Oliver laughs.“I’m coming.”

“Hurry.” I end the call.“Max, you better sit down. I’m going to run a bath. It’s supposed to help with contractions. Oliver will be here soon.” I start walking towards the bathroom.

“You didn’t need to call him. I just need a few minutes to compose myself.”

“It’s ok. Oliver is all business. I need someone who isn’t emotional. Someone who can keep me calm.” But I’m not so sure that is the truth. Who I want is Viktor. But I can’t call him, not after everything.

I’ve done so much research and a bath is supposed to help with contractions. I set my labor gown and undergarment on my bed. Hopefully these small tasks will distract me from the pain of the contractions. I’ve never been happier that my bedroom is next to the bathroom. Max being here doesn’t exactly make me feel comfortable. Slowly I get in the bathtub. The water is hot, but it feels good. I can do this. Oliver will be here. Everything will be fine and work out.

“Ava, I’m ok now. What do you need?” Max asks from the bathroom door, which I left open.

“Nothing. But I prefer you stay in the living room if you don’t mind. I’m naked.” I say even though it is stating the obvious. I try to sink a little on the tub, trying to cover my body. I’m kicking myself for opening the door. Max shouldn’t be here.

“Are you sure?” He takes a step closer.

“Yes. Wait for Oliver. I’ll yell if I need anything.” He leaves reluctantly. I wish I could say I feel bad, but this is such an intimate moment, and I don’t want to share it with him.

I am contemplating if I should call Viktor. He deserves to be here. I want him here. I miss him so much. But I can’t. I think it’s why I called Oliver. He will make me feel like Viktor is here. Even though I have not always been nice to Oliver. Reminds me of a conversation we had shortly after I went to the cabin.

“You promised, Oliver. You lied.”

“I didn’t lie. I wasn’t the one who told him.”

“Someone did. He barged in here, demanding for me to explain to him why I didn’t tell him. Then Fiona showed up.” I scream.

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t need anything from any Manarch.”

“You’ll need someone with you.”

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