Summary: 'You're the only truth I know, you're the road back home.' After years apart, Andros and Ashley can finally start building their life together with their children. Sequel to Secrets Untold.
Tal: Yeah, but only on Sundays! Andros is cute!
Grass King: It was definitely about time. You'll love this baby, I swear.
Forevercrane: Don't worry, just read. Glad you liked the last chapter.
Jessica01: Um… maybe.
Alexandra Khayman: -drools- Of course I won't. I couldn't do that to you. Hope you like the baby.
Star Fata: Um… they might be. Or I'll probably be killed.
AA lover: You'd be surprised, though this little threat did the trick. Baby might be okay. I don't mind serious trouble.
SweetSas: Glad you like the kiddies. Don't let school kill you or I'll kill school.
Amanda: Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Johnny: The amniotic fluid being unclear means that the baby pooped and they can get very ill from that. I think that's the reason my youngest cousin almost died after he was born. Yeah, poor three, but Andros is being a good dad and sending them away to try and distract them.
Dragoneyes5000: I won't say. Here's the update.
PrettyDiva: -blushes- Thanks. It was about time she went into labour too. Chris was man of the house for 11 years, at moments he has trouble not to fall back into that role. You know, I had my ears pierced for a second time last Wednesday, so in a little while, I'll be able to wear my rings like Mr.-Perfect-in-every-single-way.
A: Yeah, definitely, I went from 22 review, to 19, to 16 to 27 or something. Atalya is Josh's wife, Zhane and Karone youngest daughter is Aila, the baby Ashley delivered in the elevator.
Tay: Couldn't not count you. You'll see how Andros will take this all.
Jenny: YAY! –huggles- you're the best! But it's really okay, I'll live! You're the only one excused from not reviewing, since you are my almighty beta-reader. And we've all had trouble with fanfiction (and me with my internet too) so don't worry about that. You're the best! And review really fast too (if you want to :P).
Zeopurple: Somehow, after my threat it wasn't, but before… well, it was counting down and that depressed me deeply. Glad you're happy about the baby. You'll love the kid, I'm sure.
Angelofadevil: Well, here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy.
Megarider: I won't stop. Yes, Cevil and Maura are back in future chapters and I decided they'll find their death in one too.
Phantom Rogue: Hehe, the baby is cute!
AJ: Maura is already pissed and she won't be there.
BlackHalliwell: Thanks.
Puasluoma: Thanks.
C.C.C.: Don't worry, that baby will be born, as the name of the chapter states. Don't worry, I know how much school can be a bother. Glad you had time to review now. Andros is definitely perfect, too bad he's not real. How dare they do that! Yes, I've got those two eps, but I don't believe they're in very high quality. I'll upload them when my internet stops being a bother.
Mita427: Nah, not at all, promise.
Mz. Daydream: So you've been tasting alcohol under-aged, who hasn't? Now it's the turn of the twins and Danne. Chris doesn't mind Karovan at all, he's just complaining for show.
Slytherin-Angel44: Here's the next chapter. Don't worry.
Shadow girl: No need to wait longer, here it is.
Living Truth
Chapter 5: Troublesome Bundle Of Joy
"Well Ashley, your baby is well on time this time around. Your twins just kept us waiting." Ashley's OB doctor greeted when she saw Andros bringing her in. "Someone bring a wheelchair."
"The amniotic fluid wasn't clear." Ashley gasped as another contraction hit.
"Okay, let's get you settled into a room then we'll see how far you've dilated and if we might need to consider a C-section." The OB sobered. "How long since your water broke?"
"Twenty minutes." Andros answered, worry only now creeping into his voice.
"Don't worry, there's enough time to deliver this baby before I'd start worrying."
Andros nodded reluctantly and helped Ashley into the wheelchair. He held her hand as a nurse wheeled her into the nearest free delivery room and helped her up to lean against the bed.
"You'll need to change into these." The nurse smiled, putting down a hospital gown on the bed.
Ashley grimaced at them and Andros squeezed her hand.
"I'll be right back." The doctor promised. "You change in the meantime."
Ashley nodded reluctantly and watched them leave the room. Andros gently cherished her cheek and placed a kiss on her lips.
"I'll help you." He promised as Ashley cringed. "I'll be here all the way this time."
With Andros's help Ashley was quickly changed into the hospital gown and lying on the bed, supported by a pile of pillows. She whimpered softly every time a contraction hit and Andros rubbed her back soothingly. His free hand was in Ashley's, getting squashed at those waves of pain.
The doctor returned and smiled at the two.
"Well, let's see how far you are." She smiled brightly. "Five centimetres, you're coming along quite nicely."
Ashley looked at the doctor and grumbled.
"Then why are you frowning?" She retorted.
"Oh… nothing to worry about. I'll be right back."
True to her word the doctor returned soon with a machine in tow. Ashley's eyes widened at the sight and Andros just looked confused. He'd seen it before when he went with Ashley for her check up. It showed them their baby through ultrasound, but why Ashley seemed to be freaking out about it now was beyond him.
"What's that for?" Ashley demanded.
The doctor stayed silent as she made another ultrasound. Something about the image made her sigh and she turned to the expecting parents.
"The baby turned. It's in a breech presentation and doesn't show any plans on doing something about that. I'll call-"
"No!" Ashley pressed firmly. "I will not have a C-section unless there's absolutely no other way."
"But Ashley…" The doctor protested.
"Don't 'but Ashley' me. I'm a doctor too, I know this stuff. I know it's risky to deliver a baby feet first, but C-sections aren't absolutely safe either. I want to try this the normal way…" She hesitated before adding. "If the baby doesn't come out you can perform one, but please, I beg you to try."
"Andros?" The doctor inquired, turning to him.
"I'm willing to support her in her choices." Andros nodded. "She knows this stuff better then I do."
The doctor sighed and nodded.
"As you wish, but let me tell you this; you've got yourselves one troublesome baby in there."
Ashley smiled faintly and nodded, stoking her stomach pensively.
"Let's just hope the baby is born healthy to be worth the trouble. I'd hate to have to go through this just to find out my baby is sick."
Andros placed a kiss on her forehead and whipped away the stray tears rolling down her cheeks. Ashley looked up at him gratefully and grabbed his hand.
"I'll be back to check on you later to see how far you've progressed." The doctor promised and left again.
"Are you sure you want it this way?" Andros inquired softly, sitting down on the bed next to her.
"Yes." Ashley replied with a slight sting to her tone. "I'm sure I don't want a C-section. Just shut up about it, okay?"
Andros nodded softly and stroked her hair tentatively. Every passing second seemed to drag on for hours as they waited, growing more and more nervous. Every once in a while the doctor would come in to check on Ashley's progress. It was only half an hour later, though it felt like years, that they were told Ashley had fully dilated and they could try to deliver the baby.
Andros held on to Ashley tightly, the fear for their baby radiating from them as a nurse came in to assist with the non-conventional birth. Ashley squeezed her eyes tight shut, not daring to watch. Every time she was told to push she did so blindly, ignoring the pain and just wanting it to be over. Andros held her hand, both squeezing with all their might, searching for comfort in each other.
"That's the last time you ever touched me." Ashley hissed as the pain became near unbearable.
"The baby's bp is dropping." The nurse whispered softly, but the anxious parents heard.
"Ashley, this is going to be the hard part. Just the head and you'll have your baby. I'm going to squeeze the nose shut and you'll have to give me one last big push."
"What's going on!" Ashley demanded hysterically.
"The baby is trying to breath, just push for me okay?"
Ashley screamed in pain as she complied, falling pack into the pile of pillows when she could push no longer. Tears were running down her cheeks and Andros stroked her hair, whispering silent words of support in her ear. For a moment the whole room was silent.
Then suddenly the room filled with the piercing wails of a newborn child and Ashley's eyes shot open at the same time as Andros's head shot up and turned.
"We'll it looks like a healthy baby boy to me." The doctor smiled as she held the shrieking child in her hands. "Would you like to cut the umbilical cord?"
Andros nodded silently and did exactly as he was told, watching his son screaming his little lungs out. The little boy was wrapped into a light blue blanket and placed into his tired mother's awaiting arms. He sat down next to them and wrapped his arm around Ashley's shoulder, looking down at his newborn son.
"He's worth it." Ashley whispered, placing a finger in the wide-open mouth.
The baby shut up and gently sucked his mother's finger and continued to do so until he realised there was no milk coming out of it. Andros laughed softly and nodded, placing a kiss on Ashley's head.
"More then worth it." He agreed.
"And does those this troublesome little bundle of joy have a name?" The doctor inquired with a smiled.
"Noah." Ashley replied determinedly. "Andros Noah Hammond."
Andros looked at her in mind surprise, but smiled and nodded.
"Andros Noah Hammond it is." He agreed. "Welcome to the world Noah, my revenge will be sweet."
A/N: Hope you liked it. This chapter is dedicated to Alexandra Khayman, because today is her birthday! Now, don't make me threaten to stop this story again and just review!