Chapter 48
Labor and Delivery was overflowing and in the middle of a shift-change when Howie and Sarah arrived but when the nurses realized who it was, a room was quickly made available. Because her contractions were still five minutes apart, it was decided that it would be safe to let Sarah wait. She was given a gown, which Howie helped her put on, and told to get comfortable. When the others arrived, the couple was settled on the bed with Howie rubbing Sarah’s back.
The door swung open and AJ led everyone into the room. “Crank up the tunes and break out the booze! It’s time to PAR-TAY!”
It had the desired effect on Howie and Sarah as they laughed but unfortunately, ‘Hitler’ was in the room and she glared at AJ as he danced to her bumping and grinding against her.
“Oh, lighten up, baby,” coaxed AJ as he tried to pull her into a sensual dance. “We’re celebrating life here. My ‘Tigger’ is about to stop holding those babies hostage!”
She scowled as she pushed him away from her. “It is against hospital policy to have THIS many people in a patient’s room. You will ALL have to leave….IMMEDIATELY.”
“I promise, Ms. Hightower. They aren’t all staying,” said Howie. “They’re just here to keep us company for a little while.”
“You think because you’re famous, you can have special privileges,” grumbled the indignant nurse. “I’ll be back.”
As the door closed behind her, Nick puffed up like a body builder and in his best ‘Arnold’ voice, said, “I’ll be back,” sending everyone into a fit of giggles.
Everyone that is except Brian. Rolling his eyes, Brian mumbled, “Real mature.”
The comment
went unnoticed by the majority of the group but Becca heard him as did Sarah.
The best friends exchanged glances but didn’t say anything.
“Geez, I thought labor and delivery nurses were supposed to be perky and
pleasant,” remarked Kevin. “THAT would terrify me.”
“They’ve been really busy and her shift is over,” replied Sarah but she wasn’t convincing. She was grateful that Nurse Hightower was going off duty.
“That’s no excuse,” said Lynne. “Why haven’t they gotten you ready, started an IV?”
Howie felt Sarah’s body tense as he slipped his arms around her and pulled her against him. “The contractions are still five minutes apart so as soon as they’ve changed shifts, they’re going to do all that.”
Everyone saw the terrified look in Sarah’s eyes but only the guys and Becca understood.
AJ moved to sit beside Sarah taking her hand in his. “You look absolutely gorgeous, ‘Tig’,” he praised as he gave her a kiss.
“Never knew these hospital gowns could be so sexy,” grinned Kevin as he moved to the opposite side of the bed from AJ and gave her a kiss too.
“Thanks, guys,” whispered Sarah as a contraction started.
Howie talked her through it, holding her hands in his, as the others watched.
When the contraction was over, Becca handed her the bag from Howie’s car. “What did you pick as your focal point?”
“My bear Nick gave me. It’s in the bag somewhere.”
“Along with the camera,” said Howie. “Bec, are you sure you want to do this?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“I thought maybe you’d rather sit with Sarah. AJ and I can take turns with the camera.”
“You silly man! I’m not about to be the one to take you away from her. She will get even when she gets back on her feet. AJ and I can take turns.”
About that time, a nurse walked in. “Whoa! I thought I was at work but this looks more like a party.”
Sarah’s eyes lit up. “SHEENA! Please say this is your shift!”
“It most certainly is and I have made sure that my number one priority is my star pupil,” greeted Sheena. Looking around, she said, “I’m a bit surprised your mother isn’t here.”
Sarah’s lip quivered and there was a tremble in her voice as she said, “Mama died last summer….from cancer.”
“I am so sorry to hear that. Howie, it’s good to see you again. I know you’re excited,” greeted Sheena as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Extremely….nervous too.”
“Sheena, I want you to meet the rest of my family,” and Sarah went around the group. Then she said, “Sheena was my Lamaze instructor when I had Jesse and because Russell would never go with me, she was my partner. We lost touch until I left Russell. We reconnected last October, when I had my miscarriage, and I’ve been helping out when she had other women without partners.”
“And in return, I’ve been giving Sarah a hand at the Shelter for Battered Women and helping with the rape hotline,” said Sheena.
“Sounds like you’re in good hands, sis,” said Nick.
“The best!” beamed Sarah as she squeezed Sheena’s hand.
“Now let’s get you ready to have these babies,” said Sheena. “Everyone needs to leave for a few minutes so that I can get Sarah set.”
“We’ll clear out,” offered Lynne.
The fear returned as their friends started to leave and Sarah reached out to grab Kevin’s hand. “No…not yet, ‘Boo’…please?” she pleaded.
Kevin felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. He knew Sarah was scared and he’d seen her upset but the fear in her voice and in her eyes turned his stomach. He looked to Howie for help.
“’Angel’, it’s okay,” tried Howie. “They’re just gonna be outside and I’m not going anywhere.”
“No one is going to let anything happen to you,” promised AJ as he caressed her cheek.
Nick had made it to the foot of her bed but was now looking at Sarah. The tears had started again and her body was visibly shaking despite Howie holding her. He’d tried to lighten the mood earlier but seeing her like this had him unsettled. He’d seen Sarah angry, he’d seen her grieving, but he’d never seen her like this. The fact that she was allowing outsiders to see her this defenseless was testament to just how afraid she really was. Howie had once described Sarah when she was terrified. He’d said it was sickening and Howie was right. Nick felt as if he was going to throw up watching Sarah clutching Kevin’s hand as she pressed against Howie seeking protection in his arms.
“Sis.” Nick’s voice was soft and gentle but he commanded her attention. His blue eyes drew her to him like a firefly to a light. “We’ll be here for you.”
Howie felt her relax and in turn, he relaxed. Nick had a magic that reached out to Sarah when she needed it most and he was grateful.
Sheena had stepped off to the side to give the group time to get Sarah calmed. She didn’t know why Sarah was so scared but she knew that it would be much easier on Sarah and the babies if her friends could calm her fears.
“We’ll see you guys in a few,” said Howie softly as Sarah turned her face into his chest.
The others left after each guy gave Sarah a gentle kiss on the forehead and whispered their love to her but Becca hung back.
“Let me have your jewelry,” said Becca stepping to the bed.
As Sarah slipped her rings off and Howie got the necklace, Sheena said, “You can keep your wedding band, Sarah.”
“Thanks, Bec.”
“Sure.” Making Sarah look at her, Becca took her best friend’s hands. “You listen to me. You are the strongest lady I know and you’ve been through much tougher things than this. You’ve got Howie here and you know he’s not going to let a thing happen to you. Alex and I are going to be here too and you know Nick, Kevin, and Brian aren’t going anywhere until they know these babies are here safely.”
“I’m scared, Becca,” whispered Sarah.
“I know you are, sweetie, but you’re going to be fine. Dr. Johnson has taken care of you for what, ten years, and Sheena’s going to be with you too. You’re in good hands.”
“And arms,” smiled Sarah through the tears trying to put on a brave front.
Howie laughed softly as he gave her a kiss on the cheek as Becca said, “The best. I’ll be back in a few…as soon as Sheena is finished getting you ready.”
A contraction started and Howie talked her through it as Becca gave her a kiss on the forehead before she left.
At the door, Sheena stopped Becca. “Sarah can have someone else with her if you want to stay.”
“Actually, Alex and I were going to be with her and Howie.”
“That’s fine. You two need to get ready. If you’ll go to the nurses’ station and tell the charge nurse that I sent you to get ready, she’ll show you two where you can go.”
“Thank you. What about Howie? Sarah’s not going to want him to leave her.”
“I’ll bring him what he needs and he can change when your friends come back.”
“Thank you so much, Sheena. We’ll see you in a few minutes.”