by Mercy B
Hampsher’s heart fluttered and she contemplated what she’d done to deserve a love so sweet. Rafeeq loved Hampsher just like she always needed to be loved and he did it with a smile on his face. Once they’d decided that each other was worth it their relationship was written in stone. They were shamelessly together and like Bella had promised there were no issues with his family. Everyone loved Hampsher enough to let bygones be just what they were. She’d been dealt a bad hand, but her efforts to fix it was all that mattered. Hampsher wiped at her eyes just before she witnessed her first contraction.
She groaned, which worried Rafeeq as she bent over. “Shit, what am I supposed to do?” he questioned Hampsher.
Once the pain subsided she peered at him. “How do you expect me to know? This is my first time having a baby.” Shaking off the body tremors she stood and confirmed, “Reba is on her way. Start the bath.”
Rafeeq kissed Hampsher on the cheek then rushed to the bathroom to prepare the place they’d welcome their bundle of joy. Bella had wanted her to give birth at the Jones’ residence, but the couple felt it’d be more personal if the welcome celebration happened where they lived.
Just as Rafeeq finished preparing the water Reba called Hampsher’s phone to be let inside. Rafeeq went to get the job done while Hampsher prepared herself. She didn’t speak it aloud, but she was worried. Hampsher had a lot of fears when it came to embarking on the journey of motherhood. She doubted her ability to be a nurturer because she wasn’t one by nature. She’d been groomed to be hard and emotionless. There were a whole slew of qualities that would make her a horrible mother apart from her ability to protect and provide. Those were the only areas where Hampsher felt as if she had it in the bag. Despite Rafeeq constantly speaking love into her fears, she worried. Hampsher never imagined that she would bear children. It didn’t exactly line up with the life she lived. Now that she was at the edge of becoming a mother, she doubted herself more than ever.
Rafeeq returned with Reba, Reign and Bella in tow. Rahmeek was also present, but he remained in the living room because he didn’t want to see none of it go down. Only wanted to be there when his son brought his grandchild to him swaddled in the finest cloths money could buy.
“Oh, I’m so happy for you guys,” Reign gushed as she went to Hampsher’s side. She could see the worry lines forming as she glanced backwards at her mother who had also taken notice. “You’re going to do great and be a phenomenal mother Hampsher,” Reign encouraged her, while pushing hair out of her face.
“We’re right here for any and everything you need,” Bella assured her while taking her place beside Reign. Hampsher was thankful to have both women present. She felt bad that Reign was going out of her way to be by her side before, but now that they were there encouraging her through the birthing, she felt like everything would be alright.
Rafeeq stood at the bathroom door with a smile on his face. He couldn’t be anymore thankful for the peace amongst his family. It could’ve gotten bad but they made it through and were making it work. As his eyes outlined Hampsher’s face he couldn’t think of a better woman to spend his life with. Despite the bullshit, his love for Hampsher reigned supreme.
“Okay, daddy,” Reba called out as she entered the bathroom, “it’s time.” Bella and Reign made room for Rafeeq to climb into the tub with Hampsher. They both felt so proud of the man he’d become and knew he’d be an amazing father. Reba waited for him to get situated and Hampsher to get in position. “Alright, this is it. Hampsher I want you to relax and breathe. Rafeeq I want you to be ready to catch the baby when the time is right. Got it?” The couple nodded in agreement before Reba positioned the mirror underneath Hampsher and encouraged her to begin pushing.
Hampsher felt as if she were having an out of body experience as she pushed through the pain. Rafeeq saw her withdrawing into herself and said, “Look at me baby. You got this.” Hampsher peeled her eyes open just enough to be able to see Rafeeq’s face. In that instant the family portrait she’d been imagining appeared. She saw how happy, whole and healthy they were and decided to cast her fears aside. She was here now and the only reason she’d fail was if she allowed herself to. Hampsher had never been a failure in her life and wouldn’t begin now.
“Give me one more and baby will be here,” Reba instructed. Hampsher inhaled deeply then pushed as hard as she could. The room was silent right before a soft cry pierced the air. Unable to stay away, Rahmeek followed the cries to the bathroom anxious to see his grandchild.
Rafeeq looked down at his child and began to tear up. He baby was so perfect that he felt emotional. He’d been close to missing a precious moment. Just that quickly Rafeeq couldn’t imagine life without this living and breathing extension of himself.
With a smile he looked up at Hampsher who lay deathly still. He saw the panic in her eyes as he moved forward cradling the baby to his chest. “Look, mama,” he whispered to her.
Hampsher took one look and burst into tears. “Looks just like you.” And it was true.
Hampsher felt whole as she accepted the baby from Rafeeq. Leaning down she kissed plump little cheeks. A part of her was sad that her biological family wasn’t there, but deep down she knew her mother watched over her. She’d guided Hampsher through the birth and would continue to look over her daughter and grandchild from heaven.
The End
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