Boy, she was big! And at the same time she remained little compared to Carla, who had received the news that she was expecting twins. But that didn't change the fact that Diane was getting closer and closer to the fortuned birthdate. Only a few more weeks to go. They could hardly wait anymore. Sam kept a straight eye on her, thinking that she would pop any moment. She caught him staring at her belly so many times throughout a day that she sometimes had to slap him lightly on the cheek to get him out of his trance. But anyway, she enjoyed watching him watching her. He had been so protective during the last couple of months. Not that he wasn't to begin with, but at the time he didn't allow her to drive, so anytime she had to go out, Sam would have to take a break to go pick her up. He always had to make sure she'd be able to get in contact with him and vice versa. He preferred her to be around if anything should happen. So lately, she spent most of her time in the bar to ease his worries. He turned the office into her resting room. He was doing his best for sure and Diane highly appreciated it. Carla on the other hand, kept saying "yuck" every time he would do a nice gesture. But Sam usually ignored it and when everyone was looking the other way, Diane would send Carla a funny face, clearly to Carla's annoyance.
That being said, Diane had bonded with Carla since she found out about the pregnancy. Seemed as though the fact that they both were pregnant made a deeper connection between them. When one of them felt like talking about things some others like Sam and the patrons wouldn't get, they went to each other. Diane was happy to have an expert like Carla around. She helped her out with preparing for the baby and vice versa. Actually, Carla didn't think it was so that bad having Diane there as her buddy throughout these stressing, exhausting months. It made her feel good that she was superior to Diane on this point. And it was quite nice talking to someone about the same yucky stuff. But it didn't change the fact that Carla would make lots of annoying comment about Diane, though. She had to keep it real.
The developing relationship between Diane and Carla pleased Sam. It made him feel comfortable with letting Carla be the one keeping an eye on Diane while he was gone.
But a chilly spring evening at the bar it was Diane who was set to be there for Carla, since the woman went into labour. Carla, who had lot of experience with these kind of episodes, seemed to be more calm than the rest in the bar. Since Eddie wasn't in town and Sam was out to pick up some diner, Diane felt responsible for Carla, and generously asked if she would like her to go with her. Without hesitating, Carla nodded and the two headed off to the hospital.
Carla gave birth to a girl named Jesse and boy named Elvis after the king.
In company of Sam and Diane, Carla introduced the twins to the patrons.
Diane became the first one to hold little Jesse, besides Carla of course, and Sam Elvis.
Both became aware that within a few weeks, this would be them holding their own sweetheart.
It was Sunday, and things were like usual. Cliff shared a little known fact about the Indians which Carla responded to with a snarky comments. Woody was reminded of an incident back in Hanover, Indiana, and Norm swallowed beers while listening. Diane sat in her usual reading corner. Every so often Sam would sneak up on her and kiss her on the neck. Live was good. And then they came.
Labour pains. Carla- of course- was the first one to notice.
"Yo, Sam!" Carla said.
"Yeah?" Sam said and turned.
Carla nodded towards Diane who was overwhelmed with pains at the moments and could barely say a word.
Sam rushed to her corner and took her in his arms, and looked deep into her eyes.
"Let's get you to the hospital, sweetheart," he said, and rushed to the door as fast as possible with her in his arms.
"Hey, whitey!" Carla said just before they reached the door.
"Good luck. You're gonna be fine."
A smile spread on Diane's lips and it seemed to ease her mind to hear those words from Carla.