Open Net

by Mulliner, Brittney

  She stepped back with a victorious smile. “They both said I didn’t need to be here, but I knew you’d want me.”

  She winked and I laughed even though it felt like my stomach was currently splitting into multiple pieces.

  “So, catch us up. Where are you at?”

  I peered up to Reese who didn’t seem at all disturbed with the direction this conversation was going.

  “I’m at a six and the nurse is concerned because I’m not progressing.”

  Chloe’s brows pinched together. “Well then, let’s fix that.”

  “What do you know about labor, babe?” Reese asked in a joking tone.

  “What do you think I’ve been researching for the past seven months.” She shot her husband a look. “Have you been walking?”

  I nodded. “We walked for a while. How long was it?” I asked Olli hoping he’d been paying attention. It felt like an eternity to me.

  “About twenty minutes.”

  My body deflated. “That’s it?”

  He shrugged.

  She pursed her lips. “And how long have you been doing this?”

  “Maybe five minutes.”

  She nodded. “We’ll let’s get this show rolling.” She pulled out her phone and seconds later a salsa song with a strong beat filled the room. She started moving her hips back and forth.

  “Come on.” She grabbed Reese’s hands and made him move with her. I laughed but a contraction started, and I closed my eyes and groaned. I felt Olli near me before his hands started rubbing my back. I knew he thought he was helping and trying to do something to feel useful, but I wanted to shake him off. Not yet. It was annoying enough to give me something to focus on besides the wave of pain trying to consume me.

  Once it was over, I opened my eyes to see everyone watching at me.

  “You okay?” Chloe looked a mix of concerned and amused.

  I nodded. “Teach us how to salsa.”

  She watched me for a moment before turning and starting back up with Reese. Olli came to my side and offered his hand. I thought he was trying to get me to stand, but when I placed my palm in his, his hips began swaying.

  It was too much. I burst out laughing and timed my circles to match him. His laugh relaxed me, and I felt a little guilty for hating his touch a second ago. This man was my partner. As long as he was here, I’d get through this.

  “There you go! See, you just needed to have a little fun with it.” Chloe moved her arms in front of her like a belly dancer. “See just keep moving baby down.”

  Reese shook his head but didn’t stop. We were all having this baby together now.

  The nurse, Kelly, came back in a minute later and didn’t bat an eye at all of us dancing. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

  I took a mental inventory of my body. “The same.”

  She nodded and moved to the monitors. “Baby’s heart rate is good.” She tapped a key few. “You’re looking good. We’ll keep going with trying natural methods to see if we can speed things up. If you don’t get to a seven in the next hour or so, the doctor may want to try Pitocin.”

  “Thanks, Kelly.”

  “You guys keep having fun.”

  I laughed and realized that having my friends with me was helping. My mind wasn’t singly focused on the pain. Olli grabbed my hands and swung his hips from side to side. “Come on, Momma. We want our baby out.”

  A dozen or so contractions passed before the nurse came back in. “All right, I’m going to ask you two to leave.”

  Chloe pouted as Reese dragged her out of the room. “We’ll go get some snacks and be back.”

  I glanced over to the clock on the wall and was shocked to see it was already five in the morning. We’d been here for four hours. If I hadn’t dilated any more in all this time I was going to scream.

  “We’ll need you back up here, Emma.” Kelly patted the table and Olli helped me stand and walk the few feet over. Once I was situated and laying down, Kelly examined me for what felt like the hundredth time.

  “We’re almost there,” she said.

  My head shot up. “We’re almost to ten?”

  She paused. “Oh no. Almost to a seven.”

  I blew out a breath and dropped back against the pillows.

  “How’s the pain?”

  A tear slid down my cheek before I could answer.

  “Emma, what’s wrong? Is it bad?” Olli asked.

  I sniffed and wiped under my eyes. “No, I’m just mad.”

  He waited a second before tilting his head. “Because you’re at a seven?”

  “Not even a seven!” I yelled too loudly.

  He flinched but didn’t run away like I probably would have if he’d been a grouch. I knew I was acting a little crazy, but I felt justified. I was exhausted and frustrated and just wanted to be done with this.

  “At this point you can try to rest for a little while,” Kelly said with a gentle smile.

  “With these contractions?” I shook my head feebly. “No way. I’m lucky I slept through the first stage.” I tried to turn. Finding a comfortable position was impossible. I was already exhausted. How much longer could this last?

  “Well, would you like the epidural now?”

  “Not if it’s going to slow things down.” I barked out then instantly felt guilty. I needed to get control over myself before I scared everyone away.

  Her smile remained unshaken. “Everything at this point is up to baby. As long as the heartbeat and vitals are looking good, you’re safe to labor naturally.”

  Olli didn’t seem convinced. “Can she take anything for the pain?”

  “There are some potential side effects with taking medication. Emma may feel sick or dizzy and it could make the baby drowsy.”

  I cringed. “I don’t want to do that.”

  “Emma your body can only handle so much.” Olli said with a concerned tone.

  I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I know, but I’m not there yet. When I’ve had all I can handle, I’ll let you guys know.”

  Kelly seemed to accept that better than Olli. “If you’re sure…”

  “I am.” Of course, the moment I said it a monster of a contraction started. I clenched my jaw and counted to ten over and over again until it passed. It wasn’t a coping method that the birthing classes taught but I figured out about two hours ago that it was enough of a distraction to get me through.

  I let out a groan and curled in a fetal position against the hard bed.

  Kelly left us alone while Olli stared down at me looking lost. “I wish there was something I could do. I would give anything to trade you places with you right now.”

  I smiled up at him. “You want to be nine months pregnant?”

  “I’d do it if it meant you weren’t in pain.”

  “Thank you, babe. I know you would.”

  He leaned over and gently kissed my forehead. “What can I do to make you more comfortable?”

  I peered around the room as if a magical answer to take this all away would appear. “A cool rag would be nice.”

  He nodded, hurried to the bathroom, and returned with a wet rag in his hands. He

  folded it neatly before dabbing my cheeks, neck and forehead. I let myself relax even though I wasn’t remotely comfortable.

  “We’re almost there, Emma.”

  I closed my eyes and smiled. “Almost.”

  I heard the door open but didn’t bother looking up.

  “We brought some snacks and reinforcements,” Chloe said.

  “Hey Emma.”

  My eyes popped open at the sound of Madeline’s voice. She stood beside Chloe. Reese had returned too.

  “Hi,” I whispered. “You didn’t have to come.”

  She had work in a few hours. There was no way she could take any more time off after our trip.

  “Yes, I did.” She came to my side and air-kissed my cheek. “I can’t stay for too long, but I wanted to come by.”

  That was a relief. I couldn’t handle
the guilt of her having even more to make up. “Thank you. You’re not missing much though.”

  “No progress?” Chloe sounded almost as disappointed as I felt.

  I shook my head. “Not really.”

  “Almost a centimeter.” Olli cut in.

  “Even after all that dancing?” Reese sounded indignant.

  “Right?!” Olli shook his head.

  Madeline glanced around and laughed. “I guess I did miss something.”

  “Just some salsa and belly dancing.” Chloe pointed to the ball in the corner of the room. “It’s supposed to help baby get into the proper position.”

  Madeline turned and winked at me. “Who knew this would be so much fun?”

  I would have rolled my eyes, but I was too tired to move a single facial muscle. “Not me,” I said through parched lips.

  “Do you want to try walking again?” Olli asked.

  I shook my head. “Please, no.”

  His expression turned concerned, but I waved him off. “Just too much dancing.”

  His eyes darted to the monitors and his lips pursed. A second later another contraction hit. I closed my eyes and counted. When it was over, I watched the monitors. “How did you know one was coming?”

  He pointed at one of the lines. “There was a spike. I got nervous but then you started, so I guess it’s somehow monitoring those.”

  I grimaced. “I don’t want to know when they’re coming.”

  Reese laughed. “Then don’t look.”

  Chloe smacked his arm, but it made me laugh. “Fair enough.”

  My friends helped distract me for another hour before Madeline had to leave for work. “Text me updates.” She air-kissed my cheek again before stepping back.

  My doctor, Hopkins, walked in a moment later, seeming rushed. “Hi Emma. How are you feeling?”

  “Tired.”

  She nodded. “You’re not progressing as fast as we’d prefer. I’d like to wait a bit longer before considering other options, is that okay with you?”

  I nodded. She smiled in response and disappeared as fast as she’d come.

  “Let us know if you want us to leave,” Chloe said. “Obviously, we’ll hang out in the waiting room when you’re pushing but if you want space just tell us.” I almost laughed. She was not the type to willingly remove herself from the excitement.

  “Thanks. I will, but I really like having you here. It’s keeping my mind off the pain a bit.”

  She smiled. “Good. Are your parents going to make it out?”

  “No, my mom bought tickets for the week before my due date, and I didn’t want her to pay to rush out here. I’ll need her more once we get home anyway.”

  “That’s true. You have nurses to help you now, once you’re home, you’ll be completely on your own. You won’t have a single person around to help you.” Chloe said with a sarcastic smirk.

  Reese arched an eyebrow. He faked being offended. “Yeah, thanks a lot. Nice to know we aren’t useful.”

  I sighed, too tired to laugh at him. “Guys, I know I’ll have you around, but my mom will be staying with us and helping me through the nights.”

  Chloe shot me a reprimanding look. “And I wouldn’t do that for you?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know.” It wasn’t something I’d ask of her.

  She dropped her head back and gazed heavenward. “Help me.”

  Reese laughed. “I can’t say I’ll be around for all the nights, but if you need us you know we’ll be there in a heartbeat. You guys are our family.”

  I smiled as his words sunk in. These people were my family and I knew in my heart they would always be there for me, Olli and now our baby. I’d never doubted that.

  “Thank you.”

  Olli walked back into the room and paused when he saw us. “Am I interrupting?”

  I shook my head and blinked away my tears. “No.”

  He narrowed his eyes but moved to checking on the monitor. “What’s this one for?” He moved forward and pointed at a line that had been bouncing up and down since we arrived, but now it was barely making a small wave pattern.

  “I’m not sure.”

  Suddenly, an alarm rang out filling the room with obnoxious beeping. I glanced down at all the sensors and IVs, but everything seemed to be in place. What was going on?

  Kelly rushed in and Olli stepped aside so she could see what was happening.

  “Let’s just take a look.” She began clicking and typing then turned to me with her stethoscope posed and ready. I thought she was going for my chest, so when she placed it on my stomach, silently listening, panic swept through me.

  “What’s going on?” I asked. “Is something wrong with the baby?”

  Kelly continued working without directly answering me. “We’re going to give you some oxygen.” She pulled a mask over my head and placed it over my mouth and nose. I took in deep breaths hoping to help.

  “And we’re going to have you try lying on your side.” She helped me roll to my left while Olli rearranged the pillows so I was comfortable. I watched Kelly closely for any sign of what was happening, but she seemed calm. Maybe having an alarm go off was normal for her, but not for me.

  I pulled the mask away enough to talk. “What’s happening?”

  She hesitated one second, not exactly reassuring me. “The baby’s heart rate has slowed. It happens sometimes. We’re just going to try to get it back up naturally.”

  I turned to Olli whose jaw was tight. “What if it doesn’t get back up?” He asked.

  “If there isn’t more progress with dilating then we’ll do a C-section.”

  My eyes met Olli’s. This was not my plan. I didn’t want a C-section. I wanted to do this as naturally as possible. I didn’t want to have to recover from a major surgery while caring for a newborn.

  He leaned down and kissed me gently. “It’s going to be okay. Whatever we have to do. As long as the baby and mom are okay.”

  He was right. My plans didn’t matter. All that matter was that our baby got here safely.

  Chloe stepped up behind Olli and reached for my hand. “It’s going to be okay, Emma. We’re all here for you. We’ll help. Don’t worry about anything. Just focus on you and the baby.”

  I squeezed her hand and nodded, blinking away tears. She knew what I needed to hear. This was overwhelming and stressful, and I was already freaking out about what would happen if I had a C-section. I couldn’t do that. I had to focus on this one minute at a time. I literally had an entire team behind me ready to help us. All I could do was get the baby here safely.

  4

  Olli

  Things sped up. Within twenty minutes of Emma starting on oxygen, the anesthesiologist came and administered the epidural using a humongous needle, holy cow. She grimaced as the syringe emptied of anesthetic. I felt so bad for Emma.

  “I thought I needed to progress more.” Emma’s wide eyes searched Kelly’s face before turning to me.

  I wished more than anything I had answers for her. I wanted to take her away from this.

  “We’re going to keep watching to see if you dilate,” Kelly said, “but if you don’t in the next hour, we’re going to have to do a C-section.” She walked out leaving us with questions.

  I tried not to panic, but I could see the impact her words were having on Emma.

  “It’s going to be okay, guys,” Chloe said with a reassuring smile. “This happens all the time. I’m sure they’ve handled plenty of C-sections before.” I nodded at her and checked on Reese. His face was a bit ashen.

  “You okay over there?” He met my eyes and nodded once.

  “Emma you’re my hero.” Reese’s awed reverence voice my sentiments.

  She briefly smiled under her mask. “It’s not done yet.”

  He shook his head. “No really. You’re incredible.” Chloe nodded and rubbed Emma’s arm.

  Before I could agree, the doors opened. I was expecting Kelly or a doctor, but Coach walked in with his wife, Marie.
>
  My body relaxed in an instant. Finally, someone who would know what to do. I walked over and Coached opened his arms and pulled me in for a bear hug.

  “Thanks for coming. You guys just missed Madi.”

  He stepped back, keeping his hands on my shoulders. “She called and told us you were here.”

  Marie nodded and gave me a brief hug before rushing to Emma’s side. “Honey, how are you?”

  I watched my wife as tears instantly filled her eyes. She moved her mask and shook her head. “I’m trying.”

  “Oh sweetheart.” Marie leaned down and hugged her. “What’s going on?”

  Emma rotated to me. “She’s dilated to a six but hasn’t progressed in…” I checked the clock. “About six hours.”

  Marie’s brows furrowed as she pursed her lips.

  “We tried walking and the ball.” I pointed to the corner where it rested. “Then about an hour or so ago an alarm went off. The baby’s heart rate dropped, so they gave her oxygen and she just got the epidural.”

  Coach approached Emma and rubbed her shoulder. “You’ve been through the wringer.”

  She let out a soft laugh and a faint smile.

  “So, are we looking at a C-section?” Marie asked.

  I nodded.

  “That’s what happened to me with Madeline. I labored for thirteen hours before they decided to go with a C-section.”

  Emma’s eyes widened.

  “Don’t worry,” Marie assured Emma. “If you’ve already gotten the epidural, they’ll do the C-section soon, unless you’ve dilated. You’re almost done, honey.”

  That seemed to help Emma relax and she moved the mask. “You had a C-section?”

  She nodded with a smile. “I didn’t plan on it either, but Madi turned and sat on the umbilical cord. We didn’t have any other choice.”

  Emma put her mask back on and seemed calmer than I’d seen her so far. Having Coach and Marie here was good for both of us. This was a life changing event and having people here who have experienced it help. I didn’t want to be the adult in this situation, and I was more than happy to let them take charge.

  “We told the nursing station that we were your parents, so go along with that.” Coach said in an unnecessary whisper.