Chapter Ten: Learn From This Mistake
Corey and I slept late into the morning. I awoke and ran to the bathroom. I vomited in the toilet and gagged in discomfort, the commotion stirs Corey.
Corey: What's wrong Melinda?
Between moans of agony and spewing more vile, I look pleadingly up at Corey.
Me: Not to sound like a bitch but do you remember what happened last night, the whole thing with us naked and the fluids? It's called sex. I don't want to alarm you, but I might be pregnant.
I'm shocked at the fire in my expression. A thought comes into my mind.
Me: Oh my god. My parents are going to kill me!
Corey looks back at me, a tender love in his eyes.
Corey: Okay. We can get through this.
He takes my hand.
Corey: Come on, we'll face them together.
Like two prisoners being led to the electric chair, Corey and I march downstairs where my parents are waiting. Corey's parents are here as well, concerned expressions replace their usually cheerful disposition.
Mother: Melinda, Corey, is there something you want to discuss?
Me: Yes there is. Look, this is very difficult to tell you guys but last night, Corey and I had sexual intercourse.
Father: Well, we already knew that. You're quite the screamer honey, must come from your mother's side of the family.
Kerry: And you, young man, what do you have to say for yourself?
Me: With all due respect Mrs. Vathane, your son wanted to use protection. In my desire, I wouldn't allow it. I'm pregnant.
My father claps for silence.
Father: What's done is done.
Frank: Right. What's important now is that we ensure Melinda's health. I'm guess that abortion is out of the question?
They turn to me.
Me: Yeah without a doubt. Abortion is murder in my eyes.
During my pregnancy, everyone was so supportive. Corey and Father worked extra hours and gave their money to Mother and Kerry. They used the money to buy formula, diapers and everything else the baby would need.
When the moment of truth finally came nine months later, everybody moved like clockwork. Corey and Frank helped me in and out of the car and through the hospital check in, while Kerry and my mother and father helped me breathe, guiding me through several deep breathing relaxation exercises.
My labor pains are shooting agony through every muscle, bone and tissue in my body.
Me: When will this end?
Mother: Well honey, you're only 2 centimeters dialated. You have to reach ten before you can deliver the baby. Looks like you're about to learn from the mistake you made about having unprotected sex.
Another contraction.
Me: How dare you? My having sex with Corey was no mistake. How can you call yourself a mother when you call one of God's miracles a mistake? You should be ashamed!
A more intense contraction brings me to tears. Thankfully my mother and everybody else understands that, with the pain I'm feeling, there's bound to be some anger.
12 hours later, I'm fully dialated and ready to bring new life to the world.
Mother: Okay Melinda breathe deep. That's it, now PUSH!
I obey with every ounce of strength I have. Corey holds my right hand, my mother at my left. A nurse at the foot of the bed, between my open legs, monitoring the baby's progress.
Nurse: So far no complications. Keep going, you're doing great honey.
I scream harshly as I give another push. This time the nurse stops me.
Nurse: Just making sure that the Umbilical Cord isn't suffocating the baby. Okay, give another go.
This is the worst pain ever.
Mother: Okay, the head is out. Just a little more Melinda.
One long push and it's all over. I'm sweating beyond belief and my insides feel like they've been ripped apart but it's all worth it when I hear my baby crying.
The nurse movesw to clean the baby of the blood and tissue that cover it. She then places the baby in my arms.
Mother: So what do we have?
Nurse: It's a boy!
The nurse siezes my son again, wraps him in a blue blanket and hands him back.
Nurse: So, what name should I put on the birth certificate?
Me: Sebastian Anselmo Sordino Vathane. What do you think Corey?
Corey: Cool. Catchy.
We both smile. There is happiness at last.