The girls immediately got into Brittany's car, with Eleanor driving and Jeanette sitting in the back with Brittany, and went straight to the hospital. Brittany tried her best not to freak out, but she knew she was so unprepared. She hadn't even packed a bag to bring to the hospital - she had absolutely nothing at all. Her sisters tried to say as little as possible, knowing that if they were to try and comfort Brittany, she would snap at them and panic even more. They felt horrible for their older sister; there was just too much going on with the baby and especially with Alvin. They could only imagine how excruciating this must be for Brittany, knowing Alvin's current situation.
They soon arrive at the hospital. Eleanor spoke to the receptionist at the front, and luckily the girls were able to get a vacant maternity ward. With the help from a few nurses, Brittany was able to settle into a nice, quiet room that had a bunch of machinery and dark screens set up around, which made her even more nervous. While Jeanette and Eleanor sat outside of the room for the time being, the nurses helped Brittany into a hospital dress before helping up on the bed.
"How's your body feeling, hon?" asked one of the nurses. She was a little on the older side, but she was gentle and had a very motherly vibe about her. The nurse could tell how nervous Brittany was; she has seen this many times before.
"Um, normal right now, I guess," answered Brittany.
"Have you been experiencing any contractions yet?" she asked.
"No, not yet," said Brittany. That word frightened her.
"Okay, good. Now, your water did break, however, that is completely normal, especially when you are close to being due. This is just your baby's way of telling you to be ready, because they want to pop out very soon. You are just going through the very, very early stages of birth, but you should be fine for the next few hours," said the nurse.
"Oh," said Brittany. She wasn't sure if she should feel relieved or not. "So, I'm not going into labor right now?"
"It really depends. Some women go into labor right away, some can take hours, sometimes days, before they start to feel something a little more," the nurse explained. "In the mean time, the best thing you can do right now is to get lots of rest. You never know when that baby is ready to come out."
Brittany's heart began to race. It was all starting to feel so real, and she wasn't quite sure how to handle it. After the nurses left the room to give Brittany some space and privacy, Jeanette and Eleanor entered. They tried to smile for their sister, to make her feel somewhat happy, but knew that there was no point; Brittany looked miserable and exhausted.
"We bought snacks from the hospital cafeteria," Eleanor said as she sat on the chair next to the hospital bed. She offered Brittany a bag of chips, but her sister shook her head.
"I'm not hungry," responded Brittany. She let out a deep sigh and turned away.
Jeanette and Eleanor turned to one another, before looking back at Brittany. "You're gonna be alright, Brittany. I know things aren't going the way you want, but at least you'll get to meet your baby soon," said Jeanette.
That only made Brittany feel worse. She desperately wanted to feel happy right now, to feel excited about her baby. After everything that has happened in the past 9 months, it was all leading up to this moment. But Jeanette was right, this wasn't going the way she wanted. She had envisioned her entire family with her, by her side as they all prepared for the little baby they were all excited for. She had envisioned Alvin by her side, after she had safely delivered the baby, as they held and loved their newborn child together.
Never in a million years would she have imagined giving birth alone.
"I'm not ready," said Brittany.
"Yes, you are. You're gonna be a great mom, Britt," said Eleanor.
"No, I'm not. I mean, I don't even know what to do. I don't know where to begin. How am I suppose to be a good parent when I don't even know how to hold a baby? After this baby comes out, I don't even know what I would do next, and that terrifies me. I mean, the crib in my damn bedroom isn't even complete!" said Brittany, and she could feel her heart break.
"You're only thinking that because you're nervous and because you're becoming a parent for the first time. But believe me, Britt, I know you're gonna be an amazing mom. You've already been so great during your whole pregnancy, and we know you've only gonna become even better once the baby is out. You've been waiting for this day for so long, and we both know you can do it," said Eleanor.
"...It's not that easy, though. You think it's just that, but there's so much more to it. It's more than just the baby, it's more than just me," Brittany's voice trembled. "But it's about Alvin, too. I-I...I don't want to have this baby without him."
The heartbreak was so damn raw, that it made Jeanette and Eleanor a little uncomfortable. They know what their sister has been through the past year; she had broken up with her boyfriend of 3 years, was crushed for the longest time, rebounded by becoming a wild, out of control party girl, became pregnant with another guy's kid a few months after breaking up with her ex-boyfriend, and unexpectedly fell in love with the boy she used to hate the most. It has been a whirlwind of emotions, but something about it made Brittany seem happier than she has ever been. In the few short months of hers and Alvin's growing friendship, she seemed so much more radiant and content with her life, than ever before.
But Jeanette and Eleanor knew why. Although Brittany has never stated it out loud, her sisters knew that it was all because, for the first time, she was truly in love, more in love than any of her past relationships have ever made her feel. At first, they thought it was because of the baby, that both Alvin and Brittany had to force themselves into being friends again after hating each other for so long. But they realized that they were wrong. It had very little to do with the baby, but it had everything to do with the way Alvin and Brittany care for one another, the way they know each other in a way that nobody else understands.
Maybe it was because they've known each other for over a decade, where they spent majority of their lives bickering and fighting and hating each other. They know each other better than anybody else. Even in the years where they grew apart, there was always something about the other that stayed in their hearts. And the moment they realized that they were having a child together - a child made on a stupid, drunken night, a child that was never supposed to happen in the first place - they realized that they have never stopped caring for one another. They grew, they changed, they fought along the way, but it allowed them to feel what love was like for the first time.
And Jeanette and Eleanor felt horrible, because they can only imagine how heartbroken Brittany must be right now. And they were disappointed; they were starting to see a change in Alvin. He had grown from that arrogant, self obsessed, wild child that he once was. They were rooting for him, because they could see how excited he was about the baby, how crazy he was about Brittany. It was sad to know that he allowed himself to end up in so much trouble once more.
"We know, Britt. As much as I would like for Alvin to be here, because I know it would make you happy, he doesn't deserve it at all," said Eleanor.
Brittany turned to her sister. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, well, look at where he is right now! He's in jail because he decided to be stupid again, because he allowed his addictions to control him again. He hurt you again, Brittany, and he's going to continue to hurt you. I'm sorry, but he doesn't deserve to meet his baby at all," said Eleanor.
Jeanette nodded a little. "We know you care about him, Brittany, but we just don't want you to end up getting hurt again. If Alvin didn't allow his behavior to get to him again, if he really did care about you and especially the baby, he would be here right now."
At first, Brittany was about to snap back and defend Alvin, but then she realized that her sisters don't know. They don't know the truth, everything that Alvin had told her just last night. So, Brittany told them everything, from the moment Alvin had phoned her from prison, to the moment his call unexpectedly ended. Brittany could tell that her sisters were shocked, much like how she was last night, but also remorseful and a little guilty, because despite Alvin's old reputations and habits, they knew he was a damn good person, and Jeanette and Eleanor fully forgave him.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry, Brittany," said Eleanor, and her chest felt heavy with pain and guilt. "I-I didn't know. I was just so angry at Alvin, I didn't..."
"It's okay," responded Brittany. "I understand. I-I felt the same way at first too."
"God, Britt. What are you gonna do? Alvin shouldn't even be in there, then. Is he gonna try and get out?" asked Jeanette.
"He said he tried, but I don't think it's going to happen, not until his sentence is over," Brittany's voice started to shake, so she looked away. "This isn't how I imagined this day would turn out. I want to be excited for the baby, believe me, I do. But I can't, because everything is going wrong right now. And I hate how I'm not happy, because I should be. I've been waiting for this day for a long time, but...but everything just fucking sucks. I-I don't even want to think about the baby right now, because I have always imagined having Alvin here with me. And I know we aren't together. Honestly, I knew that Alvin and I wouldn't be together yet at this point, but I just wish he was here."
"Oh, Britt, we're sorry," Jeanette's voice was soft and sad as she reached over to place a hand on top of her sister's. "I know it hurts, and we wish we could do anything to make you feel better. But, it will all be worth it at the end."
"Jeanette's right. At the end of all this, Brittany, you're gonna have your baby. And we know it's going to be difficult without Alvin, but your baby will just be a reminder of him until he gets out. It's only going to be something to look forward to until Alvin comes home," said Eleanor.
Jeanette nodded. "Your baby is so special, Britt. That baby mended yours and Alvin's friendship. The two of you used to be such good friends when we were all kids, and it was sad seeing you two start to hate each other for years. But this baby definitely brought you guys back together, and even though neither of you wanted this in the first place, you both became better people out of this."
"And the baby allowed you both to fall in love," Eleanor said.
Brittany turned back to her sisters. Her heart felt like it was on fire, because yes, she was so damn in love, but it hurt her to the core because he was not here.
"We know how you feel about him, Britt," Jeanette said. "You just gotta be strong for yourself, and for Alvin, and have this baby for him, so that when he finally gets out of jail, you guys can finally be a family."
The conversation sort of ended on its own, and Jeanette and Eleanor knew better than to continue talking about Alvin. It just made Brittany even more upset, and that was the last thing she needed right now. A few hours passed, and it was a little past 10am now. All three girls were tired, and had slowly fallen asleep, with Jeanette asleep in one of the chairs, and with Eleanor at the foot of the hospital bed. Brittany, as exhausted as she was, kept waking up every half hour or so because the thought of giving birth soon just made her so nervous, that her body didn't allow her to rest.
But the girls were soon woken up when one of the nurses came in, telling them that they had visitors. Brittany looked towards the door and saw Dave, Simon and Theodore all walk in. Although she was truly happy to see them, she couldn't smile. It was hard to ignore the heartbreak in her chest to see Alvin's family without him. The boys greeted them hello, but there was a shift in the mood; it was somber and gloomy, and the sadness just radiated around the room. They were all excited for the baby, of course, but with everything going on, it was all too much.
"Sorry we didn't come sooner, Brittany. We got Jeanette's text a few hours ago, but didn't see it until we all woke up," said Simon.
"That's alright, I'm just glad you guys are here," said Brittany.
"How are you feeling, Brittany? Is the baby ready to pop out?" asked Theodore.
She sighed. "Well, it's been five hours since my water broke, but nothing else is going on. The nurse said that it can sometimes take a few hours, even a few days, before I actually go into labor."
"Are you nervous?" asked Theodore.
Brittany took a look at them, and nodded her head. "More than anything."
It was quiet for a short moment, until Brittany realized that Dave had barely said anything. But she knew why, though. Whatever sadness she was feeling, she knew that Dave was feeling it worse because it was about his son. It was hard to see Dave like this; he has been so encouraging and excited about the baby. Although at first, Dave had a hard time accepting the fact that Alvin and Brittany were having a kid, he soon became their biggest supporter and couldn't wait to meet his future grandchild. One time, Dave was over helping Brittany and her sisters with baby related stuff, because he was just that excited.
But there was certainly something wrong.
"You okay, Dave?" Brittany spoke up gently.
He looked up, nodded and smiled, but Brittany could see that it was forced. "Yes, of course, Brittany. I-I'm sorry, there's just a lot on my mind, but we're all so excited to finally meet the baby."
However, Brittany knew that there was something more, something that Dave wanted to get out. She sighed before turning to her sisters, Simon and Theodore. "Is it alright if I talk to Dave for a short moment?"
"Of course, Britt," said Eleanor. After a few moments, they all left the hospital room, leaving Brittany and Dave alone to talk.
Brittany watched as Dave took a seat in the chair beside her bed. She has known Dave for almost her entire life, and Dave has known her since she was a little girl. Brittany always saw Dave as a parental figure in her life, and was the closest thing to a parent to her and her sisters, since they have none at all. Back when they were all younger, when the six of them did everything together, Dave would always be there to take them out, go to the beach, go trick or treating during Halloween, spend time at the movies - everything. He has the kindest spirit in the world. He loves Alvin, Simon and Theodore more than anything, and cared about her and her sisters just as much. He had always been a happy and positive person. He certainly did not seem like himself right now.
"I know you're upset about Alvin, Dave," Brittany said quietly.
Dave didn't respond at first, but he closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. "More than just upset, Brittany. I'm disappointed. I'm hurt. I-I...I don't know why he turned out this way. I thought I had raised him well. Simon and Theodore never caused any trouble, ever, but Alvin...he's always been so different from his brothers. He has been reckless and out of control ever since he was a kid. For years and years, it was hard for me to accept that my son was doing the things he did. What kind of parent wants to know that their own child parties and gets drunk every weekend, sometimes not even returning home for days? What kind of parents wants to find out that their son hooks up with a different girl almost every night? I questioned my parenting for so long. I don't know what I did wrong in raising Alvin. I can't even tell you how many times we've fought, how many times I tried to talk some sense into Alvin, only for him to ignore me and continue whatever it is he does."
Brittany stared at him. Her heart ached at his words. Dave's words stung deeply; she felt horrible, and hated how Dave was blaming himself.
"I thought he had changed for good, which I was so happy about. Ever since Alvin told me about your pregnancy, it was as if he had grown up and matured overnight," Dave exhaled. "For the first time in years, I was able to say that I was happy and proud of who Alvin was. But now, I-I don't know what happened to him, what made him go back to his old ways. I tried my best to be a good parent, but look at what happened. My own son is in prison."
"How did you find out?" Brittany asked. She looked away for a moment. Seeing Dave in so much pain was unbearable.
He sighed and paused, as if he was replaying those moments in his head again. "I was on my way to the boys' house for dinner, but Simon called me and told me to stay back at my place. I knew something was wrong, because Simon would never do that. I knew that they were hiding something, so I drove to their place, and walked in. Dinner wasn't set up, and Alvin wasn't there. I asked Simon and Theodore what was going on, and they looked broken, as if they were afraid of hurting me. But they eventually did. I almost had to force it out of them, and when I heard what Alvin had done...and I lost it. I didn't want to believe it at all."
Brittany felt like she was on the verge of tears. She knew Dave was hurt in a way that she would never understand, and she felt horrible. After a moment, Brittany turned back to him. "I talked to Alvin last night."
"...What?"
"He called me from prison, and...and he told me everything. It's not what you think, Dave," Brittany said.
And like she had done earlier before with her sisters, Brittany told Dave everything that Alvin had told her last night. It was hard to relive the pain that she had felt from yesterday, but it was even harder to see the evident heartbreak in Dave's face as she spoke. By the look on Dave's face, Brittany knew that it was difficult for him to accept, however, he believed every word. Brittany knew that if it came from her, Dave would believe her, because she is the only one who was feeling as much agony as he was.
"That's what he told me, and I know he's telling the truth," said Brittany. "Believe me, Dave, before I talked to Alvin, I was feeling the exact same way that you are feeling right now. I hated him. I wanted nothing to do with him. But after he spoke to me, I truly believe him. He wasn't drinking and driving, he was only being a good friend and he got punished for it."
"God, no, this isn't right," said Dave. "That means my son is locked up for nothing? That means my son is going to miss out on his child's birth, for nothing? I need to do something. I'm not going to let him sit there for 3 months, for some damn misunderstanding. I don't want Alvin to think that we're going to leave him there."
"I know, but I don't think there's anything we can do. I asked Alvin if he was going to try to get out, but he seemed so hopeless," Brittany's heart broke every time she said his name.
"I-I...I have to try, Brittany. I know my son is a good person. Even though a person can't change from their past overnight, he has changed for the better, and that's all thanks to you. I don't know why or how, but you changed him in a way I never would've expected, in a way that no one but you could. I know there may be a million different reasons, but I know a huge part is because you allowed him to love for the first time, Brittany. He has been through so many empty relationships, but with you, he's just so different, so happy. And I know you two aren't together, but that makes it so much more special. Alvin's friendship with you is incomparable to anything he's ever been through before," said Dave.
"...Do you think so?" Brittany asked.
"Absolutely," answered Dave. "I don't want to speak for Alvin, and I'm not sure where your friendship or relationship stands with him, but he doesn't want to lose you. He cares about you more than anything, Brittany. More than you think."
Brittany's chest felt like it was on fire, and the heartbreak just increased because holy shit, she just wanted Alvin here with her. She turned away and looked down at her bulging stomach, before placing her two hands on top. "Can I tell you something, Dave? Something that I've never told anyone before. Not Jeanette, or Eleanor, or even Alvin."
Dave nodded. "Of course."
"I...I love him. I know Alvin and I aren't exactly the best type of people to become parents, and when I first found out that I was pregnant with his kid, it was the worst day of my life because I wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. But now, after everything we've gone through, I don't think I would have wanted to go through this with anybody else but him. Our friendship was always a complicated one, and even in those years where Alvin and I didn't speak to each other, because we hated each other so much, I still cared about him and missed him. I just...didn't know how hard it would be to miss him now. But I know it's because I love him. I love him so much," she finally said. After months, she finally allowed those words to be free. It was liberating, yet so painful at the same time.
Dave stared at her for a moment, and his eyes began to water. "We all know. And we know that Alvin loves you too."
2 days have passed, and her baby was still inside of her. Brittany was starting to get sick and tired of being confined in her hospital room all day, and it sucked even more when her sisters had to leave for work or school. When her water broke a few nights ago, Brittany was terrified for her life and wanted to do anything she could to possibly delay the labor process. But now, after being stuck here for 2 whole days, she just wished her baby would move around or do something to make things less boring.
It was a horrible feeling being alone. She thought about Alvin more everyday. She wished she could call him and let him know what was going on, because knowing him, he was probably dying to know where she was or how their baby was doing. It broke her heart even more as she thought about what he could be possibly doing right now, and how miserable he must be in that damn place.
Their baby was ready to arrive any day now, and they were both alone in two completely separate places. God, this wasn't what they wanted at all.
It was now a little past 7pm. Jeanette and Eleanor had just arrived and were hanging out in the hospital room until they had to leave for the night. She was glad her sisters were here, even if it was only for a few hours. It made things less lonely and miserable, and it allowed her to keep her mind off of her broken heart for a bit.
While Jeanette was at one of the side tables, working on her essay for school, Eleanor was perched on the hospital bed with Brittany as they watched a scary movie on Netflix on Eleanor's laptop. The movie was a little lame, and could barely pass for horror, but it did kill time.
"Holy shit!" Brittany screamed all of a sudden, which made both of her sisters jump in their spots.
"What? Nothing scary even happened, Brittany," said Eleanor.
"No, not that!" Brittany snapped, before her hands flew to the top of her stomach. Pain was starting to build up, and she knew what was happening. "I think my contractions are starting."
Jeanette's eyes flew open. "What? Are you serious?"
"Yes, I'm serious! Go get the nurse, Jeanette!" Brittany exclaimed. "I think this baby wants to come out now."
oh man, here we go.
So, the baby is on the way. What do you think will happen next? How will Brittany go through this without Alvin? And what do you think will happen to Alvin while all of this is happening?
Now that we're moments away from meeting the baby, please don't forget to vote/explain what you want the baby to be. Refer back to the previous chapter for all the choices!
Thanks so much for reading. Honestly, I'm so glad that people still like reading my stories after a decade, it really means the world. Don't forget to REVIEW! Let's hit 775-780 before the next chapter!
See ya in the next one!