Calli's Pov…
I couldn't have been more grateful for my daughter making it through her recovery up against our enemy barely escaping death. It felt like a huge sigh of relief that she made it through one of the worst predicaments anyone could face. When we were set free by our brother, no one could probably describe the rage inside of me, it's like a demon released from me that no one would be able to control. Pushing the Dragon Lord into the fire was just the start of my anger and seeing him coming crawling out of the fire, made me want to take his life there once and for all for having the nerve of hurting my child in front of my eyes. I was so close ready to take my sword and do the final act, but I had to hold myself back when I saw Ellie in front of me in Leo's arms barely clinging on to life, I knew I couldn't do it. It would not only dishonor my father's teachings, it would only bring more darkness and destruction towards our clan, I knew then that there would be justice at the right time and that wasn't the right time. Something worse would be in store for our enemy, soon.
I was also very grateful that my second child wasn't harmed during the kidnapping, to know that I was pregnant at the time of the event and if he had hurt or killed my unborn child, I would never be able to forgive myself for it. But at least now this was miracle and both of my children are thriving and still alive. It was a quiet morning when I woke up, turning over on my side I could see Leo's side of the bed was empty, he must of left for training this morning with the boys. My hand grazed over his spot, the sheets were cold, it made it clear that he has been gone for awhile. I sighed hoping for some of his cuddles, it always can start of my mornings well. I faced the other way to find a dark pink rose with a note tied to it with a pink ribbon. Taking the rose sniffing in its sweet scent I read the note that said,
"I didn't want to wake you two up, you both looked so peaceful. Felt little squirt kicking me all night, you guys have a great day, we will be back soon"
Love, Leo
I smiled and I pushed the covers off my body to see my already exposed bump that was about the size of a small basketball, giving it a few gentle pats. It had been a few weeks since the kidnapping and the baby was growing fast, just like how Ellie did. "Were you kicking Daddy last night? I thought we agreed you would settled down after meditation", I said, giggling
I felt a hard kick hit my hand making me sit up letting out an airy laugh. "Oh you are a stubborn little one aren't you? Well you get that from your mother that's for sure", I said, sliding out of bed "Alright sweetheart, let's go get you something to eat"
I slid out of bed and looked to the side of our bedroom to see the nursery that was set up for when our little one would be born. Just like Ellie's nursery was, it was perfect and would be the best place to keep him or her safe and warm. The same white trimmed crib was up against the wall, inside it had dark green, bright yellow and white spotted bedding with one big white pillow with yellow trim with a big turtle sewn in the center of it. Hanging behind the crib was a quilt blanket with yellow, green, and brown patches with a yellow sunflower in the center of the piece. Beside the crib was the same rocking chair with the white padding with a yellow fuzzy blanket hanging on the back with the matching rocking footstool. On the wall I smiled seeing the art canvas, a bright sunrise with a shadow of a ninja standing on top of a mountain with trees of white cherry blossoms blowing in the wind in front of the shadow. I don't know how Leo was able to find this piece, but wherever he found it, it sure was a treasure to find. "Won't be long now, we have got a little feisty one for you", I said, softly to myself letting my hand graze over the trim of the crib
The little mobile hanging over the crib, still melts my heart, seeing the little stuffed turtles and rat was adorable, what was even more adorable, Leo was able to add in Ellie to the mobile by creating one of her with her green mask and tessens in her belt. I let my hand gently hold the new addition before looking down to my bump. "You are going to love what you see when you arrive my little angel", I said, giving my bump a few gentle pats
I then felt a hard kick hit me again in the lower plastron making me giggle leaning against the crib. "Okay okay, I am sorry we will go get food honey", I said
I stood up and went out of the bedroom to head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Once entering, I found Splinter had just finished prepping tea in the kettle as he was pouring himself some in a small cup. "Morning master", I said, softly
"Ahh good morning Callista, how are you feeling this morning my dear?", Splinter asked
"Oh I am fine thank you, I tell you though if this baby keeps up with the constant kicking throughout the remainder of this pregnancy, he or she just might kick their way out of me", I said, with a giggle sitting down at the dinning table
He chuckled. "It sounds like you and Leonardo have created a very active little one, just like their sister", he said, handing me a cup of tea
"Yes but unlike Ellie, this baby doesn't know when to take a break", I said, with a smile rubbing my bump softly "They are that stubborn"
I feel a hard kick, kick my hand once again making jump a bit in my chair, making Splinter laugh heartedly. "See what I mean? Okay honey settle down, please give mama a break, I got food for you", I said, reaching into the fruit bowl and taking a bite out of an apple
"You know your little one is reminding me of how Miwa was when she was still growing when Shen was pregnant with her, she was stubborn as well", he said, sitting down from across from me
"Your daughter Miwa was stubborn too?", I asked, curiously
"Oh very much so, there would be times where Shen wasn't able to move around much since Miwa wouldn't settle down for long periods, even with the best calming Japanese remedies", Splinter said, with a chuckle
"My goodness, how did she cope with it?", I asked
"She didn't mind much, but during the nights it would be rather exhausting for us both", he said "Where she not only would be kicking her mother, but myself"
"Wow! I wonder where she got that from?", I asked, with a giggle
Splinter chuckled. "I am not so sure, it was still a mystery to us both, even though Miwa was stubborn at times, we couldn't have been more blessed with having her as our daughter", he said
"I wish I could of met her", I said, softly "It would of been great to have a sister around"
"Yes, Miwa would be around your age by now, I would of like to think she would of turned out well as you did as a woman, my child", he said, taking my hand into his paw
I couldn't help but smile, but my smile turned into concern when I could see Splinter have a glint come over his eye, looking down. "I am really sorry that they were taken away from you, you didn't deserve that sadness", I said, softly "Trust me I know the feeling"
"It's not ever easy to lose someone you love Callista, I think about them everyday and wondered I could of done differently, would they still be here?", he said
I take his paw into my own giving it a gentle squeeze. "At least you are given the peace of mind, that they have been given justice and that they are in a better place Splinter", I said "I know you were only given a short time with them, but at least we never have to worry about that man ever again, justice was not only served to them but to my family as well, they are at peace as well as us"
He slowly looked up to me with a nod. "You are right, even though I am at peace, knowing that the Shredder no longer will reign terror over our family, there are times when it can be difficult", he said
"I hear that loud and clear", I said "Its hard, I know, I still get upset over the fact that they are gone, but at least I know that they are safe and can't be harmed anymore. And I know for a fact that Shen and Miwa are always watching, watching you, and that they know that you are happy and you have moved on"
Splinter gave me a warm smile and gentle squeeze to my hand. "Your words truly touch my heart Callista, I may have lost many things, my family, my home and my name", he said "But I gained many things as well, my boys, you, my grandchildren and our allies"
"Don't worry, we will see our families again and we will be together always", I said
Splinter slowly got up as he walked around till he was on my side holding out his arms towards me and I slowly stood up letting our arms embrace each other into a warm hug. We kept in it for awhile till I then felt a little kick against us both making me jump a little in the embrace. "See? Even your grandchild even agrees", I said
Splinter gently let his paw graze over my bump and instead of doing the harsh kicks the baby normally does, they were gentle as many little kicks nudged at his paw. "That feeling never ceases", he said
"It sure doesn't, it still amazes me to this day", I said
Soon as he removed his paw from my bump, I felt a hard kick hit my lower plastron making me hunch forward letting out a gasp followed by a chuckle. "Oh you are gentle for your grandfather but harsh on mama, why do I have to get the blunt of it?", I asked, jokingly
"A stubborn and mischievous one that they are", Splinter said, letting out a light chuckle helping me stand up
"Well they may get their stubbornness from me, but for sure not the mischievous part", I said "I only hope that they didn't inherit that from Mikey, otherwise we are really going to be in for it"
Later on in the afternoon, the baby did finally started to calm down after a meditation session we did together in the dojo, finally giving me a break from all that kicking. Even though the baby had settled down, I was feeling some tight cramps for some odd reason in my lower bump, they were a bit painful but not too much at the moment. I didn't think of it much thinking it was just from being sore from all the kicking the baby has been doing. Soon as I left the dojo I made myself a glass of ginger ale heading towards the living room where I saw my daughter Ellie come trudging in with her box of art supplies under her arm and a crutch underneath her other. My eyes fell to the huge cast on her leg that went up to her knee as she made slow steps, holding her crutch out and making a step closer to the couch.
Unfortunately, it turns out after Ellie awoke from her three day coma, we had noticed that Ellie wasn't putting much weight on her right leg for some reason and it was swelling up a bit. We had Donnie do x-rays on her leg and to our shock she actually broken her tibia in one place. We came to the conclusion that when Dragon Lord had struck Ellie on the back of the head, that they way she had fallen landing in the position that she was in had broken the bone. I was just surprised that Ellie didn't feel it after she had woken up and she was just as surprised too. It ended up having her leg to be put in a cast and having her be out of training for six weeks until her leg was fully healed. Although Ellie was disappointed about the predicament, the boys made sure to perk her right back up decorating her cast. As she tried to sit down leaning on her crutch, she struggled to bend down to the floor.
"Hey my brave little kunoichi, how are you feeling with your cast?", I asked, walking up to her, taking her art supplies putting them on the coffee table "Do you need help?"
"I got it Mama thank you, but it feels funny, I feel like my leg is heavy as Uncle Raph's weight set", she said, as she sat down pulling her leg forward with her hands as her foot hit the floor loudly
"Sometimes his head is about as heavy in some cases", I said, with a giggle "But it's only for a little while longer honey, just to make sure you leg can heal up properly and get back on to patrol with us"
"I would like to kick that Dragon Doofus butt over the moon for doing this!", Ellie said, with a angry face
"Oh we all do as well Ellie, there is no doubt about that", I said, stroking her shoulder
"Before we do that, I would like to give him a good whack with my crutch!", Ellie said, trying to stand back up with her crutch
She tried to swing the crutch in the air, but ended up losing her balancing swinging it across, luckily I was able to catch her at the last second as she giggled embarrassed. "Just relax, you have done enough, we will defeat him for sure", I said, with a smile helping her sit on the floor
"I am feeling kind of beaten to a pulp", Ellie said, rubbing her cast "I saw you push him into the fire, before I fell asleep, you didn't kill him?"
"He will live, unfortunately, when the time comes we will get justice", I said
"Yeah get revenge on everything he has done to us!", Ellie said
"Revenge and justice are two different things, ninjas don't seek out revenge Eleanora, it leads to dishonor on the code of the ninja, when you fight with honor you followed the noble path and have done the right thing", I said "You have done justice, do you understand?"
"Okay Mom I understand, we won't seek out revenge, we will get justice", Ellie said, nodding in understanding
"I wanted to let you know I couldn't be more sorry that this happened to you Ellie, let alone it to happen on your first patrol, I know how much this meant to you", I said, sitting down on the couch behind her
"Don't be, it was bound to happen sooner or later, at least now it probably won't happen again till later on", she said
"Maybe, maybe so, you might be right, you can never know what each patrol will bring, it can bring challenges, victories, defeats and even injuries", I said
"Did you get injured on your first patrol Mama?", Ellie asked
"You know, I actually did Ellie", I said, with a nod and smile
"You did? Really? What happened?", she asked, turning to face me
"I had to wait a long time before I was able to able to go out on patrol on my own, only because my father wanted to make sure I was ready and when that time came I felt so confident and proud, I wanted to show him my true potential and how my skills have progressed just like how you wanted to", I said "I actually broke my ankle on my first patrol"
"Ow! Did it hurt?", she asked
"Oh it did, I was fighting the Foot Clan a few years before I met your father, they were our enemy for many years even before I was born, the Foot Clan were taking a hostage and trying to rob of a man of his goods and I had rushed in to try and stop and save him. I was able to defeat most of them, but one in particular was very strong, stronger and muscular than the others and he and I were a match in combat. I was very close to defeating him and right when I went in to deliver the final kick, he grabbed my ankle breaking it like a twig", I said
"Woah! He did that? Wow!", she said, looking in awe
"I thought I was done for and I couldn't complete my mission, until I heard a voice in my head telling me, "Never give up, never surrender" and I didn't, despite being in pain I was able to take him down with a punch and a pressure point to the neck", I said
"Wow Mama, that was amazing! But who told you not to give up and not surrender?", Ellie asked
"That would of been Julietta", I said
"Who's Julietta?", Ellie asked
"She is my grandmother and she is your great grandmother, she told me when I was younger to never give up and to never surrender to anything, to keep trying until you succeed", I said "I am surprised I even remembered that saying after all these years"
"Is she still here today?", she asked
"I am not so sure honey", I said, shaking my head "After Yani, your grandfather saved me from the Foot Clan and Shredder in Italy, I don't know if she is still around today"
"Maybe she might be", Ellie said "You never know"
"It is a possibility", I said, nodding "Maybe I might find out someday"
"The Foot Clan and Shredder won't come back will they Mama?", Ellie asked
"No baby, you won't ever to see those horrible monsters and you never have to worry about facing them like I did, we made sure that they were gone for good", I said
"Why did they attack you and your family in Italy? I always wondered why when you told me about that story", Ellie asked
I sighed softly, that answer has been haunting me for so long, from the moment that event had occurred to this day forward I always wondered why out of all people and out of all places that this particular clan and their leader had attacked a couple with a child and destroyed their home, separated a family forever and kill all its memories, it just didn't make any sense. "I would love to know that answer as much as you do sweetheart, but unfortunately I don't know", I said
"There has to be a reason why", Ellie said "They could not just do this for no reason"
"I know there should be a reason why, but it's very difficult to find it", I said
"I will help you find the reason Mama, we will find out together", she said
I couldn't help but smile warmly down to her. "I appreciate that baby girl", I said, stroking her head "More than you will ever know"
Ellie smiled and looked towards my bump. "Is the baby growing Mama?", she asked, pointing to it
"Oh yes, he or she is growing up very fast, it's only one more month before we all get to meet them", I said, with a smile giving my bump a few gentle strokes
"I can't wait to be a big sister! It's going to be awesome!", Ellie said
"Well you see this bump?", I asked, cradling it with both my arms
"Yup!", Ellie said, with a smile
"Uncle Donnie says its going to get bigger", I said
Ellie just started to laugh. "It couldn't possibly get bigger than that", she said
I giggled kneeling down to her keeping my balance on my knees. "It can possibly, he says its going to get a lot bigger", I said
Ellie made a dramatic noise rolling her eyes before letting her head hit the coffee table. "I know honey believe me it will probably be bigger than when I was having you", I said, rubbing her shell as she faced up to look at me
"That must be hard work", she said, looking down at my growing bump
I couldn't help but laugh shaking my head. "Its not that bad, but it can be tough at times", I said "Oh but brace yourself there sis, you and I are going to probably have to stick together on this one"
"What? Why?", Ellie asked, curiously
"Daddy thinks it will be...a boy", I said
"Oh great", Ellie said, letting her head hit the coffee table again
"What do you think?", I asked
"I know for sure its going to be a girl!", Ellie said, looking up at me "Boys stink!"
"Oh they can, we do have your uncles living here. But what happens if it will be a boy?", I asked "Should we dress him in little kimonos if he is a boy?"
"Yup! And give him geisha dolls, dancing ribbons, head crowns and a pink room filled with cherry blossoms and butterflies!", Ellie said, giggling
"Okay deal!", I said, softly holding up my hand as Ellie giggled giving me a high five
"Make it a lot of cherry blossoms!", she said
"You realize what that would do to Daddy right?", I asked
"What?", she asked
"It would kill him", I said, with a giggle
Ellie just burst out into laughter and I couldn't help but join in with her, she can have the funniest answers to questions sometimes, I just wonder how she comes up with it in her little head, but then again I do have a creative daughter on my hands. As the laughter started to die down I felt a sharp pain hit me in my lower plastron making me hunch forward a little bit, making me grit my teeth. "Mom? Are you okay?", Ellie asked, looking at me concerned
I looked over at her with a small smile. "I am okay, its probably nothing sweetheart, its just a cramp, it happens sometimes, I think I am going to lay down for a little while", I said, getting to my feet
But as I got to stand up I could feel the cramp starting to worsen by the second, making me start to breathe harshly. I was almost starting to lose my ability to stand the pain was that intensifying as I crashed on to the bed, laying down on my side. I thought for sure once I got comfortable the pain was subside, but that wasn't the case at all. But as ten minutes went on no matter what position I tried the pain only got worse by the second. I stumbled out of bed and tried to make my way out to go get a drink of water, but then I felt another horrible sharp pain hit me forcing me to fall to my knees and land on my side making me yelp out in pain. "Mama!"
I saw Ellie come running with her crutch to my side coming down to me on her knees. "Mama what happened?", she asked, sounding worried
"Eleanora, get Splinter okay?", I said
"Okay! Granddad! Granddad!", Ellie yelled, getting up and going towards Splinter's room
I didn't know what was going on or why I was in this much pain, I never experienced pain like this before during my pregnancy with Ellie, I only would get a little bit discomfort in my lower back, but nothing like this. "Mommy fell!", Ellie said, as I could hear rapid footsteps coming closer
I was then met with the face of my concerned father Splinter hovering over me taking my hand in his paw and resting his other behind my head. "Callista what has happened?", he asked
"I am not sure, this pain just came out of nowhere!", I said
I then could feel something warm against my leg and I looked down towards my bump and I could see a red streak rushing down my thigh starting to pool on the floor, oh no it was blood, luckily my daughter wasn't able to see it. I didn't need her becoming scared of the situation. "Oh no", I said, softly to myself
"Mommy what's happening?", Ellie asked, looking at me frightened
"It's going to be okay baby girl, everything will be fine", I said, trying to sound as calm as possible before I faced Splinter "We need Donnie back here now!"
"Agreed, I must get to the boys", Splinter said
"Granddad I will get them! You stay here with Mommy and I will bring Daddy and Uncle Donnie back!", Ellie said
"My granddaughter, your injury hasn't yet fully healed and I fear that-", Splinter said
"I don't care right now! Mama needs help! I have to!", she said, looking at him serious but yet scared "I have to save my brother or my sister!"
I could see Ellie was very scared in her eyes, but I knew from her tone of voice she was determined and wouldn't back down from this. Splinter's words were right Eleanora was wise beyond her years and she was taking control of the situation just like a leader would. Splinter looked at her for a moment and then back down at me, before looking back up to Ellie again. "Are you sure you can do this Eleanora?", Splinter asked
"I won't let you guys down!", she said
"Eleanora, we never have to worry about that, just hurry and please be careful, your leg is still healing", I said, wincing in pain
"I am on it Mama! I'll hurry!", Ellie said, taking off running with her crutch
As we watched her leave the lair climbing up the ladder, I screamed out in pain feeling more blood starting to come out starting to pool in between in my legs. "Oh gosh, Splinter I don't know what's happening! I think I might be having a miscarriage!", I said, sounding panicked
"Don't fret Callista, we will have to rely on Donatello in order to find the cause of this predicament, you need to stay calm and breathe", Splinter said, gently stroking my forehead "We don't need more stress on the baby"
He was right I had to stay calm, I didn't want to put more pressure and stress on the baby than it already was, as hard it was to calm down I tried to breathe steady as I kept my grip on Splinter's paw tight with my own, I only hoped that Ellie could reach the boys in time.
Ellie's Pov...
I tried to run as fast as I could through the sewers to get to Daddy and Uncle Donnie, but with a heavy cast on my leg, it almost made it difficult to do so. I felt like I had a huge rock stuck to my leg, but I kept running, I had to help Mama and my brother or sister. Luckily I knew where everyone was training at today and I knew the quickest way to get here. If anyone were to be trying to find out where they were going down here, I am sure that they would get lost in the big maze of tunnels. Luckily I had my uncles teach me the quickest routes and know certain tunnels to figure out where I am underground. I ran through many turns nearly slipping on the wet floor and into the river of sewage, luckily I had my crutch to help me keep my balance. Soon I could hear the sound of waterfalls, I knew I was getting very close. There was a cavern that had many different waterfalls coming from pipes from different parts of the city. I then could hear the sounds of fighting and I could see my family doing sparring matches as I ran through the tunnel. "Daddy! Uncle Donnie!", I yelled
As I came closer I went straight towards Daddy who was sparring against Uncle Raph. "Daddy! Help!", I yelled
He suddenly stopped fighting and looked towards me, but was knocked back by a phoenix punch made by Uncle Raph on to the ground. "Dad!", I said, trudging over to him
"Ellie?", Uncle Raph said, looking confused as Uncle Donnie and Mikey came over
I helped Daddy sit up as he shook his head before looking to me. "Eleanora? What are you doing out here? I thought you were suppose to be-", he said
"Daddy it's Mama! She fell and the baby is hurt!", I said
His eyes went wide and he immediately got up to his feet. "Come on! We are on the move! Let's go!", Daddy said
I felt Uncle Mikey scoop me up into his arms quickly as Daddy took off running with my uncles following close behind him. I was just glad I found them and now we can head back home to help Mama.
Leo's Pov…
Adrenaline kicked in throughout my body as I ran quickly back towards the lair, determined to make it back to Callista. Hearing Ellie telling me that Calli had fallen and that the baby was injured, it made start to panic, I don't think I ever have ran faster for anything until now trying to make it home. I was shocked to know that Ellie had ran the three miles to get to us with a healing broken leg to let us know what was happening. Many thoughts were running through my mind on what was going on, I only hoped that both my wife and child were okay and that it wasn't a serious fall. Soon as we made it to the lair entrance I hadn't bothered to use the ladder instead I jumped in, and to my horror to find Callista on the floor moaning in pain with Splinter hovering over her damping her head with a wet towel.
"Calli!", I said, running to her side quickly kneeling down to her
"Leo", she said, breathing heavily
"What happened?", I asked, taking her hand into mine "Are you okay?"
"I don't know, this pain just happened out of nowhere and I fell and-", she said, unable to finish her sentence as she yelped out in pain
I could see a glisten of red from the corner of my eye and I could see the blood pooling on the floor. Now I was starting to really panic, what was going on? Why was this happening all of a sudden? "Donnie!", I yelled
My brother came rushing over and gasped softly at the sight we were witnessing, he didn't say anything instead he immediately picked up Calli in his arms. bridal style. "Leo on me in the lab now! Everyone stay out here!", he said "I will do everything I can!"
"Mama!", Ellie said, about to run after them, but Mikey held her back picking her up in his arms
"It's okay Princess, Mama is going to be alright", he said, soothing her hugging her close
I was almost hesitant to leave my daughter alone, I knew she was scared about what was happening, until I felt my father's paw on my shoulder. "Go to your wife Leonardo, she needs you, we will keep Eleanora calm", he said
I nodded quickly and ran into the lab shutting the doors behind me, before running into the direction of Calli, who was now laying on the hospital bed still breathing hard and rapid. "Blood pressure is rising, heart rate is accelerating", Donnie said, as he was hooking Calli up to different machines
"Leo, what's happening?", she asked, looking at me with fear written in her eyes
"It's going to be okay honey, I am right here", I said, kissing her forehead softly "Donnie talk to me, what's going on?"
"I have to do an ultrasound to find out what's going on", he said, bringing the ultrasound machine towards Calli's side
Squeezing on blue gel he placed the wand on her bump and began searching for the heartbeat. What seemed like forever, he found it and we heard the baby's rapid heartbeat and movement from inside Calli. "What's wrong? Why is it moving so much? And is the heartbeat suppose to be beating that fast?", I asked, sounding concerned
"No something isn't right, the baby is in distress for some reason", he said, moving the wand around more on her bump
After a few more moments, I could see my brother's eyes widen and he immediately left the beside starting to gather up medical gear. "Donnie what is it?", I asked
"It's a placenta abruption", he said, moving a table on wheels towards the bed
"Wait what does that mean?", Calli asked
"The cord is not connected to your uterus and the baby and if its detached the baby is quickly losing oxygen and it won't survive being inside for much longer, it could suffocate", Donnie said, putting on gloves
"What do we do?!", I asked
"I have to perform an emergency C-section on Calli", he said
"But Donnie the baby is not even done growing! Its still too-", I said, trying to talk clearly but everything was coming out like gibberish
"There is no time Leo your son or daughter is dying!", Donnie said
"Now! Get them out now! Please save them!", Calli said
Donnie ran off taking many more things from off the shelves as I looked to Calli, who looked scared with a few tears going down her cheeks. I shook my thoughts from my mind, as I became serious, as scary as this situation it was right now, I had to be brave one in the situation for both my wife and my child to keep the situation calm as possible. "Leo I am so sorry", she said
"This isn't your fault okay? This is not on you", I said, stroking her cheek "I am going to be right here every second"
"Please do everything you guys can to save them, I want them to live", she said, as Donnie put a green curtain in front of her chest
"They will be I just know it", I said, as Donnie came to Calli with a mask
"Okay Calli just breathe in for a few seconds and you will go right to sleep, deep breathes", Donnie said, turning on a gas tank right beside him
"Be brave for me Calli, it's going to be okay", I said, as he put the mask over Calli's mouth
"Sure, I will be brave", she said, as she started to breathe in the gas
Her eyelids started to close very quickly as the gas started to take affect till they finally shut closed. "I will work as quick as I can, just stay with her, I need absolute quiet", he said, as he put on gloves
Soon as Calli went under from the gas, my brother Donnie went straight to work on performing the C-section and I could only think of one thing, was my baby dead or alive? As much as I wanted to see my child, the sheet covering the procedure and not wanting to stress out Donnie during this time made it unbearable. The thought of him having to cut through my wife and having to take our child out was heartbreaking just thinking about it, the fact that our baby wasn't even done growing made the thought even worse. Would he or she be able to survive being outside of Calli? I kept my grip tightly in Calli's just praying over and over my head again that they would both make it through. As time went on and I heard nothing but the heart monitor beeping, metal clinking on a tray, and the sound of my own heart pounding in my ears and what seemed like an eternity of waiting, I heard one last clink of metal on the tray and the sound of the gas being turned off, and a soft coo fill my ears.
I gasped softly and my grip on Calli's hand began to slowly release as I stood up making my way around. I looked over the curtain to see Calli was stitched up from the C-section from Donnie's work, it made my gut clench from how big he had to do the cut. I could see Donnie turn in my direction and inside an incubator was my baby. Soon as my eyes laid on them, I couldn't even remember if I was breathing or not as I walked closer. "Is it...?", I asked, barely above a whisper
I felt like my knees were about ready to give out from under me, terrified to hear Donnie's answer. You never think that this could ever happen to you, asking if your child was alive or dead, but this was happening right now. I feared the worst on what was about to be said. "She is alive...but barely", Donnie said, softly
"It's a girl?", I asked, feeling some of the fear release me
"She's beautiful Leo, she looks like you", he said, moving to the side
As I stepped forward, I could see my tiny daughter inside attached to many little tubes and small heart monitor on the table beside her. She was so small, she could just fit perfectly in the palm of my hand and Donnie's words were right she was beautiful, even with her not being fully grown and developed, she was beautiful even with my features. Her green wrinkled skin, her tiny plastron and tiny slender brown shell with her mother's figure, she was gorgeous. "Oh my gosh...", I said, softly
I reached inside an small opening in the incubator wanting to touch my daughter, but stopped at the last second thinking one touch would hurt her for being so fragile and underdeveloped. But I gained up my courage and I slowly reached in further till my thumb ever so carefully stroked her balled up hand, her baby skin was so soft. Just seeing my daughter attached to all these tubes helping to keep her alive was overwhelming for me, how could this just happen out of nowhere? I was looking forward to another moment where my beautiful wife would bring our child into the world and make it just as special and amazing when she had Eleanora. Now my little girl was fighting for her life to stay alive just like how her sister had to endure, why them? Out of all people why do my daughters have to face something like this? They don't deserve anything like this.
When I was at least expecting it, I felt three little fingers barely being able to grip my thumb, they were tiny, but she had an iron grip, she wasn't going to let go. "Hey pretty girl, it's okay, I am here", I said, softly "Donnie is she going to be-?"
"It's hard to know right now, as we know she is a month underdeveloped and most of her arteries haven't fully developed yet", Donnie said, shaking his head
"What are you saying?", I asked
"All I am saying is I don't know if she is going to make it Leo, with her being so underdeveloped, this support is the only thing that is keeping her alive and I don't even know if that will be enough", he said
I shut my eyes tight near close to breaking down hearing my daughter didn't have a good chance at survival. That her life is in the balance, that she won't be able to experience what life is like and be able to be apart of our clan and be apart of the future team of protectors, but she deserves that chance, I had to be strong for her, I had to do it for her. It was going to be hard, but she needed me. I couldn't give up. "May I please hold her?", I asked
"You may but we have to keep her on the support", he said
He opened the incubator and carefully took her in his hands as I carefully held out my arms being ever so gentle and careful. Soon as I felt the light weight of my daughter on my forearm I cradled her closer to my chest for warmth as I sat down. Even with me so careful I was afraid one wrong move and I would hurt her or break a fragile bone. As I wrapped her blanket around her closer she was able to find my thumb again and held on tight with her iron grip, I knew from her tiny grip she wanted to live. She wanted to stay. I kissed her little hand and her forehead softly, letting my temple rest against hers. "You have a tight little grip on me there munchkin, just like I do", I said, softly
"Leo?", a voice mumbled
I looked over to see my wife was stirring and moving slightly, starting to slowly wake up from the surgery. "I will give you two some time alone, but I will have to be back later to keep track on her progress", Donnie said. resting his hand on my shoulder "I will let everyone know what is happening"
"Thank you", I said, with a nod "But please don't make it frightening for Ellie, it will be too much for her"
Donnie nodded with understanding and he carefully let his hand stroke the back of his nieces head before leaving the lab giving us some alone time with our child. I carefully wheeled our baby's support behind my leg as we both made our way over to my wife. Her dark blue eyes began to slowly fluttered open looking up to me. "Leo?", she asked, sounding very drowsy
"It's okay Calli I am here, everything went smoothly", I said
"What about the baby? Is-is it?", she asked, trying to sit up
"We had a girl Calli", I said, softly "She is alive"
She rubbed her eyes with her hand before letting her vision focus on the tiny bundle in my arms. A soft gasped escaped her lips as she locked her eyes on our baby covering her mouth with her hand, upon seeing this sight. "We had a girl? But Leo? Why is she attached to all those tubes?", she asked
"It's life support, she has to be on it Calli, it's the only thing that is keeping her alive, for now at least", I said, with a frown
"Oh dear god", Calli said, hiding her face into her hands
"But she is a fighter though Calli, I feel it coming from her, she wants to live", I said
Calli looked to me with a heartbroken look before looking to our daughter, reaching over and letting her hand gently graze over her tiny plastron. "She is so small, I can't believe it", she said
"Hey, do you wanna see Mama?", I asked, looking down to our sleeping daughter "I am sure she wants to meet you"
I carefully passed our daughter over to her mother as Calli took her ever so slowly in her arms. I made sure that the tubes were still attached before making my way over to the other side of Calli, sitting down beside her on the bed. "I can't believe she is alive", Calli said, softly "I was so scared that she wouldn't make it through surgery"
"I can't believe it either, but it's a miracle she survived", I said
"Oh Leo, how could this just happen? I was doing all the right things and now our baby-", she said, sounding like she was about to burst into tears
I hushed her softly bringing her head close to mine giving her forehead a deep loving kiss to help calm her down. "It's not your fault, like you told me with Ellie, you can't take the blame for something you don't have control over, the only thing we can do is be here for her, to give her that love and strength that she needs, that is what will keep her here with us", I said
I could feel the tension release from Calli as she began to slowly calm down and looked to me with a nod. "You are right, that's all we can do", she said
Calli brought our daughter carefully out onto her forearm resting her little head on her hand and supporting her shell with her other. Both of us stared down at our tiny fragile little girl, watching her sleep soundly with her mouth agape. "Hey you, we really need you to stay with us okay? Everyone here was looking forward to having you apart of the family and being apart of our clan", Calli said, softly, sniffling back a few tears "I just thought about what your name should be, Julietta Miwa Hamato, after two women in our family that were stubborn because they never gave up. And I know that's what you are, you are a stubborn little fighter and we know you have the strength to live. I know you won't give up on us I just know it. We both love you so much. Please stay, we can't lose you"
She brought our daughter closer giving her head a gentle kiss before bringing her back to rest on her chest again. As time went on, there was not a word spoken nor a sound being made, besides the heart monitor beating every couple of seconds echoing throughout the room. I could barely hear it for all my focus was on Julietta. It was a perfect name for her, it fit her so well. As she slept on Calli let her finger stroke her fisted hand continuously as my own joined in on her other fisted hand, letting her know we are both here for her. As if she knew, she let her little hands gripped us both in tight grasps, having no intention on letting us go, bringing them close to her heart with a light coo escaping from her. "We are here for you Julie, we know you can beat this", I said, quietly "We know you can"
Or at least I hope she could...I only prayed that a miracle would happen, a miracle that would help my daughter survive.
Julietta Miwa Hamato
4lbs 3oz
8.04 Inches
March 24th 2020 2:35 p. 3