a/n: Sorry folks, but once again (and this shouldn't be a shock), I wrote too much. This is part one of the very big delivery scene. Part two is in fine tuning and should be available either tomorrow or at worst Friday. The idea is this will be a long, ardous ordeal and will cover all the events for 24 hours. I hope you like what I came up with!
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2:38 am
"I thought you were kidding about the traffic law thing." Cameron protested as they walked into the emergency room waiting area. "I'm fine you know. So I got one contraction. Even you said I was only 90 percent effaced."
"You had another gush of fluid in the car. Something is happening." Chase replied.
"I know you're acting like a nervous dad, but try to be a doctor. You know we have plenty of time."
"Given everything you've been through, I'm not taking any chances. A premature rupture of membranes puts you and the babies at a higher risk of infection."
"The risk is marginal."
He glared at her, not at all impressed with her casual attitude.
"Okay, you're right. If I were the doctor, I'd send the patient in."
"Thank you."
"Hi Dr. Chase, Hi Dr. Cameron." The ER nurse at the desk said. She couldn't avoid hearing them squabble. "More trouble?"
"Ruptured membranes."
"You sure?"
Chase flashed her a look of contempt. He was a doctor after all. He could tell these things. "Nitrazine test was 7.0."
The nurse sighed. She wasn't in the mood to process another delivery case. Maternity was already having issues this evening. "Okay, give me a minute to alert labor and delivery. I'll let you know when you can go up."
"Thanks," Chase replied, slightly offended that he and Cameron were being treated as ordinary cases. They took a seat in the waiting room.
"She's doing her job Robert. We seem to be getting them on a busy night."
"You won't be defending her when you're in agonizing pain."
"Thanks for putting that picture in my head. I can't wait." She took in a deep breath as another wave of pain hit her. Chase coached her to breathe through it. 20 seconds later it was gone.
Chase looked at his watch. "Ten minutes apart."
Cameron sighed and leaned back in her chair. "That was an easy one. What am I doing to do when they get harder? I want this over with."
Chase clutched onto her hand. "We're in this together. Dig in, it's going to be a long night."
3:46 am
Chase wanted to be patient. After all, he did work at this hospital and knew what complications could happen. He determined though that he had given them long enough.
"Come on Marcy. I work here. You don't have to give me a story because I know how things are. Now tell me why you still can't get us a delivery room."
She lowered her head in reluctance, and then figured he'd find out what was happening anyway. "Our post delivery rooms are full, so we have six mothers who have delivered waiting to be moved to new beds and none available. We don't have the new overflow plans yet and the manager isn't on duty for over another five hours. We're stuck. We've tried paging her."
"My wife has had nothing but one pregnancy complication after another. She was recently hospitalized with pre-eclampsia, is expecting twins, and has a premature rupture of her amniotic sac at 35 weeks. Can someone at least come take her vitals and do a routine OB check?"
"We have her records on file. Trust me, she's high risk enough where she's next. Besides, we figured you did all that before you came in here."
Chase was fighting back his temper now. "Yes, I did such a check 90 minutes ago. Since then, she's actually started labor."
The nurse glanced over at Cameron, who was calmly reading a magazine. "She looks fine."
Chase had enough. He pulled out his cell phone. "I have Dr. Cuddy's home number. We'll get those women into beds."
The nurse wasn't scared. "Go for it. You're only getting an incompetent manager in trouble."
"And a belligerent nurse who's extremely lucky that the patient in question and the husband are doctors. I'm going back there and getting a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. If anything is abnormal, Dr. Cuddy hears about it."
"Barbara!" She screamed. "Get Dr. Cameron into an emergency bay. We need to do a vitals and an OB check."
5:15 am
"I'm so sorry about this Chase," Cuddy said dragging herself in. She put on makeup before coming in, trying to look her best, but the fatigue was obvious. "I swear ever since Trinity took over, there are some rough edges in our management. Luckily this time I get to fire someone's ass. They are getting a room ready now."
"Thanks, I'm sorry about having to get you up so early, especially since your rest is important too."
"You were right to call. This is what I do. How's she doing?"
"Dilated 2 cm, BP running in mild hypertensive range, contractions lasting 30 seconds running every seven to ten minutes. I've been taking her on walks and helping her with breathing exercises, but she's still in early labor."
"Oh yeah, let's ignore the fact that my back is killing me!" Cameron griped. "That pain isn't going away after the contractions. The ice packs around here don't seem to last as long as they should. I need another."
"We need to go for another walk." Chase replied.
Cameron threw him a look of death. He'd have to put that off for a few minutes after she got some more ice.
"Back labor." Cuddy said under her breath. "I heard that's the worst."
"I heard that!" Cameron shouted.
Cuddy smiled and patted Chase's shoulder. "Oh boy, you are in for a long day."
6:32 am
Over four hours after her water broke, Cameron was finally settled in a delivery room. She was lying on her side to avoid back pressure, but it was only helping a little. She was hooked to monitors for herself and the babies, and the cup of fresh ice chips was delivered.
"You want to watch some TV? Chase asked.
"So I can see some frighteningly perky male and female spawns of Satan tell me what a great morning it is?"
"I guess that's no. You want me to do more counter pressure on your back?"
"I want you to order your child to stop pressing on my spine." Cameron growled just before a painful contraction hit her, lasting a good 45 seconds.
"These children are going to kill me," she cried, still trying to catch her breath from the lingering ache.
"Good morning Allison and Robert," Dr. Ades chimed as she entered through the door.
"You see?" She said to Chase. "Another perky creature from hell."
"Trust me, I've been called worse by other women in labor," Dr. Ades answered. "Mind if I do an OB check?"
"Why not? Down there seems to be the perfect viewing gallery for everyone this morning."
Dr. Ades smiled at Cameron's crankiness and performed a quick check. "Three centimeters."
Cameron groaned. "That's all?"
"You're only in the early stages. Everything is progressing normally. I'm going to have the nurse draw you a bath for that back labor. Sitting in water for a while will not only help with that, but it will help relax you a bit. Your BP and heart rate are starting to spike."
"I know something that will fix all this. It's called delivery."
"In due time Allison. It's on the babies' terms. I'll check in later."
Chase came over to offer whatever support he could. He tried massaging her back.
Cameron gritted her teeth in annoyance. "You might not want to touch me right now. I'm out of my mind enough where your safety isn't guaranteed."
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7:35 am
"Robert?" Her voice was lazy. Not only was she relaxing, she was getting sleepy.
"Yes," he answered. He was sitting on a chair next to the bathtub, holding her hand.
"What's our son's name?"
"Not telling."
"Oh come on, what's the harm now?"
"I need to see him first, make sure the name fits."
"What if it doesn't?"
"Then I'm stuck."
That got a slight rise out of her. "You're stuck?"
"Relax, there is plenty of time for that. Besides, if you don't like what I come up with, we'll have to find other names anyway."
She rolled her head, agreeing with that logic. Maybe because she was just too tired to fight it. "We haven't decided on Amanda or Emily either."
"What do you want it to be?"
"I was thinking Amanda Emily."
"I like that, but we ought to wait until she is born, see if it fits."
Cameron tensed as she was hit with another contraction. Chase grasped her hand tightly and coached her on breathing. Once she was done, she fell back relaxed and exhausted into the bath.
Chase looked at his watch. "The last two were five minutes apart."
"I can't believe we saved our name conversation until labor. What's wrong with us?"
"Nothing. We've had more important things to deal with."
Cameron closed her eyes, trying like mad to focus on resting. "I want pancakes."
"Pancakes?"
"I want a whole huge stack of freaking pancakes. Smothered in butter and syrup."
"What kind?"
"Buttermilk."
Chase had to admit, breakfast sounded good. He wondered if he would ever get to eat, since she couldn't. "Sorry, you can't have them now, but after these babies are delivered I'll get you a huge stack."
"With 100 percent natural maple syrup. None of that sugary factory enhanced crap."
"Deal."
She smiled and started to drift off again. A minute later she snapped herself out of it. "I better get out of this bath before I fall asleep in it and drown. Plus I'm turning into a prune."
Chase grabbed a towel. "Sleep would be good. It will probably be your last chance for a while."
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8:32 am
"Hey there." Pamela entered with a big smile. "So it's been a rough night."
Chase was looking particularly peaked. "She's sleeping, finally. She must be exhausted, because according to that monitor she's slept through a couple contractions."
"How far apart are they?"
"Every five to seven minutes. Sometimes the contractions are intense, others aren't noticeable. They haven't done the hourly OB check yet since she was sleeping."
"When do you get to sleep?"
Chase scoffed, confirming that he was up for the long haul.
"I'll watch her. Go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast and coffee."
"She might get mad."
"No, she'll be out of her mind. But since that's going to happen anyway, at least you'll be fed and awake while going through it."
Chase smiled, not able to argue with that wisdom. "Thanks, I'm not turning away that offer." He got up to leave.
"Eric will be by later. It seems there's a development with your case."
"Just as long as he knows he's coming by at his own risk. I can't guarantee his safety, or mine."
"Go, before she wakes up."
Chase left and Pamela sat down next to Cameron. She noticed her breathing hitch and her body tense up for 35 seconds before loosening back up and continuing its deep slumber.
"Yep, I'm so glad I'll never have go through this." Pamela said.
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9:35 am
"Hey momma," Foreman said all cheery.
Cameron was ready to maim or kill if she had to, but instead she only snarled.
"What's wrong with her?" He asked Chase.
"They just did an OB check. She's been stuck at three centimeters a while."
"Bummer. Hey, I'm on my way to do a kidney biopsy for Mr. Simmons."
"Kidney? What happened?"
"Positive ANA test and elevated levels of protein in the urine."
"You're not thinking-"
"No, but I have to rule it out."
Chase didn't see fault in that logic. "Good luck and keep me informed."
"Yeah, thanks for stopping by," Cameron said sardonically.
"You're looking good for a woman in labor." Foreman grinned enthusiastically while delivering his fake compliment.
"Shut up."
Foreman took a look at the electronic fetal monitor on his way out. "Uh, Chase, protect yourself. The next one is going to be bad."
Cameron was immediately hit by a long, painful contraction. Foreman shook his head while smiling. "I love the accuracy of these things."
"Get out!" Cameron yelled.
"I'm going. I'll be back later."
Cameron fell back into the pillow, still reeling from the agony of the last contraction.
"Come on," Chase said. "It's time for another walk."
"Please give me something I can beat people with each time they walk by with a smile."
Chase tried not to laugh, even though he found her crankiness adorable. "There are laws against that. A snarl will have to do."
"Stupid democracy. Can't I plead insanity?"
"Trust me, I'm concerned about the safety of others. There is no doubt you'd get off scot-free."
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10:48 am
Cuddy finally had a break in between meetings, and was curious to see how things were going. Sure, a lot of her curiosity was for personal reasons, but she wanted to see how mom was coping after all this time.
She entered the room just as Cameron was yelping. She noticed her breathing heavily and being unable to speak. "Are they getting worse?"
"I suspect she's moving into active labor now. They just said she was at four centimeters and the contractions are sixty seconds every five minutes."
"Have you discussed pain medication yet?"
"No pain medication," Cameron said, gasping for air after coming off the contraction. "Given all the rotten luck I've had, I'm not taking any chances."
"I'm trying to convince her to take some Nubain or something like that." Chase said. "She'll exhaust herself otherwise."
"I suspect she'll see reason in a half hour. That's usually how long it takes a woman in that much pain to break."
"I won't be the only one breaking by the time this day is over." Cameron threatened. It was unclear who the threat was directed at, so they assumed it was society in general.
"She's been acting a little violent." Chase explained.
"People react to pain in different ways." Cuddy said. "Hang in there Cameron, you're doing great."
"I can't wait until it's your turn. Payback is hell." Cameron wasn't about to tolerate encouragement.
Cuddy bit her lower lip to hide her laughter. "Oh, Chase, good luck with that."
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11:05 am
"You're not going to believe this." Foreman said handing Chase the file.
Cameron, covered in sweat, face wrenching in pain, was not at all pleased to see Foreman there again in an official capacity. "Think this can wait?"
"Oh, this is too good to wait."
Chase read the contents and smiled. "Lupus? Seriously? We actually for once got a case that was Lupus?"
"Yeah, pretty funny, isn't it? I guess the law of averages has to kick in sometime."
Chase laughed along with him, but immediately stopped when Cameron tore through him with her 'I'm going to kill you' eyes.
"Uh, thanks for letting me know."
Foreman laughed. "You're looking great Cam. Keep it up."
"Vengeance will be mine!" She shouted as he left. She screamed out in pain once more.
"Hang in there," Chase said assuring her. "They've gone to get the narcotics. You should be feeling some relief soon."
"Hey there sweetie, looking great." Pamela greeted, coming in with a file in her hand. She had on the same fake cheery smile that everyone seemed to be wearing today, but hoped Allison would buy it anyway.
"Bite me," Cameron snarled.
"She's waiting for the drugs to arrive." Chase told her.
"How far apart are the contractions?"
"Every three to five minutes."
"Yeah, but the way these two are thrashing about in there, you would think that they would have punched through the abdomen wall by now." Cameron griped.
"Oh, you mean like in Alien? That was a cool scene." Pamela said fondly. Cameron threw the dagger-like glare again. She turned her attention back to Chase, knowing that it's always wise to avoid Medusa's eye or be turned to stone. "So she's getting an epidural?"
"A mild narcotic. She doesn't want to risk anymore complications."
Pamela laughed. "Oh, that's fucking crazy. Anyway, have you seen Eric?"
"He was here about two minutes ago." Chase said.
"I brought over another referral. I must have just missed him. Mind taking a look?"
"Sure, no problem."
Cameron went off. "Uh, yes, it's a problem! Wife in labor here, ring a bell????"
"We've got time." Chase said, opening the file and examining its contents.
Cameron leaned over, grabbed him tightly by the ear and pulled him toward her.
"Oww!"
"Put down that file or I swear your balls are next."
Pamela took the file from him, cringing at the thought of further physical harm being inflicted on Chase. "I'll find Eric."
"Thanks Pamela." Chase said. After she left, he was still in the same position. "You can let go of my ear now."
"No, I don't think so. My pain is your pain."
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12:52 pm
House came into the room, seeing a barely lucid Cameron in the bed and Chase sitting a safe distance from her.
"She didn't go for the scrotum, did she?" House asked Chase.
"She tried, why do you think I'm here? Anyway, the Nubain is starting to wear off, so she'll be back to her abusive self soon."
"This is all your fault. You did this to me!" Cameron shouted.
"You've said that non-stop since you've gone into labor. It's lost all meaning." Chase defensively answered.
House was definitely amused. "I thought the woman giving birth was supposed to be the cranky one. Oh, that's right, you two are like this to each other when you're not having sex."
Chase rubbed his eyes and grumbled. "She's wearing me down. Must be because we've been up since 2:15."
House looked at the monitor tracking the contractions. "Whoa, she hasn't even hit the real heavy stuff yet. Bummer."
"How's the labor going?" Wilson came in, wearing the required fake smile.
House showed him the readings. Wilson winced. "I see she's got a while."
"Look Laurel and Hardy, is there any particular reason you are here harassing a woman giving birth! All three of you need a serious neutering." Cameron's violent streak was coming definitely back.
"Oh, she's in the man hating part of delivery. How cool is that?" House teased.
Wilson looked at the monitor and got panicked. "House, back away, she's about to blow." He jumped back right as Cameron yelled over another contraction.
"Why are there so many people in here? I believe only the dad is allowed." The nurse was not at all pleased to see a crowd.
"Great job there controlling the access, Police Woman." Cameron sniped. You might as well have installed a revolving door to make it easier on all the visitors."
"Dr. House, Dr. Wilson, since I don't believe you have a medical reason to be here, out!"
"Can I leave too?" Chase asked.
"You are never getting sex from me again!" Cameron yelled at him.
"Fine!"
The nurse flashed a menacing look at House. "I'm going."
"Good luck, Cameron, Chase." Wilson said, playing his usual role of nice guy before leaving in haste.
Cameron threw her head to the side, glad that they were finally gone. "You here to check?"
"Yep. Has your husband looked recently?"
"He won't come near me, fearing physical harm."
The nurse laughed. "That fear is justified. Okay, checking now." She lifted up the gown. "Five centimeters. You're progressing."
"Just kill me." She said.
"I can give you another dose of Nubain."
"No." She said, weakly shaking her head. "I'm not flirting with fate here."
"To hell with that!" Chase said with raised voice. "You need more drugs and now. Shoot her up."
The nurse knew she was going to have to take control. "Okay, she needs more drugs and dad needs a break. Dr. Chase, I'm kicking you out as well. Come back in an hour after you've had some lunch and coffee."
She turned to Cameron next. "Allison, I'll be back soon. This will at least buy you another hour of relief." She quickly left, determined to get Cameron some help fast.
Cameron wearily nodded in agreement and then went into another intense contraction. Chase took her hand to support her. Once she was done, she looked at him with pure scorn. "I thought you were kicked out. Now go away!"
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a/n: A quick thank you to everyone reading this, even those that don't do reviews. Judging by the alerts I've been getting, there are many out there that are liking this, so I appreciate all those following the story. This has been a very fun story to write and I'm thrilled you can join in on the fun.