Keeping a Promise Chap 11
And baby makes three!
12 WEEK PRE-NATAL VISIT
"Lana Kent," the nurse calls out. Lana & Clark rise from their chairs in the waiting room and follow her back to exam room #4. "After you have stripped from the waist down, please be seated on the exam table with the sheet over your lap. I will be back shortly to check your vital signs and get you ready for Dr. Jackson." She exits and closes the door softly behind her.
After the nurse has done her duties, she leaves the room again and after just a few moments Dr. Jackson enters with a younger woman in tow. Amanda sits at her desk; the other woman stands to her left.
" Lana and Clark, it's very nice to see you again. We are at 12 weeks now, correct?"
"Correct. And I'm feeling good, just a touch of morning sickness."
"I am glad to hear that. Let me introduce Jill Robertson to you; she is the mid-wife who will be assisting me with your home birth. I have shared with her your situation so she is up to speed on where we are at. She will be speaking with you today before you leave; she will be doing a home visit to meet you in the home environment. At that visit she may have further questions for Lana, so that we don't have any surprises pop up at the time of delivery."
After introductions are completed, Jill does the exam under Dr. Jackson's watchful eye. Then Jill shakes hands and excuses herself.
"I hope you are comfortable with Jill. Any issues or questions?"
They both shake their head, no.
"Good. If it is ok with you, as long as no complicating factors crop up, she will do some of the pre-natal visits all by herself. If that presents any problems for you, please contact me privately so we can discuss things."
Lana & Clark look at each other and nod in agreement.
"That's ok," Lana says.
"Good, now let's listen for baby Isobel's heartbeat!"
4 WEEKS LATER
RING – the Kent's doorbell rings. Lana is expecting Jill Robertson for the regular 16-week pre-natal visit; this one will be done at home by Dr. Jackson's trusted mid-wife/partner.
"Hi Jill, come right in," Lana welcomes her.
"Thanks, Lana." Jill enters the apartment. "Are you ready for out at-home checkup?"
"I think so, where shall we start? Cark isn't here, I hope that is ok?"
"That's fine with me, if it is with you?" Jill responds.
"I'm good. If he has questions, we will get back to your office. Where do we start?"
"Can we start with a tour? Ending with your bedroom, where I will have you lay on the bed for the exam. Ok?"
"That's fine," Lana agrees.
Lana shows Jill the apartment ending with the bedroom. Jill does her exam including a listen to Isobel's heartbeat with a portable doppler. They each ask and answer questions. Jill is happy with the set-up and procedures Clark & Lana have in place; she is especially impressed with the device Clark has designed and built for Lana to contact him when the time comes for Isa to make her appearance. The next visit will be at Dr. Jackson's office.
That evening Clark and Lana discuss the home visit. Clark is very pleased with how things are going; both he and Lana have become quite comfortable with Dr. Jackson & Jill. He s especially comforted by the "all's well" report from the day's home visit. They relax on the couch, sharing a pint of chocolate chip ice cream and watching Lana's favorite movie – 'Cars'. He can't believe her choice in that regard, and she has yet to explain it to him in words that make sense (to him). He grins and bears it, as any good husband should. After all, she grins and bears his Bruce Willis addiction. As any good wife will.
The next day is Saturday, the weather is predicted to be clear and warm so they plan an outing on Lake Metropolis. They rent a pontoon boat for the day and invite the PI who worked for them (Mr. & Mrs. Hall) to come along – with his wife. The ladies plan the lunch, divide up the duties and bring to the marina two picnic baskets and 1 cooler. After loading the boat, they head for the middle of the lake. They shut off the motors (2) and let the boat drift as they talk.
The conversation is delightful as the two couples get to know each other. Despite a considerable age gap, they are becoming good friends, as Clark and Lana had hoped would happen. Given Clark's origin & abilities it is difficult to form friendships; so when they have people that they have confided in, it is especially nice that a friendship can follow.
The older couple have a plethora of stories about Metropolis; naturally Clark & Lana have an abundance of stories to share also.
AFTER LUNCH
"I suppose that you could just fly us to shore if the motors break down, couldn't you Clark?" Mrs. Hall surmises.
Clark & Lana look at each other, each trying to hide a wince. "Actually, I need to be very careful where and when I use my abilities. Except when I am suited up, Mrs. Hall. Even then, care is necessary, I hope you understand."
"Yes, dear," Mr. Hall steps in. "We understand, don't we? This is an extremely sensitive situation. Probably the most sensitive situation we have ever dealt with. I'm sorry Clark, my wife and I will need to have another discussion about this. I can assure you this won't happen again! Am I correct, dear?" he glares at his wife.
"You are correct dear; I am very sorry Clark. I wasn't thinking clearly. I assure you both that I will be much more careful. Actually, I won't be discussing you at all, with anyone – EVER!"
"That is the best policy, I believe," Lana agrees.
After a few minutes of troubled silence things settle down and conversation resumes. A couple of hours later they head back to the marina, return the boat and head their separate ways to their homes.
AT HOME
"Clark?" Lana is anxious.
"Um?"
"Do you think she is a loose cannon?"
"I hope not; I do think that this is so different a situation that she is a little flummoxed by it. Neither of them has a reputation for carelessness in regards to confidentiality. I think we should do another event with them relatively soon, to show confidence in them. What do you think?"
"That is probably a good idea. Should we invite them over for dinner? I'll cook," Lana says.
"That's ok. I would prefer a restaurant though."
:ana acquiesces. The dinner goes well, everyone seems at ease; understanding the situation and the risks.
WEEK 39, 01:00 SATURDAY
Clark is patrolling the other side of the lake when he feels a soft vibration at his hip. Lana is requesting his presence at home. This isn't the EXTREME notice, but it is URGENT. The device he designed for her has different levels of request, and they have gone over the difference carefully. She understands, and when she has used it she has done it appropriately.
Clark turns toward home, wondering if Isobel is on her way. He has been anxious to meet his daughter, Lana has been anxious to get this over with! He activates the buzzer indicating his immanent arrival. Lana slides open the glass doors and he floats in just a few seconds later. "Hi sweetheart, what's up? Is Isa coming?"
"Oh, yes! My water broke 3 hours ago!"
"Why didn't you call me?"
"Don't worry. I have been in contact with Jill and Dr. Jackson. My contractions have been slowly increasing. It's now time that I would like you with us for the duration. I hope that is ok?"
"It's fine. I want to be here, you know that."
He pulls her into a tight hug and kisses her deeply. "I love you, Lana" He pulls back enough so he can raise her shirt and expose her rather large tummy. He bends over, places a kiss just above her belly button and softly says, "I love you too, Isa. I can hardly wait to see you!"
"1-4-3 Clark. Lets get this show on the road! Jill should be here shortly."
Jill arrived within 10 minutes and got to work. "Lana, do you want to lie down in bed yet?"
"I would prefer to sit up; can you still check my cervix adequately?"
"Yes, if you recline enough. Do you have a chair that will work?"
"What if we sit on the floor in front f the couch; Clark sits behind me and I recline into him?"
"That should work, let's try it."
Clark and Lana get comfortable and Jill checks Lana's dilation. "You are 5 cm, we've ot a way to go before you can push. I can't give you any pain meds until you are 9 cm, and I'll call Dr. Jackson when you are 7-8. Do you understand all that?"
"Yes," Lana says between contractions. "Clark, are ou ok with ths position?"
"Yeah, I guess. It's kind of weird having my wife examined like that with her sitting between my legs, but I will deal with it."
Jill says, "I am sorry. Do you want to try something else?"
"No, if it works for Lana, I'm good."
"Are you sure, babe?" Lana questions, hesitantly.
"Yes, love. I am good."
3 hours later Lana is at 8 cm and Jill calls Dr. Jackson who says she is on her way. When she arrives they put Lana to bed and 1 hour later she is at 10 cm dilated and can ush.
Clark climbs into bed with her. He sits up against the headboard with Lana again sitting with her back to his chest. He wraps her up in his arms, whispering words of encouragement in her ears all the while. Things like: I LOVE YOU, 1-4-3, YOU ARE DOING GREAT, I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE ISA, YOU ARE GOING T BE A WODERFUL MOMMY, ISA WILL LOVE YOU, WE ARE GOING TO BE A GREAT FAMILY, I COULD NEVE DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING, I AM AMAZED AT YOU LANA, WE ARE ALMOST THERE, ONE MORE PUSH, COME ON BABE YOU'RE DOING GREAT!
"This is all your fault Cark!"
"Come on, you seemed to enjoy my part!"
"That was then, his is now!"
"I see her head!" Jill shouts – she is now watching Lana's progress.
"You hear that babe?" Cark encourages his wife.
"How . . . how much longer? I am done!" Lana whispers faintly, tears running down her cheeks and sweat on her brow.
Clark looks worriedly at Dr. Jackson, who says "One more push. Can you push down on her upper abdomen Clark?"
He nods, and when the next contraction starts he applies pressure to the upper stomach region. He begins with gentle pressure downwards, increasing it as the contraction builds. He knows that he has to be careful, he doesn't want to injure Lana or Isa.
"A little more, Clark," Dr. Jackson instructs.
He does, and Jill whispers, "Here she comes!"
The next instant the bedroom is filled with a soft cry – the most beautiful sound Lana & Clark have ever heard!
As baby Isa is checked over and cleaned up Clark leans over and embraces Lana, "You are the most amazing woman I've ever known! We have a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I love you with every fiber of my being! I am so proud of you. Thank you, thank you for being my wife, and the mother f our beautiful baby girl!" He pulls back just enough to get room to kiss her with all the passion he can muster.
She melts into his embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks from her shining eyes. "I love you too, Clark. May I see our baby girl?"
Jill has checked and cleaned Isa, swaddling her in a soft pink blanket. She brings her over and lays her on Lana's chest. "Congratulations, she is completely healthy. Are you going to breastfeed? I think she is hungry."
"I am going to try." Lana looks down lovingly at her daughter. Who knew how much love could pass between mother and daughter in just one instant? Lana was amazed! She has never felt anything remotely like this before in her entre life. She loves Clark to death; but this? This is another level entirely. And it strengthens and deepens her love for him too. She is complete, they are complete. In ways she never knew existed.
She opens the right side of her gown and moves Isa so her little mouth brushes against her mother's nipple. The infant's mouth reacts instinctively, grasping her mother's nipple and begins to suckle. She had been fussing a little, but now she settles into the task at hand. She closes her eyes in supreme contentment as she gets her first meal from her mother's breast.
Lana looks down in absolute awe. She had heard about, had read about the bond between mother and newborn child. But this? This was unbelievable! She didn't think her heart could take it. Surely it was going to burst into a million pieces. It would take a super-man to help her hold it together. Fortunately, she had one in her life.
When she had started this process, Clark had turned his face giving her some privacy, I guess. She noticed this and giggled. "Now we're modest, lover boy?"
"Well . . . I ah . . . I mean . . . I thought – "
"You thought, what?"
"I've never seen that before."
"This is a perfectly normal mother/baby interaction, Clark. Come here and join your family."
He turns to them, sits on the edge of the bed and looks on with the same look of awe on his face. He too feels it; completeness, LOVE like he didn't know existed. His heart too is bursting into millions of pieces. He too, never knew what love, marriage and parenthood truly meant. Now it was dawning on him and he was going to be eternally grateful that he had Lana by his side. Together they could do this!
A/N This is one of the most meaningful chapters I have ever written. Yet. I love it – I hope you do too!
Probably one more chapter to go. We shall see. 😉