Page 11 of Open Net

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.”