Chapter 6: Mommies in Training

"Hey, it's Bella again. I'm now in my third month of pregnancy, and my belly's beginning to show a little. While it's nice, I've been hearing snide comments about my pregnancy from my co-workers. And some of them also gave grief to Ellie. And it made me think about my future as a mother and a career woman."

The next day at work, while I was working, Ed got everyone's attention.

"Listen up, everyone."

He looked very upset.

"I've been hearing some rude remarks from you all about some of our female workers."

I immediately knew he was talking about the people who were bad mouthing Ellie.

"This is the 21st century, we're supposed to treat everyone with respect. So if I hear anymore of these rude things, you'll earn an unpaid vacation."

Everyone immediately understood. As he was leaving, he glanced at me. That surprised me, he was defending me too?

At my next doctor's appointment, Jim and I chatted with Ed and Ellie a little.

"After this, we're going to see my doula." Ellie said.

"A doula?" I asked.

Ellie explained to me, that a doula provided a new mother with emotional support and advice.

"Her name's Maggie. And she's been a god send."

Then a nurse called me and Jim back. Dr. Landon checked me and the baby.

"How's everything looking?" asked Jim.

"Everything's looking a-okay." Dr. Landon, replied.

"You have your nursery all ready?"

"You bet. Everything back home is ready." I informed.

After we left, I began to feel a little better about motherhood.

Before going back to the house, we stopped by the store to pick up groceries. As we walked down the aisle, we passed the infant aisle. I saw all the diapers, bottles, toys, and other baby needs and accessories.

Gee I knew babies needed a lot, but I never knew it was this much. I saw a young couple and their baby buying all the baby clothes they could. Another couple had put there baby in a swing and were playing with him.

But then we saw a couple sights that wasn't so cute. A woman was dragging along a crying and screaming toddler. Another couple was trying to soothe a crying baby. It definitely showed us that parenthood wasn't all cupcakes and rainbows.

On the ride back, Jim and I talked about parenthood.

"I guess we got a glimpse on what our lives will be like soon." Jim told me.

"Yeah, it'll certainly be a new experience." I replied.

"You think I'll be good at being a mom?"

"Of course you will."

He took my hand. He began to tell me, what a good person I was, and how I'd be a great mom. I smiled at him, and began to feel a little better. At work the next day, while I was working on my computer, Ellie came up to me.

"Hi, Bella. How're you doing?"

I told her that I was doing fine, and found myself telling Ellie about my worries about motherhood. Then Ellie's face lit up. And then she offered to let me come to some of her pregnancy classes, and even go with her to meet her doula. It was such a nice offer, that I accepted.

So that Saturday, Ellie and I went into the city. First she took me to an exercise class, where all the other moms to be were very nice to me. The instructor showed us different exercises, and they were really pleasant.

Afterwards we went to see Maggie. She was very kind, and told us about different breathing techniques, and gave me advice on what foods to eat and not eat, and comfortable ways to sleep. When we finished with her, I thanked Ellie for the day.

"It's no problem, Bella." Ellie replied.

"You know, Ed and I also take couples class. You and Jim should join."

I told her I'd think about it, while a couples class would be interesting, Jim probably wouldn't want to be around Ed. That evening, I told Jim about my day, and Ellie's offer.

"I don't know, Bella." he told me.

"Jim, I know you're resentful towards Ed. But this could be really good for us, and the baby." I reasoned.

I rubbed my belly to convince him. Jim eventually gave in, and agreed to go to the class.

So on our next day off, Jim and I went to the address Ed and Ellie gave us. There were many other expecting couples already there, including Ed and Ellie. Ellie invited us to sit next to them, and so we did.

The instructed stepped in front of us and started the class. First she told the moms to lie our mats, and the dads to sit either behind or beside us. We learned breathing techniques, ways to help us deal with the pain, and told our partners how to comfort and soothe us.

As I paid attention, I glanced over at Ed and Ellie, and noticed that Ed was looking at me and Jim. It was strange, I'd think he'd pay more attention to Ellie. After the class, Jim helped me up, and we got ready to leave.

But Jim told me he had to use the restrooms first, and coincidentally so did Ellie. They left, leaving me and Ed alone. It was really awkward, as the two of us just stood there in silence. Then finally, Ed spoke up.

"Bella, would you like to grab a drink sometimes? I really want to talk to you."

I was shocked to hear this. What in the world would he want to talk to me about?

That's chapter 6