As the days passed on by, work for Candy seemed to be getting rougher on her. She was starting to have a hard time... especially with her getting 'bigger' and all. She was getting tired more easily, yet, she still slightly overworked herself. Her mood swings were making her edgy too, especially to Donavan, who by this point, was starting to get rather 'protective' and was 'babying' her. He was getting all worried about her, and fussing. He didn't want her working (so hard), and often tried to offer doing whatever it was for her, or telling her to take some time off, longer breaks, and other little things like that. Which drove Candy nearly insane beyond reason. Cranky, tired, and stir-crazy, at one point, she totally exploded on him, when he tried to convince her to let someone else to take care of something. She had totally snapped, "-Donavan!" Listen to me!" Are my arms or hands cut off??" Donavan was taken aback for a second, before replying, "-No..." "-Are my legs chopped off??" "-No.." "-AM I DEAF OR BLIND??" "-NO!" But..." "-THEN, SHUT-UP!!" she screamed, at the top of her lungs. Her cousin stared bewilderedly, before finally replying, "-Damnit, Candy!" WHEN will you learn to TAKE-IT-EASY?!?" The cousins had screamed at one another for a good while, before storming up to their rooms, and slamming the doors. Not being able to stay mad, they apologized the next morning. Speaking for other people, luckily (and 'unluckily) for Candy, most knew about her 'situation' by now, and were very nice to her and about it. Some others though, were just idiotic pig-headed jerks (mostly drunks). Like for example, one night, after Candy had gotten off work, and was in the apartment above, some staggering drunk came stumbling over to the bar, and yelped out to Donavan, "-Hey!" Bartender.. guy!" Donavan glanced at him, from the corner of his eye. "-Yeah?" "-Can ah... ask ya'll a question?" the guy asked, trying to hold himself upright. The caracal gave a long look, then said, "-Guess so... what is it?" "-Ah was a wonderin'... what happened to that pretty ass gal that used to work here?" Ya know.. that bitchin' hyena chickaboo?" She was sure a fine piece of ass!" Why'd ya'll go and replace her with that 'fat' girl?" Tanya and Eliza gasped with appallement, and Flash looked utterly insulted. When they all looked at Donavan however, there was no expression to be seen. His face was still, motionless, unblinking. Just staring at the drunk. Eliza whispered to him, "-Donavan?" When she received no response, Tanya tried, "-Donny... are you ok?" Finally he spoke, but to someone else other than the girls. "-Flash?" The marguay immediately grasped the opportunity. "-Yeah, Don?" "-Cover for me," Donavan spoke, quietly, and started walking around, out of the bar. He waved a hand to the drunken Mobian. "-Hey guy!" Yeah you... come here." The others were watching. "-Cripes... bet you gals all the money I got, Donny's gonna kick his ass into tomorrow," muttered Flash. But of course, knowing better, they simply agreed with him. It sounded like something Donavan would do in this situation. Once outside out the back, the drunk mumbled, "So guy... what's goin' on herah?" Donavan said nothing, just stared him, hard in the eye for a couple of seconds. Then, with a quick move, he threw his right arm forward, and his fist slammed into the unsuspecting drunk's jaw. It hit the bone so hard, Donavan thought he heard it crack. He certainly hoped it had. The animal screamed, and crumpled to the ground. "AAAAHHHOOOW!" Ma jaw!" Ya broke ma jaw!" Donavan growled angrily, "-Yeah... and guess what, if I ever catch you around here again, I can promise you, next time you'll walk away with more than a broken 'jaw'... if you can still WALK that is." The drunk shook with fear. "-Now... BEAT IT!" barked Donavan. The guy needed no further bidding. He quickly scrambled up, and ran wildly down the street, to get away from the raging caracal.
It was dusk, one early morning, when Candy awoke from a restless sleep. She looked over at the clock on her nightstand. She groaned at reading it. *'Four-thirty'??* "-You've gotta be kidding me..." she moaned softly, outloud, not to anyone in particular. She slowly turned over, onto her back. Sighing to herself, she put her hands on her huge, swollen pregnant belly. The baby had to be pretty big, she figured. She was so swollen up, she wondered once or twice whether the doctors were certain she was carrying only ONE baby... She always felt so drained, and heavy, getting tired just from walking across a room. But she usually pushed herself on, because she was too bored and restless to just sit around and do nothing. Plus, she hated people doing things for her... she felt like a useless bump on a log. She sighed out again. Candy knew there was no way she was going to get back to sleep, so, with a struggling effort, she pulled herself out of bed.
In the now empty, quiet bar, a busy Donavan looked up to see Candy coming down the stairs. "-Candy??" Cripes, what you doin' up so early, girl?" Candy frowned, "-Can't sleep." "-Why not?" "I'm too big, to sleep," she grumbled. "-This baby sure knows how to push my buttons." Donavan smiled, with amusement. "Want me to get you something then?" Candy shrugged, "-Sure... some water'll be fine." As her cousin set to do so, she looked around the room. "-For crying out loud...!" Donavan looked up questioningly. "What is it?" Candy shook her head. "-Jeez... I always thought this place would fall apart if you didn't have my help... but this is ridiculous!" You make me get off an hour early, and LOOK what happens!" This place is a mess!" She was referring to all the un-cleaned up trash, and dishes around the bar. Donavan grinned uneasily, "-Oh that... heh." I was actually starting to cleanin' that up, a minute ago... that's why I'M up early too..." Candy gave a little snort, "-Figures... well, since I'm up, I'll lend you hand." Donavan put his hands up. "-Oh no, you don't!" How many times I gotta tell you, to take it easy??" That's why I made ya get off an hour early!" So you could rest!" Candy glared, "-Well there's no way I'm resting!" I CAN'T!" Besides, I'm bored!" Might as well be doing something 'productive' with my time!" Her cousin sighed, "-Candy... do what the doctors tell ya, mean NOTHING??" Candy looked annoyed, "-For Pete's sake, Donavan!" Just because they're 'doctors', don't mean they know everything!" Like give me a break!" Do you think THEY know what it's like to be pregnant??" Donavan shrugged, "-Well... 'guess' not-" His cousin smirked. "-Exactly." So anyways, I'm wide awake here, and if I swear, if I don't do SOMETHING, my stir-craziness is gonna make me destroy this whole damn place!" Donavan laughed uneasily, "-Ah... I see." Well, heaven forbid, you turn 'Incredible Hulk'... erm, I mean "Incredible Hulkette" on me!" Alright then... go ahead, and do something useful." Candy beamed, triumphantly. "-That's better." Donavan tossed her a towel, and she started going around. A couple minutes later, as she was hauling a few dishes over to the main area, Candy felt a sudden spasm of pain. She barely managed to put down the plates, before doubling over. The agony was brief however, and she seemed to manage to breathe it off. She was a little shaken, but was cut out of her thoughts for a second. "-Hey Candy!" You got those dishes ready, yet?" "-Yeeah... gimme one sec, cuz!" she called back to Donavan. So she busied herself with that for awhile, organizing all the silverware, and plates. The next one that hit her, however, was so overwhelming, she nearly fell to the floor. "-Aaahhh!" she yelped out in pain. She gripped the sides of the table, digging her fingernails into the wood, breathing heavily, trying to stay upright. But finally, Candy slowly lowered herself to the ground, too agonized to keep up. A few minutes later, Donavan came out. "-Candy, where's those-" Then he noticed that she wasn't within sight. "-Candy?" He heard a strange sound coming from around the bar. He walked out, around, and peered out. To find poor Candy lying on the ground, with her back against the bar table wall, one hand clutching onto the metal pole of the turning stools, and the other clutching her stomach. He immediately freaked, of course. "-Candy!" He rushed over to her. "-What are ya doing down here??" Her face was starting to perspire, whilst grimaced into an expression of pain. She gasped out, "-I think something's wrong..." Donavan swallowed. "-Yeah, so I see." 'What' exactly, though?" Candy groaned, ignoring the question rather. "-Something really hurts...!" Her cousin, gulped, nervously. "-Tell me you don't mean-" The hyena stared up at him, with a rather annoyed look. "-You wanna hear those 'exact' words?" she snapped, in a meaningful tone. Donavan sure took the hint. "-Oh man... you're... uhhh..." "-Labor??" growled Candy. Her cousin swallowed hard. "-Oh.. ya... that would be it..." The hyena rolled her eyes, in irritation. "-Gee... great to see we're on the same level here, now!" *Hoo boy... she's in her sarcastic mood now!* thought Donavan. *That's not good...* Finally, his wits came to him at last. The caracal spoke, "-Right, okay then... so..." He dug his hands in his pockets. "-Aww shit!" Where's my keys??" he cursed. Candy looked at him dumbfoundly. "-Your 'keys'??" What do you need 'them' for??" Donavan looked back. "-Err... the 'truck'?" I mean... you're in labor... and in that case, we kinda need to drive you to the hospital, right?" With a sigh of neither disgust or relief, his cousin spoke, "-Well, if that isn't the best fucking idea I've heard all morning!"
About fifteen minutes later, Donavan screeched the truck to a halt, at the hospital. Usually it took them twenty minutes to get there, but since it was not even five o'clock yet, and the streets were empty, he figured there wasn't much a chance of him getting caught if he sped. Lucky for him, he was correct that time. Once they were parked, he bounded out of the truck, and rushed to the other side, to help Candy.
Since it was so early, the hospital was pretty slow, and quiet, with few people around in the hallways. At the receptionist desk, a young lioness sat, typing at a computer, with a small nametag clipped to her white dress shirt that read 'Ms. Lionel'. Donavan did the talking for Candy at first. "-Erm... excuse me?" Miss?" The lioness looked up. "Yes sir?" Is there something I can help you with?" "-Yeah... you see..." The caracal motioned to the pained hyena with child, that had just staggered next to him, sucking her breath in and out again. This was certainly enough to get more than the jist of the situation. Ms.Lionel said, "-Ah... I see." Alright then, may I have your name, please?" Candy struggled out the words. "-Ca... Candice... Torra." The receptionist flipped through a think binder, searching. "-Candice Torra..." she repeated to herself. Then she stopped at a certain page, ran a finger down it, until she reached a particular line. "-There we are... Candice Torra... patient of Dr.Lott." Ms.Lionel looked up at them. "-Unfortunately, I regret to inform you that Dr.Lott is presently from attainable reach." Donavan looked panicked for a minute. "What??" 'From attainable reach'?" What's that supposed to mean?" "-That if we were to contact her this minute, she wouldn't be able to make it here in time," the receptionist informed him. The male stared bewilderedly at her. "-So what are we gonna do then??" Ms.Lionel spoke calmly, "-No need to worry, it will be taken care of." We'll get another doctor up here right away, sir, that has just the same quality and experience as Dr.Lott." She'll be in good hands," she assured him, speaking of Candy. Donavan passed his tongue over his dry lips. "-Okay... sounds good." That sound alright to you, cuz?" Candy lifted her eyes up. "-Yeah... I guess so," she half-heartedly agreed. Ms.Lionel called for a wheelchair to be brought, which one was, in just a few minutes, by a female snowshoe hare with snowy white fur tinged with splashes of black, named Nurse Neyla. She came over to them. "Here we are, darling," she said sweetly to Candy. "-There we go Candy, it's okay... just sit down, you'll be alright," spoke Donavan, reassuringly, helping her lower herself into the chair. The nurse immediately looked to Donavan. "Are you the father?" The caracal looked quite embarrassed at the question. "-Erm, no ma'am.. I'm her 'cousin'." "Would the father be coming along, presently then?" the nurse asked. Before Donavan could say a word, Candy yelped out, "-No!" with a painful groan. Donavan just shrugged, "-Uhhh... what she said." Nurse Neyla simply nodded. "-Very well." I'm assuming that 'you' will be joining her in the delivery room, then?" Once again, he flushed hotly at this question. "-Weeell... are you saying I 'can', if I wanted to?" "-With the patient's permission," nodded the nurse. For a minute, Donavan wondered if he SHOULD stay with Candy... But of course, to determine the answer to that request, he had to ask HER first... He walked over to her side. "-Hey... you gonna be alright, Candy-Kane?" 'Cuz... I COULD stay with ya, if you want... wouldn't want you to be alone or nothing-" Donavan offered. Despite the pain, Candy smiled, at her cousin's gesture, and the rare use of his pet name for her. She gently shook her muzzle. "That's ok, Donny-Boy... I'm gonna be fine..." Besides... you don't HAVE to do this... it's not YOUR kid, you know." Donavan shrugged, "Well... it's YOUR kid, and you're my family... so that kid's my family, too." But if you say so..." Are you sure now??" His cousin nodded. "-Definitely." Besides, cuz... that 'ramshackled' bar still needs cleaning up, ya know." He grinned. "-Yeah... guess so." He gave her hand a squeeze. "-You take care now, Candy, ya hear?" She nodded. "-Well, duh, Donavan." Don't you worry so much... I'll get someone to call ya, soon as it's all over." I'd sure love you to be one of the first people, the kid sees." Donavan looked touched by this, and nodded, "-So would I.." Well, okay then... good luck, cuzzy." Then he watched on, as the nurse wheeled Candy off.
Sometime later, striding down the hospital hallway, was a tall, adult male lynx. He obviously knew the place well, from his keen sense of direction, and his stance. He was heading towards the maternity ward. Soon, he came to stop at a particular room. He walked right in, as he had the authority to do so. He looked to the medical staff at work. Finally, he spoke. "Nurse Neyla?" The female from before, who had questioned Donavan, looked up. "-Sir Urquhart," she spoke in turn. "Thank goodness you made it in time." Well, plently of time, to be precise, as it seems so far." The physician nodded. "-Yes.. so who's patient is she?" "Dr.Lott's." "And where would she be, presently?" "Indisposed, I believe." A family emergency, as she told." And they're from out of the city boundaries." Urquhart pursed his lips. "Ah... well I guess that would be considered an acceptable excuse, I suppose." But all the same, remind me to get this replacement situation talked out with her, when she returns." "Very well, Sir Urquhart." "Alright then... I'm assuming that I should attend to the patient now?" "Oh yes... we've already gotten her settled in." Nurse Neyla motioned to the bed where the young female hyena patient lie. Sir Urquhart looked towards Candy. And was immediately surprised to see what he saw. *-Wait a sec... she looks so... YOUNG!* He stared for a minute, before turning back to the nurse. "-Neyla?" "-Yes, Sir Urquhart?" "-How old is she?" he asked. The nurse began to flip some pages on her clipboard. "-Let's see here..." Candice Torra... date of birth... year... 3189.." I believe that would make her, seventeen, sir." Urquhart felt his heart drop to his stomach. "-S... seventeen?" he echoed. She nodded. "-Seventeen," the lynx repeated, to himself. He looked back at the girl. *SEVENTEEN??* he thought, bewilderedly. *This girl is SEVENTEEN?? A pregnant... TEENAGER??* This was a rare occurrence, at the time, a teenage female getting pregnant. And Sir Urquhart so far, had never dealt with a teen pregnancy, before. The youngest female he'd ever delivered, was twenty-one. So naturally, this situation was quite a shake-up, to the system. But finally, he snapped out of it, realizing he had a job to do, now... As some assistants set up the things he needed, the physician went to examine his new patient. "-Hello, Candice," he spoke, to the young hyena. Candy barely, looked back up. "-Hiii..." she gasped, at last, between a heavy breath. The adult lynx continued on, "-I'm Sir Urquhart... I'm going to be delivering your baby." Candy tried to appear interested in a way... but wasn't having much success. "-Oh... good... deal-" she panted. As Sir Urquhart, was preparing himself for the procedure, he questioned Candy, "-So... will your husband be joining us here?" Candy felt humiliated, on top of everything else, at this. "-I... I don't have a husband." *Figures,* thought the lynx. "Your 'boyfriend' then?" Once again, Candy feebly shook her head. Now Urquhart was a little exasperated. "-So you're basically saying that the 'father' isn't going to be here?" The hyena barely nodded. "-Yeah... just me." At hearing this, the physician felt rather sorry for her. *Poor girl...!* She has to do THIS all alone?* Why wasn't the baby's father here?* "Might I ask where the father would be, presently?" Candy breathed faster, as she explained, "-Actually... I don't know myself, sir." Last time I saw him... was three weeks ago." Urquhart looked up at her. "-I beg your pardon?" "-Well see... it was sort of a 'one night' thing... and he WAS just a kid... two years younger... wasn't looking for nothing serious, really..." So yeah... he doesn't really know about this whole thing, in the first place." Candy didn't seem to realize how much she was babbling on, and letting slip out. She was rather woozy and zoned out, in pain all the while. At hearing all this, if there hadn't been one drop of decency left in Urquhart, he would've without question, just walked out of that room. What he had heard, he was uttered disgusted by. *A SEVENTEEN year old girl had one night stander SEX with a FIFTEEN year old boy???* It was too appalling to be true. Finally, he dared to ask one more question, that he felt NEEDED to be asked, as well... "-Do your PARENTS know about this, Candice?" She gave him a funny look. "'Parents'?" she numbly questioned. "Yes... your mother and father," pressed Sir Urquhart. "-Oh... well... they'd have to be ALIVE... for it to really MEAN anything... right?" The lynx couldn't believe what he was hearing. *Baby's father is an unaware fifteen year old... and her parents are both DEAD??* Could this GET any worse??* he thought, with bewilderment. "-Candice... please, tell me you live with an adult." "Huh?" Oh... yeah.. sure I do... my cousin Donavan... he's twenty... we both live together.. in this apartment... above this tavern we run..." Urquhart had heard enough. *Good... fucking... god...* He immediately told her, "I apologize, Candice... for prying as so." "-Nah..." Candy said faintly. "I don't care..." Suddenly, a nastier than usual, labor pain hit her. She gasped outloud, grit her teeth, and breathed hard. Remembering what he was about to do, Sir Urquhart snapped out of it, and got back to the situation. Candy then croaked out, "-Umm... Sir... Urquhart?" "Yes," he replied, not looking up. "-I... I know I may have said that I... wanted to do this naturally... but... I dunno... maybe.. are there any.... drugs or medication... I could take?" I mean... this IS rather painful..." Once again, the physician sighed outloud. When he was done with his brief examination on a particular area, he told her, "-Afraid not, Candice." "You've dilated over nine centimetres.." Giving you anything now would only present complication prior to the birth, or the effects wouldn't take place until the birth was over and done with." And even though in this situation, they don't mean much, I still offer my sincere apologizes." All Candy could do was shrug, and say, "It's okay.. I understand..." as she continued to huff and puff, furiously. A couple minutes later, Sir Urquhart told her, "-Alright Candice... it looks like you're ready to deliver, here-" The laboring hyena cringed in her usual pain, as well as for this news. "-Great..." she moaned. "One quick question," the lynx added. Candy lifted her eyes, weakly. "-Shoot.." "Did you practice any Lamaze courses during your pregnancy?" She lifted her shoulders. "-A little, yeah." "That'll do." Just focus on that, okay?" And as for whatever else, just go with your instinct... usually in this situation, your body pretty much knows what you need to do." Candy slowly nodded. "-Right." Sir Urquhart counted the seconds. "-Uh huh... next contraction... three... two... one.. and.. push!" And with that, Candy's hour of horrendous torment had officially begun.
Much later on, Candy was grunting and groaning, steadily sweating with the effort, trying to keep on pushing. Sir Urquhart looked up at her for a minute. He then spoke, "-Candice?" She feebly looked up. "-Uhhh.. huh?" "-Somehow I get the feeling, you want to scream, here..." May I ask, what's keeping you, from doing so?" Urquhart asked. Candy panted, "-I don't know... ain't it 'improper', or somethin'?" ...Besides-" she gasped, between, breaths. "-It's so damn early... why should I go and scare people up?" And why bother... doing it at all?" The physician stared. *Why BOTHER??* he thought. *Good God, you poor girl... don't get me started on WHY!* He could've named several reasons on the spot for her... That her life was about to be ruined... her reputation torn... her youth stolen... and many other things. But all he said, was simple, straight out, and it didn't bash at her decision to go through with this, despite all obstacles. "-My dear girl... you are trying to push a living creature out of yourself." Your cervix muscles are contracting and stretching, beyond the limit, so that something bigger than a football... can squeeze out of something, smaller than a tennis ball..." Now if THAT makes you want to SCREAM... then by ALL FRIGGIN' MEANS... be... my... guest." Candy stared at him for a second. Now that was certainly convincing... especially after Urquhart had said it in such a tone. And so, next contraction, she let a ear-splitting one out. It almost crossed Urquhart's screaming standability line. But he didn't say anything, no complaints, just did his job.
At last, the silence of the maternity ward, was broken by just one, loud, painful scream, from the delivery room...
It was dusk, one early morning, when Candy awoke from a restless sleep. She looked over at the clock on her nightstand. She groaned at reading it. *'Four-thirty'??* "-You've gotta be kidding me..." she moaned softly, outloud, not to anyone in particular. She slowly turned over, onto her back. Sighing to herself, she put her hands on her huge, swollen pregnant belly. The baby had to be pretty big, she figured. She was so swollen up, she wondered once or twice whether the doctors were certain she was carrying only ONE baby... She always felt so drained, and heavy, getting tired just from walking across a room. But she usually pushed herself on, because she was too bored and restless to just sit around and do nothing. Plus, she hated people doing things for her... she felt like a useless bump on a log. She sighed out again. Candy knew there was no way she was going to get back to sleep, so, with a struggling effort, she pulled herself out of bed.
In the now empty, quiet bar, a busy Donavan looked up to see Candy coming down the stairs. "-Candy??" Cripes, what you doin' up so early, girl?" Candy frowned, "-Can't sleep." "-Why not?" "I'm too big, to sleep," she grumbled. "-This baby sure knows how to push my buttons." Donavan smiled, with amusement. "Want me to get you something then?" Candy shrugged, "-Sure... some water'll be fine." As her cousin set to do so, she looked around the room. "-For crying out loud...!" Donavan looked up questioningly. "What is it?" Candy shook her head. "-Jeez... I always thought this place would fall apart if you didn't have my help... but this is ridiculous!" You make me get off an hour early, and LOOK what happens!" This place is a mess!" She was referring to all the un-cleaned up trash, and dishes around the bar. Donavan grinned uneasily, "-Oh that... heh." I was actually starting to cleanin' that up, a minute ago... that's why I'M up early too..." Candy gave a little snort, "-Figures... well, since I'm up, I'll lend you hand." Donavan put his hands up. "-Oh no, you don't!" How many times I gotta tell you, to take it easy??" That's why I made ya get off an hour early!" So you could rest!" Candy glared, "-Well there's no way I'm resting!" I CAN'T!" Besides, I'm bored!" Might as well be doing something 'productive' with my time!" Her cousin sighed, "-Candy... do what the doctors tell ya, mean NOTHING??" Candy looked annoyed, "-For Pete's sake, Donavan!" Just because they're 'doctors', don't mean they know everything!" Like give me a break!" Do you think THEY know what it's like to be pregnant??" Donavan shrugged, "-Well... 'guess' not-" His cousin smirked. "-Exactly." So anyways, I'm wide awake here, and if I swear, if I don't do SOMETHING, my stir-craziness is gonna make me destroy this whole damn place!" Donavan laughed uneasily, "-Ah... I see." Well, heaven forbid, you turn 'Incredible Hulk'... erm, I mean "Incredible Hulkette" on me!" Alright then... go ahead, and do something useful." Candy beamed, triumphantly. "-That's better." Donavan tossed her a towel, and she started going around. A couple minutes later, as she was hauling a few dishes over to the main area, Candy felt a sudden spasm of pain. She barely managed to put down the plates, before doubling over. The agony was brief however, and she seemed to manage to breathe it off. She was a little shaken, but was cut out of her thoughts for a second. "-Hey Candy!" You got those dishes ready, yet?" "-Yeeah... gimme one sec, cuz!" she called back to Donavan. So she busied herself with that for awhile, organizing all the silverware, and plates. The next one that hit her, however, was so overwhelming, she nearly fell to the floor. "-Aaahhh!" she yelped out in pain. She gripped the sides of the table, digging her fingernails into the wood, breathing heavily, trying to stay upright. But finally, Candy slowly lowered herself to the ground, too agonized to keep up. A few minutes later, Donavan came out. "-Candy, where's those-" Then he noticed that she wasn't within sight. "-Candy?" He heard a strange sound coming from around the bar. He walked out, around, and peered out. To find poor Candy lying on the ground, with her back against the bar table wall, one hand clutching onto the metal pole of the turning stools, and the other clutching her stomach. He immediately freaked, of course. "-Candy!" He rushed over to her. "-What are ya doing down here??" Her face was starting to perspire, whilst grimaced into an expression of pain. She gasped out, "-I think something's wrong..." Donavan swallowed. "-Yeah, so I see." 'What' exactly, though?" Candy groaned, ignoring the question rather. "-Something really hurts...!" Her cousin, gulped, nervously. "-Tell me you don't mean-" The hyena stared up at him, with a rather annoyed look. "-You wanna hear those 'exact' words?" she snapped, in a meaningful tone. Donavan sure took the hint. "-Oh man... you're... uhhh..." "-Labor??" growled Candy. Her cousin swallowed hard. "-Oh.. ya... that would be it..." The hyena rolled her eyes, in irritation. "-Gee... great to see we're on the same level here, now!" *Hoo boy... she's in her sarcastic mood now!* thought Donavan. *That's not good...* Finally, his wits came to him at last. The caracal spoke, "-Right, okay then... so..." He dug his hands in his pockets. "-Aww shit!" Where's my keys??" he cursed. Candy looked at him dumbfoundly. "-Your 'keys'??" What do you need 'them' for??" Donavan looked back. "-Err... the 'truck'?" I mean... you're in labor... and in that case, we kinda need to drive you to the hospital, right?" With a sigh of neither disgust or relief, his cousin spoke, "-Well, if that isn't the best fucking idea I've heard all morning!"
About fifteen minutes later, Donavan screeched the truck to a halt, at the hospital. Usually it took them twenty minutes to get there, but since it was not even five o'clock yet, and the streets were empty, he figured there wasn't much a chance of him getting caught if he sped. Lucky for him, he was correct that time. Once they were parked, he bounded out of the truck, and rushed to the other side, to help Candy.
Since it was so early, the hospital was pretty slow, and quiet, with few people around in the hallways. At the receptionist desk, a young lioness sat, typing at a computer, with a small nametag clipped to her white dress shirt that read 'Ms. Lionel'. Donavan did the talking for Candy at first. "-Erm... excuse me?" Miss?" The lioness looked up. "Yes sir?" Is there something I can help you with?" "-Yeah... you see..." The caracal motioned to the pained hyena with child, that had just staggered next to him, sucking her breath in and out again. This was certainly enough to get more than the jist of the situation. Ms.Lionel said, "-Ah... I see." Alright then, may I have your name, please?" Candy struggled out the words. "-Ca... Candice... Torra." The receptionist flipped through a think binder, searching. "-Candice Torra..." she repeated to herself. Then she stopped at a certain page, ran a finger down it, until she reached a particular line. "-There we are... Candice Torra... patient of Dr.Lott." Ms.Lionel looked up at them. "-Unfortunately, I regret to inform you that Dr.Lott is presently from attainable reach." Donavan looked panicked for a minute. "What??" 'From attainable reach'?" What's that supposed to mean?" "-That if we were to contact her this minute, she wouldn't be able to make it here in time," the receptionist informed him. The male stared bewilderedly at her. "-So what are we gonna do then??" Ms.Lionel spoke calmly, "-No need to worry, it will be taken care of." We'll get another doctor up here right away, sir, that has just the same quality and experience as Dr.Lott." She'll be in good hands," she assured him, speaking of Candy. Donavan passed his tongue over his dry lips. "-Okay... sounds good." That sound alright to you, cuz?" Candy lifted her eyes up. "-Yeah... I guess so," she half-heartedly agreed. Ms.Lionel called for a wheelchair to be brought, which one was, in just a few minutes, by a female snowshoe hare with snowy white fur tinged with splashes of black, named Nurse Neyla. She came over to them. "Here we are, darling," she said sweetly to Candy. "-There we go Candy, it's okay... just sit down, you'll be alright," spoke Donavan, reassuringly, helping her lower herself into the chair. The nurse immediately looked to Donavan. "Are you the father?" The caracal looked quite embarrassed at the question. "-Erm, no ma'am.. I'm her 'cousin'." "Would the father be coming along, presently then?" the nurse asked. Before Donavan could say a word, Candy yelped out, "-No!" with a painful groan. Donavan just shrugged, "-Uhhh... what she said." Nurse Neyla simply nodded. "-Very well." I'm assuming that 'you' will be joining her in the delivery room, then?" Once again, he flushed hotly at this question. "-Weeell... are you saying I 'can', if I wanted to?" "-With the patient's permission," nodded the nurse. For a minute, Donavan wondered if he SHOULD stay with Candy... But of course, to determine the answer to that request, he had to ask HER first... He walked over to her side. "-Hey... you gonna be alright, Candy-Kane?" 'Cuz... I COULD stay with ya, if you want... wouldn't want you to be alone or nothing-" Donavan offered. Despite the pain, Candy smiled, at her cousin's gesture, and the rare use of his pet name for her. She gently shook her muzzle. "That's ok, Donny-Boy... I'm gonna be fine..." Besides... you don't HAVE to do this... it's not YOUR kid, you know." Donavan shrugged, "Well... it's YOUR kid, and you're my family... so that kid's my family, too." But if you say so..." Are you sure now??" His cousin nodded. "-Definitely." Besides, cuz... that 'ramshackled' bar still needs cleaning up, ya know." He grinned. "-Yeah... guess so." He gave her hand a squeeze. "-You take care now, Candy, ya hear?" She nodded. "-Well, duh, Donavan." Don't you worry so much... I'll get someone to call ya, soon as it's all over." I'd sure love you to be one of the first people, the kid sees." Donavan looked touched by this, and nodded, "-So would I.." Well, okay then... good luck, cuzzy." Then he watched on, as the nurse wheeled Candy off.
Sometime later, striding down the hospital hallway, was a tall, adult male lynx. He obviously knew the place well, from his keen sense of direction, and his stance. He was heading towards the maternity ward. Soon, he came to stop at a particular room. He walked right in, as he had the authority to do so. He looked to the medical staff at work. Finally, he spoke. "Nurse Neyla?" The female from before, who had questioned Donavan, looked up. "-Sir Urquhart," she spoke in turn. "Thank goodness you made it in time." Well, plently of time, to be precise, as it seems so far." The physician nodded. "-Yes.. so who's patient is she?" "Dr.Lott's." "And where would she be, presently?" "Indisposed, I believe." A family emergency, as she told." And they're from out of the city boundaries." Urquhart pursed his lips. "Ah... well I guess that would be considered an acceptable excuse, I suppose." But all the same, remind me to get this replacement situation talked out with her, when she returns." "Very well, Sir Urquhart." "Alright then... I'm assuming that I should attend to the patient now?" "Oh yes... we've already gotten her settled in." Nurse Neyla motioned to the bed where the young female hyena patient lie. Sir Urquhart looked towards Candy. And was immediately surprised to see what he saw. *-Wait a sec... she looks so... YOUNG!* He stared for a minute, before turning back to the nurse. "-Neyla?" "-Yes, Sir Urquhart?" "-How old is she?" he asked. The nurse began to flip some pages on her clipboard. "-Let's see here..." Candice Torra... date of birth... year... 3189.." I believe that would make her, seventeen, sir." Urquhart felt his heart drop to his stomach. "-S... seventeen?" he echoed. She nodded. "-Seventeen," the lynx repeated, to himself. He looked back at the girl. *SEVENTEEN??* he thought, bewilderedly. *This girl is SEVENTEEN?? A pregnant... TEENAGER??* This was a rare occurrence, at the time, a teenage female getting pregnant. And Sir Urquhart so far, had never dealt with a teen pregnancy, before. The youngest female he'd ever delivered, was twenty-one. So naturally, this situation was quite a shake-up, to the system. But finally, he snapped out of it, realizing he had a job to do, now... As some assistants set up the things he needed, the physician went to examine his new patient. "-Hello, Candice," he spoke, to the young hyena. Candy barely, looked back up. "-Hiii..." she gasped, at last, between a heavy breath. The adult lynx continued on, "-I'm Sir Urquhart... I'm going to be delivering your baby." Candy tried to appear interested in a way... but wasn't having much success. "-Oh... good... deal-" she panted. As Sir Urquhart, was preparing himself for the procedure, he questioned Candy, "-So... will your husband be joining us here?" Candy felt humiliated, on top of everything else, at this. "-I... I don't have a husband." *Figures,* thought the lynx. "Your 'boyfriend' then?" Once again, Candy feebly shook her head. Now Urquhart was a little exasperated. "-So you're basically saying that the 'father' isn't going to be here?" The hyena barely nodded. "-Yeah... just me." At hearing this, the physician felt rather sorry for her. *Poor girl...!* She has to do THIS all alone?* Why wasn't the baby's father here?* "Might I ask where the father would be, presently?" Candy breathed faster, as she explained, "-Actually... I don't know myself, sir." Last time I saw him... was three weeks ago." Urquhart looked up at her. "-I beg your pardon?" "-Well see... it was sort of a 'one night' thing... and he WAS just a kid... two years younger... wasn't looking for nothing serious, really..." So yeah... he doesn't really know about this whole thing, in the first place." Candy didn't seem to realize how much she was babbling on, and letting slip out. She was rather woozy and zoned out, in pain all the while. At hearing all this, if there hadn't been one drop of decency left in Urquhart, he would've without question, just walked out of that room. What he had heard, he was uttered disgusted by. *A SEVENTEEN year old girl had one night stander SEX with a FIFTEEN year old boy???* It was too appalling to be true. Finally, he dared to ask one more question, that he felt NEEDED to be asked, as well... "-Do your PARENTS know about this, Candice?" She gave him a funny look. "'Parents'?" she numbly questioned. "Yes... your mother and father," pressed Sir Urquhart. "-Oh... well... they'd have to be ALIVE... for it to really MEAN anything... right?" The lynx couldn't believe what he was hearing. *Baby's father is an unaware fifteen year old... and her parents are both DEAD??* Could this GET any worse??* he thought, with bewilderment. "-Candice... please, tell me you live with an adult." "Huh?" Oh... yeah.. sure I do... my cousin Donavan... he's twenty... we both live together.. in this apartment... above this tavern we run..." Urquhart had heard enough. *Good... fucking... god...* He immediately told her, "I apologize, Candice... for prying as so." "-Nah..." Candy said faintly. "I don't care..." Suddenly, a nastier than usual, labor pain hit her. She gasped outloud, grit her teeth, and breathed hard. Remembering what he was about to do, Sir Urquhart snapped out of it, and got back to the situation. Candy then croaked out, "-Umm... Sir... Urquhart?" "Yes," he replied, not looking up. "-I... I know I may have said that I... wanted to do this naturally... but... I dunno... maybe.. are there any.... drugs or medication... I could take?" I mean... this IS rather painful..." Once again, the physician sighed outloud. When he was done with his brief examination on a particular area, he told her, "-Afraid not, Candice." "You've dilated over nine centimetres.." Giving you anything now would only present complication prior to the birth, or the effects wouldn't take place until the birth was over and done with." And even though in this situation, they don't mean much, I still offer my sincere apologizes." All Candy could do was shrug, and say, "It's okay.. I understand..." as she continued to huff and puff, furiously. A couple minutes later, Sir Urquhart told her, "-Alright Candice... it looks like you're ready to deliver, here-" The laboring hyena cringed in her usual pain, as well as for this news. "-Great..." she moaned. "One quick question," the lynx added. Candy lifted her eyes, weakly. "-Shoot.." "Did you practice any Lamaze courses during your pregnancy?" She lifted her shoulders. "-A little, yeah." "That'll do." Just focus on that, okay?" And as for whatever else, just go with your instinct... usually in this situation, your body pretty much knows what you need to do." Candy slowly nodded. "-Right." Sir Urquhart counted the seconds. "-Uh huh... next contraction... three... two... one.. and.. push!" And with that, Candy's hour of horrendous torment had officially begun.
Much later on, Candy was grunting and groaning, steadily sweating with the effort, trying to keep on pushing. Sir Urquhart looked up at her for a minute. He then spoke, "-Candice?" She feebly looked up. "-Uhhh.. huh?" "-Somehow I get the feeling, you want to scream, here..." May I ask, what's keeping you, from doing so?" Urquhart asked. Candy panted, "-I don't know... ain't it 'improper', or somethin'?" ...Besides-" she gasped, between, breaths. "-It's so damn early... why should I go and scare people up?" And why bother... doing it at all?" The physician stared. *Why BOTHER??* he thought. *Good God, you poor girl... don't get me started on WHY!* He could've named several reasons on the spot for her... That her life was about to be ruined... her reputation torn... her youth stolen... and many other things. But all he said, was simple, straight out, and it didn't bash at her decision to go through with this, despite all obstacles. "-My dear girl... you are trying to push a living creature out of yourself." Your cervix muscles are contracting and stretching, beyond the limit, so that something bigger than a football... can squeeze out of something, smaller than a tennis ball..." Now if THAT makes you want to SCREAM... then by ALL FRIGGIN' MEANS... be... my... guest." Candy stared at him for a second. Now that was certainly convincing... especially after Urquhart had said it in such a tone. And so, next contraction, she let a ear-splitting one out. It almost crossed Urquhart's screaming standability line. But he didn't say anything, no complaints, just did his job.
At last, the silence of the maternity ward, was broken by just one, loud, painful scream, from the delivery room...