Chapter 17: With Arms Wide Open
"That's what you heard"
"How? I mean, what do you have?"
"I don't know yet" – He said, seeing her eyes fill with tears – "I'm sorry I haven't told you. I didn't want to concern you"
"John… it's ok. I can't say I'm not surprised. But we're gonna get through this. I couldn't handle the idea of living without you because I love you. You mean everything to me"
"Abby…" – He said, holding her hands – "Never doubt of how huge is my love for you. I may never have said that, but even the universe is bigger than the love I feel for you. I may never show this sometimes, but I do love you. I love you more than I will ever know"
He wipes away the tears that fall from her eyes and she closes them, feeling his touch.
"John, for so long I thought I'd never find my prince, my soul mate. Until you walk in my life and changes it completely. I knew since we saw each other that we'd be together and would be happy forever. And now I believe that I finally found my soul mate. And I know they exist"
They lean over and kiss each other, under moonlight, in the beach.
"How much longer will it take for them to come out? I can't even walk and see my feet"
"Not much. Soon we'll be four"
"They aren't even born and I already feel tired"
"Oh, please! You have two wonderful things inside of you" – He teased.
"You only say that because you don't have to carry these things for nine months"
They arrive home.
"Come here" – He said, pulling her closer to him and hugging her – "Let's just stay here, just you and me"
"John… we're already alone" – She laughed.
"Don't talk"
He leans over and kisses her. They walk until she falls on the bed with him over her.
"You know, we could go ahead" – He said, catching his breath.
"I think it's a good idea" – She said, lifting her head up and pressing her lips on his own, making him bend his head down. They start to take off each other's clothes and during half an hour they exchange love promises. Ten minutes later, her back is facing him and his arms are wrapped around her.
"Abby… this was great!" – He laughed – "I can't believe we…"
She's sleeping. She looks beautiful when she sleeps.
He places his hand on her belly and falls sleep.
Next day…
These contractions are killing me!
"John, we need to go to OB today"
"Huh, what?" – He asked, still half sleepy.
"We have an appointment today"
"What are you doing awake so early?"
"I couldn't sleep. Contractions. They are killing me"
"I'll go get dressed. Give me 20 minutes"
"Don't take too long. I'll be downstairs"
Half an hour later…
"John, let's go. I think it's time"
"I'm going" – He runs downstairs.
"My water broke"
"But we have fifteen days left"
"I know. But they are too agitated. Finally"
"Let's get going"
"I have to clean this"
"Abby, I don't think we have time" – He said, pulling her by the hand – "Besides, that's why we have maids. Now, let's go"
And they quickly arrive at County.
"Somebody help! She's giving birth!"
"Oh… these contractions hurt like hell"
"Go up with her" – Luka said.
"Please… call… Susan" – Abby said while she breathed.
"Ok, Abby. 5 centimeters dilated. You're almost there. On 3, you big push. 1, 2, 3"
"You're doing great, honey"
"C'mon. Keep pushing, keep pushing. Yeah, it's gonna take a while"
"How much?"
"I don't know. A couple hours"
"I can't continue anymore. I have no strength"
"I'll give you some time to recover. I'll be back soon"
"John… I don't think I can"
"Sure you can. You're doing great. Just a little bit more"
"Abby, ready to push some more? Carter, are you sure you wanna see?"
"Yes, I am. I wanna be next to her"
"Seven centimeters. You're doing great. I'm seeing a head. Keep pushing"
She finally stops pushing and hears the baby's cry.
"Oh… our daughter"
"Yeah, she's beautiful"
"Now the other one, push as hard as possible"
"I'm doing the best I can"
"Right. It's over. Two beautiful and healthy girls"