Chapter 10: "The Longest Night" Part 1
Carl, Rick, Carol and Enid looked on as Dr Bryce and Denise work to stabilize Michonne. Denise listened closely, monitoring the babies.
"They are in distress! We need to get them out!"
Rick covered his mouth, trying not to puke.
"Save them please!" Carl cried.
Enid hugged him tightly as he buried his face in the cut of her neck.
"What's going on?! Talk to me!"
It was Maggie over the walkie talkie. She has been keeping an eye on Sasha and Robyn since Abe left. Caleb was also with her. Daryl and Rosita rushed into the house. They stood there in shock as the scene unfolded in front of them.
"What do you need us to do?!" Rosita asked.
"We have to deliver these babies. I need you to wash your hands, dry them. Don't touch anything! Enid, I need you to do the same."
Both women sprang into action.
"Daryl, I need you to bring the baby monitor from the infirmary here..now!"
Daryl darted out the door.
"Rick..Carl! You two have the most important job. I need you to hold Michonne's hand. I know she's somewhere in there fighting to come back you. She needs a little help! OK!"
Rick and Carl walked over when Dr Bryce cried out.
"I can't find the bullet! Shit!"
Then he paused.
"Wait…"
He put his hand under Michonne's back. A glimmer of hope shined in his eyes.
"Rick...help me turn her over on her side! When they did, Bryce vigorously feel around and finally found what he was looking for.
"The bullet almost went straight through! This is good!"
Daryl was back with the monitor.
Bryce! I need to do this now!"
"Just a second!"
In one fluid motion the Dr cut and extracted the bullet.
"Done!"
Michonne was on her back again and Denise began the c-section immediately. Enid stood on her left, Rosita on her right. Rick and Carl started comforting Michonne, letting her know how much they loved and needed her and that she can't leave them.
"Carol..I need you to wash your hands and find me some clean towels. Spread them over Rosita's and Enid's hands."
Carol moved quicker than she thought she could. She put the first towel on Enid's hands just in time as Denise delivered the first baby..a boy. Seconds later, she placed the girl in Rosita's hands. As if on cue, both babies began to cry simultaneously. It was loud and strong. Both Rick and Carl jerked up. Denise gave the babies a quick once over and instructed Rosita and Enid to take the babies to the nearest room. Rick looked at her puzzled.
"They are fine...you need to stay here with Michonne. I'll take care of the twins...stay here.."
Denise disappeared behind Rosita and Enid into the room with Daryl pushing the monitor in tow. After stitching up the bullet wound and determining that it was no longer a threat, Dr Bryce began working to close the c-section cut. It was the longest 10 minutes of his life.
Both Carl and Rick squeezed Michonne's hand but they got no reply.
After stitching up the wound, Bryce began cleaning up as much of the blood as possible. When he was finished, he took a step back. He was pleased. He check Michonne's vitals once more.
"She lost a lot of blood but she's going to make it."
"How long will she be unconscious?" Carl asked
"I don't know, but she is stable. That's the best news we could hope for right now."
Carol hugged Rick from behind.
"She's gonna make."
After a few minutes..they heard the babies cry again.
"May I?"
Rick asked Dr Bryce gesturing at the room. The Dr smiled.
"Sure..I'll stay here with Michonne…. Congratulations."
Rick nodded to Carl for them to go but he declined.
"You first dad...I think I'm gonna stay here a little while longer."
Rick smiled, kisses Michonne's forehead and walked to the room. He was standing there as the door sheepishly for a good 5mins taking in the flurry of activities in the room. The babies were on the bed, clean and wrapped in thick towels. His heart sang silently in his chest. Michonne's alive…the babies are alive and healthy.
Enid and Rosita had already taken up aunty duties..cooing at them as Denise continuously checked on their health. Daryl was standing in the corner...in his protective stance..watching everything. It was Daryl who saw Rick first.
"Hey.."
He walked over to Rick.
"Congratulations man…..they're beautiful."
"Thanks." Rick whispered hoarsely. They embraced.
"They're so cute."
Enid said as they left the room, one by one. Denise was the last one to leave. Rick hugged her tightly..in tears.
"Thank you!" Rick sobbed. "Thank you!"
Denise was in tears too.
"Just glad I can help."
She wiped her eyes.
"Go on now! We've kept you long enough."
She quickly left the room before she started crying again. Rick slowly step forward. He pulled a nearby chair to the edge of the bed. He looked down at them….they looked up at him..their tiny arms reaching up in the air.
"Hi."