Having the Baby

CHAPTER 3: Harker

CHAPTER 3: Harker

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The next thirty-five hours were worse than Harker could’ve ever imagined. Alison had done everything she was supposed to do, but the baby wouldn’t come. There was nothing he could do to help, except stand by her side and hold her hand. She was beyond exhausted. Her face was pale, and her eyes were unfocused. He wasn’t sure how much more she could take.

“Have some ice.” Estelle, Alison’s mom, was on the other side of the bed. She slid another ice chip in Alison’s mouth. She smiled pleasantly, but there was fear in her warm brown eyes and a tension in her face that Harker didn’t even want to think about.

He’d never been in a delivery room, but since Alison had gotten pregnant, he’d read a lot about having babies. He knew it took time, especially with the first one, but something wasn’t right. He felt it in his gut.

“Alison, I need you to push again,” said Dr. Shupal.

“I can’t,” whispered Alison as she looked up at him, scared and broken.

He’d never been so terrified in his life. This wasn’t the woman he knew. His Alison was strong and feisty; this woman would never make it. He had to find his Alison. He did the only thing he could think to do. He barked orders at her. “Damn it, Alison. You can. Push. Now. Or are you quitting? Are you giving up?” He wanted to shout in triumph as anger flared in her eyes.

“Go to hell.” She screamed, her grip tightening on his hand to the point of pain as another contraction tore through her body.

“That's it, honey,” said Estelle. “You’re doing great. Just push. The baby will come when it's ready.”

“It's ready. I'm ready. I can't do this anymore.” Alison’s body collapsed as the contraction eased.

“Do something.” He turned to the doctor. “You heard her. She tried but she’s done. She can’t do this. f*****g do something.”

The doctor ignored him. “Keep pushing, Alison. We need a long, hard push now.”

“I...ca...” Alison screamed, her nails digging into Harker's hand.

“That’s it. Good. Again,” said Dr. Shupal.

“I...can’t.” She sobbed, the sound ripping Harker’s heart from his chest.

“Please, Alison.” He pushed some hair from her face. “You can do this. You’re the strongest person I know.”

“She’s almost here,” said Dr. Shupal. “Just one more push. You can do it. Now.”

Alison screamed, her body tightening and shaking. Harker tried not to wince as she squeezed his hand so tight he thought his bones were breaking.

“That’s it. She’s here.” The doctor stood, smiling and holding a baby.

“My baby.” Alison collapsed onto the bed. “I want to see my baby.”

Harker’s hand tightened around Alison’s. The baby was bloody and so small and quiet. The nurse and doctor placed the baby on Alison’s stomach, cleaning it and clearing its mouth and nose. Harker’s heart slowed, every beat like an eternity as he waited for his child to cry, to move, to do something...and then the baby squalled, long and loud.

“It’s a girl,” said Estelle. “I have a granddaughter.” A huge smile spread across her face as she moved to get a closer look.

“Thank you, God.” His legs shook with relief. “We have a daughter.” His smile died as he looked at Alison. Her face was paler than before, and her gaze was unfocused and glassy.

“My...baby...” Her eyes rolled back in her head and her mouth dropped open.

“No!” He shook her hand. “Help! Dr. Shupal! Help her.” He grabbed her head between his hands and begged, “Alison, wake up. Come back to me.”

The room became a center of chaos as the nurse quickly moved the baby while Dr. Shupal started barking orders. More nurses rushed into the room. Harker was shoved aside and then everyone was gone. They’d all swarmed out of the room, taking Alison with them.

He stood in the bloody delivery room, holding Estelle’s hand and muttering, “She’ll be okay. She’ll be okay.” She had to be. He couldn’t lose her. He wanted to believe that life wouldn’t be that cruel, but he knew better.