Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 50
The agonizing run of Carmen's pregnancy ended just as traumatically.
When discussing birthing options, Carmen insisted, and Dr. Miller agreed, that a c-section would cause the least amount of shock to her system. They had scheduled her operation accordingly. However, Carmen went into premature labor a week before the surgery was due.
The time it took for Edward to convince her that the contractions didn't seem like Braxton Hicks, and for him to drive them to the hospital, the waves of labor were occurring very close to one another; Carmen was unable to stay still or hold the required position long enough for safe administration of an epidural.
Dr. Miller was not in attendance that day. She was paged and the attending physician did attempt to prep a room for a c-section, but by that time Carmen's labor had progressed too far.
In spite of the relative short time between the onset of the contractions and the birth of her daughter, Carmen suffered excruciating agony that she was ill prepared to handle. She didn't attend birthing classes or practice any breathing exercises in anticipation of a controlled, pain-free surgery. Each contraction hit her with the force of a tsunami, decimating her already fragile mind.
The severe trauma caused by the labor left Carmen in a state of catatonia. Despite his medical training, Edward was thrown off his game almost just as badly. He couldn't have predicted the degree of anguish it would put Carmen through. He didn't allow her wails of pain - and the battery of expletives directed at him - register on his mind as he held her hand through the difficult labor. He knew he needed to be steady and strong for his wife. He kept his focus trained on Carmen, only sparing moments to ensure the baby had taken her first breath without any complications.
It was only after Carmen sunk into a sedated stupor, did he venture out to take a closer look at his daughter. He realized he needed to call his parents, as well as Carmen's, to inform them of the unscheduled arrival of the baby.
He navigated his way to the neonatal ward to find his daughter, and stopped in front of the crib marked 'Baby Cullen'.
There she was.
Sleeping.
A tiny form with nebulous features, hardly distinguishable from any other infant in the room. Yet, in that moment, Edward knew he would know her face anywhere. He recalled his father's words; she truly was a gift, and nothing in life would ever be as important as her safety and happiness.
He picked her up with care so as not to rouse her and placed a kiss on her wrinkly forehead.
With a pang he realized they hadn't yet picked out a name for her. His mother and Alice sent them several suggestions, none of them met with Carmen's approval.
His little girl needed a name.
A beautiful name for his beautiful baby.
He looked around the room, for inspiration.
Inspiration came in the form of a song that was being played in the ward. The volume was muted and at first Edward thought it was a nursery rhyme or a lullaby to soothe the infants. But as he focused his attention, he realized that it was the radio set on some social advocacy channel. He recognized the song as something his mother used to hum at home. Ella's Song. A tribute to the civil rights activist Ella Baker.
We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes
Edward smiled.
Ella.
Who fought and survived against the odds.
Perfect.
She would be called Ella.
*On Ella Baker: http : / www(dot)heroism(dot)org/class/1960/cu-unknown(dot)htm
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.