*THank-you for all the reviews on the last chapter. They were greatly appreciated. Thank-you all so much! = )
Over the next couple weeks I still couldn't believe that Dave just quit WWE. I was happy for him for standing up for himself but I was also sad because he did love the business. I felt like it was partly my fault that he ended up quitting. I know Dave told me that I wasn't at fault and everything happens for a reason but still I felt like it was partly my fault. After all if it wasn't for our affair he would have never ended up on the bottom of the roster. Dave hadn't really given me any idea on what he planned on doing now that he didn't have a job. He was pretty much taking it easy and it was a blessing that he wasn't working because when I would come home from work the house would be clean and he would have dinner made. It was always good to come home after work to a home cooked meal and a clean house after having a busy day. I didn't really care if he went back to work or not. It was his choice and plus he had made enough money working with WWE for the last few years and I was making enough money that we could survive on just one income.
It was February 13th the day before Valentine's Day and I was officially on maternity leave and working from home. I was just 4 days away from my due date and the baby was letting me know it too. It was being so active over the days leading up to the 13th but its activity began to decrease. We were having Zack Ryder over that evening for dinner to ask him to be the baby's godfather. After all that time we hadn't discussed it with him yet and the worst part was that he had been over to our house numerous times and we had been to his house numerous times since he walked out on WWE also. I was in the living room cleaning up like I had been doing for the last few days. Nothing was really clean enough for me and I kept cleaning and cleaning. Our living room had changed from a couple's living room into a living room of a couple with a baby. There was baby stuff everywhere. A pack and play, a swing, a bouncer and a walker even though the baby wouldn't even be close to getting in one for a few months. It just seemed over crowded to me so I had to rearrange everything and I wanted the house to look semi-decent for Zack. Dave came downstairs dressed in a white t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans and said, "cleaning again?"
"I just can't get this room to look the way I want it to and everything feels so dirty. I have to clean."
"Tess, I don't think this house can get any cleaner. I think you're nesting."
"I am not nesting," I said. Maybe I was but I wasn't going to admit it to him just like I hadn't admitted that I was having contractions. I was trying to hold off having the baby till AFTER Valentine's Day because Dave had some big plans for us. I didn't want to miss out on it because of having the baby. He knew of the contractions I had a couple days ago and the day before but he didn't know that they had gotten stronger and they were getting closer. At that point I was pretty sure they were about 30-45 minutes apart getting closer. "I'm just trying to make the house look decent for Zack."
"I don't think Zack cares. You've been to his house. You know he doesn't care. I really think you're nesting and you've dropped a lot," he said touching my stomach.
"I didn't drop," I said.
"Really? Because you used to be up here and now you're down here," he said showing me. "How are your contractions?"
"They're fine. I'm all right. They're still the same as yesterday," I said.
"I'm just asking. I don't' want you going into labor on me today."
"I won't," I said but I couldn't make any promises. I let a contraction pass without him even knowing. I could handle this and that baby was definitely pushing its way down. To say the least it was uncomfortable.
I guess I must have made a face because Dave said, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I said. "Why?"
"Because you look uncomfortable," he said.
"I'm fine," I said. "Trust me if anything goes wrong I will let you know."
"All right," he said. "I'm going to go work on dinner. You should take a break and rest."
"Dave, I'm fine," I said. "Let me finish straightening up the baby stuff and then I'm going to go take a shower. Okay?"
"Okay," he said, "I am just looking out for you."
"I know," I said. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," he said, "and if you have any thought that you're in labor I will be in the kitchen."
"I'm not going into labor," I said, "relax."
"I will once you have that baby," he said.
"Okay," I said with a smile. "Go start dinner."
"I will after you give me a kiss," he said.
"Fine," I said as I kissed his lips. "Better?"
"Yeah," he said with a smile. "I can start dinner now."
"Good," I said with a smile before he walked to the kitchen.
While Dave was making dinner I straightened up the living room and then I went upstairs to take a shower. I was really starting to feel more contractions and they were coming at least 15 minutes apart now and the closer they got together the stronger they were. I could feel the baby pushing more and more. I was growing even more uncomfortable. I figured a nice hot shower would help me feel better not only because I was in pain but because we were also expecting a snowstorm and you could feel it in the air. I wasn't feeling that much better after my shower so I decided to lay down and try to rest before Zack arrived but I couldn't get comfortable as my contractions kept coming. I probably should have told Dave but he was working so hard on dinner and I really wanted to see what he had planned for us for Valentine's Day that I didn't. It seems kind of stupid now that I didn't tell him but I didn't want to ruin our Valentine's Day. I'd say the worst thing was my back hurting. The back pain was absolutely unbearable. I never felt anything like it before.
As dinner grew closer I finally got out of mine and Dave's bed to get dressed and then headed downstairs to see if Dave needed help with anything. I walked into the kitchen and he was just pulling the chicken out of the oven "Need any help?"
"No. I'm all right," he said. "Where did you disappear to?"
"I was just relaxing," I said.
"Contractions?"
"I'm all right," I said as the doorbell rang.
"You better not be lying to me, Tessa," he said.
"I'm not. I'll get the door," I said as I wobbled my way to the door. I couldn't wait for the day to come when I didn't wobble and the day I could see my feet again. I opened the door and saw Zack standing there. "Hey, Zack."
"Hey," he said. "You're looking like you're about to pop."
"It's getting closer," I said. He had no idea how close it was and neither did Dave. "Come on in."
"Thanks," he said walking into the house. I never really worked with Zack when I worked for WWE so I didn't' really know him. I just always thought he was this dorky kid that shot videos for the internet to pass time but he was actually a pretty good guy. He was a good friend and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for Dave and I think he was actually really good for Dave. Dave needed that guy friend to have guy time with. "The house looks nice as always."
"Thanks," I said as I shut the door behind him.
"What did Batista Crocker make tonight?" he asked.
"Garlic chicken, potatoes and rice," I said.
"Sounds good," he said. "So Tess, I bet you're ready to drop that baby."
"Yeah I guess," I said. As much as I was hiding the fact I was having contractions and in a lot of pain to keep my Valentine's Day plans I was ready to have the baby. I learned the further you get in pregnancy the less comfortable it is and by that time I was just ready to hold my baby in my arms. It felt like an eternity.
Dave came out of the kitchen and said, "What's up, Bro?"
"Nothing, Bro," said Zack. I knew I was in for hearing bro a lot that evening. That's all those two ever said to one another. It was always bro this and bro that. It was rather annoying and if our baby's first word was bro I would be upset. It heard it enough inside the womb.
"Dinner is ready," said Dave, "if you guys are ready to eat."
"Dave, I am 9 months pregnant… I'm always ready to eat. I just have to go to the bathroom first. I'll be right back."
"All right we'll be waiting for you," he said.
"Okay," I said as I walked to the bathroom. When I went to the bathroom I realized how much closer I was to having the baby. I had my bloody show and I almost started freaking out but I remembered that it was normal and a sign I was in labor. When I was finished I walked to the dining room and took a seat. Dave had my plate filled with food already. "Thanks," I said as I sat down during a contraction. I believe I was at 10 minutes apart now maybe closer.
We were having a good dinner talking and laughing. I was enjoying hearing Dave's and Zack's stories about their days on the road and as we ate and talked my contractions grew stronger and closer together. I couldn't really hide it anymore as Dave said, "So Zack, Tess and I wanted to ask you something."
"What's that?" he asked as I gripped the table cloth as I endured a tremendous amount of pain. The baby was no longer playing around. It meant business and I knew it was going to make it's presence known very soon.
"We wanted to know if you would like to be…Tessa, are you okay?" he asked.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," I said, "go on." I wanted him to ask Zack before anything else.
"Okay," he said, "We wanted to know if you would like to be the baby's godfather?"
"Are you serious, Bro?" he asked with a smile.
"Dead serious," said Dave. "Would you like to be the baby's godfather?"
"Woo woo woo, you know it," he said. I rolled my eyes as much as I was annoyed by that catchphrase it was a part of Zack that I liked.
"Great!" said Dave.
"I'm honored that you chose me to be the baby's godfather. It really means a lot," said Zack. I thought he might cry. He looked like he was about to. "Thanks, Bro."
"You're welcome, Bro. You're a good friend. No you're a great friend. You've done so much for me and you gave up your job for me. You deserve this and the baby will know its Uncle Zack is the best guy in the world next to its dad that is."
"I prefer Uncle Z. Can it call me Uncle Z?"
"It can call you anything you want it to call you," said Dave. I was breathing through a contraction and I knew I couldn't wait anymore. Valentine's Day plans or not that baby was coming and it was coming fast.
"Uncle Z," said Zack. "I'm Uncle Z!"
"Uncle Z is in the house!" said Dave with a smile.
"Dave," I said.
"Yes?" he asked.
"I think I'm in labor," I said as calm as could be. I wanted to be calm so that Dave could stay calm but I had no such luck.
"WHAT?" he asked jumping up. "You're in labor? Oh my God. We have to get to the hospital."
"Relax," I said as I got up from the chair.
"How far apart are your contractions?" he asked as he helped me.
"Um about 5 minutes apart," I said.
"FIVE MINUTES!" he said. "ZACK GET THE PHONE WE HAVE TO CALL THE DOCTOR! I NEED TO GET THE BAG. OH MY GOD!"
"Relax," I said. "Take a deep breath." I found it pretty bad I was telling Dave to breathe while I was the one in labor but he was in full panic mode and no matter how many times we rehearsed that moment it all went out the window and everything was spiraling out of control. Our plan was to stay calm, relax and breathe not yell, run or freak out. I was glad to see I was the only one doing that as Dave ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. He was so panicked that he couldn't even dial the doctor's number. I had to call the doctor. As soon as she answered I said, "This is Tessa Montgomery and I am in labor." She asked how far apart my contractions were and when I told her she told me to get to the hospital as quickly as I could and that she would meet us there. I thanked her and hung up the phone. Zack was standing in shock not knowing what to do and Dave was trying to find my hospital bag that I had packed about a week or two ago. It was by the front door so we wouldn't have that problem. "Dave," I said calmly.
"What Tessa?" he asked.
"Calm down and the bag is by the front door like we planned and discussed. I really need you to stick to the plan and calm down. All right?"
"Tessa, how can you tell me to be calm during this moment. We're having a baby."
"I know but the baby and me would really appreciate it if you relaxed, took a deep breath, stopped yelling and took me to the hospital. I would rather NOT have the baby in the house."
"Uncle Z can deliver it," said Zack.
"No thank-you," I said, "but you are more than welcome to come to the hospital with us," I said as Dave grabbed the keys.
"Thanks," he said.
"ALL RIGHT Let's Go," said Dave as he helped me to the door. Zack grabbed my hospital bag and followed us out the door. When we got outside we were greeted by the beginning of a snowstorm. It was supposed to be a bad one too. They were calling for at least 16 inches of snow. My baby had perfect timing. "Great," said Dave. "It's already beginning."
"Just drive carefully," I said. "It's not laying on the roads yet. The hospital is only 10 minutes away."
"All right," he said helping me into the car, "Zack, I'm not going to be able to drive. I can't I have to sit with Tessa. Can you drive for me?"
"Sure, Bro," he said as Dave handed him the keys. He started the car and we were on our way. Dave was in the backseat helping me breathe and talking me through contractions. It was bad. I don't remember ever feeling so much pain in my life.
When we arrived at the hospital we went into the emergency entrance while Zack parked the car. Dave got me a wheelchair and pushed me to labor and delivery. Once on the floor he told them who I was and why we were there. They had us sign in and we went through the doors to meet up with a nurse. She quickly escorted us to a room and had me get into the bed after I put on a gown. She asked me questions about my contractions and how severe they were. I'd say on a scale from 1-10; 10 being the worst they were about a 7 or an 8. She asked if my water had broken and I told her no. Once she was done asking me questions she said, "I'm just going to check to see if you're dilated at all."
"Okay," I said as she put on her gloves.
"It's going to be uncomfortable," she said as she checked my cervix. She wasn't kidding it was uncomfortable. "5 cm dilated and 50 % effaced. I think you're having a baby and Dad you might want to get comfortable because you two are having a baby soon."
"Okay," said Dave.
"I'm going to hook you up to a fetal monitor to monitor the baby's heartbeat and to keep an eye on your blood pressure. Are you going to get the epidural or no?"
"No," I said. "I don't want anything. I'm doing it naturally." I had made the decision not to get any type of pain medicine during my labor. I wanted to be fully alert when the baby came and I didn't want the pain medicine to effect the baby either. I think I was being pretty calm given the circumstances.
"All right," she said as she hooked me up to the monitor. "And the doctor should be in in a couple of minutes. Would you like some ice chips or anything?"
"I'm fine thank-you," I said.
"If you need anything just buzz me," she said before walking out of the room.
"Well, Dave, we're having a baby," I said.
"I know. I am excited," he said.
"Me too," I said but I was really disappointed about our Valentine's Day together. I was really looking forward to our plans but I guess they would have to wait because I was spending the holiday in the hospital because at 5 cm dilated, 50% effaced and water unbroken at about 7:30 in the evening I was NOT having that baby before midnight. "I was really looking forward to tomorrow night too."
"I'll make it up to you. I promise. This is better than anything I had planned anyway."
"I guess," I said.
"Don't be sad, Tess, we'll still have the best Valentine's Day ever," he said as the doctor walked into the room.
She greeted us and then began to ask me questions. She told me this was going to be an exciting night. She checked my cervix as well and got the same thing as the nurse. She told me I was definitely in labor and asked if I had any concerns or questions. I didn't. I pretty much had the entire labor and delivery process down from reading about it for the last few weeks. She congratulated us, told us it wouldn't be long and then told me to try to get some rest before she left the room. I decided to take her advice and go to sleep. While I was trying to fall asleep Dave was rubbing my back, which is where all the pain was and he was calling his mom to tell her I was in labor. He also called Zack and told him to have a seat in the waiting room because we were there to stay. Once he was off the phone he continued to rub my back until he stopped. I looked over and he was asleep in the chair. I rolled back over to my side and closed my eyes. I managed to fall asleep.. And I hoped when I woke up it would be time or almost time to meet our little baby.
*A/N: So what did you think? Please review and thank-you for reading.