Walls
Chapter 36
This story follows the evolving relationship of Beca Mitchell and Jesse Swanson as their journey begins at their last ICCA competition and continues beyond graduation. Universal owns all rights of Pitch Perfect…I only own this story.
A/N: Meet Tatum Mitchell Swanson. Please R&R.
Beca's POV
At 4:38 PM on the same day of our graduation, I Beca Swanson, formerly known as Beca "Badass" Mitchell and former leader of the ICCA winning Barden Bella's became the mother of a bouncing baby boy weighing in at five pounds, eleven ounces and measuring at 14 inches in length. Being one month premature, our son's birth weight was determined to be on the high side, however this is attributed to my husband's family history of having abnormally large babies.
The day Tatum was born started out pretty much like every other morning with the exception of minor cramping, which was confirmed the day before to be the beginning of labour. After meeting with our friends for breakfast, Jesse and I opted to return to our apartment so I could rest before graduation. Having worked my ass off for the last few years there was no way in hell I was going to miss the ceremony. With Jesse at my side and my father not being too far away, I was pretty confident that nothing would go wrong. Little did I know my mother's ability to deliver at world record speed would be something I would inherit from her. By the time I was ready to cross the stage to retrieve my degree I felt my insides about to drop out of me. It was at this time Jesse and my father rushed me to the hospital.
Seeing my husband in scrubs brought me to reality as it dawned on me that I was about to push something out the size of a melon through a very small opening. Dr. Combs being the professional she is kept us both calm and guided me with her expertise knowing I didn't know what the fuck to do since I was originally scheduled and being prepared for a C-section. The pain was something I didn't quite expect, however knowing our son's life was at stake, I knew I had to keep going at all costs. After what seemed like a lifetime and several excruciating pushes, Tatum entered this world and would forever change the lives of two former leading a-cappella performers. I'll have to give it to Jesse, even in his inebriated state during our first aca-initiation night...we did in fact have an aca-child.
After getting a brief glimpse of our son in the delivery room, I heard some alarms go off and started feeling dizzy, tired and nauseous. The next thing I remember is waking up in a quiet room with my doctor standing over me. "Welcome back" she said smiling as confusion continued to wash over me. "What happened?" I asked, only to be told I experienced a potentially life threatening complication and that I'm lucky to be alive. With hormones still raging the tears began to fall until the most beautiful sight is placed before me; our son is positioned in my arms and every bit of pain, discomfort and anxiety flies out the window. Wanting to share this moment with Jesse, Dr. Combs goes out to retrieve him.
With my husband at my side, it's the most incredible feeling knowing my lover (yes...I said it) and I, now parents, created this beautiful miracle of life.
Private Room
After about thirty minutes of getting to know their newborn a lactation consultant enters to assist with the first feeding. Handing their son to Beca, Jesse takes a seat and observes the process from afar. After a few failed attempts the baby finally latches on and starts to feed. Satisfied with the seal the nurse gives the new parents some alone time to bond as a family.
"You're doing excellent Mrs. Swanson, I'll be back in half an hour to check on you. Remember in 15 minutes I want you to switch to the other breast." Beca nods in understanding as Jesse resumes his spot on the bed next to her, watching his wife feed their hungry newborn son.
"Wow! You're really doing it...you're feeding him." He pauses. "What is it like?"
Continuing to watch Tatum do his thing, the former Bella leader tries to describe the sensation.
"It's really weird...it kind of tingles and feels good, but not in a sexual way, just...I don't know...I can't really describe it."
"I think you just did." He says smiling, kissing her lightly on the lips. "You're amazing."
"Thanks." She says in the softest voice, while being mesmerized by the tiny pair of blue eyes fixated on her while he continues to feed.
"He is so incredible. I can watch him 24 hours per day." She pauses. "I've only really known him for such a short amount of time but love him so much that it hurts." She says, gushing over the little person completely dependent on her.
"I feel the same way when I see you like this...nursing our son." He pauses. "I didn't think I could love you anymore, but then I do." He says, watching the woman of his dreams with no walls in full maternal mode.
Touched by his sentiment Beca diverts her eyes away from their son, turns her head and captures Jesse's lips with hers. "I love you." She says softly against his lips...moaning her love into his inviting mouth. After a while they break apart, breathless in need of oxygen with their foreheads resting against each other.
"Jesse...do our families know?"
"Yep...everyone including our families is in the waiting room."
"Who's everyone?" She pulls back looking at her husband.
"Just half of the graduating class." He says laughing.
"Seriously? They're all here?" She says breaking off the latch to switch to the other breast per the nurse's instruction. After a couple of experimental flicks of her elongated nipple against his nose, he latches on and begins to take in sustenance. "Holy shit...that actually worked!" She says making Jesse chuckle as he watches the new mother continue to nurse their son.
"Umm...yah...well...you kinda almost had the baby during graduation." He pauses. "Our friends are here instead of being with their own families. They really want to see you and the baby."
She's overly tired but doesn't want to disappoint their friends who have sacrificed their time to spend with them.
"Okay...but short visits. I'm really tired and probably look like a bloody mess...let's get our families in here first."
Jesse kisses her passionately on the lips. "You're not a mess. You're glowing and have never looked more beautiful."
"We couldn't agree more and that is one good looking kid you've got there. Wow...look at all that hair." Says Dr. Sievers, standing beside his wife at the entrance to the room. "Julia told me what happened during delivery. I'm so relieved to hear you're both all right."
Jesse rises to his feet and shakes the ER physician's hand.
"Well, your wife is amazing...we can't thank you both enough for what you've done for us."
"It's our pleasure Jesse. Julia and I enjoy what we do, especially when we come across people like you, it really makes it special for us." He says smiling at his wife.
"How are you feeling Beca?" Dr. Combs asks looking over her file.
"I'm good...now that he's finally here...we're all good." The new mother says placing a kiss to Tatum's beanie covered head.
"Well...you look a lot better than you did a few hours ago." She pauses. "Luckily the uterine inversion was incomplete, meaning only the top portion was attached. You're stitched up so don't exert yourself and no lifting more than 10 pounds for the next few weeks."
"I understand doctor...thank you for everything." She pauses. "How's our son doing?"
"For a preemie his APGAR score was on the high side, and with him already feeding this well...I would say you have a very healthy baby." She pauses. "Your first postpardum appointment will be one month from today, so I'll have my office schedule it and text you a reminder."
Beca nods in agreement as Jesse resumes his spot next to her and gently strokes their son's cheek while he continues to feed.
"We haven't told our colleagues yet but we're leaving Atlanta in the next couple of months. So during your next appointment I'll have the referral to my replacement ready." Dr. Combs adds.
The couple exchange looks.
"Where are you going?" Jesse asks.
"Julia has accepted a position as head of the Obstretics and Gynecology department at Cedars-Sinai."
"Seriously!?" Beca and Jesse simultaneously blurt out and start laughing.
"In Los Angeles!" Beca declares.
This time the doctors exchange looks.
"The one and only." Dr. Sievers adds. "I'll be filling a position in their ER as well."
"That's awesome! We're moving to L. A. next month. As soon as our house is ready, we're outta here." Jesse adds.
"We have paid apprenticeships with Disney to score and produce music for their animated films, so we'll be starting as soon as we're relocated and settled in." Beca adds.
Dr. Sievers puts an arm around his wife and smiles at her. "Well...this is fantastic." He says to his wife. "Looks like we already have friends over there."
"Absolutely!" Jesse says full of enthusiasm.
With Tatum detaching himself Beca isn't sure what to do next so she lays him on her chest and gently rubs his back.
"Okay...so I think he's done." She says, not sounding very convincing. "Now what do I do with him?" Her comment makes everyone chuckle.
"Hey...I'm new at this. It's not like he came with an instruction manual."
"Well...honey...you can always Google it."
Beca rolls her eyes at Jesse's comment causing the doctors to laugh at their banter. As the lactation consultant re-appears the doctors excuse themselves. The couple is shown how to properly burp their baby then change his diapers. After their lessons, Beca and Jesse prepare for their family and friends to visit.
About fifteen minutes later with Beca's hair in a messy bun and her eyeliner and mascara touched up, her dad and Sheila are first to enter the room to see Jesse resting on the bed next to Beca while she cradles their sleeping baby.
"Hey buddy...wanna meet Grandma and Grandpa Mitchell?" Jesse says in the sweetest and softest voice making Beca sigh.
"Babe...if he takes after me that'll never wake him up." She says chuckling.
Sheila is the first to react at the sight of the newborn.
"Oh Beca...he's gorgeous!" Her comment makes the couple beam.
"What's his name?" She asks.
Jesse looks at his wife for her approval. "Go ahead." she tells him smiling.
"We would like you to meet your Grandson, Tatum Mitchell Swanson."
Hearing his name, Beca's dad starts to tear up. Sheila is immediately by his side, grabs his arm and mouths "thank you" to them.
After a while Dr. Mitchell is composed enough to speak.
"Becs...you gave us quite the scare. How are you?"
"I know dad...it scared me too, but I'm all right...I'm just really tired."
"I can only imagine how you must feel. We're so happy and so proud of you both." The Professor says hugging his daughter.
"Hey I know I was kinda out of it, but thank you for helping Jesse get me to the hospital." She pauses. "...and for driving like a bat out of hell. I heard you actually ran a few lights to get me here...I'm impressed dad." She says chuckling.
"Yah...well it was either you delivered in the back seat of your car or in the hospital. I'm just glad I was able to help. He pauses. "Just like Elizabeth, your hard labour only lasted an hour or two. We're lucky we got you here in time."
"Tell me about. At least for next time we won't wait as long to get to the hospital."
"Next time?"
"Hell yeah! We've got a big house to fill so we're planning on having a large family, and plus little man Tate needs siblings to play with." She pauses. "Isn't that right sweet pea." Beca says to Tatum in the cutest, non-badass voice ever, causing everyone to smile.
Dr. Mitchell turns to Sheila and is surprised in the big change in his daughter.
"Jesse...what have you done to her?" He asks rhetorically with the biggest grin. "I can't believe this is my daughter talking." He pauses. "Sweetheart if you don't have any more complications we would love more grandchildren but don't you have to wait a while?"
Jesse jumps in. "Speaking of waiting, we need to limit these visits to 30 minutes max so Beca and the baby can sleep, this way everyone can see them."
The professor smiles at his protective son-in-law. "We completely understand Jesse. We'll leave and send in your family." He pauses. "Now if you'll excuse us, I have some cigars to hand out."
Her father's comment makes the couple laugh as he hugs and kisses Beca and the baby, then gives Jesse a big bear hug. "Take care of them...my son."
"I will dad...you have my word." Jesse responds with affection.
"Jesse...Beca, congratulations! We love you and will be back tomorrow. Please get some rest." Sheila says, kissing all three of them.
A few minutes later John, Janet and Jaime Swanson enter the room. Immediately Jesse's parents are all over the baby, ignoring the couple. Beca mouths "what the fuck?" to Jesse making him crack up.
Whispering to his wife. "Now you see what I go through whenever you're around. Get used to it." He says grinning.
"Don't worry guys...I still love ya." Says the teenager, hugging her brother and sister-in-law.
"Thanks sis or should we call you Auntie Jaime." Jesse pauses. "It's nice to know at least YOU still care about us. So, what do you think of your nephew?"
"He's sooooo cute!" Jaime says. "Was it as bad as it looks in movies?"
"Worse!" Beca says with an exaggerated fake smile.
"But you're okay...right? The doctor fixed you?" Jaime asks full of concern.
The alt-girl nods yes, trying to stifle a yawn.
Janet and John finally comes to their senses and shower Beca with hugs and kisses, and a single hug for Jesse.
"He is so beautiful and has so much hair. He's definitely a Swanson. Jesse was the same when he was born. From what we heard, you had a pretty rough time. How are you feeling sweetie?"
"Very sore and tired...but okay." She pauses. "Did Jesse tell you his name?"
"Yes...it's beautiful...your father must have been so touched."
"He was...it actually made him cry."
"It's a wonderfull gesture honey...your father loves you very much. He practically carried you into the ER and was a train wreck when you had your complication. In fact we all were...that was the longest four hours." She pauses, getting emotional. "Thank God you're okay."
Turning to Jesse. "I was out for four hours?" Beca asks, wiping her eyes as Jesse nods yes. "It's okay Babe...you're all right now."
As the in-laws continue to dote over the baby, Jesse makes note of the time and ends their visit.
"Hey guys, we need to keep the visits short so Beca can rest, can you please send in Chloe and Josh?"
"Sure son...your sister, mother and I will come back tomorrow. Now, you take care of that little lady of yours." His comment makes Beca smile.
As they exit the room, Beca reaches for Jesse's hand. He turns to her and notices her beaming smile. "What is it?" He asks, kissing her hand.
"I really love your family." She pauses. "...and I love being a Swanson."
Jesse can hardly contain his emotion hearing his wife compliment his family. "Trust me when I tell you Beca...the feeling is mutual...they love you just as much, if not more."
A few minutes pass as Chloe and Josh are at the door knocking lightly.
With Beca cradling their now alert infant, Jesse is next to her sharing the bed, the couple's attention is drawn to the door. "Hey guys, come in." Jesse says, rising to his feet.
"Hey momma...didn't I tell you seven months ago you would be delivering." The ginger says giving her friend a big hug and kiss while Chloe's husband pulls Jesse into a very manly bear hug.
"Congratulations man and welcome to fatherhood." Josh says putting a cigar in his shirt pocket.
Trying not to laugh Beca nods her head in disbelief.
"Oh my, God Beca...he's gorgeous! He looks just like his father but has your blue eyes."
"Thank you...yah...we're kinda nuts about him." Beca says cradling him in her arms kissing his tiny nose.
"So I heard you went natural...how was it?"
If looks could kill Chloe's head would have been lobbed off long ago and used for every game in the FIFA World Cup.
"Let's just say I'd rather not swear in front of our son." Her comment causes everyone to laugh.
"No seriously...you told me a while ago that you wanted to push-" She's interrupted by Beca.
"Let's just say I'm really over it." She pauses. "I've never endured so much pain in my life."
"Really? Even when you saw him for the first time in the delivery room?"
Beca struggles with her response. "I...I really don't remember-" Jesse interrupts her.
"She passed out after delivering."
"Oh...I'm sorry Beca...that's right...that was insensitive of me."
"No...it's okay, you couldn't have known...it's not like you were there." She pauses. "The first time I really saw him was in here after I woke up." She says wiping her eyes.
Jesse puts his arm around her shoulder and places a kiss to the top of her head.
Josh tries to lighten the mood. "So...when are they gonna spring you and the kid?"
"Umm...because of her complication and Tatum being premature, they want to keep both of them for a while so they really aren't saying." Jesse pauses, turning to the new mother. "Hey babe...it's been more than an hour since his last feeding." She nods at his reminder and begins to adjust her maternity bra.
Chloe and Josh take the hint and start exiting the room.
"You don't have to leave...just give me a minute to get this little guy going." She says trying to get her fussy baby to latch on. "There you go." She says softly leaning back into her pillow, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. Jesse gently strokes their son's cheek while he feeds.
Chloe smiles at her friend. "It feels weird at first, doesn't it?" She pauses. "Did you ever find out how to describe the sensation?"
Opening her tired eyes. "I can't even begin to describe it...just that I get a little tingly and feel a sense of contentment." Beca says in a groggy voice.
The ginger nods in agreement. "That actually sounds about right." She pauses. "Look at you my friend. A college graduate, a married woman and now a mother."
"I know...it's all Jesse's fault...that nerd!" She says smiling at her husband who's chatting up a storm with Josh.
"Look at them and their bro-mance. I'm so glad our husbands get along so well...we're going to have so much fun in L.A." She pauses. "So when is the big move?"
"Well...we're scheduled for next month. The baby shower was supposed to be this weekend but thanks to Tatum inheriting my impatience, that's obviously been changed."
"Well...as for the shower...why don't we just have it here." Chloe suggests.
"If the hospital allows it, that would be great." She says yawning.
"It's been fifteen minutes."
Beca acknowledges Jesse's reminder and switches the baby to the other breast not caring anymore of her exposure. Chloe puts her hand over Josh's eyes as Jesse tries to conceal her. "All right guys, she's getting tired, let's give her some privacy. I'll send a text when she's ready for others to visit."
Chloe and Josh acknowledge them, say their goodbyes, then head back to the waiting area.
After more than an hour of visitations Beca and Jesse are finally alone with Tatum.
"How are you holding up?"
Beca sighs and takes a deep breath. "I can sleep."
Sitting beside her again Jesse turns her head to place a kiss on her lips.
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
"Not in the last 30 minutes." She says smiling, trying to keep her eyes open.
"Well I do...I love you both...very, very much."
"I love you too babe." She says yawning, closing her eyes.
"Beca...you're exhausted. Let me tell the gang to come back tomorrow."
"No...it's okay Jesse. They're all missing time with their families because of us. The least we can do is let them see the baby so they can get on with the rest of their night." She pauses. "Here (handing the baby to Jesse) I'm done nursing for now...let's bring them in."
"All right...but just a short visit and then you and the baby need to rest."
Within minutes Aubrey, Uni, Fat Amy, Benji, Stacie and Donald enter. The guys gravitate to Jesse as he takes over burping detail while the girls congregate around Beca.
"You look exhausted...how are you feeling?" Stacie asks.
"Like I've been kicked in the vag over and over again."
Fat Amy pretends to grab at her crotch at her description making everyone chuckle.
"Seriously though, you were supposed to have a C-section. What was it like?"
Smirking at her pregnant slutty friend, the former Bella leader says nothing.
"Oh C'mon! Was it really that bad?"
"You'll find out soon enough Stacie." She pauses. "Tell you what...when it's your time to deliver, we'll compare notes then."
"Fair enough Beca." She says laughing.
While burping their son, Jesse is unsuccessful in stopping their son's crying so he hands him back over to Beca who instinctually cradles him in her arms and gently rocks him. "You can't be hungry...I just fed you."
"So...you're already giving him the teat?" She pauses, looking at Jesse. "You jealous yet?"
Beca rolls her eyes at her friend's inappropriate comments. "Yes Amy I'm breastfeeding our son and no, Jesse is not jealous...that's just plain sick."
Aubrey punches the Aussie in the arm. "Ouch...that hurts!"
"GOOD!" They all blurt out at the same time.
The alt-girl turned mother lays him down on her chest and gently rubs his back until the crying subsides and he falls asleep. Jesse comes closer and smiles at his wife. "You've got the gift babe." He says, making her smile.
"He's got the right idea...I'm so fucking tired." She says yawning.
"We can't imagine what you went through but we're so glad you're okay." Aubrey says.
"It wasn't easy, but it's so worth it." Getting emotional looking at her sleeping bundle of joy.
"He's really beautiful Beca. I still can't believe that you, a Bella and Jesse, a Treblemaker made this beautiful baby" Aubrey says gently stroking his chubby arm as Uni kisses her on the cheek.
"Dude...are you ever going to tell us his name?" Donald asks.
"Oh yah...right, you guys don't know yet." She pauses. "Jesse...the honor is all yours." She says yawning again.
"Guys...meet our son, Tatum Mitchell Swanson."
The gang are full of awes as they take in his name while he continues to sleep on his mother's chest.
"It's beautiful man...great name. We're so happy for you." Benji says giving Jesse a one-arm hug and Beca a peck on the cheek.
Moments later a neonatal nurse comes into the room to take Tatum back to NICU. "Mrs. Swanson...the doctor would like you to sleep now...we'll bring your son back in a couple of hours for his next feeding."
"Okay everyone...you heard her, Beca needs to sleep. Thank you all for being here."
The gang say their goodbyes and reluctantly exit the room leaving Beca and Jesse alone.
Later that night with Beca laying on her husband's chest, the two are fast asleep as Jesse begins to relive the birthing experience in his mind, with his subconscious re-interpreting the events.
"He's crowning! Says the doctor. "Jesse come here and take a look." The former Treble leader leaves his wife's side and takes the position next to the doctor to witness the miracle of birth as his son's head is barely visible. "Okay Beca...push!" Is what he hears next as she bears down, crying out and pushing his head out which is now fully exposed and hanging which both horrifies and amazes him. "Okay...one more time Beca...push with everything you've got!" She does as she's told, screaming bloody murder and completely delivers their son into the capable hands of their OB/GYN. Returning to his exhausted and sweaty wife, he kisses her tenderly as their baby covered in a layer of blood and God only knows what is brought over to them. When alarms start going off Jesse looks to Beca who is as calm as can be. "Goodbye my love...take care of our son." She says smiling as darkness envelops her. The next image he sees is her bed being lowered and an oxygen mask being placed over her face while a medical team strategically place sticky electrodes over her chest and side. "Clear!" Yells the doctor as her lifeless body jerks upward responding to the delivered jolts of electricity. "Again...clear!" Her body arches upward as the pads send another direct pulse to her un-beating heart. "We're losing her! Again...clear!" The doctor desperately yells out as electrical current continues to run through her lifeless form. The next image Jesse sees is blood pumping out of her nether regions as the alarms grow louder in intensity until becoming deafening. After 30 minutes of trying to revive her, the doctors finally call it and give Jesse the gravest news he can ever receive. "I'm sorry Jesse...she's lost too much blood...there was nothing we could have done for her...She's Gone." With realization settling in, Jesse drapes himself over his recently departed wife and cries out in agony as the love of his life is sacrificed giving birth to their son.
With his head thrashing from side to side, Jesse cries out in his sleep bringing Beca out of hers.
"NO! NO! NOOOOO!..."
Startled by his cries, Beca tries to bring her husband out of his dream by gently shaking him.
"Jesse!" She nudges him harder until he finally starts to stir. "Babe...wake up!" Wincing in pain she's practically on top of him grabbing his head between her hands.
Looking horrified and covered in perspiration, he finally comes to. When he sees Beca alive and well, he realizes it was only a dream and kisses her hard, capturing her lips, trying desperately not to sob at the thought of almost losing her in childbirth.
Witnessing the emotional impact on her husband, the waterworks start as tears trail down her face. "It's okay...I'm here." She whispers against his lips.
Kissing her with so much fervor it takes Beca's breath away. When he puts distance between them, his expression says it all...with so much love and compassion, it almost frightens her.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to...I must have been dreaming."
Continuing to hold his face between her hands, she kisses him back. "It was more like a nightmare...you wanna talk about it?"
"No...let's forget out it. You're here with me now and that's all that matters." He says holding her tightly in his arms.
"But Jesse...you really should talk about it."
"Shhh...it's not important." He says not wanting to give any specifics of what could have happened several hours before.
"Jesse Swanson! Now is not the time to hide behind your walls!" Grinning, she pulls away, making him chuckle.
"Oh really!?" He playfully responds back, nibbling on her neck making her giggle.
Interrupting their light moment, the neonatal nurse knocks on the door and rolls in an incubator containing their wailing son. "This little guy woke up starving and needs his mommy."
Jesse unravels himself from his partner, gets out of bed and retrieves their son. Gently lifting him from his see through enclosure he places sweet kisses on his beanie covered head and helps position him in his mother's arms where she lines him up for feeding. Jesse resumes his spot next to Beca wanting to be as close to her as possible. Almost immediately Tatum is quieted down as he takes in nourishment while maintaining eye contact with both of his parents. After experiencing the horrible nightmare to the image before him, it's almost too much for Jesse as happy tears begin to fall from his eyes.
Redirecting her attention from her baby to her husband, Beca reaches out to swipe away his tears. "Hey...I didn't die and I don't intend to for many years to come. We're a family now and nobody will ever take this away from us."
"That we are baby. That we are..."
To be continued...
A/N: I hope you enjoyed everyone's introduction to meeting their new bundle of joy. Next time we'll see how the Swanson's adjust to parenthood and life in L. A.
As always...thank you for reading.