Chapter 13:
As the Mallrats gathered in the café the next morning two of their members were conspicuously absent. Salene and May had not come down to breakfast and none of the others were brave enough to go up and get them. The younger members sat gossiping about what had occurred between Lex and Salene on the stairs, while the older mallrats tried to ignore the situation and focus on other matters, like Mega.
"We need to think about security. Mega's already attacked the mall once, he will try again." Jay said.
"We should think about putting guards around the hotel," Jack added, "If Mega gets his hands on any of that computer equipment it could be bad for us."
"That's the understatement of the year," Lex put in helpfully.
"Good idea, Jack." Jay answered, ignoring Lex's comment. "I'll arrange to have guards at all the entrances to the hotel as soon as possible."
"I'll round up some of my police force and post them around the mall," Ebony joined in.
"I'll put together an announcement that we can air on Citynet," Amber said, "The people need to be aware that Mega is back. Maybe they can help us find him."
"Good thinking Amber," Jay said.
"Oh yeah, cause a public service announcement is just what we need." Lex said sarcastically.
"Shut up, Lex," Trudy said, giving him a stern look.
"I don't see you jumping up to help, Lex." Amber said angrily.
"I don't see you coming up with any brilliant ideas, Amber." Lex returned.
"Stop it!" Slade shouted. "We need to find Josh! Soon! And none of you are helping very much at the moment."
May awoke in horrible pain. Oh, God…This was it, and she was alone, no one was here to help her. She had to get to Salene.
As the pain subsided she climbed carefully out of bed and made her way out into the hallway. Though it was morning, the mall seemed empty; she supposed the others were gathered down in the café for breakfast. She desperately hoped that Salene was not with them. Slowly she made her way to Salene's door. Even as she knocked on the door she was gripped by another contraction. As she cried out from the pain and clutched her middle Salene opened the door.
"May!" Salene cried, "What's wrong, are you ok?"
"Salene," May answered through gritted teeth. "It's coming…..the baby's coming."
"Oh God! May, you need to lie down; let me help you." Salene said, slipping an arm under May and helping her into her room and onto her bed.
"Salene," May cried, tears coming to her eyes, "I'm not ready for this, this can't be happening."
"I'm sorry May, but it looks like it is. Don't worry, everything will be fine." Salene said in her most motherly tone. "I've got to go get some supplies, I'll be right back. You'll be fine, alright. Don't worry."
"Don't leave me alone, Salene, please."
"I'll be right back, honey, it's alright. You'll be fine." Salene said touching her lips tenderly to May's forehead.
As she left the room she heard a sob escape May's lips as another contraction came upon her.
Salene ran into the café, taking no notice of the other Mallrats gathered around the tables.
"Well, didn't think we'd be seeing you down here this morning," said Gel.
"What," Salene said confusedly looking back at her.
"I said…" Gel began.
"I don't have time for this Gel, May's having the baby. Put some water on to boil, make yourself useful." Salene said sharply.
"What?" Amber said coming to stand beside Salene, "Did you say she's having the baby?"
"Yes," Salene answered while opening cupboards and gathering clean towels. "She just came to my room a few minutes ago, she's having contractions, they seem pretty close together."
"But it can't be," said Trudy worriedly, "She's not far enough along."
"Well you can go look for yourself, she's up in my room right now." Salene said defensively.
"I didn't mean…Salene, I'll just go put Brady down for her nap and I'll be right up to help, alright."
"Alright, I'm sorry Trudy; I'm just a bit…worried."
"We know Salene," said Amber, "But you're not alone, we're all here to help. I'll just go on up and see what I can do."
"Thanks Amber," Salene said, looking relieved.
"What can I do?" asked Jay.
"Find some scissors, or a sharp knife, and sterilize them. We'll need them to cut the cord." Salene answered.
Jay did as she asked and the others began to get up and move around, looking for some way to help the situation. As Salene began to make her way back up the stairs the mall suddenly went dark.
"Jack, what happened?" Jay called from the base of the stairs.
"Looks like the electricity went out." Jack answered.
"Oh boy, I could've figured that one out, didn't need a computer geek to tell me that." Lex said rolling his eyes at the top of the stairs.
"We'd better get over to the hotel; Mega could be sabotaging our systems." Jay said.
"Right." Jack agreed, handing his handful of clean towels off to Lex. "It's all yours, good luck, papa."
"Hey, wait…You can't leave me here…with this…I can't." Lex stuttered to Jack, Jay and Slade's retreating backs.
"It's alright Lex," Trudy said, coming up the stairs behind Salene, "You won't have to do a thing. May's going to be doing all the hard work, and Amber, Salene and I will do the rest."
"Right, good." Lex said, stepping into the room as May let out an earsplitting cry.
"Lex, hand me a towel, I think I can see the baby's head," said Amber.
But with the sight that greeted him, Lex turned and headed for the door. "I'm outta here."
"But Lex, this is your child! Get back here!" Trudy called to him.
"No way!" He shouted on his way down the stairs.
"Here it comes…towels please! Push May, push!" cried Amber.