Lies Beneath the Surface (Buried Secrets #2)

by Silla Webb

  Anyways, I’m off to see Kaylee and Dr. Staton today for some adult interaction and I’ll gladly welcome the heavy sulfur scented air as I drive through town with the windows down. The heat in late summer is blistering and I’m dying to quench up the sun. Today is my final appointment before the baby, hopefully. Colton asked Savannah to drive me to the doctor since he’s working so fiercely to keep Simon Energy running smoothly and will be taking a week off once the baby is born. It’s nice having Savannah so much closer now that she lives at Daddy’s house. The kids have spent the most of summer together and family cookouts are almost a nightly thing.

  Gathering my purse, keys and phone, we lock up the house and head out for our little adventure. How sad is that? A trip to the OB/GYN has now been upgraded to an adventure. Holy shit if this is anything what parenthood will be like, please God save me now!

  The ride to Dr. Staton’s office is much quieter than the last. The kids were so rambunctious. Hoping to settle them down, Savannah turned on Frozen. So we had three seven year olds loudly singing along with Olaf about summer, one proud mom who thinks their earsplitting shrills are just adorable and one pregnant bitch on the edge of a psychotic break. Yippee, happy times. Lucky for me and my nerves they are all in school today.

  “Ooooh, sweeeeets!!!!” Kaylee calls holding the door open. My God even her enthusiasm annoys me. I glower at her as I squeeze my belly past her. “Damn, who pissed in your Crunch Berries?”

  “Crunch berries? Really, Kaylee?”

  “Hey, I don’t like Cheerios. Pissy woman. What’s eatin’ ya?” Kaylee asks, making quick work as she checks my vitals and marks my chart.

  “I’m tired, bed rest is agonizing and every little damn thing is under my skin. I’ve cleaned the house so much that Colton gags over the smell of Lysol. I’m annoying myself.” I grit my teeth, forcing myself to smile.

  “Oh stop your whining, you big baby. If you think it’s bad now, just wait until the baby is born. You’ll wish you’d slept more now when that little bundle of joy is screaming for a tit at three AM.” She laughs leading me to an exam room. “You know the drill. Dr. Staton will be by in just a few minutes. Kick back and relax a bit.”

  Sliding my yoga pants off, I hop up on the table, and cover myself with the thin paper sheet, then piddle with my phone while I wait impatiently for Dr. Staton. Twenty minutes later she and Kaylee enter the room. “Good morning, Carly. I hear someone’s a grumpy butt today.” She giggles, glancing over my chart. Snapping gloves over her hands she begins the exam, measuring my belly and listening to the little monkey’s heartbeat on the Doppler. “Thirty nine weeks! You’re little monkey could come any day now really. Are you excited?” She asks trying to distract me from the discomfort of the vaginal exam.

  “Excited, nervous, scared. I’m just an emotional, flaming hot mess.” I shrug.

  “It’s to be expected.” She says as Kaylee helps me raise up. “Well, everything looks great. You’re cervix is closed, the baby’s heart beat is strong. Try to stay off your feet and,”

  “Keep your ass off the counter tops!” Kaylee rudely interrupts her, busting out into laughter.

  Dr. Staton snickers, glowering at Kaylee, “Yes, dear. No climbing, please. We’ll see you in a week unless your little monkey decides to grace us with her presence before then.”

  “Oh, Dr. Staton.” I ask quickly, catching her just as she’s about to leave the room. “Since I’m already out on yard time is it okay if I do some last minute shopping today? Colton seems to think by bed rest I need to stay locked up inside the house and I am positively going stir crazy. Seriously, the man is lucky to still be alive.”

  “Sure, just take it easy.”

  I sigh in relief. I have no last minute shopping to do, I just want to be outta the damn house. Getting dressed, I quickly check out with the receptionist before meeting Savannah in the waiting room. “Let’s go have lunch, and maybe do some shopping.”

  Savannah crinkles her nose up and says, “I think I better take you home. Colton doesn’t want you moving around too much.”

  “Oh the hell with him. I’ve already cleared it with Dr. Staton. Let’s go, I’m starving.” She sighs, rolling her eyes as she follows me down the hallway to the elevator.

  “Where are we grabbin’ lunch from?”

  I bite down on my lip and think before answering, “We have a few hours before we have to pick the kids up, so let’s stop by the mall first then we can go to the Village Diner for lunch. I’d love to have some peanut butter waffles and peanut butter fudge cheesecake.” My mouth waters instantly.

  “Ugh, Carly. Colton is still mad at me over the whole cleaning debacle. I’ll for sure be on his shit list after today.” She says pulling out of the parking lot.

  After three hours of shopping, we finally make it to the Village Diner for lunch. Colton is pissed in the wind that I’ve been waddling my fat ass through the mall all day, but I feel really good and they say walking helps push ya into labor, right? And God knows how happy I’ll be to finally push this little monkey out.

  “Are you and the kids still planning to come over tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, we’ll be there. I meant to get him a gift while were at the mall, but someone refused to leave Babies ‘R’ Us long enough to shop anywhere else.” She shoots me a cocky glare.

  “Savannah, honey, don’t worry about a present. He’ll just be happy to have all of his family together on his birthday. Luke is gonna pick up the cake.”

  “I’ll find the time to grab him a little something.” She shrugs.

  We eat with non-stop laughter. I haven’t seen Savannah smile this much in months and it warms my heart to see that she’s finally finding herself. We pick the kids up from school, and take them for ice cream before Savannah drops me and Heidi Jo off at home.

  “Momma, your belly sure is big now. You sure that little baby’s gonna come out?” She asks as we cook supper.

  “Yep, sweets. She’ll come out when she’s ready.” Thanks for reminding me how fat I am.

  “Well, I wish she’d hurry. It feels like its takin’ forever. I wanna be a big sister already.”

  “Are you excited about Daddy’s birthday cookout tomorrow night?”

  “Yep. I even made him a birthday card.”

  “And you’re sure you’ve kept it a secret?”

  “Yep.” She says as she mimics zipping her lips and locking them up tight with her imaginary key.

  Colton gets in from work just as I’m finishing up supper. He stalks off to the shower first as usual, but I can tell that he’s pissed over something. Turning the burners to simmer, I set the table and wait for him. Twenty minutes later, he struts through the house with loose fitting basketball shorts hanging from his hips and a cut off t-shirt. He kisses Heidi Jo on top of the head and sits down at the table for dinner.

  “What’d Dr. Staton say today?” He asks piling food on his plate.

  “Everything’s fine. Just playing the waiting game.” I shrug.

  “Have fun with Savannah today?”

  “Is that what you’re mad over? I didn’t spend the day barefoot and pregnant, pickin’ weeds out of the flower beds; I actually got out of the house and interacted with people?” I immediately bite down on my lip, because I know I’ve said the wrong thing. Colton hasn’t been holding me hostage or anything, he’s just been so worried about me and the baby since the accident that he’s been highly over protective. I know that, I truly do, but staying home every day is enough to drive a person crazy. He shoots daggers across the table at me, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. But you know how stressful it’s been being home so much. I’m used to working. I can’t help that. I can only clean so much.”

  “Darlin’, I wasn’t upset that you were out today. Sure, I worry ‘bout ya, but Dr. Staton knows what’s best for ya. I just had a rough day at work.” He says shakin’ his head.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Nothin’ for you to worry wit
h. It’s all under control.” And just like that he drops the topic like it never mattered anyway.

  After supper, Colton vanishes for a while and I’m sure he’s just over at his parents’ house. Heidi Jo works on her homework while I clean the kitchen. My stomach tightens and I pull in a deep breath trying to ride the wave of the Braxton Hicks contraction. They have been getting slightly worse, but Kaylee said that was to be expected, that it’s just my body’s way of preparing for labor. When the pain ceases I finish up the kitchen and help Heidi Jo get ready for bed. When Colton comes home an hour later, I’m in the baby’s room packing an overnight bag and diaper bag.

  “Darlin’, ya alright?” He asks leaning against the door jamb.

  I glance over my shoulder, sitting criss cross apple sauce in the floor and smile. “Just peachy, baby. I’m thirty nine weeks, figure it’s time to face reality. This baby’s gotta make its way out sooner rather than later.”

  “Well, when you’re done, come out and sit on the porch swing with me, it’s a beautiful night.”

  “ ‘Kay, baby. I’ll be right out.” I take one last look through the bags, double checking my memory for everything that I’ll need at the hospital. If I leave something behind, it’s no worries because Colton can always come get it, but I like to be prepared. Pushing up from the floor, another Braxton Hicks crawls through my muscles and my knees shake as the pain surges through me. Damn, two in less than an hour.

  After the pain eases, I check in on Heidi Jo before making my way out to the porch swing. Colton stops the swing for me to sit down, then lightly presses his feet against the porch, swaying the swing in a lazy movement. He gives me a half smirk, tucking me under his arm. He’s distant tonight and I see a storm brewing in his eyes. He’s stewing over something, but I know it’s pointless to ask what’s bothering him because he doesn’t talk about things. He bottles it all up, then when he’s wound too tight, his cap blows and his anger errupts like Mentos in Coke.

  The late summer days turn cool as the sun fades into night. Lightnin’ bugs glow against the dark sky and the only white noise around us is the crickets chirping. It’s peaceful. I hug myself a little tighter as goose bumps blanket my skin from the cool breeze. Colton notices and pulls me up in his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around me. “Cold, darlin’?” He asks kissing my forehead. I smile against his chest and my eyes drift closed as I breathe him in.

  Nights like this are perfect. Life gets busy and hectic and we often forget to take a minute to just breathe and enjoy the moment. Our lives are quickly changing as we’re about to welcome the newest addition to our family. I’d like to say that I’m prepared to become a momma, but I don’t think it’s something you can prepare for. You just have to jump in with both feet and take each day as a blessing that God gives you. I’m not doubtful, however, because I have faith in our family and I know that we’ll do everything hand in hand and smile through the darkness and the light.

  Tossing the blanket back I sit up on the side of the bed slowly, huffing in frustration. I’ve tossed and turned all night long unable to get comfortable because my lower back is so heavy with throbbing pain. Colton has to get up for work in a few hours, and I don’t want to wake him up, so I decide to go into the living room to read until I fall asleep. Reading makes me really sleepy. I grab my Kindle from the dresser and pad into the living room pulling the door closed slowly, hoping it doesn’t creak and wake him up. Walking towards the couch, pain clutches my stomach and I dig my nails into the arm of Colton’s recliner as I moan out in miserable pain. I pull in a slow ragged breath and twist my body around to sit down. I lay the recliner back and inhale deep trying to steady my breathing. The pain in my back intensifies as my stomach tightens again, but this time the pain is so intense that my vision blurs.

  “COLTON!” I shriek. My chest heaves roughly and pressure builds low in my stomach. This is very different than Braxton Hicks. This is frickin’ labor. “COLTON!” I shriek again. The bedroom door swings open and his eyes pinch together as they adjust to the light.

  “Damn it, darlin’, what’s wrong?”

  “I-I think I’m in la-la-aabor!” I cry out gripping the chair so tightly that my nails rip the cushion.

  “SHIT!” Colton yells. He runs into the bedroom then back into the living room putting his shoes on before running outside. What the hell is he doing, running a mother lovin’ marathon? He jogs back inside the house and picks me up in his arms, carrying me out to the Tahoe. Emma comes running across the driveway as Colton jumps in the SUV and drops the gear into DRIVE. The drive to the hospital passes in a blur. The contractions come so fast, so fierce that I nearly black out. The pain is just too intense. The only thing that keeps me holding on is hearing Colton’s voice telling me to breathe through the pain and reminding me that he loves me.

  We arrive at the hospital in under ten minutes and Colton carries me through the double doors, setting me in a wheel chair. He wheels right past the receptionist, his pace quickening with each step as we make our way to the labor and delivery department.

  “Ya need to call Dr. Staton, my wife’s in labor.” Colton yells slamming his hand down on the nurses’ station.

  “Okay, let’s get her to a room and examined.” The nurse says to Colton. Colton follows on her heels closely. “She’ll need to change into a gown so we can examine her.” The nurse says tossing a stiff cotton gown on the bed.

  “Damn it, woman, she’s in labor. Can’t you tell she’s in pain? Call her damn doctor already. We ain’t got time for your shit.”

  “Sir, I’m sorry but it’s procedure. She ain’t the first woman to have a baby. She’ll be fine. Now, calm down, and help her into the gown while I go pull her chart.” She steps around an infuriated Colton, leaving the room.

  “Darlin’, let me help you up. Can you stand?” I nod, my breathing shaky and erratic. He helps me remove my clothes before wrapping the stiff gown around me then helps me lay down in the bed. The contractions are slowing down, but the pressure in my belly is still present, becoming more intense by the minute.

  The nurse returns a few minutes later with another nurse in tow. They introduce themselves as Amy and Heather. Amy, the hateful nurse connects the fetal monitor to my stomach, then checks my vitals while the other nurse enters all of my information into the computer, asking Colton a shit ton of questions. He keeps our hands locked together, prepared for the moment another contraction hits. Glancing over at me he smirks a cocky grin and winks trying to settle my tattered nerves. His chocolate brown eyes are softer than usual and I can feel his hand tremble in mine.

  Suddenly, a cool sensation spreads against my thighs. Looking down at my gown, my eyes widen as I grip Colton’s hand harder, nearly tugging him across the bed. “Uhm, either I just pissed the bed or my water broke.” I announce. Colton’s mouth drops as he stares down at my lap completely stunned. Ms. Bitchy Pants nurse pops the stirrups up in place, then snaps a pair of gloves over her hands. She gently places my legs in the stirrups and positions herself between my thighs. Ya know, this is the most demeaning moment for a woman. Just the thought of anyone other than Colton down there poking around is a bit unnerving. I bite down on my lip and close my eyes as she exams me. She’s swift with her exam announcing that I’m effaced and dilated to five. FIVE. Uhm, I don’t know what the hell that means, but I’m pretty sure the baby is about to make her debut. She strips the gloves from her hands and leaves the room.

  Colton hovers over me and presses a soft kiss to my forehead. The fear that flashes though his eyes causes my heart to falter. “It’s gonna be alright, darlin’. Won’t be long and we’ll get to meet our precious daughter.” I smile weakly, completely unable to speak as my breath hitches in my throat, another contraction attacking my stomach. I lurch forward, wrapping my arms around my stomach instinctively as I wail out a thunderous sob. “Darlin’, you gotta breathe. Slow deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth. You gotta concentrate on me, Carly Jo, do you understand?” Colto
n asks gripping my face in his hands. I nod my head quickly as the tears begin to fall. I keep his gaze, concentrating on his eyes as I try to steady my breathing. The contractions begin to come closer in rolling waves crashing into each other. The pain is so intense that my throat is hoarse from screaming.

  Dr. Staton walks in the room dressed in blue scrubs and her blonde hair hidden under a scrub cap. “Did you miss me so soon?” She kids as she puts on a pair of gloves. She sits on the stool, rolling herself between my thighs to check me. She presses her hand against my belly and the concerned look on her face stills my tears almost instantly. “How long have you been having contractions?”

  “I had a few Braxton Hicks late yesterday evening. I tossed and turned most of the night because my back was hurting so bad, so I got up around twelve thirty to get on the couch and that’s when I felt the first really intense contraction.”

  She pulls the gloves off, tossing them in the trash can and steps towards the fetal heart monitor. “Carly, the baby is breech and seems to be in distress. Her heart rate is lower than I’m comfortable with.” My world stands still. Terror surges through me and I can’t even will myself to speak.

  “What’s that mean?” Colton yells.

  “We’re gonna have to prep Carly for a cesarean section. It’s the safest way to deliver the baby.”

  “Surgery? There’s nothing else you can do? I don’t want her bein’ cut on. It’s too dangerous.”

  “Colton, I promise you if there was an alternative, I’d do it in a heartbeat. The safest way to bring your daughter into this world is by c-section. I’ll get an OR prepped now and we’ll be back to take Carly down within thirty minutes.”

  “Can I be there with her?” Colton begs and the tremble in his voice causes my heart to crack.

  “You should be able to. I’ll be back shortly. Just try to keep Carly calm in the meantime.”