A/N#1: Thanks a million for the positive responses. Here's the next chapter up, thanks once again to charahkids for his invaluable help on these chapters, he's amazing...Truly, he is a beta, a counsellor, and a friend with an amazing sense of humour wrapped up in one. :)
A bit later than I intended...I apoloqize, but as they say "Good things come to those who wait." And I think this is a good chapter; or maybe I'm a tad over-confident in my writing abilities. *shrugs*
Here's Chapter 9: Labour, Delivery and Afterwards (aka Full House: Epilogue part two). Words: 8966
Previously : OK, maybe it wasn't Braxton Hicks after all. "Ok, guys, don't freak out." Sarah said calmly. "But I'm pretty sure that I'm going into labour." Sarah felt a sudden pressure in her lower abdomen, before a small gush of water soaked her pants and trickled down to the carpeted floor. Yup, definitely going into labour.
Carina nearly fainted.
~/0/~
"Oh shit! I did not sign up for this. This isn't how I thought my vacation would start…I was thinking we'd take you out to dinner, maybe a club, do some shopping and maybe some surfing this weekend." Carina rambled.
Zondra smacked Carina upside her head lightly in an attempt to get her to stop ranting.
"Well, I'm oh so sorry your plans got ruined Carina." Sarah said sarcastically through gritted teeth. "Forgive me if my child is ready to enter the world. You can take the matter up with your newest Godchild when he enters the world and teach him the value of arriving on time."
"I get to be God-mother of this baby too?" Carina asked, unable to stop the smile that had been tugging at her lips.
Sarah smiled. "Chuck and I discussed it. We figured it's not a bad thing having the kids share godparents. That means you too Zondra. Obviously neither of you has to accept...not if you don't want to..."
"Are you kidding?!" Carina asked her. "We'd love to. Right Zondra?"
"Yes, of course. So let's start our God-mother duties by making sure we get Sarah to the hospital safely and quickly." Zondra told her.
Sarah shook her head no. "Wait, the contractions aren't that close yet. I'm gonna take a quick shower. Can one of you call Chuck?"
"Are you sure you can get in the shower?' Carina asked.
Sarah sent her a withering glance. "I may be the size of a bus, but believe it or not, yes I can."
"No, that's not what I meant." Carina clarified. "I mean, you looked like you were in pain and all…Can you manage?"
Sarah's gaze softened. "Yea. I'll be fine."
"Ok." Carina said. The two friends then helped Sarah to make her way up the stairs.
"The two of you don't need to watch my every move." Sarah told them. "I have done this a couple of times before." She reminded them but her words fell on deaf ears.
Though Sarah tried to assure them that she would be fine alone in the shower, Carina followed her into the bathroom anyway in case she needed help. Meanwhile, Zondra picked out an outfit for Sarah to change in to. She knew it should be something that she could easily slip into, so Zondra rummaged through the drawers and walk-in closet until she found something suitable. She laid out a pink floral print dress which had elastic in the waist and underwear on the bed for Sarah, before walking over to the bathroom. She knocked softly on the door and peeped in.
Sarah was out of the shower and wrapped in a white towel, but was now bending over, holding onto the sink banister for support. Carina was providing what support she could by rubbing her back and whispering something to her. Whatever it was, it got Sarah to laugh softly before another flash of pain rippled through her, causing her to cringe.
"I put some clothes out for you Sarah." She announced. "Carina, can you help her get dressed?"
"Um yea, sure."
Sarah smiled in appreciation at the both of them. "Thanks you two. You're the best."
"No problem." Carina spoke for the both of them as she led Sarah into the bedroom. Zondra then left to go call Chuck, Emma and Mary.
After being a part of the CAT Squad for so many years and great friends for so long, there wasn't the slightest hint of awkwardness as Carina helped Sarah get dressed.
"I'm surprised you didn't make a comment about how big my boobs have gotten." Sarah told Carina.
"I was thinking it actually." Carina laughed as she clasped Sarah's bra at the back. "But for your sake, I hope this baby doesn't suck you dry and leave them reaching your knees. I'm not sure Chuckie would enjoy them as much...Fun bags are no fun if they're sagging."
"And you would know all about sagging Carina." Sarah retorted. "You're hitting what? Forty-two?"
"Don't you know it's impolite to reveal a lady's age?" Carina chided. "No problems there Walker. My bikini body is still banging." Carina said attempting to keep the mood light.
Sarah was about to make another retort, when she felt the baby squirm. "I know, I know. You're anxious to come out." she said looking at her stomach.
"OK," Zondra said upon re-entering the room. "I called Chuck, he was still in the meeting but he's on his way to the hospital as we speak. He wanted to come get you, but I told him since we were already here, it didn't make sense. Your Mom and Mary said they will meet us at the hospital."
"OK, OK. Good." Sarah said as she pulled the dress over her head. "Carina, can you get me my slippers from in the closet please?"
When Carina brought them over to her, she slipped them on. "OK, time for you to go have a baby."
"Where's your hospital bag?" Zondra asked.
"It's downstairs."
"Well come along, let's get you to the hospital."
When they reached downstairs, Carina accidentally stepped into the puddle where Sarah's water had broken. "Oh fuck!" Sarah shot her a look of disapproval, but then grabbed her hand when the contraction hit her, her face contorting in pain.
"Zondra, hurry and get that bag. Walker's gonna breaking my freaking hand if we don't get her to the hospital soon." Carina complained.
"Sarah? Where is the bag?"
"It's in the coat closet."
Zondra ran off to get it. "Carina, could you please go get my bottle of water from the fridge for me?"
"Sure."
Left alone, Sarah waddled over to the couch and sat down.
"Come on Walker, we need to get moving. I'd prefer not to have to help you deliver this baby, let's leave that to the professionals." Carina commanded as she came back bottle in hand and her phone in the other. With some effort, she managed to help Sarah get up from the couch. "I've set my stopwatch so we can monitor how far apart your contractions are."
"Good thinking Carina." Zondra complimented when she came back, wheeling the small suitcase behind her.
"You know what? I'm actually quite surprised by how well you guys are handling this." Sarah said as they ushered her outside.
/\
Oh god I spoke too soon.
"Damn it Walker!" Carina screamed as another contraction hit. "Zondra! You really need to step on it! She's going to have my hand permanently deformed by the time we get to Westside."
Zondra cast a glance to the two occupants in the back. Sarah was lying down, her hair clinging to her forehead, and teeth gritted as she rode out the contraction, while Carina was scared out of her wits and was also sweating.
"I'm actually sweating!" Carina complained before wiping said perspiration in her blouse, it wasn't lady-like she knew, and her mother, God rest her in her grave would've had a fit if she'd seen her do it, but things such as looking for a washcloth or tissue seemed trivial. "The last time I sweat there was gun fire involved." Carina continued.
"Just try to remain calm." Zondra told them.
"Calm?" Sarah snapped. "You're not the one who has another human being trying to claw his way out of your vagina. I swear Zondra, if you don't get me to the hospital soon, there will be hell to pay."
"Just breathe in and out Sarah." Carina said, doing exaggerated breathing patterns of her own. For Carina, the sight of pregnant women on TV doing those intense breathing exercises was always a bit odd. Now that she was in this position however, she would do and say pretty much anything in order to help Sarah remain calm, and if the humming, the loud exhales and warrior-like facial expressions were supposed to help then she would do it too.
"We will be there soon." Zondra promised, focusing on the road ahead. "Oh no! You have got to be kidding me!"
"Oh no what?" Both ladies in the back asked.
"Um, there's a road block ahead, police are diverting traffic. We are going to have to take another route."
Sarah growled. "Zondra, this is the fasted way to Westside Medical."
"I'll see what I can do." Zondra told them before hopping out of the vehicle. When she slammed the door shut, it muffled the sounds of Sarah's and Carina's heavy breathing.
Zondra walked over to one of the officers. "Excuse me Sir, but I'm going to need access to this road."
"I'm sorry Ma'am, but I can't do that. You will have to do like everyone else and divert."
"No, no, no. You don't understand. You will give me access to this road." Zondra said sternly. She then fished into her pocket and pulled out her CIA credentials. "Agent Zondra Rizzo, CIA, and I need access to this road."
The officer however wasn't fazed. "Typical CIA, always feel they can make us local police do whatever they want. The CIA doesn't have jurisdiction on US soil, so like I said before, divert like everyone else."
Zondra bristled at that and her nostrils flared. "You don't understand, I've got a pregn-"
By now, their heated discussion had drawn the attention of the two other policemen and they congregated around the two. "Problem here Randy?" One of them interrupted her.
Zondra was beginning to grow agitated, and reached for her gun from the back of her pants. She briefly contemplated what would be the consequences if she did pull her gun on the local policemen. Sure her superior would be pissed and there would probably have to cut through a lot of red tape, but she could probably spin her way out of it. She respected local law enforcement, really she did; but right now, needed to get Sarah to the hospital quickly and she'd be damned if they stopped her from doing so. Carina came up behind her and tapped three times on her back, letting her know to stay put.
"Gentlemen, I believe someone on the phone wants to talk to you." Carina announced, holding up her phone and ignoring the dirty looks the policemen sent her.
The first officer Zondra had spoken to, Randy took the phone from her. "Hello?"
"Officer, my name is Charles Bartowski and right now my wife is in labour. Your refusal to let her friends pass through is delaying her arrival at the hospital and quite frankly it's making me angry. It's in your best interest not to make me angry. I have connections with the CIA, FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, you name it, and if you don't let their vehicle through, I swear you will spend the rest of your life scrubbing toilets in some godforsaken holding facility in Serbia. Do we understand each other?"
During the conversation, the officer's eyes had widened considerably. He nodded at first, but upon realizing that the caller on the other end couldn't see his non-verbal communication, promptly answered "Yes Sir.'
He handed back the phone to Zondra, as Carina had returned to the car with Sarah. "Ma'am I apologize for the inconvenience." Zondra nodded. "I think it would be remiss of me if I didn't escort you to the hospital in order to make sure your friend arrives safely." He said, ignoring the questioning looks from his fellow officers. He'd explain to them later.
Zondra nodded and headed back to the minivan, while Randy hopped on his motor bike and turned the sirens on. Nice work Chuck.
~/0\~
When they arrived at the hospital, Chuck was already there, waiting anxiously at the entrance, along with Sarah's OB/GYN and an orderly who stood with a wheelchair. Chuck and the orderly ran up to the vehicle and helped Sarah to exit, before leading her to the wheelchair and wheeled her into the hospital, Chuck and the doctor on either side of her. Carina and Zondra meanwhile went to park the minivan.
"Hey honey." Chuck greeted her. "How are you feeling?"
Sarah growled loudly. "I swear to God Chuck, if you ever touch me again, I will conduct a vasectomy with one of my throwing knives."
Chuck gulped loudly, Sarah in labour and her threats were always interesting. Though he knew Sarah was unlikely to follow through on her threats, he did prefer when she decided to speak said threats in a foreign language he wasn't fluent in as it abated his nerves quite a bit. Dr. Blackett laughed softly. "I see this one couldn't wait Sarah for the full forty weeks."
"And at this moment neither can I."
"How far apart were your contractions?"
"Um, I'm not sure. I've had about three in about the last twenty minutes it took us to get here."
"And how strong have they been?"
"On a scale of one to ten, I'd say four. They haven't been extremely painful and the longest so far one lasted around twenty-five seconds."
The doctor nodded and noted it in her file. Since the contractions were not that close together, nor lasting for more than a minute yet, it was reasonable to assume that there was still some time until she was ready to deliver. After stepping out of the lift, they finally came to the private birthing suite on the fourth floor which Chuck and Sarah had reserved. Chuck and the orderly then helped Sarah to get up from the wheelchair. They thanked him and he nodded before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.
"Ok, Chuck, I'll leave you now to help Sarah change in to the gown, and I'll send in a nurse to check in periodically. She will be assisting with the delivery and will check your dilation. I have to go check on another patient, but she will come get me if it's necessary." The Doctor then left the couple to settle in.
Emma and Mary arrived at the hospital around the same time, and were greeted at the main entrance by Zondra and Carina. Together, the four made their way up to Sarah's suite.
"Chuck!" They heard Sarah scream, presumably as another contraction hit her. "I'm gonna borrow one of Casey's or Gertrude's rifles and I will shoot it off." Outside the room, the ladies tried to contain their laughter, but failed miserably.
"Walker always had a way with her threats." Zondra commented as she recollected some of their missions where they had to use various enhanced interrogation techniques to get information from the marks.
"True." Carina agreed. 'Like that one time she threatened that mercenary to rip his tongue out and shove it down his throat if he didn't tell her exactly what she wanted to know."
"Oh! I remember that. It's not a good feeling being on the receiving end of Walker's rage."
They grimaced before laughing again as they all knew the feeling from past experiences. Emma knocked on the door and the ladies filed in one after the other. Inside, they found Sarah sitting on the bed in the hospital gown, while Chuck was holding her hand, helping her to ride through the contraction and mumbling something in her ear. The two mothers exchanged greetings with their children.
"Mom, you came." Sarah smiled at both her and Mary.
"Did you think we would miss the birth of our newest grandchild?" Mary asked rhetorically, referring to both her and Emma. Mary wouldn't have missed this birth, not for the world. Her children had always been her number one priority and it had pained her to not be in their lives. She wasn't going to miss any more important activities in their lives or that of her grandchildren.
Emma walked over to her daughter and wiped her forehead with a damp washcloth. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good. Better now that all of you are here." Over the years, Emma and Mary had become good friends and Sarah was happy about that. She was even more so happy because she and Mary hadn't had any major clashes, a few disagreements here and there, but not anything like the full-blown stereotypes she'd heard about impossible mothers-in-laws. They had definitely come a long way from pointing guns at each other when they first met with Chuck having to play the part of intercessor and begging them not to kill each other. Mary's advice and support and that of her own mother had been invaluable to her as she and Chuck made their way through parenthood.
"Where's Ellie?" Mary asked. "I thought she'd be here."
"Both she and Devon are in the theatre." Chuck explained their absence.
A middle-aged strawberry blond nurse knocked on the door and entered the room. "Hi, I'm Lucia. I'll be helping Dr. Blackett with the delivery today. I came to check how far Mrs. Bartowski is dilated."
At that announcement, both Zondra and Carina made funny faces. "Um, I'm just um, gonna- gonna, um..." Zondra stuttered, you're a spy for goodness sake! Think fast! "go get you some ice. Yea some ice, you look like you could use some Sarah." She finished.
"Good idea Z, I'm coming with you." Carina said and the two ladies hurriedly left the room.
"We'll be outside." Emma said and she and Mary also left the room.
Chuck helped Sarah to lie down, so the nurse could conduct the examination.
"You're only four centimetres dilated." The nurse announced a handful of minutes later. "We've still got some way to go."
Sarah groaned when she heard that. "You're doing great Babe." Chuck tried to soothe her. Sarah huffed and tried to ease her breathing.
The nurse took off her gloves and left the room soon after, after telling them to page her if they needed anything.
"Chuck, why do you keep doing this to me?" Sarah whined, tears beginning to prick her eyes as she rubbed her stomach forlornly.
Chuck cocked a brow at her. She hadn't been exactly resistant to his advances. In fact, if his memory served him correctly, it was her who had been the aggressor around the time this baby was conceived. He did have enough sense not to tell her that though. Instead, he rubbed soothing circles along the length of her back. "It's going to be OK. Pretty soon, we will be holding our son, and all this will be worth it." Chuck promised.
"But it hurts Chuck. My back is really hurting. I don't think I can do this." Sarah sniffed.
Chuck remembered reading about intense lower back pain that many women feel during and sometimes between contractions when they're giving birth. According to the pregnancy guide, steady counter-pressure on the lower back relieved some of the pain. With this in mid, Chuck began to push on the area with his fists during contractions
"Hey, you're Sarah Bartowski. You can do anything." Chuck smiled. "And you've got me. I'll be right here by your side, you can squeeze my hands when the pain gets too intense."
Sarah smiled. "Promise?"
"Of course. Not that I'd actually want you to squeeze so hard that you fracture my hand, or worse, because that'd be pretty painful..." Chuck said. "Not that what you're feeling isn't painful." He amended. "But it'll also be kind of difficult to hold the baby and I wouldn't be much use helping out with him or helping out around the house in general if it's my right hand especially. And the kids will be really upset too, cause then I won't be able to play video games for a while. Hmm, but now that I think of it, that could be to their advantage. I'm pretty good when I play using my left hand, but I'm better when I have both. Not that I plan to play video games with the kids and leave you all alone to deal with the baby, cause I would never, ever do that, but -"
"Chuck, you're rambling." Sarah laughed.
"Sorry." He apologized, looking sheepish. "But feel free to squeeze my hands as hard as you need to. OK?"
"OK." Sarah said. Chuck then wrapped his arms around her and drew her as close to him as he could. Sarah relaxed in his arms and inhaled his scent. It calmed her immediately. God she loved this man. He always managed to comfort her and say the words she needed to hear. "Love you." She said, slightly muffled.
"I love you too." Chuck smiled and kissed her on top of her head.
The ladies returned a few minutes later, with Zondra bringing the promised ice.
"Sarah, maybe you should walk around for a bit." Mary suggested. "Try to get things moving along." It was what she had done while in labour with Chuck and it had done wonders for her delivery.
She agreed and Chuck helped her get out of bed and she slipped a robe on over the hospital gown, all of them taking turns walking with her up and down the hallways and keeping her company. Lucia came back to check on Sarah periodically, making notes as she did so. Two hours later, once again, Sarah was lying on the bed, with Chuck beside her as Lucia checked how far she was dilated.
"Well, you are nine centimetres dilated." She announced. "I'll go get the Doctor; it's soon time to push."
Sarah noticed that Chuck had been growing anxious and was pacing the room. He had tried to remain calm for the most part, but his nervousness was now seeping through. "Chuck?" Sarah called out. Chuck stopped in his tracks and looked at her questioningly. Sarah sent him a smile, trying to let him know that everything was going to be OK. "Honey, look at me. I need you to go outside for a little while. Pull yourself together and come back to me." Sarah instructed. "I need you Chuck."
Chuck kissed her on her temple and went outside for a few short minutes. Emma, Carina and Zondra went in to the room to keep her company until Chuck returned. Chuck wandered a bit and found himself in front of the nursery window, looking at the new-born babies in their cots. He bit his fingernails nervously as he looked at the wailing babies. Having done this whole process five times already, (and almost having to help Sarah deliver their second child Emily as there was terrible weather and the roads were blocked), he had thought that he would've been a bit less freaked out, but that was not the case. Mary came up beside him, and gave him a shoulder nudge.
"Hey Chuck."
"Hey Mom."
"Why aren't you in there?"
Chuck opened and closed his mouth a couple of times but was unable to utter anything comprehensive. Mary realized it was time for her to give a little pep-talk. "Listen, I know I made some mistakes. I missed most of your childhood and your Dad and Ellie for the most part had to raise you all on her own. There's not a day that goes by that I don't regret that." Mary began. "You're an amazing father already Chuck. You and Sarah have done a good job raising the other five children already and I'm sure this time it'll be no different." Mary said. "I'm proud of you, and I know Sarah is proud of you too. And your father. God rest him in his grave..." Mary trailed off, her voice having been heavy with emotion as memories of her beloved husband flooded her mind. She blinked away the tears that were pooling in her eyes. "I know that he's proud of you too, you're a wonderful Dad already."
"Thanks Mom." Chuck said. She had always had a way of comforting him when he was younger, and she was still able to do so. Despite the initial mistrust and anger he had experienced when she returned to their lives, he was happy that she was with him now, back with her family where she belonged.
"You're welcome." relied Mary. "So come on, let's get in there."
Chuck took a deep breath and smiled at his Mom. She pulled him into a brief hug and tapped his back encouragingly. Together, the two made their way back to Sarah's room. Emma was there, giving Sarah a fresh set of ice cubes to cool her down. When Sarah heard the soft click of the door being opened, she looked up to see him and managed to smile despite her pain. Chuck walked over to her bedside and took her right hand in his.
"Don't freak out." Sarah smiled up at Chuck. "We're ready for it."
Carina and Zondra excused themselves from the room. They were still a tad uncomfortable with the whole situation but before leaving, they reminded Sarah that they were there for her.
The doctor and two other nurses came in soon after, and checked to make sure that the machines which monitored both Sarah's and the baby's heart rate and her blood pressure were working properly. Dr. Blackett took her position between Sarah's legs and pulled on her latex gloves. After she did the examination, she looked up to Sarah.
"You're ten centimetres dilated and fully effaced." She announced. "It's time to push."
/\
After six hours conducting heart surgery and five for a craniotomy, Ellie and Devon Woodcomb showered and changed in to a clean set of scrubs. It was only then that they checked their phones and realised that they had a text message and voice mail informing them of their nephew's pending arrival. Each doctor quickly left their respective hospital wing and headed down to the delivery suite.
"Hey! I heard the latest Bartowski is about to make his début into this world." Devon's voice boomed. Ellie had beaten him to the waiting area and was already sitting with the other women.
"Hey babe." Devon greeted her with a kiss. "Zondra, Carina, I didn't know you guys were in town. It's good to see you though." Devon said and sat down in one of the chairs.
"You know us Devon, we're full of surprises and we tend to just pop up." Zondra replied. "It's good to see you guys too."
"For someone who claims to hate surprises, Walker sure did surprise us today."
"You mean by going into labour?" Ellie asked for clarification.
Carina snorted. "Ha! We didn't even know she was pregnant."
"She had hinted at having a surprise for us the next time we came to town, but I didn't think much of it. The last couple of times we video-conferenced it was always from the bust and up. And even then, the kids usually took over."
"I did tell her that her face was getting fatter. Then I teased her about waiting until she was getting old to pack on the pounds." Carina added.
"We actually had the baby shower six weeks ago. I sent both of you guys an email."
"We were both undercover." Zondra explained. "I was infiltrating a terrorist organization in Burundi, and Carina was in El Salvador hunting down some drug lord. Same old; same old."
"Have you guys heard anything about Sarah?" Devon asked, wanting to switch the conversation from spy-related stuff.
"Besides Walker swearing to cut off Chuck's manhood and her screaming like she's possessed?" Zondra asked. Devon chuckled at Zondra's statement. At least he had been pretty lucky as Ellie had been relatively calm during her two deliveries. "The nurse did pop out to say everything was going well."
"It shouldn't be too long now." Carina said. "Your Mom and Emma are also in there."
"Oh that's good that both of them got to be here." Ellie said.
As they waited for news on the latest Bartowski, the four friends made small talk and caught up on the recent happenings in Burbank or Snores Ville as Carina had permanently attached the name to it, and they told them of some of their unclassified info from their last couple of missions.
"What's taking them so long?" Carina asked the group. They had been in the waiting room for a little more than an hour, and the baby still hadn't come.
"Do you think something could be wrong?" Zondra asked the two doctors, growing equally as concerned as her friend.
Devon and Ellie looked at each other and Devon shrugged slightly. "I'm sure if something was wrong someone would've come and told us by now." Ellie said. "Besides, at her last appointment a couple of days ago, everything was fine." A lot can happen in a few days the doctor in her head said. Devon squeezed her hand for reassurance, they both knew there could be complications, but were praying for the opposite.
"Dr. Woodcomb?" A member of the hospital staff approached them. Both Ellie and Devon turned to her. "Sorry. I meant Ellie. You've got a call on line one."
"OK. I'll be right back." Ellie told the group and followed the employee.
When she returned, Zondra and Devon were idly flipping through magazines, while Carina had begun to pace the floor. "That was Morgan. Alex collected the twins from school, and they will stay at their house until Sarah has the baby and someone comes to take them home or they can spend the night."
"What about the rest of the kids?" Zondra inquired.
"Casey and Gertrude have got that under control. They're all at Chuck's and Sarah's." Ellie explained.
"All, all of them?" Devon questioned.
Ellie raised her eyebrow. "Yes all of them, meaning Molly, Chuck's and Sarah's and our children. We can pick them up after we finish here."
"I don't know if that's a good idea Ellie." Carina said, her eyes dancing with mirth. "I can only imagine Casey and Gertie now. Six kids? It's like they have a miniature army."
"Oh! I can see it now, he'll have them doing push-ups, watching Reagan documentaries, Cold War movies...They'll be scarred for life." Zondra added.
Devon laughed at the thought and Ellie chuckled. "I'm sure Gertrude will keep a leash on him. She knows how to keep things from getting too out of hand."
"I wouldn't be so sure Ellie." Zondra warned. "She's just as bad herself."
Ellie laughed at their antics. "I think I'm going to find out what's going on." She said, having had enough of waiting. The others conveyed their agreement and she made her way down the hallway to Sarah's suite.
/\
Meanwhile...
"I'm so tired." Sarah complained. The sweat clinging to her brow was a testament to the energy she had been expounding with each push. It felt like she'd been pushing for hours, when it had really only been approximately forty-five minutes. She thought he would've been out already, but apparently her son had ideas of his own and was going to come when he pleased. Thankfully, the fetal heart monitor was still beeping steadily, so her worries about something being wrong were alleviated.
"Sarah, you're doing really well. Now, when the next contraction comes, I want you to push as hard as you can." The OB/GYN instructed. "You're almost there."
Sarah nodded and squeezed Chuck's hand as she tried to catch her breath. She was tired of all the pushing and the breathing exercises. She was tired of holding either Chuck's, Emma's or Mary's hands, she was tired of them telling her she was doing great. She was tired of the doctor telling her to keep pushing. She was tired of the contractions. Her legs were beginning to cramp up from bending her knees so that the doctor could look betwen...She was tired of everything... She just wanted to sleep for about a week. Yea, a week sounded nice. The pain was just too much. God, why did I refuse that epidural? She would shoot herself for having done so. "Chuck?" she managed to whisper, "You know that you're cut off indefinitely."
Chuck, for his benefit had learnt a few things over Sarah's deliveries. There were certain do's and don'ts...First off, when she was making her threats...Do: Keep your motion shut...Don't: Say that she was the one who was insatiable...It was better to keep quiet and just nod or smile encouragingly at her. Of course, sometimes that didn't work as she would question why he wasn't saying anything, and that, combined with labour pains would infuriate her a little more. When that happened, Chuck was basically screwed and just had to wing it. That proved to be a no-no win situation at times.
Chuck stepped away from Sarah's slightly, and looked as he was going to see what the doctor could from her position. Sarah quickly latched on to his arm and pulled him closer to her. She grabbed his left ear. "Don't you even think about going down there to check!"
That was the second thing. Don't: Under no circumstances should Chuck go to where the doctor was between her legs. He had done so when she was in labour with CJ and had fainted. Do: Keep by her bedside and let her scream into your ear or squeeze your hand whenever she felt the need. If you followed those simple instructions, you'd survive.
"Ow, ow!" Chuck said, "My ears hurt." Emma and Mary tried to stifle their chuckles which came out more as a little cough. Emma busied herself with...
She only released his ear when another contraction hit. "Argh!"
"Come on Sarah, you're almost there." Chuck looked down at her and smoothed down her hair. "A couple more pushes and he will be here."
"You know I'm never doing this again. Right?"
"Yea, I know. One last baby." Chuck joked.
Sarah groaned slightly. He, Morgan and Casey had reprimanded her for saying "One last mission." before they retired from the spy life, mainly because they believed it was some sort of jinx. You knew things were bad when Casey agreed with both Chuck and Morgan on anything. 'You never say one last mission.' She just hoped Chuck's statement didn't jinx them. Another baby was definitely not in her plans. Nope. Not after this. She was finished, her uterus had been used enough in its lifetime. Sarah couldn't dwell on that train of thought too long as her next contraction struck and she was instructed to give one last strong push. OK, I can do this. Mustering all her strength, Sarah secured her right hand in Chuck's and her left in her mother's; Sarah gave one last push with everything she had left.
After seven hours in labour Chuck and Sarah's last child finally made his entrance into the world. Sarah was exhausted and dropped back onto the bed. When the sounds of her baby's first cries filled the room, a smile graced her features. He was finally here. Chuck did the honours of cutting the umbilical cord. After they cleaned off the baby boy, he was swaddled in a receiving blanket and Chuck took him from the nurse.
"Congratulations." Dr. Blackett said as she took of her gloves at smiled at the happy family members.
Sarah mouthed her thanks to the Doctor and she smiled back.
"Hey little guy." Chuck said, as he walked over to Sarah's bedside. "It's Daddy." The baby boy yawned slightly, a wide toothless motion that made his heart swell.
Sarah extended her arms to take him and Sarah immediately cradled him near to her chest. The baby looked up at her, gentle and warm blue eyes met inquisitive ones which were filled with wonder. Tears began to fill her eyes as the emotion took over. Her mind briefly flickered to the previous times she had held all of her children for the first time. Though she and Chuck had agreed they were ready to start a family, when CJ was born, she was once again filled with apprehension during labour. After all, she had mostly cradled guns and sometimes injured colleagues, not babies, well except Molly and Clara, and even then, she had always felt that her hands were much too bloody to be holding such innocent and beautiful beings. However, Chuck had put those fears to rest, and when she first held him, she was filled with a deep sense of wonder and happiness. That same emotion had been repeated, just as intensely when she held her other children for the first time and this was no different. He was a little pink and squished, but he was perfect. She looked him over, counting his fingers and toes, he was OK, a tad smaller than she remembered the others being, but that didn't matter. He seemed healthy and that was all that truly mattered.
"Hey baby...I'm your Mommy." She introduced herself, total elation consuming her. As she looked into his eyes, and ran her finger through his hair, she couldn't help but smile. Her pregnancy and labour woes had definitely been worth it. "I'm really happy to be holding you." Sarah stroked his cheek. "I love you so much already." Sarah whispered. Chuck wrapped his arm around Sarah and placed a kiss on her forehead, equally feeling as much love and adoration for their precious gift. Since it would soon be time for the baby to be taken to the nursery for the normal procedures to be followed and for possible monitoring, the parents allowed Mary and Emma to hold him also.
"He's beautiful." Mary commented in awe as she held her grandson and Emma sounded her agreement. The grandmothers and parents spent a few more minutes fawning over the new-born before he was taken to the nursery.
"I'm exhausted." Sarah moaned after the two were left alone.
Chuck smiled lovingly at her. She had been a trooper throughout this pregnancy. Towards the beginning of her third trimester, the doctor had warned that her blood pressure levels were rising and she had been placed on partial bed rest. That had been a bit difficult for her, especially considering that with five children running around the house, she always had to be doing something. Thankfully, the children, following the example of their older brother had been on their best behaviour most of the time, which meant she did not have much to stress about. The older children had also managed to keep the twins entertained so Sarah didn't have to exert herself too much when they wanted to play. And of course there was work too, but Chuck had made sure that things had been extremely light for her up until when she went on leave. "I'm so proud of you Sarah."
"Mhmm."
"OK, take your rest, I'm gonna step out for a moment."
"Mhm OK." She said, already drifting off to sleep.
Ellie was a few feet away from Sarah's room when she saw her mother and Emma step out of the room. The two proud grandparents hugged each other and had bright smiles on their faces. Ellie then put some pep in her step to reach the women faster.
"He's perfect." Mary announced, having seen the question in her daughter's eyes.
"They're cleaning up now. But I'm sure you guys can go in soon."
Ellie was relieved and squealed delightedly.
When Chuck entered the waiting room, he was greeted by the group. After enquiring about Sarah's well-being and finding out she was doing OK, but a little tired and sleeping, the group minus Emma who had gone back to Sarah's room, then went down to the nursery to see the baby.
/\
A while later, after he had been weighed and measured, given a Vitamin K shot, the hepatitis vaccine and eye drops to prevent infection, and the necessary tests conducted, their baby was brought back up to Sarah's room for his first feeding. It took her a moment before her she got him to latch on but after he did, the baby nursed comfortably. The others, minus Chuck decided to stay outside and wait, giving them some privacy. After the all clear was given, Ellie and Devon went in to the room first.
"Congrats Sarah." Devon and Ellie chorused.
"Thank you." Sarah smiled.
"What am I?" Chuck asked offended. "Chopped liver? I played a part in his creation too."
Ellie rolled her eyes and Sarah laughed softly. "Sorry bro. My bad." Devon patted him on the back. "But the women do the really hard part. Nevertheless, congrats to you too."
"Thank you Captain." Chuck said. "At least one person understands and appreciates me." Chuck glared at Ellie.
"Yeah, yeah. Congrats to you too Chuck." She waved him off and Ellie immediately went over to the crib. "Is it OK if I hold him?"
"Ellie." Sarah said incredulously. "Of course you can hold him."
Ellie smiled and picked up her nephew with a practiced ease. "Hi, little guy, I'm your Aunt Ellie."
"And I'm Uncle Awesome." Devon introduced himself coming up behind Ellie.
Ellie rolled her eyes good-naturedly at the nickname which had stuck indefinitely. "How are you feeling Sarah?"
"I'm fine, a little tired, but I'm happy."
"You and the Chuckster sure did awesome." Devon complimented. He was now holding the baby. "This one here surely got all his looks from you. The girls better watch out." He joked.
The three conversed a bit more and the topic of names for the new-born arose but Chuck and Sarah said they were still undecided. Ellie then took a number of photos with her phone. After the mini photo shoot, Chuck stepped out to call home and check on the kids. "Casey says he's got the fort under control." Chuck announced upon his return to the room.
"Babe, we better get going, we've got to collect the kids." Devon reminded her.
"You're right!" She sighed. "Chuck, Sarah, I'm so happy for you guys. I'll see you tomorrow." Ellie hugged the couple and gave them both a kiss on the cheek.
"Later Chuck, Sarah and baby."
"Goodnight." Chuck and Sarah chorused.
Mary was the next person to come bid them goodbye, promising to visit again tomorrow. Before she left Sarah asked her where Carina and Zondra were. Mary answered that they had gone down to the gift shop. She kissed them goodnight and Chuck volunteered to walk her to the car. Zondra and Carina came into the room a little while after they had left.
Carina had a large stuffed giraffe in her hand and two balloons with 'Congratulations' and 'It's a boy!' written on them, while Zondra had a brown teddy bear and a card in hers.
They placed the stuffed animals in one of the empty chairs which Mary and Chuck had vacated and put the balloons near the bedside.
"Carina, Zondra, you know you guys didn't have to stay." Sarah told them.
Zondra waved her off. "It's not a problem. We wanted to."
"And I guess you screaming like a Banshee in my ear and holding my hand so tight was worth it." Carina added, casting a glance at the baby.
"I'm glad that you're here." Sarah said honestly. "Do you want to hold him?"
"Oh I don't know Walker; he looks so small and fragile." Zondra said nervously. They had previously visited after Sarah had delivered, so during those times, the babies were usually past three weeks old and not looking as fragile as the baby did now.
Sarah laughed softly. "Just do like Mary does. She said you handle babies like if you were handling live explosives. Smooth and silent."
"Um OK." Zondra said walking over to the cot. She looked at Sarah again, who smiled encouragingly. She reached down into the cot and picked up the baby gently, cradling him in her arms. "Hiiiii." She cooed. "You're so cute. Yes you are. Yes you are." Zondra smiled. "I'm your Auntie."
Zondra then turned to Carina. "Do you wanna hold him?"
"Sure, why not."
Zondra walked over to her and placed the baby in her arms, adjusting the blankets afterward. Confused by the sudden change of hands, he wrinkled his face. Carina thought he was getting ready to cry. "Walker, I think you better take him back."
"Try talking to him."
Carina looked down at the baby, who looked directly in to her green eyes, as though he was looking past her hard façade and saw the woman beneath. She shuddered for a moment. "Hey." She started, "You look just like your Mommy."
Emma, who had gone off to call some of Sarah's closest friends and tell them the news, knocked on the door and entered. She walked over to Sarah. "I think it's time I get going. I'll stay with the kids and help out until you are released."
"OK, thanks Mom. For everything."
"No problem baby girl." Emma smiled and kissed her on her forehead. She then walked over to Carina who was still holding the baby. "And Grandma will see you tomorrow my precious." She cooed. Tomorrow, the other Bartowski children and Molly would also be visiting.
"Tell the kids I miss them and I love them." Sarah told her mother. "On second thought, they will probably be sleeping by the time you get there, so give them a kiss good night for me, and Chuck and I will call in the morning before they go to school.
"Sure. I'm sure they will be looking forward to that call." Emma smiled. "Do you guys need a ride?" Emma asked her daughter's friends.
"Our vehicles are at Chuck and Sarah's place, we drove the minivan here. But I guess we should be heading out too." Zondra said.
Carina agreed and passed the baby to Sarah. They then bid her good night and left her alone with her new-born.
/\
"Hey Chuck!" Morgan entered the room whispering, mindful that the baby might be sleeping. He placed his vase of flowers on the bedside table before he walked over to the cot, to see his nephew, who was awake, but lying peacefully, taking in the world around him. "Dude, he looks just like Sarah!" Morgan observed taking in the baby's tuft of blond hair and bright blue eyes. "Where is she by the way?" Morgan asked, noticing the empty bed.
"She decided to go for a little walk. Said her legs were feeling cramped." Chuck explained.
"She must've gone the other direction; I didn't pass her." Morgan mused. "Congrats buddy."
"Thanks Morgan."
"Oh right!" Morgan snapped his fingers, remembering something. "I brought some fresh clothes for you. And obviously the flowers are for Sarah" He said handing Chuck a bag which had been slung around his shoulder.
"Thanks Morgan." Chuck took the bag from him and smiled appreciatively. He was still in his business wear which consisted of slacks and a button down blue shirt. The accompanying tie and jacket had been tossed aside in the car on his drive to the hospital.
"Anything for my best bud." Morgan said. "Alex also sends her congratulations. She said she will visit tomorrow." He held the new-born for a short while and he and Chuck talked some more. "Dude, visiting hours are almost up. I should be heading out." Morgan finally said as he checked his watch.
"Ok Morgan. Thanks again."
"No problem Chuck. I'll see you later."
"Drive safe little buddy. Bye."
When Morgan left, Chuck smiled down at his son. Alone at last. Bending over, he lifted his son from the cot. The baby stretched and yawned slightly. "Are you hungry? Or just tired?" Chuck knew new-borns ate quite a lot, but he had literally just been fed, so he figured it was the latter. "You've had quite a long day...Met lots of people. And tomorrow, your brothers and sisters will be coming to visit."
He began to get fussy, small whimpers escaping his lips. Chuck began to rock him slowly. "How 'bout a lullaby? Yea?" Chuck thought for a moment, deciding on which one to sing. "Ok, this one is Levi and Lisa's favourite... "Good night my little angel. Time to close your eyes..."
/\
"You know Chuck, we still haven't decided on a name for him." Sarah said.
She had just finished nursing and consequently burping the baby who had then fallen asleep in the warm comfort of her arms. Carefully, she laid him down in the cot on his belly and pulled a blanket over his small romper-clad form. Chuck came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He then kissed her on the cheek. Sarah sighed contentedly when he did so and the proud parents looked at their baby sleeping peacefully for a couple of minutes, with small smiles on their faces. He would be spending the night in her room, thereby making it easier for him to be fed during the night, rather than having to be brought from the nursery when he was hungry or fed formula. The nurse however would check in during the night.
Sarah turned in his arms so that they were now facing each other. Chuck maintained his hold on her waist and she hung her arms loosely around his neck, enjoying the proximity.
"There's always Han or Luke." Chuck proposed. Sarah gave him a sour face. "Anakin?" He suggested hopefully.
Sarah shook her head no again. They had been over this already; he was not being named after Star Wars characters, not his first name at least. As she had shown with Emily and Lisa, whose middle names were Leia and Serenity respectively, she could be accommodating to their father's nerdy tendencies, but not that lenient. "No Star Wars names."
"Oh I got it!" Chuck exclaimed suddenly. "How about Jayne? It's not a name from Star Wars...That's from Firefly."
"Cause that makes it all better?" Sarah asked, her eyebrow arched. Chuck laughed softly. "Who even names a boy child Jayne? If that's not a sure way to have him being bullied on the playground, I don't know what is."
"Hey!" Chuck cried out offended. "With you being a kick-ass ninja, I don't see any child of ours being bullied. And I'll have you know that Jayne Cobb was an amazing man...He robbed from the rich and he gave to the poor. He stood up to the man and he gave him what for. Our love for him now, ain't hard to explain. The hero of Canton, the man they call Jayne!" Chuck said in a sing-song voice.
Sarah squinted her eyes at him, wondering what the hell he was going on about. "Um, yea, whatever." She said disinterested.
"Sarah, I've been telling you for years; you really do need to watch Firefly with me. Seriously, Jayne is sick, kinda like Casey."
"Despite his supposed thrilling heroics, I'm still saying no to Jayne."
"Fineeeee." Chuck whined. "You're so difficult woman." He joked. Sarah narrowed her eyes at him and arched both eyebrows. The Death Stare...Chuck stepped away from her slightly and put his hands up in surrender. They had already narrowed down the list to four names: Jonathan, Andrew, Vincent and Steven. "How about Jonathan?"
"I like it." Sarah said. "But what about his middle name?"
"Well, we already gave Levi my Dad's name. Do you want him to have yours?"
Sarah thought about it for a moment. She and her father had managed to reconnect two and a half years ago. He had left the conning behind, since as he put it, he was getting a little too old and a being good con man he knew it was time to quit. Using their government contacts, Chuck and Sarah had been able to give him a clean slate. He had apologized for his more often than not putting financial rewards above hers, and Sarah had forgiven him. Their relationship, nor that of him and her mother hadn't been as strained. Sarah was elated to have both parents in her life, especially since when she joined the CIA, she didn't think it would have been possible. Jack didn't move to Burbank to be closer to Sarah and his grandchildren as Emma had done, but Sarah understood his reasoning; he wasn't fully comfortable with his new life and she was not going to pressure him. He did however make sure to call often and visited frequently. Jack knew he had messed up his daughter's childhood, and although he could not change any of that, he did think that being in her life now and that of his grandchildren was definitely a good thing.
"I'm not sure. But maybe. Let's sleep on it." she suggested before climbing into bed. She noticed he was setting up the couch in the far corner of the room and frowned. "You're going to sleep on the couch?"
"Yea." Chuck said as of it was the obvious answer. The nurse had been kind enough to bring him a pillow and two blankets, so he was all set.
"You could climb in here with me." Sarah suggested. "I think the bed is big enough for two."
Chuck shrugged. "I don't know...I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
Sarah glared at him. "Charles Bartowski." She said irritably. "I gave birth to your son a few hours ago. I think the least you can do is come into this bed with me, wrap your arms around me and let me fall asleep peacefully. Get in this bed. Now."
"Oh so demanding. And then you wonder where the kids get it from." Chuck joked. Sarah still glared at him. Sighing, he pulled down the blankets and got into bed with Sarah. She scooted over a little so Chuck would be more comfortable and then snuggled against his warmth. She rested her head on his chest and Chuck smiled down and her.
"Good night Sarah. Love you."
"Good night Chuck. I love you too." Yes, it was a very good night indeed.
A/N #2: I'm just ironing out a few details for the next chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed this one though.
Apologies if the hospital procedure during and after labour is incorrect, from using I found that Google, the system is pretty different to here in Barbados.
Anyway, leave a review if you like (even as a guest)..Favouriting, and placing the story on alert is also much appreciated...As a writer it feels nice to know you readers are enjoying the story.
And apparently, Congress is looking into the C.I.A.'s interrogation practices, i.e. 'torture' hmmm it'd be interesting to see what, if anything at all becomes of that.
Until next time
~xoxoxo
Bg. 30/08/2014