Great Inagua, August 20, 1720
Mary grips the mattress tightly in an attempt to hold in her cry of pain as another contraction rolls through her belly. The pains were agonizing and she could do nothing to relieve the building pressure, though she did find out later that squatting helped the pain a little, Ifé said something about it was widening the hips, she wasn't really paying attention being that she was a little preoccupied.
The door creaks open but she doesn't even bother checking to see who it is, she was far too comfortable now that the pain was gone. The person slips into the room silent like a mouse, they kneel next to her and blot her face softly with damp rag. Mary forces her eye open a crack, just enough to see her redheaded friend. She speaks smiles, "Mary, let's go for a walk."
Mary moans agonizingly but pulls herself up, Anne tries again, "Ifé said-" Mary groans and folds herself over the bed, "She's crazy, I can't walk around like this." Mary feels the bed shift so she turns her head away. Anne runs her hands down Mary's back, settling at her hips. "Come on, we'll just go for a short walk." Mary curses under her breath but allows Anne to pull her out of the manor.
The door swings open letting the humid august heat fans over their faces. Mary brushes a frustrated hand through her hair and groans, "Anne it's too hot out here." It's probably hotter inside but at least she will be away from people. She backs up trying to escape but Anne just pulls her forward, "Oh no, you are not going to just sit around all day! Let's go! Give me that coat and maybe it won't be so hot."
Anne tugs at the sleeves but Mary brushes her away. "No I want to be inside." Anne whacks her gently over the head, "Stop being so stubborn!" Anne peels the coat off and Mary is relieved, though she'll never admit it, to have the damn thing off. Anne grins triumphantly, "There! I feel cooler just looking at you." Mary rolls her eyes and Anne drags her towards the stairs.
She shuffles down two steps then stops, they wouldn't be a problem if they weren't so damn many of them! She counted them, ten, there were only ten. She groans, "Anne, I can't do this!" And clutches her belly, leaning against the wall for support. Anne lumbers over and tossed her hands to her hips, "Are you trying to tell me that Mary Read, the woman who took down an entire army herself, can't walk down a few steps?" She furrows her brow and inches down, one step at a time.
Anne cheers her on and when she makes it to the bottom she shouts excitedly, "Now let's go back up!" Mary's mouth drops open, ready to protest and Anne giggles, "Okay maybe we'll do that later." The pair continue down the dirt path quietly, Anne hums to herself and Mary rubs absently at her stomach, her nerves growing with each uneasy step.
Anne stops her humming and grins, "Isn't this just so exciting Mary?!" She glances down, knees feeling weak, "I'm not ready, I'm going to be a horrible mother." Anne comes to an abrupt stop and whips Mary around by the shoulders, "You will be an amazing mother, stop worrying about it!" Mary bites her lip and nods feeling the beginning of another contraction.
They round the corner into the plaza and a cheerful merchant greets them, "Miss Bonny, Miss Read, can I get you something?" Mary hisses and leans forward, squeezing her eyes shut, she rests her head against the table. The wood scratches her face, distracting her from the pain. The merchant gives her a sympathetic smile, "Ah, the pains have begun." and fiddles with something behind the counter.
Anne combs through Mary's hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. The merchant hands Anne whatever it was she was chopping, "Here, take this, it will help with the pain." Anne watches Mary writhing against the table and nods, "I sure hope so." Anne thanks the woman and pulls Mary towards the beach. "Congratulations Miss Read!"
Mary plops down on the nearest flat surface and Anne kneels in front of her. She rests a hand on her knee and Mary looks at her with tired eyes, "You're doing well Mary." She laughs, "I haven't done anything yet." She frowns and Anne places a hand to her cheek, "What's wrong?" Mary shifts uncomfortably and takes in a labored breath, "A lot of women die in birth-" Anne shakes her head, "But you won't be one of them." They watch other with heavy eyes, both knowing it's a promise they can't make.
"Do you think is going to be a boy or a girl?" Mary pats her belly gently, "I don't care as long as it comes out healthy." Anne notices the pain behind her eyes and makes a note to ask about it later, now wasn't the time. Mary massages her belly as the baby adjusts itself inside. Hurry up and get here already so I can stop worrying. Her eyes flick over to the bundle in Anne's hands and she asks, "What did she give you?" Anne perks up, "You know I never did look." She holds it out to Mary, she pulls the cloth back and cocks her brow curiously, "Ginger?" Anne shrugs, "She said it'd help with the pain."
As if on cue, another contraction rips through her body, causing her to double over in pain. Anne kneads her shoulders until the contraction is finally over and furrows her brow. She pulls Mary onto her feet and flattens out her shirt, "I think it's time we head back." Mary nods and takes a bite of the ginger, her eyes widen and she coughs, "Oh god, that's spicy!" I hope this helps.
Great Inagua, August 21, 1720
Edward taps nervously on the assassin mentor's desk, "I hadn't been expecting you back so soon." Edward shrugs and Ah Tabai gives him an encouraging smile. "Was your mission a success?" He nods and this time Ah Tabai frowns, never had he seen the arrogant pirate so quiet before. Edward shifts his gaze the floor and fiddles nervously with his hidden blade.
Ah Tabai slips Edward his payment and adds casually, "Mary is due to birth soon." Edward's head perks up slightly and he continues knowing he's finally earned Edward's attention, "Anne has been walking with her to ease the pains." Edward remains quiet and giggles his knee anxiously. "Are you not happy Edward?" He shakes his head and Ah Tabai's frown deepens.
Edward takes a nervous breath and whispers, "I'm lost, I don't know what to do. I've got a wife back in Bristol waiting for my return and then I go and get another woman pregnant?" Ah Tabai nods once and Edward continues, "I'm a vile man and a dreadful husband and I know I'll be an even worse father." Ah Tabai pats his shoulder, "You've come a long way Edward Kenway, the world works in mysterious ways, you will see your path soon enough."
Edward rubs his temples with his knuckles and groans, "How can I know for sure it even is mine?" Ah Tabai shakes his head. "You can't know, not completely that is." Edward groans, "You're no help." He stands stretching out his stiff shoulders and asks with false disinterest, "Do you mind if I stay here until the child is born?" Ah Tabai frowns, "If you'd like but I think you should see her before the birth."
Edward nods, "That was my intention, where is she staying?" Ah Tabai's lips turn upwards into a triumphant smile, "She is back home Edward." He stiffens and lowers his arms, I guess there's no hiding now. He nods and shuffles silently from the building, his head filling with uncertainty, What am I even going to say to her?
"Christ! I'll string him up myself the next time I see that bloody skulk!" Edward flinches, it's true he has done nothing but shirk his responsibilities, he deserves worse than a hanging. Another string of profanities leaves her mouth and it has him rushing up the steps. The closer he gets the faster his heart pounds, he can hear Annie trying to soothe her and can't help the smile when Mary shouts, "Will you just shut your gob, It fucking hurts and it's not okay."
Anne guides her towards the house, "Come on Mary, let's get inside." Mary shakes her head and groans, the contractions coming on much faster now. "No I can't, it hurts too much." He turns the corner and his heart skips a beat as she braces herself against the table. He's never seen her in that much pain before and he's the one who caused this pain. Her knees buckle and she falls, he darts forward catching her just before she fell.
"You arse! Where have you been?!" She sobs, clutching the front of his coat. He sucks in a deep breath of air feeling weak and helpless, "I'm sorry Mary, I'm so sorry." He rubs her back carefully, scared to cause her anymore more pain. "What can I do?" She loosens her grip on his coat as the pain subsides and release a breath, "Do that." He nods and continues his kneading until she falls forward. Her nails dig into the dirt, as another painful contraction hits.
Edward looks up at Anne with wide eyes, she crouches next to Mary giving her encouraging words. She throws her head back and clenches her jaw tightly, "All this pain for only a minute of pleasure, you are never touching me again Edward Kenway!" He swallows the lump in his throat and tries to slinks away, I shouldn't be here, I'm only in the way. He stands and she growls, "If you leave now, I don't ever want to see your ugly mug again." She pulls herself up and he tries to help when he sees her struggling.
She swats him away and balances herself against the table. He takes a step forward and begs, "I don't want to stress you out-" Mary puts a sweaty palm up, effectively shutting him up, "I'm already stressed out, you being here won't change a damn thing." He rubs his neck awkwardly having never seen a woman in labor before. "But-" Mary grips his shirt and pulls him down to meet her clouded eyes, "Edward you've said enough, now it's my turn."
He nods and brushes out his now wrinkled shirt, she looks him over tiredly with a frown. "This baby is yours, whether you want to believe it or not." She places his hands on her belly and he rubs nervously, "If I die promise me you'll support them. You can give them away but make sure they don't grow up struggling." He bites his lip watching as her face contorts painfully. "Make sure they're loved." She leans her head against his chest and grunts, "Promise me!"
She wraps her arms around his neck as another contraction hits, harder than the rest. Edward wets his dry lips and whispers, "I promise Mary, but what am I to say to my wife?" She laughs, "You should have thought about that before you fucked me." She looks up at him with a pained smile and leans forward pulling him into a fervent kiss, the sounds around them drowned out by the beat of his heart. His lips moved insistently over hers, telling her all the things he was too scared to say out loud.
They part just as quickly as they met and Mary lets out a groan. Edward wraps his arms around her protectively. Anne smiles and turns away, giving them some privacy. The two sway softly as Mary rides through her contraction. Edward babbles quietly, "I'm here for you Mary, I promise to take care of you and that child inside you." She leans her head against his shoulder happily then she halts her swaying. She pushes him by the shoulders and glances down at her now wet trousers with wide eyes. "I think I just pissed myself!"
Anne hurries over and grabs onto her arm, "Mary, your water just broke! Edward, you need to leave now! We'll get you when the babe is born." Edward's heart races as Mary is pulled away from him. The two stagger away leaving him to worry alone, What do I do now?
He paces for about an hour then sharpens his blade for another hour as his thoughts wander back to Mary, I wonder how she's doing. There's a shout coming from inside and he nicks his thumb with the blade, Jaysus how long is this going to take. He pops his thumb in his mouth and starts pacing again.
He jumps when he feels a heavy hand on his shoulder, "Captain Kenway, what are you doing there just pacing like a loon?" He grins when he sees his ex quartermaster standing square and proud as usual. "Adé, aren't you a sight for sore eyes! As to my pacing, well, I'm becoming a father." Another shout comes from the building and Adé grins, clapping his shoulder once, "Congratulations Captain, I think a celebration is in order."
Great Inagua, August 23, 1720
"You aren't ready yet, don't push!" Ifé scolds her after Mary tenses up, she drops her head back onto the mattress and groans, "What do you mean I'm not ready? It's been nearly three days!" Mary shouts she bites at the mattress as another contraction hits her. Ifé rubs her back and explains, "It's hardly been that long and you've been in active labor for less that twenty four hours. I will tell you when it's time to push."
Mary sits on her knees with her head in Anne's lap holding her breath, Ifé scolds her again, "Stop holding your breath! How is the baby supposed to come out if you won't relax?" Mary releases her breath, "I don't see how that will- ohhh." She sighs, a wave of relief washing over her. Ifé massages Mary's shoulder, "You're doing well Mary, I just need to check you again alright?"
Mary nods and Anne combs her hands through Mary's hair, watching curiously as Ifé examines her friend. Mary stiffens when Ifé's hands find themselves in a very uncomfortable place, "You're almost ready Mary." She nods weakly, feeling another wave of pain. This time she listens to her midwife and simply breathes. Her body relaxes but her eyes widen, Ifé squeezes her hand. "What's wrong?"
Mary's face turns red and she mumbles, "I need to use the toilet*" Ifé smiles and gestures for Anne to get in position, "That's good, that means you're ready, I want you to push when the next pain comes." Mary nods and Anne squeezes her hand. Mary's body tenses up and she feels the baby descending and Mary stops, "I can't do it!" Ifé squeezes Mary's hips and lines her up, "Yes you can!"
Mary puts one leg in front of her and groans feeling another pain. "No can't, please make it stop." Ifé squeezes her shoulder in encouragement, "But you're doing it, I can see the head." Mary groans and leans forward, bearing down hard along with the contraction. Mary gasps as the baby slides out and a small set of lungs fill the room. Anne pulls Mary onto the bed and watches Ifé working quickly to clean the baby.
"Is something wrong?" Ifé doesn't say anything and she a weight lays heavy on her chest. She gives Anne a worried look, she says something but she can't hear it over the sound of her beating heart. Oh god there's something wrong! The world seems to stop for a moment as she focuses on the child. A strong hue of gold radiates from the wriggling babe and Ifé turns around with a large grin on her face.
She hands the bundle off to the new mother, the light disappears and Ifé's voice comes in clearer, "Congratulations Mary, you have a healthy baby girl." Mary laughs and tears roll down her cheeks. She looks down at the small bundle in her arms, "Annie, I have a daughter."
Anne beams and leans over to get a good look at the baby, "She's beautiful Mary." She nods through the tears and laughs running a hand down a chubby pink arm, she pokes her pinky into a tiny hand that grips on tightly. Mary can't hold back her proud smile, Strong grip little one. Ifé stands to grab a boiling pot of water from the fire.
Mary pokes the baby's nose then trails a finger over her mouth, reading the outline of her lips. The baby suckles on her finger and lets out a cry. Mary looks at Ifé with wide eyes, "Did I hurt her?" She laughs and shakes her head, "No, she's just hungry." Mary blinks and Ifé smiles, "We'll take care of that as soon as I'm finished up here." Mary nods and goes back to watching her daughter, "I'll go get Edward." Mary hums in agreement, not really listening to anything but her daughter's quiet murmurs.
Anne glances around the manor and lets out a frustrated sigh when Edward is nowhere to be seen. Now where did he run off to, I bet he's off getting drunk. She stomps down the steps expecting to find Edward drunk off his arse. Poor Mary, she's the one in need of a drink. The further she walks the angrier she grows, What a tippler, just wait till I get my hands on him! Then she stops, anger quickly fading.
Her eyes soften as she watches Edward is bent over, picking colorful flowers from the ground. She covers her hand with her mouth and giggles, "Devil of the Caribbean? More like pansy of the Caribbean." He bolts upright, face flushed, and hides the flowers behind his back. "What in God's name are you doing Edward?"
He rubs the back of his head awkwardly, "Well I couldn't sit still, I've been wandering around all night. Adé was keeping me company but he had talk with Ah Tabai. I decided to head back and saw these flower along the way and figured Mary would like them." Anne grins, "You know she's not into that kind of thing." He frowns and goes to toss them away. "But I think she'd love the thought, you're a good man Edward." He grins then clears his throat, all business. "How is Mary?"
She rolls her eyes, "Why don't you come see for yourself." He swallows the lump in his throat and scurries after Anne and with a squeak asks, "Is it a boy or a girl?" Anne shakes her head, "If you'd hurry you'd find out." He quickens his pace eager to meet his child, I'm a father...
Edward takes a step into the dimly lit room, It has to be close to midnight. Ifé was gone, leaving the new parents a little alone time. Edward takes a few nervous steps forward and watches as Mary gazes lovingly at their child. He gulps, Our child. He grins and that's when Mary speaks never moving her eyes from the bundle, "Don't just stand there, you're making me uncomfortable."
He hurries to her side and kneels, getting a good look at his baby. She pulls the blanket away from the tiny face and he gasps, a full head of sandy blonde hair. She looks at him with bright but very tired eyes, "I told you she was yours." He grins and can't help the tear that falls from his eye, "You said she?" She nods and pulls the blanket back up, "Aye, we have a daughter."
"We have a daughter." His heart swells and he squeaks, nerves taking his voice. "She's beautiful like her mother." Mary hits him playfully on the shoulder, "Oh posh Edward, you're just saying that." He sits down at the edge of the bed carefully, "No it's true, I said the same thing when I thought you were James."
She nods, it's been nine long months but she never forgot those words. "Jim, did I ever tell you just how handsome you are?" She smiles at the memory and glances down at the baby in her arms. Those small words were what brought them here today, she holds her small hand admiring her tiny fingers. If it wasn't for you I probably wouldn't be here right now.
"Here." She glances up at the flowers in his vice like grip, "I picked these for you. " Mary frowns and takes the flowers hesitantly, "Edward, you don't have to do this." He cuts her off, "But I want to." She shakes her head sadly and looks back at the babe, "I'm not looking for any favors, I know you have a wife."
She brushes a small tuft of hair away from the baby's face and she opens her eyes just enough to reveal her bright blue eyes. "Damn it, I thought she'd have at least some of my traits." Edward leans over curiously, "I heard that all babies have blue eyes when they're born, I'm sure they'll darken with time." She huffs and reluctantly hands the baby over, "Would you like to hold her?" Edward nods and she places the baby in his arms, "Now hold her head like this. And put your arms down here to support her legs. That's right, you've got it." Mary lingers over his shoulder for a second, unable to pull herself from her daughter.
Finally she leans back in the bed, too exhausted to support herself any longer, she rests her eyes, just for a second. "I can't believe we made something like this Mary, she's so perfect." Mary chuckles from behind closed eyes, "Aye, I was just thinking that myself." He glances over at her to say something else but she's sleeping. He heads to the window and rocks the child unconsciously, "You see that over there, little one? That's my ship, and one day I'll take you on it to be one of my crew."
"Don't you think it's a bit early to be talking like that? I think you have a few years yet until you can take her on a ship." Edward turns his head, Anne's in the doorway smiling. "Now let me get a better look at that baby." He shuffles proudly to her friend and lowers the bundle. "Oh Edward, she looks just like you!" He grins, a sense of pride washing over him, "Aye, and hopefully there will be plenty more."
Mary begins stirring and the two whip their head towards the bed. "Not for a while Kenway." She says very seriously, he shuffles to the bed eagerly kneeling down. "So you're saying we'll have more?" Mary looks directly ahead and smirks, "Aye, Maybe someday."
*this often means the mom is feeling the baby's head descend and put pressure against the nerve between her vaginal canal and her butt, making her feel like she has to poop. This usually means things are getting closer and she may be pushing soon! 2015/05/07/ten-things-women-say-in-labor-that-are-totally-normal/