Silvy
Goof didn’t get a chance to say anything because my dad was yanking me out of Goof’s arms into his. Dad patted me all over like he was checking for broken bones. “ Princess, did they hurt you? If there is a scratch on you I will kill them.” my dad said. A typical dad wanting to kill anyone who hurt may have hurt his princess. Normally I would calm him down and tell him I had it handled. This time he can have at it. Those bastards threatened my baby. I want them to feel pain. I don’t get a chance to answer my dad because I was hit with another contraction. I have been having them steadily for the past ten minutes or so. I grab my dad’s shirt with both fists, lay my head on his chest, groan, and take deep breaths in through my nose and out my mouth. My dad rubs my back as I breathe. “ Princess, are you in labor?” Dad asked. All I could do is nod against his chest.
Dad starts barking orders at whoever is close while I ride out the contraction. “ Goof, grab a wheelchair. We need to move.” Dad yelled. Once the contraction was over Dad helped me sit in the wheelchair. Before he could start his drill sergeant impression I say “ Dad, stop. I’m fine for now. We have time. I’m still in the early stages. I need to give my statement to Bradford so he can do his paperwork. We need to call upstairs to let them know I’m coming. I need to get my stuff from my locker and breakroom. I need to send someone to the house to get my bag.”
I was about to say more but another contraction hit. Damn, they are getting closer together. I grab the arms of the wheelchair and breath. Halfway through the contraction, my water broke. Shit. That is when Goof took over. “ Bradford, if you need Silvy come up to labor and delivery and get them. I’m taking my girl up there to have our baby.” Then he turned to Meathead. He tossed him a set of keys. “ Go to our house. The closet in the entryway has Silvy’s go bag. Get it and bring it back here.” Then Goof turned to Megan. When did that whore get here and why? “ Megan, make yourself useful and call maturity for us,” Goof said.
Goof pushes my chair out of the ER toward the elevators. “ Tony let’s go help Silvy make you a grandpa.” The ride up to the third floor I just focused on trying to relax and breathe.When the doors open Gena is waiting on us. She should have gone home by now because she had an early shift. “Gena?” I asked. “ Gena puts her hands on her hips “ What? You didn’t think I was going to go home until I found out if you were alright. Then I get the call you are in labor. Yep, not going anywhere.” Gena waves for us to follow her. “ What about Xavier?” I asked. I didn’t want her to have to pay the nanny extra just to be here with me. There were other nurses that can help me. Not that I don’t appreciate her wanting to be here with me but her son needs her more.
“ He is covered. He was going to have a sleepover with Erin. It was set up before all this happened. You have me all night if you need me.” Gena said just as we got to my room. Goof wheels me in and I see Mary waiting on me as well. Gena turns to Goof and my dad. “ You boys give us a couple of minutes. Then I will come back and grab you,” she said. My dad steps forward “ Gena, I.” Dad started to say but Gena help up her hand. “ Honey, I know. She is your baby. Mary and I are going to help Silvy get out of her scrubs and into a gown. Because she is having contractions it could take a few extra minutes. And I don’t think Silvy wants you to see all her private areas.” Gena said. She isn’t wrong.
I see Goof back up and I panic. “ Michael, you promised I won’t have to do this alone. You promised you would be here.” I’m trying to breathe through a contraction as I talk. I know I’m crying and for now, I don’t care. I am having a baby I’m allowed to be emotional. Goof walks passed Gena and kneels in front of me. He places his hands on my knees. “ Babe, I’m not going anywhere. I swear on my kutte I will be here from this contraction to the last. You will be holding my hand as you push our baby into the world. But I am going to let Gena help get you hooked up. So I am going to step out in the hall with your dad so I am out of the way.” Goof said.
I grabbed Goof's hand before he could get up. " You mean it, Michael. I need to hear it again. I'm scared and in pain. I need to hear it again, please." I pleaded. Goof places his hand on the back of my neck and presses our foreheads together. " Silvy, look in my eyes," he told me. I did as he asked. " Good. Now see that every word I tell you is the truth. Nothing is more important to me than you and this baby. I made you a promise to be here every step of the way and I am keeping it. There isn't a force in this world that can stop me." Goof whispers loud enough for me to hear but no one else.
That doesn't help the tears. I just let them fall. " Thank you, " I whisper before another contraction hit. Goof helped me through the contraction, keeping his eyes on me the entire time. When it had passed Goof stood up and looked at Gena " Take care of her." Gena nodded and promised to come to get him as I was in bed. Once the door was shut Gena and Mary helped me out of the chair after helping me get my shoes and socks off. Gena helped me undress as Mary got the IV, and monitors ready. Once my gown was on and tied Gena helped me into the bed and got me as comfortable as possible. Gena did as she promised and went to let my dad and Goof in. Mary took my hand and prepped it for the IV. We do it on the top of the hand so we don't risk pinching the tubing by doing it in the elbow. Gena started placing the heart monitor pads on my chest then she moved on to secure the blood pressure cuff.
Goof came to my side as soon as he was through the door. Just as another contraction hit. This one is strong than the last ones. " Son-of-a-bitch." I yelled out. " Grab my hand, babe," Goof said holding out his hand. I snatched it and held tight. " Breathe, babe. I know it is hard but you have to remember what we learned." Goof said helping through the exercises we learned in birthing class. When it was over Gena looked at me " Silvy, we need to get the fetal monitor on you. Those contractions are coming faster. We need to make sure they are putting the baby in distress." I nod " Do it." It is a precaution they take with all the moms even if labor is normal. " Princess?" my dad asks from the wall across from the bed. " I'm good, daddy. All of this is normal." I assured him. Dad smiles at me. " I know Princess. I was there when you were born. It is just different from what your child goes through it." he said. I didn't think about it that way. No parent wants to see their child in pain. " It is no picnic for a step-parent either." Gena chimed in with a laugh.
Goof leaned down and kissed my head. " It is hard for a boyfriend to watch but I know my girl is strong. We are going to get through this together. In the end, we are going to have a healthy baby that hopefully takes after their mom in the looks department." Goof said. Just then our doctor walked in. " Well, Silvy I heard about what happened leading up to you going into labor," he said. He checked the monitors himself before asking my dad to give us some privacy so he could do an exam. My dad ran out of the room at that.