Chapter165 We’re doing this together

Chapter165 We’re doing this together
Chloe

Several hours had passed since the first strong contraction woke us at home. The pain had settled into a steady rhythm that left me gripping the hospital sheets and breathing through each wave.

Julian remained at my side, his hand wrapped tightly around mine. Every time the contraction peaked he counted with me, his voice calm even though I could feel the tension radiating from his shoulders.

Between the waves of pain he kept trying to distract me with small, deadpan jokes.

“There was a man who brought a stopwatch into the delivery room,” he said, his expression perfectly serious. “After five hours he looked at the doctor and said, ‘At this rate we’ll be naming the child after the next shift change.’ The doctor asked if he wanted to take a break. The man answered, ‘I can’t. I already scheduled the baby’s first meeting for next quarter.’”

A tired laugh escaped me. The sight of Julian delivering that line with such a straight face somehow made the joke land. Inside, my chest felt tight with a mix of fear and gratitude.

I was scared of what was coming, but his effort to keep me smiling made the waiting bearable.

Kim arrived first, her usual energy softened into gentle concern. She pulled the chair close to the bed and rested her hand lightly on my arm.

“You’re doing so well, Chloe,” she said. “Every time I’ve been in labor and delivery with friends, the hardest part is the waiting. You’re already way ahead of where most people are at this stage. Remember how we used to talk about this exact moment years ago? I’m just glad I get to be here with you.”

Ethan appeared in the doorway a few minutes later, looking slightly out of place with a slightly crushed bouquet of flowers in his hands.

He stepped inside carefully and set them on the small table, but not before his eyes flicked briefly to Kim. She had gone quiet the moment he entered, her expression softening into something almost shy.

Ethan seemed to wait for the smallest nod from her before he spoke.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “I wasn’t sure if I should come in yet. I just wanted to see how you’re holding up. Do you need anything? Water? Another pillow?”

I shook my head, feeling a small wave of warmth at the sight of him. “Thanks for coming. It helps having people here.”

Ethan stayed near the foot of the bed, glancing between me and Julian. “Julian looks ready to file a formal complaint with the hospital about how long this is taking. I’ve never seen anyone stare at a clock that hard.”

Julian gave him a brief look but didn’t argue. His fingers stayed locked around mine, and when the next contraction started he leaned in immediately, counting softly until it passed.

I noticed the quiet understanding that now existed between Kim and Ethan; it wasn’t something loud, but the way they moved around each other felt natural, like a rhythm they had finally settled into.

Tiffany and Marcus arrived together not long after. Tiffany’s eyes were bright with excitement, but she kept her voice low when she spoke. “We didn’t want to crowd the room, but we couldn’t stay away either. Marcus drove like we were late for a board meeting. I kept telling him to slow down, but he said you’d probably want us here sooner rather than later.”

Marcus offered a small, sheepish shrug. “She kept threatening to take the wheel if I went any slower. We brought the good snacks, though. The kind they don’t let you eat in here, but we’ll save them for after. Practical matters first.”

Tiffany pulled up another chair and sat down. “Remember when we used to stay up all night cramming for exams? This feels kind of like that, except instead of coffee we’re running on pure adrenaline and bad hospital coffee. You’re going to be fine, Chloe. You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I’ve seen you push through worse.”

Kim nodded, her voice carrying that familiar sisterly warmth. “She’s right. And once the baby is here, everything changes in the best way. You’ll look back at this part and wonder how you got through it, but you will. I promise.”

Ethan shifted his weight, clearly trying to think of something helpful to say, his tone more measured than usual. “Julian’s been telling jokes, right? That’s good. Distraction helps. Last time I was in a hospital waiting room I counted ceiling tiles for three hours. Not recommended, but it passed the time.”

Julian’s mouth twitched slightly at that. He adjusted the blanket over my legs with exaggerated care before speaking again.

“There was a woman who went into labor during a symphony performance,” he said, still completely serious. “The conductor told the orchestra to keep playing because the baby was arriving in three-quarter time. The oboe player asked if they should switch to a lullaby. The conductor said, ‘Not yet. We’re still in the crescendo.’”

I laughed again, the sound shaky but real.

Matilda had taken the chair by the window earlier, her posture straight as ever. She hadn’t said much, but her quiet presence felt reassuring.

Alex stood near the door, occasionally offering to fetch fresh ice chips or another blanket, though Julian rarely let go of my hand long enough for anyone else to help.

Tiffany leaned forward a little. “Marcus and I were talking on the way over about how weird it is that we’re all here together like this. It feels like we should be at someone’s apartment eating takeout instead of in a hospital. But I’m glad we’re here. You shouldn’t have to do this part alone.”

Marcus nodded, ever practical. “She’s right. And we’re not going anywhere until we hear that baby cry. Even if it takes all night. Someone needs to keep track of the logistics.”

Ethan glanced at the monitor and then back at me, his voice careful. “You’re doing great. Really. Every contraction is one step closer. That’s what you used to say when I was little and complaining about something. It helped then. Maybe it’ll help now.”

Kim smiled at him, the look between them brief but warm. “That’s actually pretty good advice. Chloe, you’ve got this. We’re all just here to cheer you on and make sure Julian doesn’t pass out before the baby arrives.”

“Another one,” I managed between breaths. “Before the next contraction hits.”

Instead of another joke, Julian simply leaned closer, resting his forehead against mine for a quiet moment. His thumb traced over my knuckles, the silence between us filled with everything he didn’t need to say out loud.

This time my laugh came out louder. I was still scared, still exhausted, but the steady stream of voices around me and the warmth of his hand kept the fear from taking over completely.

The hours continued to stretch. Nurses came and went. Everyone took turns offering encouragement, sharing small stories, filling the room with the kind of everyday conversation that made the waiting feel less endless.

Julian remained the most visibly tense, but he never stopped trying to keep me calm.

When the doctor finally returned and said it was time to push, the room shifted. The others stepped out to give us space. Julian moved into position without being told, his face pale but determined.

“I’m right here,” he said, voice rough. “You and me. We’re doing this together.”

I nodded, gripping his hand tighter as the final stage began.