Truths that She Learned

Second Stage

Disclaimer: Nope, still own no one.

"Um, my contractions just slowed down." I murmur, hoping only the nurse can hear me. She looks at me.

"You're nine and three-quarters centimeters dilated. This means you're in the end of the transitional period. Don't worry. They'll pick up soon and you'll be holding your beautiful little girl." The nurse says, patting my hand. I sigh, my teeth beginning to chatter. I want this little girl out. I want to be comfortable again. No more pain, no more labor.

"Angel. Please bring her into this world safely. Be her spirit guide. She's your namesake after all. If you make her come now, I promise I will visit your grave every day."

Why am I losing my cool now? Why am I suddenly so afraid of losing control? What if I was wrong on this?

"Mark!" I squeal, suddenly panicking. "Can you get a nurse?" All this pressure is making me want to push. Pushing…is good…isn't it?

"What is it?" Joanne asks, setting the coffee cup aside. I glance up, my eyes teary.

"Our little bird's leaving the nest." I murmur, squeezing her hand. Suddenly, a contraction seizes me. I begin to pant, knowing I can't push even though the urge is terrible. "Where is Mark?"

"Relax. You're now in active labor." Joanne rests her hands on top of my belly. "This baby girl is coming. Our Blackbird is on her way." A nurse runs in, as Mark struggles to keep up.

"Okay," the nurse jams her gloved hand underneath the blanket. "This is it." She looks at me. "Everyone out except Mommy and coach!" She shoos everyone but Mimi and Joanne. I love Mark, I truly do, but Mimi is the better coach, and there's no way I want to have my in-laws watch me give birth.

"Maureen." Kara looks up at me. "When the next contraction begins, I want you to push. Push as hard as you can, and hold it for a ten count." I nod, hoping I can do this. "Focus on Joanne." As a contraction begins, I bear down, trying to focus on the task at hand.

"I am!" I wail. "I am!" Oh God…this pain…it's worse than anything I've ever experienced "Never again!" I huff.

"Okay." Kara looks at me. "You're doing great." I nod. "I can see her head, during the contractions. She's right there." I nod. "Two more big pushes should get her out." She glances to the nurse. " Plus four station." I have no idea what she means, but at this point, I could really care less.

"Chica, look at me." Mimi says. Wow…it's the loudest I've ever heard her. "Do you want to meet her?" I nod. "Push with all you have. You're Maureen Johnson." Yes, Chica, I know my name. "You don't quit." I bear down again, squealing loudly.

"Head's out!" Kara exclaims. "She's got a full head of hair!" I glance up to notice Joanne's lips silently moving. Another contraction begins. I push. "Shoulders are free." She glances up at me. "This little girl was in a hurry to come out."

"She wanted to greet the world like her lovely mommy." Joanne sniffles, kissing my head. As a final contraction hits, I push. A nurse spreads a warm flannel blanket on my stomach.

"We have a girl!" Kara exclaims, placing her on my stomach. As she cleans the baby's mouth and nose with a blue rubber bulb, I hold my breath.

Then, I hear the best sound any mother can ever hear.

"She's got your lungs!" Mimi jokes, tears pouring down her face. I glance into my baby's eyes…they're my eyes. She has the same brown eyes as me.

"Hello." I murmur. I feel as if I am greeting a long lost friend. "My Angel."

"What's her name?" A nurse questions.

"Angel Blackbird Jefferson-Johnson." Joanne murmurs.

For the first time, I know the meaning of true happiness.