Seth turned in the bed, completely asleep, while Jess just stared at the ceiling, massaging her back and taking deep breaths.
-Seth, wake up.-she moved him, who groaned in his sleep- Seth, wake up!
-What on Earth do you want woman?-he turned to look at her, more asleep than awake.
-I think it's time.
-What?-he sat on the bed and turned the lights on.
-Calm down Seth. I've been having contractions since we went to bed.
-Are they very painful?-he was getting dressed.
-No. They are very weak.
-Is going to be a long night. We better head for the hospital.-Seth went to her and helped her up.
-Seth, we schedule for the C section for Monday next week.
-Well, they want to come a bit earlier. You are 31 weeks; that is a record.
-I'm worried.
-Why?
-It's three o'clock in the morning, and we went to bed at ten. I've been in labor for five hours, and my contractions are very weak.
-Do you feel the babies moving?
-I do.
-Then don't worry.
-I'm going to phone Eve.
-Eve? Why Eve?
-Because she asked me if I could phone her when the little ones decided to make their appearance.
-Alright. I'm taking the bag to the car while you phone her.
Jess dialed Eve's phone number.
-He... yeah?
-Eve?
-That's me-she sounded really asleep.
-Eve, I'm in labor.
-Okay... Wait what?-a big noise came from the other line.
-Eve, are you okay?
-Yes. I fell from the bed. You are having the babies?
-Yes. I'm fine, by the way.
-Fine? How can you be fine? Aren't the contractions painful?
-No.
-Jess, are you ready?-Seth came in the room, putting his glasses on.
-Yes Seth. I have to go Eve. Bye.
-Wait, are you going to the hospital?
-Yes. Bye Eve.
-Bye Jessica. Good luck.
She hung up the phone and took Seth's hand. He helped her down the stairs and helped her into the car.
-Here comes another one-Seth looked at her but Jess didn't even blink.
-Stronger or weaker?
-I can't say.
-Well, we will have your contractions monitored, and we will keep an eye on the babies.
-What if I don't progress?
-You will. But I don't think we are going for a natural delivery.
-I don't think we are going for a delivery at all.
-Why do you say that?
-My water hasn't broken and they are too weak!
-Jess relax, don't worry.
As they parked Seth turned the engine off and helped her out of the car. They walked slowly to the entrance.
-Doctor Hazlitt!
-Hello Ruth. Wheelchair please.
The watchman brought one and helped Jess.
-There's a room waiting for you Doctor Hazlitt.
-Wait Ruth, we need to see if she is really in labor.
-But…
-But nothing. Her contractions are very weak. I want to check everything.
-Then follow me.
Seth pushed the wheelchair to the maternity wing and then to an exam room. Seth helped Jess into the bed.
-Goodnight Mrs. Hazlitt. It's very nice to see you. My name is Elfie. First of all I need you to pee in this cup. I can help you I you can't do it on your own.
Seth helped her stand up and she went to the bathroom with the nurse. A few minutes later they came out. Elfie helped her back on the bed.
-I've brought the gown Elfie.
-No Ruth. She will stay in her nightgown, but thanks. Jessica, could you give me your arm?-Jess gave Elfie her left arm- Your pulse is normal, but your blood pressure is a bit low. Your breathing rate is normal. When is your due date?
-The 12th of September.
-Two months early. When did your contractions started?
-At ten o'clock. A bit before we went to bed.
-How far apart are they?
-Ten, fifteen minutes.
-Have your water broken?
-No
-Elfie, you know the rest of questions.
-Yeah Seth. In the report it says that you are having triplets.
-Yes, and I'm very worried for them.
-Then let's attach you to a fetal monitor so we can keep an eye on them and watch your contractions.
After a few minutes of preparing the machine Elfie placed four stretchy bands, holding four electronic disks to her abdomen. A few minutes later they heard the galloping sound of each of their babies' hearts.
-One thing is for sure; your babies have strong heartbeats.
-Elfie, I see something strange in these lectures.
Jessica looked at Seth, obviously worried, and then looked at the nurse.
-Do you think is possible?
-With multiples pregnancies is a possibility. Bring me an ultrasound machine.
-Elfie, is something wrong?
-It may be nothing, but I want to be sure.
Ruth entered with the machine a few minutes later, and placed it by the bed. Elfie moved one of the bands and put some gel on it, and then she took the scan and placed it there. The next second an image appeared on the screen.
-What do you see Ruth?
-Move it a bit to the right.-she did as she was told.
-What do you see now?
-Just what you said. We never saw this one before.
-Maybe we did, but we didn't know.
-What's wrong Seth? Please, someone tell me something!
-Calm down Jessica. We were wrong. You are not having triplets. You are having quadruplets, which are more unusual, and more dangerous. Seth has done a wonderful job, so I doubt that we will have problems, but we have to watch you.
-Four babies?!
-Sometimes that happens, Seth. A baby hides the other one, and when we get the ultrasounds we only see three, but actually there are four.
-Elfie contraction!
-You are in labor Jessica, but your uterus it's too big to produce strong contractions. We will have to perform a C section, but before we do that we are going to see if we can hurry up the labor and we can have a natural delivery.
-Elfie, do I bring oxytocin?
-Yes. That will help. We better move you to your room.
With Seth's helps they moved the bed from the exam room to a private one in the maternity wing. She explained them where everything was and told them that she would stay all the time with them, so Jessica could ask her any questions at all.
-I was thinking about going back to the gallery with you this weekend. They have brought new statues, and taken some back to Asia; but I guess we will have to stay here, so you can have the babies.
-Oh my God!
-Are you alright?!
-Why didn't I think of it before! Seth, call the sheriff.