“Hmm, nothing. Just my old life.”
“Do you miss it?”
Selene turned to him, but before she could respond she felt water run down her legs. She shot up and grabbed her stomach.
“What?” Ethan asked alarmed.
“My water broke.”
The first contraction hit her like a knife to the gut. She doubled over and fell on her side.
The sudden urge to push overwhelmed her. Selene clutched her stomach and groaned.
In a flash Ethan was on his feet. He tried to help her up, but the pain was paralyzing.
Instead, he ran to the phone and called the doctor.
After a minute the pain began to subside like a rolling tide, but she knew it would be back.
Selene saw the intermission as a blessing. She jumped to her feet and pulled her dress over her head. Then, she walked to the bedroom, laid down and waited for the next wave to hit. It didn’t take long before she was racked by pain again.
“The doctor’s on his way.” Ethan ran to her side.
“I need to push,” Selene said through gritted teeth.
“No! Not yet. Wait for the doctor.”
“I can’t!” she screamed.
Selene sat up in bed and spread her legs. Ethan crawled behind her for support. She leaned into him gratefully.
“Just breathe slowly,” he said.
“I am breathing!” she said harsher than she had intended.
“Okay.” Ethan rubbed her shoulders and arms.
Selene groaned and pushed as hard as she could. All she wanted was to get the baby out of her. Ethan jumped off the bed and positioned himself between her legs.
“I can see the head.”
Selene panted and pushed over and over. Finally, the baby’s head was clear. “One more time sweetie. You’re almost there.”
With every ounce of strength left in her, Selene pushed. She felt the baby leave her, but before she could see him she collapsed onto her back in exhaustion.
Ethan wrapped the baby in towels and rubbed him down.
Just breathe, Selene thought. It was suddenly her greatest fear in the world that she would never hear the baby cry. Then, right on cue he began to wail.
Selene smiled and held out her hands.
Ethan walked to her, the baby in his arms. He gently placed him on her chest.
John’s face was red from screaming. Once in Selene’s arms though he quieted down. He took to her breast immediately and began to feed.
Selene unwrapped the towel and counted his fingers and toes.
“Ten and ten,” Ethan said.
Selene looked up at him and said, “Never.”
“What?”
“You asked me earlier if I missed my old life.” She stared deep into his eyes. “Never.”
Ethan sat on the bed and wrapped his arms around his new family.
“Never is a promise.”
The End
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