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KIRA
I agreedto support Dana through her labor well before I found out I was pregnant myself.
Now this feels like some amount of self-flagellation as I watch my sister writhing in pain in the birthing pool.
That’s going to be you in about six months, Kira. Better start preparing.
Dana has been in pain for hours and has been pushing for a while now. I’m surprised she’s not screaming her head off. But she’s so strong. Always has been.
Every time I look to her midwife, she’s smiling placidly. Apparently, this is all very normal.
Great.
“I can’t do this for much longer,” Dana says.
I glance at Amy beside me. The only two Solace sisters to never have been pregnant. We’ve both been sharing glances of terror the entire time.
“You can,” the midwife says. “But you won’t have to. I promise.”
Drew runs his hands up and down Dana’s arms. “You’re doing so good.”
Dana bends her head back and accepts a tender kiss from Drew. Through every contraction and every push, their connection has remained as strong as ever.
“Alright, Dana. I just need one more big,bigpush and then your baby will be here,” the midwife says encouragingly.
Dana nods, her eyes closed tight, head lolled back on Drew’s shoulder.
I’d be a fool not to give Drew his due credit. He’s been calm, cool, and collected from the jump. Drew has been Dana’s champion the whole time. I’m sure Dana wouldn’t even notice my sisters and I weren’t in the room given how amazing of a support he is.
“You got this, babe. You’re so close,” he whispers.
Dana readjusts, reaching for something. I hold out my hand and she takes it, squeezing as hard as she can.
“It’s happening,” she says with a ragged breath.
“Push when you’re ready,” the midwife replies.
The entire room goes silent except for the grunt behind Dana’s lips. I look up at Gillian and Harley who are both sitting at the opposite end of the pool. They are both holding their breath and clutching at each other, eyes swimming with tears as they take in the true miracle of birth. I opted to stay at Dana’s side with Amy; I don’t need a crash course quite like that.
However, the intensity of Dana’s grip gives me an indication of what awaits me in just six months.
Doesn’t matter, though. I’ll let my sister crush every bone in my hand if it helps her bring her baby into the world. It would be a privilege.
“Good, Dana, good…” the midwife says from her perch at the side of the pool, her hand on the inside of Dana’s thigh. “Hold on –“
Suddenly, Dana flies forward with a gasp of relief, reaching into the water.
I peer over her shoulder and marvel as she carefully lifts her newborn into the air. A shocking, brittle cry erupts from its mouth.
And the room alights with smiles, tears, and gasps.
“Oh, my god, I did it,” Dana says as she tucks the baby onto her chest.
“You did, baby, you did,” Drew says through tears and kisses.
I have a perfect view of the little baby, all scrunched and slick, trying to adjust to the low lighting of the room. The crying ebbs as Dana rocks and coos to them.
I sit back on my heels. It’s like the hours of torture didn’t just happen. Everyone smiles and embraces. Amy touches my shoulder. I look over at her and see her eyes swimming with tears. I don’t doubt she has it in her mind that she’s going to be the next one.
