One Little Bit

by Tey Holden

  A nurse took the little one back to be reexamined by the neonatologist, and later to the nursery. As soon as Tiffany finished with the surgery, she stopped to talk to Addy. “The C-section was the right choice. The surgery went well, and she will be able to go home in a few days. For now, we are going to keep her in the recovery room before we send her up to her room.”

  “Thanks, Tiffany.”

  “It’s what I do.”

  The neonatologist also stopped to talk to Addy and Tiffany. He informed them that the little one was seven pounds, and that she was twenty-one inches long.

  “That’s a good size baby, not huge, but not tiny either.” Tiffany declared. “Now, about you, I need you to go and eat something and then get some rest. Karen’s going to be out of it in the recovery room for a while, and we’ll be looking after her. You are not allowed in there, so make the most of your time. You can resume your watch later, when they move her upstairs and out of recovery. I’ll be going home soon, but for your peace of mind, I will tell you that I will be on call, even though I expect all to continue well. Also, the baby is doing great. Please, get some rest.”

  JP and James were in Edinburgh. After reconciling, they often went dancing, or to the theater in the city. Since they were staying in a hotel downtown, it didn’t take them very long to get to the hospital. They had been in the family waiting area the entire time that Karen had been in surgery. When they saw Addy in the distant hallway they walked towards her but stopped when they saw Tiffany talking to Addy wanting to give them some privacy. As soon as Tiffany left, they walked up to Addy.

  “Sweetie, how is Karen?” JP asked.

  “Did everything go well?” James timidly asked while placing his hand on Addy’s shoulder.

  “Yes, James. They are both fine. It’s a girl, guys.” Addy smiled triumphantly shy.

  “Congratulations!”

  “Oh my God, I’m so relieved! I think I’m feeling faint.”

  “Stop it JP. If you faint, I’ll have you kept at the hospital for observation if you don’t stop overreacting.” James had taken the upper hand after their appeasement.

  “Oh! Good Lord, no! I hate hospitals. Just being here gives me a rash.”

  James looked at him in such a way that JP immediately shut up.

  Addy took James arm and leaned on it. “What’s wrong my dear?”

  “It was all too stressful in there, James, and then right before going into surgery, Laurie called and told me that Luke had a heart attack.”

  “Oh dear God!” JP exclaimed.

  “She asked me if I could go, but I explained my situation and told her I couldn’t.”

  “Was she okay?” James asked.

  “She sounded well and Steven was with her. I need to call her to see what happened.”

  Tiffany passed by them on her way to the patient recovery area. “Please, make sure she eats something and gets some rest.”

  “Do you want to call Laurie now?” James asked.

  “Yes, I need to make sure she’s okay.”

  “Alright, make your call. We’ll wait in the family waiting area, and then we can go see the baby. Can we see her?” James asked.

  “Yes, she’s in the nursery. Why don’t I meet you there?” Addy replied. As soon as they left, Addy called Laurie.

  “Hi Mom, how did it go there?”

  “Fine, honey, we have a beautiful, healthy baby girl, and Karen is doing fine. The birth was difficult and we ended up having to go through a C-section, that was when you called. The baby had the umbilical cord around her neck, and it was very scary for a moment, but she came through and is doing fine. Laurie, she is absolutely beautiful. She has blonde hair like Karen’s and is just perfect, just like you were.”

  “Oh, Mom, I’m so glad for you and for Karen.”

  “You have to come and see her.”

  “Yeah, we’ll come as soon as all this clears here.”

  “What about you there? What’s going on?”

  “Dad’s is fine, but he needs surgery. He needs a bypass. They are doing it the day after tomorrow.”

  “Oh, Lord!”

  “He will be fine, I’m fine too.”

  “I feel bad leaving you to deal with that situation, but I can’t go now.”

  “I know, Mom. Don’t worry about it. All will be fine here.”

  “Listen, Laurie whatever he needs in terms of medical expenses, or if he needs any type of accommodation in his place, please let me know. He doesn’t have to know it comes from me. It will be from you.”

  “Yes, thanks, Mom.”

  “Keep me posted. I’ll check with you in a couple of days then, or if you need to call me, you know I always have my phone with me.”

  “Okay, kiss Karen and the baby for me. What’s the baby’s name?”

  “Alexandra, I’ll send you a picture. Bye.”

  Ten minutes later Addy walked into the family waiting area and came face to face with James. “Oh Addy, she’s the most beautiful baby ever!”

  Addy smiled. “Yes, James, thank you. She’s a miracle.”

  “Is everything okay with Laurie?”

  “Yes, it all went well there also, thank God.”

  “Are you going to be okay?”

  “I think so, James. I just feel exhausted now that it is all over.”

  “Let’s go get you something to eat and drink. The cafeteria is right around the corner.” James took her by the arm and led her down the hall.

  “Yeah, but I want to be back soon. I need to be with Karen when she wakes up.”

  “Yeah, we will be back in a few minutes.”

  Addy did not eat much. “Guys, thank you for insisting on getting me some food, but frankly, this soup is the only thing I’ll be able to get down. My stomach is still tense, and I don’t think it can take much more.”

  “Was Karen in much pain?” JP asked.

  “No, JP, she was under anesthesia. She didn’t feel a thing.”

  “I think you had the worst part, you got to see it all.” James was always very perceptive.

  JP started to talk about the cafeteria food to distract Addy. “I honestly think they make the food bad deliberately in hospitals. It’s for the insurance companies. They want people out of the hospital as soon as possible. If the food was good, people might be inclined to stay longer. They also make it so healthy so that the minute you are out of here you want to start pigging out on junk food, get sick and come right back in here to give them some more business.” After a while, he finally stopped talking and left for the gift shop to buy a gift for Karen and the baby. James walked with Addy to the family waiting area in front of the recovery room.

  Addy sat on the sofa and leaned her head backward. “James, for a moment there, I panicked. Hearing all the surgical talk and urgency, I thought I was going to lose her, and then I thought we were going to lose the baby. So many terrible things passed through my mind in such a short period of time! This was the most agonizing thing I’ve ever gone through.” James put his arm around her to comfort her. “What if something terrible had happened? How could I have gone on living? James, I don’t think giving birth to my daughter was as mentally agonizing as being in that room was today.”

  “Fortunately it’s all over and everyone is okay.”

  At that very moment, Tiffany came out of the recovery room. Addy saw her and jumped to her feet. “Is everything alright?”

  “Yes, Addy, everything is fine. As a matter of fact, they are getting ready to bring her upstairs soon.”

  “Tiffany, did you remember that she doesn’t want to breastfeed?”

  “Yes, I prescribed something for that. It’s going to be a bit uncomfortable at first until she dries out. The nurse will give you instructions as to what to do. She’s very tired and sleeping peacefully now. It’s going to be, at least, another hour until she goes up to her room. Go see your daughter.”

  They walked to the nursery, and immediately identified her. She was the only girl, the only one wear
ing a pink cap on her head. “She is so beautiful. James, I’m so lucky. I have two of them now.” Addy started to cry in James’ arms. This time these were happy tears and even James had trouble keeping his composure. Such happiness was worth crying for!

  “She’s adorable, Addy. I claim the title of uncle, I’d like you to know that.”

  “Well, of course. In fact, we were thinking of asking you and JP to be godparents.”

  “Oh, Addy!” James was so moved that his eyes became instant blue puddles. “I am so honored! Oh, my God! I don’t even know what to say! JP is going to flip when he hears about it. We need to get the darn salts out, he might even really faint!” They laughed still hugging.

  Part 8

  As they were walking back to the recovery room, a nurse informed them that Karen was going to be transferred to her room. When Karen’s bed was wheeled out of the recovery room, the first face she saw was Addy’s. “Baby.” Addy took her hand and kissed it.

  “I’m fine, love. How are you holding, and the baby?”

  Addy was overjoyed that Karen was concerned about the baby. “Doing great, and she’s beautiful, Ker.”

  “They’ll be bringing her up to you soon.” One of the nurses informed them. About fifteen minutes after they had settled in the room, they brought the baby and put her in Karen’s arms. Karen looked at the little thing and started to cry. Addy always said she would never forget that moment as long as she lived. What she saw was exactly that bond, that precious love she wanted so much for Karen. It was the realization of a dream and a new beginning for them. When Karen looked up and saw Addy’s face, she extended her hand and Addy came close and kissed her. She sat on the bed and put her arm around Karen to contemplate their bundle of joy.

  “I don’t think we got your brown hair, baby.” Karen mumbled.

  “Even though we selected sperm from a browned haired Caucasian male, I really didn’t have many expectations. Even if the donor really had brown hair, that gene would have been a recessive gene, since he was probably one of two brown haired men in Sweden.” She chuckled.

  “Maybe it will get darker with the years.”

  Addy looked at the little one and then Karen. “Baby, I don’t think it’s going to be in our lifetime.”

  Both Karen and James chuckled. The baby’s hair was lighter than Karen’s, almost white. “I’ve seen pictures of you as a baby, sweetie, she’s all you. I can’t wait to see her eyes.” At that very moment, the little one woke up and opened her eyes. “Oh my God!” Addy exclaimed and held the tiny hand. The tiny fingers clasped on to hers and held it tight. “Are they green? I’m possessed again!” It was too early to tell, but everyone laughed. When the only known green eyes in the room met the brown ones, they each knew who possessed whom. The attraction led to a kiss, and James politely slipped out to give the new family a moment of privacy.

  Addy combed Karen’s hair back with her fingers. “We made it.”

  “Hardly. Things got pretty serious in there, didn’t it? Addypooh, I know. Don’t forget I can read you.”

  Addy smiled shyly. “Yeah, for a moment there, I freaked out. I’m not used to seeing all that medical drama, and then when I get to see it, it’s on my own turf, and—.”

  “Talking about turfs,” Karen interrupted, “I think Blondie was spared of a very traumatic experience.”

  Addy smiled knowing what Karen was talking about. “Well, that is yet to be confirmed. I’ll have to conduct an examination for verification.” She buried her face in Karen’s neck and hair and kissed her.

  Karen whispered in her ear. “Can’t wait.”

  Addy smiled. “Me either.” They kissed again. “You are not the only one suffering through this pregnancy, you know?”

  “I’m glad I’m not alone in that department.”

  Addy brushed her lips over Karen’s face. “Trust me, weren’t. I’ve been trying to hide my feelings to support you, but it’s been hell for me too.”

  “Really?” Karen buried her face into Addy’s neck.

  Addy kissed her neck and ear. She whispered into it. “Oh, Ker! How could you even doubt it, baby. I can’t wait to be with you.”

  The baby began to cry. “Oh no! What’s wrong?” Karen became alarmed.

  “Nothing’s wrong. She’s probably hungry. Here let me have her.”

  “She’s all yours!”

  “I know.” Addy looked at the little one lovingly and began to talk to her, and the bundle in her arms immediately stopped crying as if recognizing the voice too well. ”You are so precious, Little Bit. You and I are going to be real good pals. I can just feel it.” Karen listened to the conversation delighted, as the little one made cooing sounds as if responding to Addy.

  At that very moment, JP made his entrance with a gigantic teddy bear and balloons in his arms. The man was hardly visible behind all the stuff he was carrying. James followed grinning.

  “And where is the child of my heart?” He went directly to Addy to look at the baby. “Oh, my God! She’s adorable? She’s a tiny little doll. And look at her hair! Karen, honey, she’s got your hair, and I hope she has her eyes too. Has anyone checked already?”

  James looked at Karen who rolled her eyes, as they all laughed.

  “How are you doing, my sweet friend?” JP walked over to the bed and kissed Karen.

  “Fine, JP. Enjoying my life, and counting my blessings.”

  James sat next to Addy and was also mesmerized looking at the baby. JP and Karen looked at each other and at how Addy and James were contemplating the baby. “I can just see that this child will be spoiled rotten.” JP remarked.

  ***

  After a brief visit, the men announced they were going home. “You both need to get to get some rest.”

  JP interrupted, “call us if you need anything, honey, and make sure and get some rest.”

  “We’ll come back tomorrow to relieve you, in case you want to go to the flat to shower and maybe get some rest.” James added.

  “Okay, guys. Thanks for coming.”

  “Oh, honey, don’t mention it. It’s our pleasure to be here, anything for that bundle of joy.”

  She kissed them both on the cheek and they left. Shortly after, Karen fell asleep, but the tiny one in the bassinet was wide-awake looking at the light coming in from the window.

  “I can see that you are going to be a tough one to put to sleep. Instead, look at your mommy there. Isn’t she beautiful, Little Bit? And so are you. You are a miracle, and I love you.”

  When the little one heard Addy’s voice, she stirred and began to make little sounds. Addy picked her up and smiled. “You are perfect and beautiful. Just look at you. Look at that little nose and what beautiful hands and fingers, and those beautiful nails. I’m going to dress you up, and I’m going to get you pretty earrings and pretty bows for your hair. How could your mom think that your hair would ever be brown? It’s almost white.” Addy chuckled. “Little Bit, you look just like her. You even have her butt! You are going to have to trust me on that one.” She chuckled again. “I hope you have her eyes also. You know, those are the most beautiful eyes on this planet. You’d be very lucky to inherit them from her, but you are gorgeous just as you are and I love you.” Addy was enchanted looking at her daughter and thanking God for the miracle in her arms unaware that Karen had awakened.

  She had remained silent, enchanted with Addy’s talk with their daughter. It was like one of many monologues that had taken place even before the baby was born. There had been many nights when Karen had fallen asleep listening to Addy converse with the baby inside her. It was her way of being part of the pregnancy, and the way she knew to connect with the baby. When Addy spoke, the little one always kicked for a while before calming down inside Karen’s belly, and now it was just the same. She cooed for a while and then peacefully fell asleep, maybe sensing the love in the arms that held her.

  “I hope you are talking to our daughter,” Addy turned around smiling when she heard Karen’s voice, “othe
rwise, I will be very jealous. She’s the only other girl I could tolerate hearing you say those things to.”

  Addy smiled. “I have all the women I need in my life. And you also know very well that you stand in a league of your own, my dearest. How are you feeling?” She kissed her and deposited the little one in her arms. Karen looked happy.

  “Tired.”

  Addy sat on the bed to talk to her. “Hum! I wonder why?” She bent down and kissed her while smiling. “Silly woman, of course, you are tired. Your body has gone through a lot of trauma.” Addy was holding Karen’s left hand. She still had an IV running into her right hand so that she could self-administer pain medication periodically. “Is that working for you?” Addy was referring to the pain medication.

  “Yes.”

  A nurse came into the room. “I need to take the baby back to the nursery.”

  “Can’t she stay here with us?”

  “No ma’am, I’m sorry. It’s hospital regulation. I’ll bring her back early in the morning for her feeding.” The nurse took the baby and left.

  “Addy, you don’t suppose she means—.”

  “No, you are getting medication to dry up your milk. She meant to feed her with the formula.”

  “I can barely keep my eyes open.”

  “In that case, why don’t you close them and get some rest?” Addy bent down and kissed her. Karen closed her eyes and smiled. Addy kissed her again, this time it was a longer kiss. Karen kept her eyes closed, but her smile grew larger. “Get some rest, baby. I’m going to change and then try and rest also. It’s been a long day.”

  “Okay.”

  They had a private room so that Addy could stay with her. Addy had arranged for a second bed for her. After changing into her comfortable sweatpants and shirt, she got in bed and tried to sleep. However, nurses kept coming in and out of the room to check on Karen, and it was hard to settle. After a while, she gave up. Maybe JP was right in his assumption that hospitals were doing everything possible to make people leave sooner not only by providing bad food but also for sleep deprivation. Unless people were under anesthesia, painkillers, sleeping pills, or exhausted from childbirth, there was no other way to sleep in the hospital. At around six in the morning, when Addy was between slumbers, a nurse came in with the baby and handed it to Karen with a tiny bottle of formula.