Page 13 of Open Net

“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.”