Hi everyone. This one-shot goes with my story "Looking Forward" but could also go with its companion piece "Relative Values" although I personally thought this moment should stand on its own two feet as a story. I hope you all enjoy the birth of Nadine's baby with Bruce.
August 2008
General Hospital Maternity Ward
Port Charles, New York
"Come on Nadine, you can do this."
The woman lying on a bed with her feet in stirrups was not as sure of herself as her two friends were.
"I can't. I'm just so tired."
"You think you're tired now? Child, you'll be tired for the next eighteen to twenty years."
"I can't do it anymore." The blonde nurse lying in the bed cried. '"The pain is too much."
"Me, Kelly and Epiphany all asked you if you wanted an epidural. You said no."
"She should've said yes." The comment came from Kelly Lee, OB/GYN. "If I ever get pregnant, please remind me of this moment."
"I can't stand it anymore!"
"Just a little while longer. Then you'll see that little baby in your arms and it'll all be so worth it."
"Epiphany's right Nadine."
"I'm not strong enough. I can't raise this child on my own. I want Bruce."
"I know you do hun." Epiphany said wiping her brow. "But you're not alone. You have your family and you've got us."
"Here comes another one!" Nadine shouted as another contraction hit her hard. "Jeez, if he wasn't already dead I'd kill Bruce myself for putting me in this position!"
"I remember thinking the same thing about Zander when I had Cam." Liz said while holding Nadine's hair away from her face. "Doesn't make any difference if the daddy's living or not."
"Because you still want to kill them." Epiphany finished Liz's sentiment.
"All right Nadine, the baby is crowning." Kelly told her. "I'm gonna need you to give me a real strong push."
"You can do this baby." A male voice whispered in her ear. "I love you. Don't ever forget that Nadine Grace." Bruce's voice seemed to calm her just a little bit. "I'll be watching over you. Push Nadine, our baby's almost here."
"Just one more Nadine!" Kelly's voice cut through her ears. "Big push now!"
"Okay Brucey, help me out here." She whispered to herself as if talking to her first love, her true love. "Give me strength Brucey."
"You can do it baby girl. Go for it, just so you can see our baby."
"Congratulations Nadine!" Kelly said as crying filled the room. "It's a girl, a beautiful healthy little girl."
"Is she okay?" Nadine asked with tears in her blue eyes.
"She's perfect."
"With a set of lungs to boot!" Exclaimed Epiphany.
"Have you picked a name?" Liz asked while cleaning the infant. "Here you go." She said placing her in Nadine's waiting arms. "Say hi to Mama."
"Riley." Nadine said looking at her daughter. "Riley Raylene Emerson."And that's a wrap! I hope everyone enjoyed witnessing this beautiful moment. I really hope this was a fun for you to read as it was for me to write.