Chapter 9: Thirty Weeks
Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy
DPOV
"Are you sure you'll be okay while I'm gone?" I asked. Rose was now thirty weeks along and had been complaining or rather not complaining of a relapse in nausea and some headaches. At our last appointment two days ago her blood pressure had been slightly elevated, but Dr. Mozorov said we should come back in a few days for a re-check and to call her if she had any severe symptoms.
"I'm fine. I'm actually feeling a little better," she said as she nibbled on some crackers. She was back to her diet of white rice and a few saltines. I was more than a little worried.
"Please try and get some rest," I told her as I grabbed my keys. The jet was waiting for me on the air strip. Lexie had been begging to come home for a weekend, but instead Alberta had given her the required year end examinations early so she could be released early for the summer.
"I'll be fine. I can't wait to see my baby," she said happily . "I can't believe in ten short weeks Lexie won't be the baby anymore. She's going to be a big sister." I loved how her face lit up with excitement when she talked about our baby, both of our babies.
"Hurry back, I miss that little bugger," she said. "I'll have Adrian stop and get her favorite ice cream for tonight," she said.
"Good, because I do not want you leaving this house until I get back." She made a face.
"Roza," I warned. "Do not fight me on this." She nodded.
"Do you want me to help you get to the couch?" I asked. She was only thirty weeks and I would never tell her this, but she looked like she was full term and carrying twins. She had started out so thin, but had caught up in no time. The doctor had just smiled as she'd taken Rose's measurements and the babies a few days ago.
"You're in for a big one," she'd said with a grin. "That isn't surprising considering the size of the father though," she added winking at me.
"Yes," she huffed after trying to get up from the stool unsuccessfully.
"You know, this is all your fault," she growled pointing to her extremely swollen belly.
"How do you figure?" I asked.
"You're enormous," she said. "Why do you have to be so damn tall?"
I chuckled at her logic, but apologized anyways.
"I'm sorry my love. If I could take away your discomfort I would. When is your next appointment with Ambrose?"
"Thursday," she replied. "Well we'll just have to see if he can fit you in a little sooner." That was nearly a week away and from the looks of it she couldn't wait that long. I fluffed up a pillow and slid it behind her back.
"It would make me feel better if someone came over to sit with you," I told her handing her the remote and making sure the phone was within arms reach. I also left two bottles of water, her vitamins and a banana.
"Comrade, I'm pregnant, not an invalid," she griped rolling her eyes.
"I know that, but you haven't been feeling well lately. Humor me and call Lissa," I pleaded.
"Fine," she sighed punching in Lissa's number on the phone.
"She'll be here in a half an hour. Is that good enough?"
"That's fine," I said kissing her lips softly. "I love you and I will be back before nine."
"Just go get our girl. I'm going through Lexie withdrawal," she said.
"Promise you'll be safe and call the doctor if you feel any worse?"
"I promise," she said with sincerity.
It was a six hour plane ride to St. Vladimir's. When I arrived Lexie was packed and waiting for me along with Alberta.
"Daddy!" she screamed rushing forward jumping into my outstretched arms.
"You're getting so big Milaya," I told her kissing her cheeks before setting her back down on the ground.
"So I hear that you and Rose are finally tying the knot," Alberta said stepping forward and placing Lexie's luggage on the tarmac.
"Yes, we are," I beamed thinking of my Roza walking down the aisle towards me in a beautiful flowing white gown.
"I'm very happy for the both of you. Can you give this to Rose for us?" she asked handing me an envelope.
"I sure can," I told her. Lexie was out of earshot and I felt the need to confide in someone.
"Rose has been feeling terrible lately and I'm anxious to get back to her. You don't know what a relief it will be having Lexie home for the duration. Rose misses her like mad and it is a weight off my shoulders knowing that I won't have to come and pick her up with Rose in her final weeks."
"I figured as much. That is why I prepared her early for her exams. She preformed exemplary in both written and combat training," she smiled handing me Lexie's report card.
"Daddy, let's go! I want to see Mommy," Lexie whined tugging on my hand.
"Well then we better get moving," I told her.
We waved to Alberta. "See you in a few weeks at the shower," she called.
It was a long ride home so I decided to call and check up on Rose before we took off.
"Hey Comrade," she answered. "How's our girl?"
"She's great. How are you?"
"Fat as a cow and getting fatter by the minute. My ring won't even fit on my pinky finger," she moaned. I could hear Lissa cracking up with laughter in the background.
"You are not fat in any way Roza. Our baby is growing strong and healthy inside of you. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. I will fix the ring problem when I get home," I reassured her.
"Hurry, I want to see my baby," she said. She was so impatient, but that was nothing new.
"We arrived home around eight. I was utterly exhausted from the back to back plane rides, but Lexie had slept snuggled up in my lap most of the way back and was bursting with energy.
"Mommy!" she cried out as we made our way through the kitchen door.
"Baby girl," Rose called out waddling into the kitchen. She looked exhausted. Lexie's eyes widened as she took in Rose's huge belly.
"Mommy are there two babies in there?" she asked. Rose's smile turned into a frown.
"See I told you I was a cow," she hissed.
"No sweetheart, there are not two babies in there. Mommy is just really fat," she said as Lexie put her arms around Rose.
"I can't wait! When is the baby coming?" she asked excitement dancing in her eyes.
"Not for a few months sweetie," Rose told her.
"Have you eaten?" I asked Rose. She made a face. "Ugh, don't mention food," she groaned turning a little green.
"Have you been ill?" I asked reaching forward to feel her forehead.
"Shh," she hissed pointing to Lexie.
"Why don't you go bring your bags to your room while Mommy and I get some dinner ready," I told Lexie. She skipped upstairs carrying one of her suitcases and a duffel. She was really strong for her age.
I stood waiting for Rose's response.
"Ugh, yes I've thrown up six times today is that what you wanted to hear?" she growled.
"Rose this isn't normal. I think we should call the doctor," I told her.
"I already did," she said. I raised my eyebrows at her. She was never one to make a call like that without reason. She must be worried and that in turn worried me.
"What did she say?" I asked leading her to a chair and helping her sit down.
"She wants me to come in tomorrow for some tests," she said. I nodded lacing my fingers through hers.
"We'll get through this," I told her. "You and Lexie and this child are the most important things in the world to me. I won't let anything happen to you," I promised.
After pushing her food around on her plate and putting on a brave face for our daughter Rose decided to turn in early. I helped her up the stairs before calling Lexie up to get ready for bed as well.
"It's late and we've had a long day. If you want you can stay up and watch television for a while before bed, but only after you wash up," I told her.
"Daddy, is Mommy sick?" she asked with a nervous look in her eyes.
I sighed. I should have figured she would pick up on it. Rose didn't look good at all and Lexie was very bright.
"Mommy is just not feeling well because of the baby," I told her.
"Is she going to be okay?" she asked.
"I'm going to take good care of her, okay?" I tried reassuring her. I knew I couldn't give her a guarantee that Rose would be alright so I tried my best to be honest.
"Be a good girl and go get washed up," I told her.
"Goodnight Daddy. I love you," she said hugging me tight.
"I love you too Milaya," I told her returning her embrace.
When I went into the bedroom Rose was already under the covers. I washed up and climbed in next to her resting my hands on her belly as I held her close to me. I was worried as hell about her, but I was also exhausted and sleep claimed me quickly.
I woke with a start to someone shaking me.
"Comrade wake up." My angel's voice startled me out of a deep sleep. It was still light out and I was confused as I rubbed my eyes.
"What is it?" I asked my heart leaping into my throat.
"Something is wrong. I don't feel good at all. I'm dizzy, my head is pounding and I'm cramping," she whispered.
I flew out of bed and was dressed in seconds. I grabbed her bathrobe and helped her into it before grabbing my cell phone to call Dr. Mozorov at home. She said she'd meet us at the clinic. I then called Lissa to come and watch over Lexie. She of course was worried about Rose and came quickly.
"Can you walk or should I carry you?" I asked.
"I think I can walk," she said as I pulled her gently into a standing position. Her face paled and she grabbed her abdomen crying out in pain as her legs buckled beneath her.
I caught her as she fell and swept her up into my arms. There was no way she could walk. I headed downstairs with her just as a very alert Lissa and Christian walked through the door with a sleeping Andree in his arms.
"Is she okay?" Lissa asked worried. "Can I heal her?"
"I'm not sure what's wrong. We need to get her to the clinic now," I told her.
She nodded. "Christian is going to stay with the kids. I am coming with in case there's something I can do," she said.
We made it to the clinic in just a few minutes and Dr. Mozorov was waiting.
"Just hold on Roza, we are here. They're going to take good care of you," I said lying her down on the gurney she had waiting.
"Don't leave me," she cried reaching out for me. There was fear in her eyes.
"Don't worry Rose, Dimitri isn't going anywhere. He can come back with us," the doctor assured her. We left Lissa in the waiting room in case she was needed. They hooked Rose up to an IV, a heart monitor, and a fetal monitor. The nurse drew a vile of blood and took her blood pressure.
"Well judging from her symptoms and her blood pressure, I'm afraid I'm going to have to diagnose preeclampsia," the doctor stated writing some notes in Rose's chart.
"What exactly does that mean?" I asked my stomach churning.
"Well it means that Rose's blood pressure is dangerously high and that poses a danger to her health as well as your baby's."
"Is there a cure?"
"Well the best cure is delivery," she stated. My eyes widened.
"It's too soon for that, right? She's barely thirty weeks." I was beginning to sweat profusely.
"Well it isn't preferable to induce labor at this stage of gestation, but the baby would have a good chance."
"A good chance is not an option. We want the best chance," Rose spoke up.
"Well right now we can try a few medications that can lower your blood pressure and put you on complete bed rest, but if it doesn't come down within seventy-two hours, then we will be forced to induce."
"I'm going to start the first medication and see how things go," she said.
"Is the medication dangerous for the baby?" I asked.
"Well any medication runs a risk of harming the fetus, but the risk of Rose's blood pressure remaining this high is far greater for both of them." The nurse brought in a vile and a syringe and gave Rose an injection into her IV.
"This is going to make you a little sleepy, but that's okay. Just try and relax. I'll be back to check on you in a few hours and see if we've made any progress."
"Thank you," I told her.
"Try not to worry dad. Let's just take this one step at a time." I wished her words reassured me.
"It's not going to make me any calmer if you wear a hole in the floor with your pacing," Rose commented.
"I'm sorry," I told her lowering myself into the chair by her bedside. I couldn't stand the look of her hooked up to all these monitors. She didn't look like her normal self. She looked pale and weak and it was scaring the hell out of me. I met her worried eyes.
"I don't like seeing you like this. It makes me feel helpless. I don't know what to do," I whispered clasping her hand in my own.
"You're already doing everything you're supposed to," she said.
"But I'm not doing anything."
"Having you here with me holding my hand like this. That is what I need. I didn't have that last time. It makes me feel calm and loved and like we can face anything as long as we're together."
I couldn't avoid the tear that leaked out of my eye as I leaned over to kiss her forehead.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you last time," I told her. My heart ached thinking of her lying her facing this alone without me and another tear fell and then another.
"Hey, listen to me. We're going to be fine," she tried reassuring me wiping away my tears with her fingers.
"You are so strong Roza. I know you can pull through this." I tried hard to remain calm for her sake. She curled up on the small bed and dozed off.
"Hey, is she asleep?" Lissa asked softly entering the room. I nodded.
"How is she?" I explained her condition.
"I was afraid of that," she said. "I can't heal that." She looked over at Rose and then at the floor.
"It's not your fault. I should have seen the signs. She's been sick for days," I told her kicking myself for not insisting she be hospitalized three days ago when we'd been here and her blood pressure was high. I had to stop myself from breaking something, I was so angry with myself.
"It's not your fault either. You took her to the doctor, you took care of her and brought her here when she needed it. You're doing fine. There's nothing else you can do, but wait." She put her hand on my shoulder.
"I just hate feeling like this, like there's nothing I can do."
"It's hard when the enemy can't be taken down with a silver stake isn't it? Now you feel what the rest of us feel," she said with a small smile. It was funny that she could pinpoint my exact feelings at this moment.
I sighed in frustration retaking my place by Rose's bedside. Lissa's phone beeped with a text.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Lexie is awake and she's crying for Rose," she said sadly.
I looked at Rose lying there peacefully and realized that I wasn't just a husband, hell I wasn't even a husband yet, but I was a father and my baby was crying for her mother.
"I'll stay with her, if you want to go comfort Lexie." I looked between Rose and the door once more before making up my mind. Rose would want me to comfort our daughter and it wasn't like I was leaving her alone. Lissa was here.
"Call me if anything happens. If she wakes up tell her.."
"I'll tell her, just go," she said shooing me out of the room.
I rushed home as fast as I could to find Lexie in hysterics and Christian trying his hardest to calm her down.
"Where's my mommy and daddy?" she wailed.
"I'm here Milaya," I told her scooping her up into my arms. Christian looked entirely relieved.
"Daddy, I woke up and you weren't here and mommy wasn't here either. Where's mommy? I want mommy. Is she okay?" Poor kid was far too intuitive for her own good.
"Shh, it's okay. I'm here now. Mommy is at the clinic resting. Auntie Lissa is with her.
"Is she alright?" she sniffled looking at my face for clarification.
"Right now she is okay. She is resting." I rubbed her back soothingly cradling her in my arms.
"Can I see her?" she asked. Her sobbing had somewhat subsided, but she was still upset.
I looked to Christian for direction. He was so much better at this father thing than I was. He shook his head in negation.
"Mommy needs to rest right now. I think it would be best if you stayed here with Uncle Crissie for a while," I told her.
"Noooo, I want my mommy," she cried working herself up again. I was at a loss. I had to be with Rose at the hospital, but I couldn't leave her here. I didn't want to put any more stress on Rose by letting her know how upset Lexie was and if I brought Lexie there it would just terrify her if something bad happened.
"Why don't we call up Uncle Adrian?" Christian suggested rather loudly. He was a lifesaver of course. Adrian always calmed her down. If Rose or I wasn't available Adrian was a really close third.
"Can we go see him?" she asked perking up a little. I tried his cell, but there was no answer. He'd probably left it on vibrate.
"Go upstairs and pack an overnight bag. I'm sure that he and Auntie Viktoria are going to want you to stay over and have a slumber party," Christian suggested. The man was truly a genious.
"I'll keep trying his phone, he's a pretty heavy sleeper."
A few minutes later we were standing in front of Ivashkov's door. I knocked loudly and after a few tries I heard movement.
"Dimka?" my sister answered the door opening it widely so we could enter. We must have looked a sight.
"Who is it?" Ivashkov asked rubbing his eyes as he stumbled into the living room. He took one look at us and his face fell.
"Viktoria can you take Lexie into the guest room and get her settled in?" he asked. She nodded shooting me a look of concern as I handed Lexie over.
"Come on Uncle Adrian bought you some new bedding. It has SpongeBob on it," Viktoria said trying to distract her.
"Really?" she asked perking up a little. I sighed in relief.
"How is she? What happened?"
"Preeclampsia and I don't know. They gave her some meds to lower her pressure, but Lexie woke up screaming for her and I had to leave to get her. She was hysterical."
"I figured as much," he said pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'm sorry to just barge in at this hour, but I can't take her with me. You're so good with her. Being with you makes her feel safe," I admitted.
"It's hard to choose isn't it? Either way you can't be in two places. You did the right thing. Rose needs you right now. Lexie will be fine. We'll keep her entertained. She won't have time to think about it. Go and be with her. Call us if there's any news," he said. "Tell Rose we're praying for her."
"Thank you," I told him.
I walked into the bedroom where Viktoria was stroking Lexie's back while she lay in her new SpongeBob bed.
"I have to get back to Mommy Milaya. Can you be a good girl for her and stay here with Uncle Adrian?" She nodded.
"I love you and so does Mommy you know that right?" I asked.
"Yes Daddy. I love you too and Mommy."
"Good why don't you get some sleep and maybe in the morning Auntie Viktoria can help you make her a get well card."
She smiled. "Okay." I kissed her head and left the room closing the door behind me. I leaned on the closed door feeling the burn of the last several hours.
"Dimka, I'm sorry this is happening to you," my sister said embracing me tightly.
"Everything is going to work out. It has to," I told her.
"Here take this. You're going to need it," she said handing me a thermos full of hot coffee.
"Spasisba sestra," I told her before heading back towards the clinic.
When I arrived Lissa was reading a magazine and Rose was still fast asleep.
"Any change?" I asked hopefully.
"Not yet. The doctor says it could take up to twenty-four hours to see any results. Is Lexie okay?"
"She's better. I took her to Adrian's. You should go home and get some rest. I'll call when she's awake."
"Okay, but if there's anything you need, you be sure to call me." I nodded.
After she left I did the thing I'd been dreading doing all night. I knew it had to be done so I picked up my cell and dialed.
"Hello Mr. Mazur…."
Uh oh! This does not look good. What do you think is going to happen? Okay it's poll time! Boy or Girl and any name suggestions are appreciated! Please review and let me know what you think.
