In the Blink of an Eye

by S J Batsford

  “Do you want me to drive?” I ask smiling as he fidgets and bounces in his seat.

  “No, I’m good,” he says taking deep breathes. We arrive safely in spite of Mason’s bouncing and fidgeting.

  “We’ll go order the big stuff first, like the cot, pushchair, bouncers, Moses baskets, wardrobes and draws. We also need to look for clothes, bedding, curtains, bottles and things. Then, you can go mad getting paints or whatever. Okay?”

  He nods, “I can’t wait, this is so exciting.” His boyish excitement is cute.

  Half way through we take a break to eat, so I can rest, my back is on fire and feet are killing me.

  “Okay, so we have all the big stuff being delivered tomorrow. Are you going to be able to get all the decorating done in time for the furniture coming? I would help, but I’m not allowed by paint fumes and stuff,” I grin, cheekily.

  “Is it okay if Niles comes to help? That’s a lot of work to get done tonight and tomorrow morning.”

  “Yeah, sure. As long as Ethan doesn’t turn up.” He nods, uneasily.

  The next shop is full of teddies and toys and clothes of all shapes and colours.

  Mace is in baby heaven he wants to buy everything. I hate to have to rein him in but I only have so much room.

  ~*~

  Niles and Mason are busy with the nursery. They kicked me out. Apparently, it’s a surprise, so I busy myself ordering food and unpacking. I do as much as I can before my energy vanishes.

  Making a cuppa I settle on the sofa, rubbing my belly and singing softly. I only have about nineteen weeks left if I’m lucky. Just thinking about how fast that will go scares me.

  The doorbell ringing startles me, I must have drifted off. Grabbing my purse, I pay the delivery guy.

  “Mace, Niles, foods here!” I yell setting everything on the table with drinks.

  Music stops, a door banging, then a bump, bump, bump and again they shove each other.

  We eat, chatting and laughing. Sometimes I catch sad looks thrown my way from Niles.

  “So, is the nursery done yet?” I’m anxious to get a look, they’ve been up there for hours.

  “Almost, just need the furniture now.” Niles smiles at me.

  “Why? Impatient are you Lils?” Mace teases, he knows me too well.

  A phone ringing interrupts my answer. We all look at each other, I shrug, because I know it isn’t my phone, Mace is here and Nan and I spoke earlier.

  Niles pulls his out looking at me and answers, not attempting to leave the room.

  “I can’t right now I’m busy, I could come by later?” He sighs, looking really uncomfortable.

  “No. I’m at Mason’s,” he rolls his eyes at us. I fight the giggle that wants to escape. Mace looks at me, his eyes twinkling, shaking his head.

  “I’m helping decorate the twins’ bedroom,” he cringes holding the phone away from his ear.

  Quite a few rather loud swear words come through the speaker. Even from across the table, we can hear him loud and clear.

  “Listen E, that’s between you and Lily. I just came to help with the nursery, I’m not getting in the middle of what’s going on. You’re my brother, and they’re my niece and nephew. If you need me to drop by after I’m done here, then I will.” I’m shocked by his calmness, he handled Ethan amazingly.

  Bug-eyed, I look at Mace. He smirks “Ethan, Ava and I are the hot headed ones, whereas Niles here is as cool as a cucumber. He handles E the best, calms him and gets him thinking rationally.”

  ~*~

  I’m up bright and early the next morning, awaiting the furniture deliveries. I’m so excited to see it done. Niles turns up not long after I finish making breakfast.

  “Hey, help yourself, thanks for helping out.” Smiling, he sits beside Mace

  “I’m happy to help, you are family,” he shrugs, as tears fill my eyes, I turn away quickly.

  ~*~

  “Okay, keep your eyes shut.” Mace demands, walking me slowly down the hall, his hands covering my eyes. Giggling, I hold his arm in a death grip scared I’ll fall.

  “Okay, okay. Are we there yet, I don’t want to fall!”

  “One more step. Okay, open,” Mace whispers, removing his hands.

  Opening my eyes, I gasp, it’s beautiful. Their cots are along the back wall, separated by the dresser/changing station. On the wall above that is a cute little toadstool nightlight. All but one of the walls are designed in all things nature. Trees, autumn leaves, toadstools, animals, bird, butterflies. I’m gobsmacked, it’s more than I could have wished for. Tears trickle down my face, I’m so grateful for all the hard work and love that has gone into this room, from their two uncles.

  “Thank you both. It’s... It’s beautiful. More than I could have dreamed of.”

  Smiling, they both hug me.

  “What do you want done with that wall?” Mace points at the only blank wall.

  Smiling, I go into my room getting the two main things I need.

  “Can you go get the box from the hall closet?” I ask Mace, hoping we can get my surprise up before he gets back.

  Once he’s out the way, I close the door. Smirking, I hand Niles the hammer, and quickly we get to work.

  We finish just as Mace comes through the door, all puffed out and places the big box on the floor.

  “Okay, are you ready to see what I’m naming your niece and nephew?” I’m so excited to see his face.

  “Yes!” He’s been badgering me for weeks wanting to know. I smile pulling the first covering off.

  Elizabella Rose Barker. Is beautifully scripted in a long frame above her cot. Their smiles are huge and their eyes are wet. Overjoyed by their reaction, I blow out a breath and remove the second cover. Mace gasps, shocked and hopefully happy.

  On the wall above my son's bed is his name in the same frame and script as his sister’s.

  Sebastian Mason Barker. “Do you like it?” I ask, a little unnerved by their silence. Mace clears his throat enveloping me in a tight hug.

  “Thank you. I’m so proud for him to have my name. I love it! They are beautiful names.” His voice is so strained I barely hear him. I’m so relieved I cry into his shoulder.

  “We love you, uncle Mace, but these hormones have turned me into a freaking basket case,” I huff, and they both laugh at my disgruntled face.

  ~*~

  My twenty-two-week scan finally arrives. I feel and look huge, my back aches like a bitch, I’m cranky, tired and bloated. So not good.

  “Hi Lily, how are you feeling? You look tired.”

  Sitting, I rub my back, chuckling dryly. “Yeah, tired is an understatement. My back feels like it’s about to snap and my mood swings could rival a tornado. But other than that, I’m good.” She smiles, nodding and ignores my sarcastic reply.

  “Sorry, bad mood,” I sigh, smiling weakly at her. I’m so ready for this pregnancy to be over. So I can meet my little angels and hold them.

  “Everything looks good. You’re gaining weight and eating right. The only thing I’m concerned about is that your blood pressure is a little higher than I’d like. We’ll do some blood work to check your protein levels, but from now until I see you again, I want you on bed rest, okay?” Shocked, I just nod.

  “When do I need to see you again?”

  “I’ll see you every two weeks now until the birth, have you decided if you’re birthing naturally or C-Section?”

  “Naturally, if I can, but if need be I’ll go for a C-Section.” She nods, scribbling happy with my reply.

  “What about medication do you want any?”

  “None, if I can birth naturally. I assumed I’d have to have an epidural if I had a C-Section?”

  “Yes, that’s right. But in the case of emergency, we’d need to put you out.” Frightened, I squeeze Mason’s hand.

  “Don’t worry, I’m just making you aware of all your options, and what would happen in the event of an emergency. Now, who’s your birthing partner?”

  “Mason an
d my Nan,” she looks at Mason amused.

  “You’re not going to faint are you?” She asks, laughter in her voice.

  “No, I wouldn’t miss their birth for the world.” Love and pride evident in his voice.

  “He’s been waiting impatiently for these two to come into the world,” I add teasing him.

  I’m glad the twins have such a brilliant male role model. I don’t know what I would do without him. He’s our constant.

  ~*~

  Chapter Sixteen

  I’m sick of being on bed rest, two weeks of watching crap TV, sick of being waited on hand and foot by Mace, Nan and anyone else who visits. Isabella visits once a week and Niles every other day. We’ve become quick friends, he’s calm, funny and charming.

  “How’s the patient doing today?” Niles asks, sitting on my bed, handing me chocolates and spicy tortilla chips.

  “Fed up, your brother is a pain in my arse. I don’t know who’s worse him or Nan,” I whisper, conspiratorially.

  Snickering, he settles beside me grabbing the remote. “How about a movie?”

  “Okay, but I’m not sharing my crisps. You can eat the chocolates.” I snatch the crisps up and start chomping. I’m already as big as a house, I may as well enjoy it while I can. After these two are born, I’ll be able to start working out again.

  Laughing, we look through what choices we have and settle on a new comedy.

  About half way though Mace comes in raising an eyebrow.

  “What do we have here then? What am I, chopped liver?”

  Smiling, I pat the other side of the bed. “Nope, there’s always room for you. Plus, I need your chest to lie on, Niles is a bit shy around me,” I chuckle.

  Mason laughs lying flat on his back, so I can curl up as best as I can with my head on his chest.

  “Our Niles is a little shy around the ladies. Ethan’s the egotistical one.” Mace stiffens as the words leave his mouth.

  I feel like I’ve been shocked, I gasp, shocked. It still hurts even hearing his name. It’s been weeks since his name has been mentioned.

  Feeling my emotions rise to the surface, I bury my face in Mason’s shirt.

  “Lils, I’m sorry,” Mace says softly into my hair.

  “It’s okay. It just shocked me, that’s all. I’m fine, let’s just finish the movie.”

  ~*~

  Ah, I’m so happy to be out of the house, feeling the cool breeze on my face. Even if It is only for a visit to the doctor’s office.

  “Okay, your blood pressure is still a little high, but there isn’t any sign of protein in your urine, so that’s a plus. But the downside is you’ll still need to be on bed rest or it could turn into pre-eclampsia,” I sigh, not liking the idea of being on bed rest again. I’ve read about Pre-Eclampsia though, and I know it’s dangerous, not only for me but for the babies, too.

  “Okay. Will that be until the end of my pregnancy now? Because I still have to go shopping for some things for the babies before they arrive.”

  “It’ll be to the end now. I don’t want to risk it. Could you make a list so another family member could go? Or you could go, but you’d have to be pushed around in a wheelchair,” I cringe, but capitulate because there is no way I’m being pushed around the shopping centre in a wheelchair.

  ~*~

  “Great, how am I supposed to prepare for the twins if I’m stuck in bed? I haven’t even done my hospital bag yet,” I huff, frustrated with myself for not having it ready.

  “I can get whatever you need, and we can put it together in your room… but that means leaving you alone,” He mutters, worrying his lip.

  “I’ll be fine Mace.”

  He shouldn’t have to worry about leaving the house. He’s eighteen and shouldering responsibilities that aren’t his.

  “I’m sorry Mace,” I sob into my hands. Damn hormones!

  He reaches over, pulling a hand away. “Hey. What’s all this about?”

  When I stay silent, he pulls over.

  “What’s wrong?” He asks, taking me into his arms, rubbing my back.

  “You shouldn’t have to worry about all this. You’re only eighteen. We aren’t your responsibility. Ethan should deal with this, he helped make them, not you. He should be facing these responsibilities with me, not you… Not that I don’t appreciate all you do and have done for us, but it’s not fair on you. You lost Millie because of this mess.” I’m so angry and sad and worked up that my breathing is all over the place.

  Mason looks startled at my anger.

  “First. It wasn’t your fault Millie and I didn’t work out. She chose to end it. I’m not sure what to say about Ethan shirking his responsibilities, but I’ve loved every minute of being there for all three of you, and as far as I’m concerned all three of you are my responsibility. They’re my niece and nephew. And you’re like another sister to me, even before we knew you were carrying these angels.” By the time he’s finished, I’m a blubbering mess from the love I hear in his voice.

  ~*~

  April passes with few problems and a lot of resting. Boredom sets in as June arrives, spring is in full swing and here I am stuck inside. It’s driving me nuts. I haven’t heard a word from Ethan since that day. I don’t know what’s going to happen when Liza and Seb are born. He hasn’t even called to see how they are. I wish I’d picked a better father for my children, but life doesn’t work that way. Hindsight’s a bitch.

  At thirty weeks I’m more than ready to meet my little ones.

  Today I’m hoping Dr, James will talk to me about, my C-Section. I elected for it since my blood pressure hasn’t gone down.

  Since I’ll only be allowed one person with me, Nan and Mason decided between themselves, that Mace would come in with me.

  ~*~

  “Okay, so the C-Section is set, unless I go into labour naturally before. I need to get my hospital bag packed ASAP, just in case.”

  “Now that you can do mild exercise, we can go to the mall tomorrow. Get the stuff you wouldn’t let me get.” He rolls his eyes as I shudder just the thought of him buying my toiletries...

  Our shopping trip is as eventful as always. Whenever I go out now every woman I pass stops me to feel my belly. And asks some shockingly personal questions that amuses Mason to no end.

  ~*~

  Time passes so fast I’m shocked when thirty-six weeks rolls around.

  I’m a nervous wreck, but I need for these babies to be born. My back hurts constantly, I can’t breathe properly, I’m huge and I’m tired.

  They are active little monkeys. It’s fascinating watching their feet and hands move across my belly. Mason of course, thinks it’s amazing.

  The last few days have been spent making sure everything’s ready for the twins’ arrival. I’ve packed and repacked my hospital bag a dozen times.

  My thoughts are pensive as the days fall away. The closer the birth gets, the more I think about everything that happened, everything that could have or should have happened. Everything I was promised

  Sometimes I wish life turned out differently, that I had never met Ethan Barker. I quash the thought as soon as it surfaces. Without him I wouldn’t be having my twins. I wonder if he’ll bother coming to visit them since I haven’t heard from him in four months.

  I still miss him every day, even though I’m angry with him, I’m still in love with him. I’m disappointed that he hasn’t been there for us like he said he would. I thought he was a better man than that.

  One day he’ll wake up and realise the mistake he made by not being a part of these precious moments. Not being there for his children’s birth, to see their first moments in the world, and be one of the first people they see.

  Tears trickle from my eyes. I can’t believe how naive I was to believe him over and over again. To believe there would be and us.

  “Lils, you in there?” Mason walks in before I can wipe my face. He looks at me, concern marring his face.

  “I’m fine, just having a moment,” I giggle, s
haking off my sad thoughts.

  “You ready for tomorrow? Are you excited?” Smiling, I nod, folding and refolding the baby-grow in my hands.

  “Nervous, but excited to see them. Thanks again for being there the past few months. You’re so amazing, and I’m lucky to have such an awesome best friend.”

  “I’ve told you before, there’s nowhere I’d rather be. I can’t wait to meet these two,” he sits, happily rubbing my belly, earning a powerful kick from one of the twins.

  “I can’t believe they’re going to be born tomorrow. It seems surreal. I’m going to be a real Mom tomorrow,” he laughs at me shaking his head.

  “You’ve been a real mom for nine months. You just get to meet the two little miracles that you created tomorrow.”

  I nod, not wanting to point out that I didn’t make them alone.

  “Well, we better get some sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow,” I say, feeling my excitement rising.

  “Yeah, good night, mommy. See you bright and early.”

  I fall asleep smiling, thinking about my babies.

  ~*~

  “Hi Mason, Lily, how are you feeling?” Dr, James asks making a happy entrance.

  I smile. “Nervous, but excited, ready to not be pregnant anymore,” I joke, making them both laugh.

  “I bet. We’re just going to check your vitals and start your I.V, then you’ll be prepped for theatre okay?”

  I nod swallowing my nerves. “How long will it take?”

  “Usually around forty-fifty minutes. You look a little green, you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, just nerves.”

  “It’s okay to be nervous, it will be over before you know it. Then you’ll have your babies in your hands.”

  I don’t know how, but she just calmed me immensely. “Thanks, that helped. “