Miranda sighed. Her back was bothering her again. She gently twisted, to rid herself of the discomfort, but it was useless. She had been sitting in the same position for too long. Determined to finish her work, she got up slowly and walked around for a while, her mind still editing the page she had been focussed on.

Gingerly Miranda massaged the area that had been distracting her: the pain didn't dissipate, but one had to try. She did live on hope after all. At least she could breathe again. The days before she'd had a hard time catching her breath. As usual Miranda didn't let such trivial matters deter her from working, but it had definitely been harder to focus.

Somewhat relieved Miranda sat down again and scattered scathing commentary all over the page. She had to finish this issue, before she stopped working. Turning the page, her breath caught, when the pain returned.

"I can't work if you keep distracting me like that", she said. Slowly breathing through the pain, she set her attention once more to her magazine. If anything could keep her mind of her body, it was Runway.

She diligently kept working, until the pain became too much of a distraction.

"Andrea!", she called

Immediately the lovely brunette appeared.

"Yes, Miranda?", she answered, while coming into the office.

Her brow furrowed when she saw Miranda at her desk.

"You're not still working, are you?", she admonished. "I told you to relax."

"I will relax when I finish this edit", Miranda growled, while gripping her desk. The pain had returned once more and the pressure in her hips made it difficult to sit.

"Please help me up." she pleaded. Drops of sweat appeared on her forehead and Andrea took pity.

"You do realize you're going to give birth at home if you keep going like this, don't you?" she said, while gently helping Miranda up.

Miranda rubbed her belly. Tears were leaking out of her eyes now. "I'm scared", she said, "What if I can't do this?"

"First of all, you can do anything", Andrea stated confidently, "Secondly, I'm here to help you at home and Nigel and Emily can help you at work."

She looked at Miranda, who tiredly looked back.

"Shall I call them to put the finishing touches on Runway?" Andrea asked. "Then we can go to the hospital. Your obgyn already knows you're in labour. I called her this morning."

Just when Miranda opened her mouth to protest, another contraction took over her body and her water broke.

"I guess I can't object with your suggestions", Miranda sniffed. "Please call Roy and Cara and let them know what to do."

Andrea exhaled in relief and gently caressed Miranda's back. "Let's go have these babies."