Chapter 36
It was Memorial Day weekend and Bernie had arranged to take Gary, Chuck, Collier, and Mike to the Indianapolis 500. They left on Saturday night and had planned to spend the entire day, Sunday, at the race. Emmitt and Marissa offered to take care of the paper while Gary enjoyed a day off.
Gary was hesitant to leave Kaitlyn. Due to her condition, and the fact that she was carrying twins, she had been having a hard time getting around lately. However, Kaitlyn was insistent the he go and enjoy himself. She had arranged for Lois and Lily to help her with the girls. Jade was also planning on stopping by and keeping Kaitlyn company. They were going to look through some baby name books.
When Kaitlyn awoke on Sunday and looked at the clock it was 11:30. She had overheard Gary tell his mother last night that he was worried she wasn't getting enough sleep. Unfortunately, without the warmth and comfort of her husband's body lying next to her, Kaitlyn had a fitful night's rest. She rolled over and sat up in bed and let her feet touch the floor. As she reached for her robe, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Kaitlyn said as the door slowly opened.
"Oh you're awake. I just wanted to check on you." Lois said as she came into the room. "Your Mom and Megan took the girls shopping. Did you sleep all right?"
"No, not really. I don't know, I guess I've gotten used to sleeping next to Gary. It was a little uncomfortable without him." Kaitlyn smiled.
"The first time Bernie went away after we were married, I remember it took some getting used to. Trust me, it gets easier. Now I actually can't wait to have the whole bed to myself." Lois joked. "Can I get you anything?"
"Mom, you're a visitor in this house. Regardless of what Gary said, you don't have to wait on me." Kaitlyn said as she stood and started to walk towards the bathroom. "I'm going to get a shower, then I'll be down."
"Okay, honey. I am going to make you something to eat." Lois said with a smile. "Any requests?"
"Well, now that you mention it I kind of have a craving for blueberry pancakes." Kaitlyn smiled.
"Oh, you are definitely carrying Hobson babies." Lois beamed knowing that blueberry pancakes were Gary's favorite. She turned and headed for the hallway.
As Kaitlyn walked into the bathroom, she felt what seemed like a contraction. "Ouch." She said loudly. Lois heard her and went running back into the bedroom. She found Kaitlyn holding her stomach and breathing heavily.
"Honey, are you all right?" Lois asked.
"I think I'm having a contraction." Kaitlyn said.
"Oh dear. Okay let's get you over to the bed so you can lie down." Lois said as she helped Kaitlyn over to the bed. "Is this the first time you've felt this?" Lois asked.
"Yes." Kaitlyn said as she lay down. "I think it's over."
"Should we call the doctor? You don't think you're in labor, do you?" Lois asked.
"No I couldn't be, I'm not due for another eight weeks. It's probably just braxton hicks contractions. I had them with Casey. If I just lay down here for a little they'll go away." Kaitlyn smiled as she rubbed her stomach.
"Okay." Lois said. "Do you want me to stay with you?" She asked.
"No I'll be okay." Kaitlyn said as the telephone rang. Lois reached over to answer it.
"Hello. Hobson residence." She said.
"Mom it's me." She heard Gary's voice on the other end.
"Gary, honey. How is everybody." Lois said hesitantly.
"We're fine. I wanted to call and say good morning to my wife. Can I talk to her?" Gary asked.
"Just a minute, honey." Lois said as she covered the telephone receiver. "He wants to talk to you." She said.
"Okay." Kaitlyn said and Lois handed her the telephone. "Gary?" She said.
"Hi honey. How are you feeling?" Gary asked.
"I'm okay. Your Mom let me sleep in today, so I got a lot of rest." She looked at Lois and shrugged. "Are you having fun?" She asked.
"Yeah, it's been great. I miss you like crazy." Gary said.
"I miss you too." Kaitlyn said then there was a prolonged silence.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Gary asked skeptically.
"Honey, I'm fine." Kaitlyn said.
"You're sure?" Gary asked again.
"Yes." Kaitlyn said.
"Okay. Chuck is waiving me down telling me it's time to go. I'll call you later. I love you." Gary said.
"I love you too." Kaitlyn said as she heard the telephone disconnect. She handed it back to Lois who hung it up. "I didn't want to worry him." She said to Lois.
"It's okay, I understand. I'm going to go downstairs and start those pancakes. You call if you need me." Lois said as she headed downstairs.
Over the next half-hour, as Kaitlyn lie in bed, the contractions continued. She telephoned Dr. Jeffries. She told her it was probably braxton hicks contractions, but to be on the safe side, she wanted Kaitlyn to meet her at the hospital. Kaitlyn got herself out of bed, got dressed and headed downstairs.
"Mom." She said when she reached the bottom of the steps. Lois heard her and came into the foyer.
"What is it honey." Lois said.
"I talked with Dr. Jeffries. She thinks these contractions might be braxton hicks, but she wants me to go to the hospital." Kaitlyn said.
"Should we try and get a hold of Gary. Chuck left his cell phone number." Lois said.
"No. No. Let's just wait and see what the doctor says first." Kaitlyn said. "I don't want him to rush home for nothing."
"Okay. Let me leave your Mom and Jade a note and I'll drive you." Lois said.
Lois paced nervously in the hallway at the hospital. She debated on whether or not to call Gary and let him know what was happening. She knew that Gary would never forgive himself if something happened to Kaitlyn while he was away. Her thoughts were interrupted when the nurse informed her that she could go in to see Kaitlyn.
"What did she say?" Lois asked as she took Kaitlyn's hand.
"She said that I am starting to dilate. They are going to admit me and give me magnesium sulfate to try and stop the contractions." Kaitlyn said.
"You're still having contractions?" Lois asked.
"Yeah." Kaitlyn said. "They did an ultrasound to see if the baby's lungs were developed enough for delivery. The doctor doesn't think that they are. She said that we would be taking a big chance if they let me deliver. I just hope this drug works. I'm scared it won't."
"Honey, you and the babies are going to be fine. I think it's time we call Gary and let him know what is going on." Lois said.
"Yeah, unfortunately, I think you're probably right." Kaitlyn said.