The first two chapters are written by: which-fandom-shall-i-choose
The white lights above her were blinding, and the heat in the room was intense. She was tired, and it had barely begun.
''Now Claire. When you next feel a contraction, I need you to give me a hard push.'' The nurse standing at the bottom of my bed informed her. She felt a wave of pain engulf her as her contraction arrived. She pushed, hard, squeezing Shane's had so tight she was afraid it would break. She stopped pushing, panting hard.
''You're doing great Claire. Keep going, you'll be fine.'' Shane's voice whispered while his breath tickled her in the ear. It had been going on for over an hour now, and she had no idea how she had managed to stay awake that long. Eve had popped in and out, checking on her and going back into the hall to tell Michael. She hadn't wanted Michael to be there. She was embarrassed about Shane being there as well, but they had insisted, so she couldn't really stop them. Pain washed over her again. She pushed, hard. The pain died down a bit, and when she looked up, the nurse was smiling. She gently placed her baby in her arms. A beautiful little girl. It wasn't until she tasted salt that she realised she was crying. She looked so perfect. After Shane had cut the cord, she passed her over. He held her gently, head down whispering to her. He gave her back, tears welling in his eyes.
''I'll go get Eve.'' He said and disappeared out into the hall. Moments later, Eve appeared at the side of her bed, grinning like mad. She had layed off most of the Goth make-up today, with just a pale face and raccoon eyes. She hopped up and down madly.
''Boy or girl? What's its name? How heavy is it?'' She rambled.
''Eve!'' she said loudly, getting her to shut up. '' Its a little girl. Shane and I still haven't come to a decision on a name, and they haven't weighed her yet.''
''Can I hold her?'' Eve asked quietly, smiling. Claire held out her baby, and Eve took her with expert care. She started rocking her back and forth. Like a real mother. ''So, what have you considered for a name?''
''Well, we thought about these first: Amanda and Johanna and Crystal then some new ones like Zoe and Isabella''
''Johanna is to mainstream. Isabella is too sweet, you don't want her with a girly name if she turns out like me.'' Eve said with a wink.'' So it's between Amanda, Crystal and Zoe''
''Well, I'll talk with Shane, and let you know.'' Claire felt bad for Eve. She was getting all excited over her baby, knowing she was never going to be able to hold or name her own.
''Eve. Can I ask you something?''
''Sure thing Claire Bear.''
''Does it ever bother you knowing that you can't have children with Michael?'' Eves face clouded over for a minute and a small frown formed.
''Sometimes yeah. But I suppose I will just have to spoil little one here rotten!'' She was glad that Eve didn't seem too down about it. ''So, my turn now. How much did it hurt?'' The question threw her a little bit.
''Um, not a lot, then a lot, then a heck of a lot, then not a lot. It's kinda hard to explain.'' The door opened and Michaels blonde head appeared.
''Are you done gossiping, or am I still not allowed in?'' He grinned and stepped over the threshold. ''So, how you feeling?''
''Seriously? I just gave birth, I haven't eaten in like 3 days and I feel like I could sleep for a week! How do you think I'm felling?''
''Just as feisty as normal then.'' Michael smiled. ''Eve, we better leave them. It's been a hard day for Claire, and Shane for that matter.'' she was confused. All Shane had to do was stand there and tell her she was doing fine. Michael saw the confusion flicker in her eyes. '' You broke 3 of his fingers. Think he might have deserved it as well.'' She instantly felt bad for that. How on earth had she managed to break 3 fingers? She didn't even have enough strength to last 5 seconds in an arm wrestling match against Eve! Eve handed over the baby girl and then lent over and hugged her.. Michael kissed her and the baby on the cheek and left. The room was quiet for 5 or so minutes. Baby G started to whimper which led to a full blown cry. Claire had no idea what she wanted. She seemed hungry, so she gave her a feed then she fell asleep on her chest. Another 10 minutes passed, with only the visit from the nurse to weigh Baby G. Shane finally returned, fingers bandaged up. He smiled and sank into the chair next to my bed. He looked tired. Like really tired.
''Sleep. You look like you need it.'' She told him, which was normally his line.
''Probably not as bad as you do.'' He stood up and gently took Baby G from her and placed her in the cot at the foot of my bed. He placed a gently kiss on her forehead and made he way back to her. He sat down on the edge of her duvet and placed his arm round her.
''Big day huh? It feels so weird thinking we are parents. So, have you narrowed down the names?''
''Me and Eve got down to Zoe, Crystal or Amanda'
''Wow, tough choice. I think Crystal is more of a middle name for her.''
''I guess, so Crystal is going to be her second name. I think I like Zoe.''
''Zoe Crystal Collins or Danvers?'' It was a tough choice.
''Zoe Crystal Danvers. Zoey Crystal Collins.'' she said trying them both out. ''Zoe Crystal Collins.'' she said, confirming her choice. Shane looked proud to have his last name chosen, not hers.
''It's perfect. Just like you.'' He said, placing a delicate kiss on her lips.
''You're turning sappy, you know that?'' She told him, grinning. Shane shook his head.
''I know. You must be rubbing off on me. Now sleep. You deserve it.'' she rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She swiftly drifted off into a world of warmth and darkness.
She woke up at around 10 in the morning. Eve sat in the chair where Shane should have been, cradling Zoe.
''Morning sunshine! Good sleep?'' Eve said cheerily.
''Hey. Not bad I guess. Where's Shane?''
''Went home to shower and change his clothes. He looked rough.'' Eve stood up and passed Zoe to her. She nestled into her chest, her head rising and falling in time with my breathing. ''So, what's her name?''
''Zoe. Zoe Crystal Collins.'' The name still sounded as perfect as it did yesterday.
''Awww! So cute! Are you sure about using Collins instead of Danvers? You did all the work after all.''
''Collins sounds better. Is Michael here?''
''Na. He dropped me off then went home. Hospitals creep him out. Especially with all the, you know, blood.''
''Fair enough. So, how's Zoe's favourite aunty?'' She knew she would be happy about being an aunty. Eve grinned from ear to ear, her black lipstick was a huge contrast with her pearly white teeth. She had on her usual array of Gothic clothing. A red satin top with skulls embroidered along the hem, a black knee length skirt with pink gems round the edge and big black platform boots.
''Never better. May I?'' She gestured to Zoe, then picked her up. ''Surely you want to stretch your legs? How long have you been laying down? 2 days?'' Now she mentioned it Claire could feel all the muscles in her legs shrink.
''Pretty much. I need to get unconnected from all these machines first.''
''I'll go get the nurse.'' Eve said smiling as she slipped out the door, still holding Zoe. She returned with a nurse in tow. The nurse seemed young, maybe 25. She had dark sin and her name tag read 'Zawadi'.
''Hello Claire. How are you doing today then?''
''Hi. Not too bad, maybe a little bit stiff.''
''Well, that's why I'm here. Now, let me just run a blood pressure test, and we'll get you back on your feet.'' Zawadi busied herself by wrapping a black band round Claire's forearm and reading the digits which appeared. ''well, that seems to be in order. Now, lets get you unhooked.'' This took a while, as Claire was hooked up to about 5 different machines. She swung her legs off the bed.
''Damn, that feels good. Eve, you wanna give me a hand?'' Eve gave Zoe to Zawadi, then grabbed Claire's hand and helped to pull her up, off the bed. Claire stumbled a little, but quickly regained her balance. Zawadi handed Zoe back over to her and left the room.
''If you need anything, just yell.'' She said as she slipped out the door.
''Man, it feels good to be up. My legs seriously feel like cardboard.'' Eve smiled.
''Get dressed CB, then we can go down to the café and grab a coffee and something to eat. I'll call Michael and Shane. When you getting out of here anyway?''
''In about 2 hours or so. We have to find a place to live.''
''You have one. Our house.''
''I wonder how long that's going to last. I give her a week before she starts crying, and that's going to annoy the hell out of you, at there is so much stuff to have, and then Shane and I are going to be up and walking around at some really bad hours. So, we need our own place.'' Eve stood there, quiet for a moment.
''I see your point. Well, stay, just for a week until we find you a nice place. Have you got the crib and everything?''
''Yeah, it's all flat-packed in my room.'' she said and placed Zoe in the crib.
''I'll get Michael to start putting it together instead of coming here then. He might as well make himself useful. This is the closest he is going to get to having children.'' Eve said with a wink as she whipped out her mobile.
''Hey Michael. You know all the baby stuff in Claire's room? Can you start putting it all together and rearranging it?'' Eve paused for a minute whilst Michael spoke. ''Thanks. You're a star. Send Shane down here as well. Thanks. See you later. Love you.'' Eve hung up and turned back to Claire. ''Fab. Lets go.''
''Wait. What are we going to do with Zoe? We can't take her with us, and we can't just leave her here, alone.''
''Good point. Well, lets wait until Shane gets here, and he can stay up here with her. We can start packing up your clothes until he gets here.'' Claire had the minimum amount of clothes with her, and the majority of things were baby clothes. Curtsey of Eve of course. Packing took 10 minutes. Shane pushed open the door just as the girls had finished putting the clothes in the suitcase.
''Wonderful timing Shane. Wow, that's something I never thought I'd say.'' Claire said as she crossed the room to kiss him.
''Love you too Claire.''
''I know.''
''Please.'' Eve said. ''Shane, Claire and I are going down to get some coffee. You are going to stay here and watch Zoe whilst we go.''
''Is that all you wanted me for? I could be at home playing Zombie Slayer 3 right now.'' Shane said in a whining voice.
''Wow. What a great father you will be.'' Claire said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
''Joking! Geeze Claire.''
''You are not going to be playing video games whilst looking after Zoe. It takes two to tango buddy. Now, We will see you later.'' Claire said and slipped out the door before Shane could shoot some witty retort back. Eve looked at Shane.
''Busted buddy. And by the way, you do that, I will break your X-Box. Not joking.'' Eve exclaimed and pranced out the door, humming to herself.
Claire and Eve returned to the room an hour later. They were laughing, walking arm in arm. Shane was laying on the bed, Zoe asleep on his chest. Shane was staring up at the ceiling, lost in his own world.
''Yo, lazy, get up. We're leaving!'' Eve said a little to loudly. Zoe began to whimper, which led to a full blown cry.
''Well done Eve. Give her here.'' Claire said, lifting Zoe off of Shane. She disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes, then returned, Zoe napping quietly in her arms. ''Lets go. I need to get home and eat some real food.'' Eve opened the door and Claire walked out, carrying Zoe, whilst Shame followed with the suitcases. Zawadi was on the front desk. She stood up, walked over to Claire and gave her a hug.
''Good luck. If you have any worries or questions, you know where I am.'' She kissed Zoe on the forehead and went back to the desk. Claire smiled at here and walked out into the Morganville sun.
''Lets go home then.'' Shane said, smiling down at her. They all piled into Eves hearse and drove down the roads before they pulled up in front of the glass house. The three of them walked up the path until they made it to the cool shade of the porch. The door was unlocked, and as it swung open. Claire walked into the living room where she found Michael sitting on the armchair. Michael stood up when Eve ran to him to give him a kiss. He catched here in his arms and hugged her. Shane carefully scooped Zoe out of my arms and looked down at her. «She's adorable», Claire whispered and touched the cute little face. «What can I say... She got it from her mother», he said and kissed Zoes forehead and Claires cheek.