silent and still, save for my loud and squeaky, endless fart. Then Nathan burst out with laughter so hard that tears streamed from his eyes and he turned red from not being able to breathe. What’s worse is, it stank really, really bad. This only made him laugh harder. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment.
He laughed all the way home too and all day the next day. Even now sometimes he’ll look at me and his body will start shaking as he tries to contain it.
My twinges seem to stop by the time I’m ready for bed which I’m severely grateful for. I climb under the covers without a care in the world. Nathan climbs in behind me and holds me tight like he does every night.
I don’t feel lonely. I feel good, not great, but good.
My smile remains on my face as I fall asleep, eager to see what this year will bring.
I’m not sure what time it is when I wake up with an awful pain in my stomach that rivals that of a strong period pain. An arm around my waist stops me from sitting up with it. I rub my lower stomach. It’s probably just gas like last time, which would be embarrassing due to Nathan sleeping next to me. What time is it?
It’s only ten fifty at night. I’ve been asleep an hour or so.
I lie back, my neck on top of Nathan’s outstretched arm, his breath fanning across my cheek. Another pain rumbles in my lower stomach, making all of my limbs want to curl. I bring my knees up as high as I can get them and roll onto my side. My breath leaves me as the pain leaves my body. Nothing but a dull ache remains.
What the hell’s going on?
Oh… shit.
Nah, it’s just false labour.
I need to pee.
“Nathan,” I mumble and prod him in the chest.
He stirs and blinks his eyes open, looking tired. “What’s wrong?”
“It hurts,” I moan and roll onto my back.
Nathan looks panicked. “What does?”
“My back and my stomach.” I sit up and he follows suit. “I need the toilet.”
“Okay.” He shakes himself out of his stupor and climbs from the bed. His hands grip me under the arms and help me up. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I lie because I’m not; I’m terrified.
Another pain grows within, starting in my lower stomach and radiating through my back. My body lurches forward and my hand grips Nathan’s bicep. The skin all over my stomach tightens and I feel a horrible pressure down below.
“Oh god,” Nathan mutters and rubs my back soothingly. “You’re in labour. I need to call the doctor.”
“I need to get to the hospital,” I say calmly and stand once the pain fades. “I’m going to the toilet; you call what’s his name.”
“You shouldn’t go alone,” Nathan says softly and helps me to the bathroom. “I’ll give you privacy but leave the door open.”
Eye roll. “I’m not leaving the door open.”
“What if you…”
“Nathan, it’s labour. I’ll be… bloody hell…” My body doubles over again and Nathan holds me up as an awful pain twists my insides. “Okay, I’ll,” pant, “Leave the,” breathe, “Door open.”
He waits for me to finish peeing and I take this moment to quickly wash my face and brush my teeth. “Lie down here. I’m going to put your overnight bag in the car and call the doctor,” he says softly and guides me to the bed. Pulling back the blanket, he lowers me onto the mattress with one arm. “Don’t move.”
“Okay.” Like I’m stupid enough to try moving right now. Holy shit that hurts.
“Will you be okay?” He rubs my lower back after I roll onto my side.
“Go.” My hand waves at him a little frantically. “Can you get me a drink too, please?” My mouth is dryer than sand right now.
“Sure.” He kisses my forehead and races from the room.
I time my contractions, using my phone to log them. This hurts so bad but I doubt I’m too far along in labour yet. They’re every four minutes but they aren’t so bad that I need to scream.
It’s the discomfort that is crippling me.
I sit up after placing pillows behind my back, then bring my legs to my chest as best as I can. It aches, my back hurts and I feel a little bit sick. I’m also starving. It’s an odd combination.
Where is Nathan? He’s been gone twenty five minutes.
It’s another five minutes before he returns, looking flushed and slightly panicked.