Chapter 44: Inconvenient

"Not that much, huh?" Misaki said, through her smile as they walked over to grandfather.

"Just smile," Takumi said, maintaining composure too.

"Takumi," Grandfather said, waving him over. He was seated in comfy chair with a microphone in his hand. There was a podium but he didn't have the energy to stand for long periods of time.

"Greetings, everyone," he said, in a calm authoritative voice. "I thank all of you for traveling this way to welcome the newest additions to our Walker family. I officially present you, Mrs. Takumi Walker, Misaki and their upcoming daughter. The Walker family is an ancient name," Grandfather continued. "We hold and pride ourselves in our heritage. Our noble name has also become a very successful business. I've been around for many years now," Grandfather said, solemnly. "Many things I'm more comfortable with handling myself but I realize I will not always be there but I'm glad to have…"

Was the Duke getting choked up? Misaki had a hard time believing that.

"I'm glad to have my family here," he said after a pause. "I trust the continuation of our line but also the future success of our companies to my grandsons, Takumi and Gerard. Today, was to officially welcome my great granddaughter. She has Walker blood running through her and so I present to her, her birthright."

Everyone began clapping. Grandfather handed the microphone to his butler and nodded to Takumi. Misaki took a seat next to Gerard while Takumi walked up to the podium in the front of the ballroom.

"Good afternoon, everyone," he said, nodding. "As you know, it's been several years since I've taken over the Japan branch of Walker Corporations. Many of you were even present during the ceremony as I was handed such an influential company but I don't know how many of you remembered my speech. During that time, I thanked Grandfather for the excellent opportunity but I also thanked my fiancee at the time. Today, she stands as my wife and soon to the mother of my child. Many things have changed these past few years but she hasn't. I thank her for her everlasting support and never ending love."

Takumi gave Misaki a smile. "I am so blessed and I look forward to helping the Walker lineage add another name and story to it's line. Thank you."

Misaki took Takumi's hand as he walked back to his seat. Everyone gathered around to offer their congratulations. Misaki and Takumi stood there as the reporters took photographs- from a safe distance away though.

"Mrs. Walker," a woman said in english. "It is an honor to meet you," she said shaking Misaki's hand. "My name is Susan Duncan. My family has worked with the Walkers for several generations."

Misaki smiled and nodded. "It's an honor to meet you too then," she said in english, smiling.

"You're english is very good," Susan complemented. "Did you have a tutor as a child? I'm sure you came from a very proper family. Mr. Walker and you are a perfect match."

Misaki gave a nervous smile and nodded.

"How are you feeling?" Takumi asked, walking by. He gently placed a hand on her arm.

"Fine," Misaki said.

"Okay," Takumi said. "Why don't you grab some food and go sit down somewhere," he said. "I need to finish talking to some people."

Misaki nodded. "Don't worry about me," she said, giving him a smile.

"Mrs. Walker," another couple exclaimed, walking over to her.

Oh great…

"Why don't you come sit with us over here," the woman suggested. "I'm France Ellis. I work with Gerard Walker."

"Oh, nice to meet you," Misaki said, shaking her hand.

She grabbed some appetizers and went to go sit down on a comfy bench.

"So when are you due?" France asked, gently placing a hand on her stomach.

"My due date is in a few days but it's mostly up to when the baby wants to come," Misaki said with a small laugh.

Misaki wished she had a personal secretary to remind her of everyone's names. There was japanese names and as well as english names all mixed together.

"Oh...Gertrude?" Misaki asked, so lost.

"It's Priscilla," she said, smiling.

"Sorry," Misaki said, slapping her forehead. "I've met way too many people today," she said, standing up.

"That's okay," Priscilla said. "I couldn't remember everyone's name here either," she whispered. "Shall we get more punch?"

Misaki nodded and they walked over to the long tables. Priscilla gave Misaki a sympathetic smile as Misaki slowly and gingerly walked over. She carefully placed one heeled foot in front of the other.

"It's not easy for you, is it?" Priscilla asked, helping Misaki. "Being a Walker must be hard."

"It's not that bad," Misaki said, setting her empty glass on the table. "It's just a little hard to walk when you can't see your feet."

"I bet," Priscilla said, getting herself more punch. "I bet dressing up and getting ready wasn't much fun either."

Misaki shook her head. "Yeah. I just want to go home and sit around in sweatpants," she admitted. She picked up the crystal ladle.

A cramp shot up her stomach.

"Oh," Misaki said, dropping the ladle back into the bowl.

"Are you okay?!" Priscilla asked.

"Yeah, fine," Misaki said, smiling. "Braxton hicks. Nothing to worry about-" Misaki gripped the table as another one shot through her. Maybe not…

"Are you sure?" Priscilla asked, not sure how to help.

"Yeah," Misaki said, through her teeth. "I just need to sit down," she gasped.

Misaki placed a hand on the small of her back and used her other hand to support her stomach. Priscilla helped her sit back down on the bench.

There was another sharp stab which caused Misaki to tightly grip the arm rest. She could feel a drop of sweat trickling down the side of her face.

"Do you want me to get Mr. Walker?" Priscilla asked, worried.

"He's...UGH! ...Busy," Misaki said, biting her lip. She felt like she couldn't catch her breath.

"Mrs. Walker, what's wrong?" another woman asked, kneeling beside her.

"I'm fine," Misaki said, gripping her stomach.

An elderly woman stopped by. "Mrs. Walker!" she exclaimed. "I think you're going into labor," she said, pointing to Misaki's leg. There was a watery substance trickling down it.

Misaki couldn't even respond. The pain was horrible.

"Mr. Walker!" she heard someone yell.

"Excuse me," Takumi said, pushing through the people. "Misaki!" he said, grabbing her hands. "Is it the baby?"

"I don't know!" Misaki cried out, frantic. "It really hurts!"

"Okay, we're going to get you out of here," Takumi said, wrapping her around his shoulder and helping her stand. "Security!" Takumi yelled. He was in complete serious mode. "I want the reporters backed away. NOW!"

Takumi called their driver and shoved his phone back into his pocket.

"Okay, honey," he said, picking Misaki up. "We're going to get you to the hospital."

"Takumi…" Misaki said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Shh…" Takumi soothed as they began walking out of the ballroom.

The crowds of people were all watching. Misaki covered her face as reporters still tried to take pictures. Of all the times! Now a couple hundred people watched her go into labor. Heck, her water even broke in front of all these strangers. This day couldn't get more humiliating.

"How bad does it hurt?" Takumi asked as Misaki started to cry.

"It's okay," Misaki said, wiping her eyes. "Just kidding," she gasped out. "It hurts like hell!"

Their driver pulled up and Takumi set Misaki on her feet to open the car door.

"Mr. Walker," the driver said. "Where to?"

"The hospital," Takumi said, closing the car door. "Here, baby, put your head in my lap. Breath," he coaxed.

"T-Takumi," Misaki said, gripping his hand. "It hurts really bad!"

"I know, baby," he said, pushing her sweat dampened hair out of her face. "Keep breathing. Here, look at me." Takumi did some dramatic breathing. "Copy me."

"Doesn't help!" Misaki exclaimed, squeezing her eyes shut.

"You didn't even try," Takumi said, helping her sit up. "Come on, sweetheart. Deep breaths."

"Ah!" Misaki cried out when the car came to a halt.

"Why did you stop?!" Takumi demanded.

The driver looked panicked. "Sir, there's been an accident up ahead. There's a huge traffic jam…"

Takumi sucked in a sharp breath. "This has to be a joke," he said, rolling down the window. Sure enough cars had stopped moving as far as the eye could see.

"How bad is it?" Misaki asked.

"Not bad,"

"That's a horrible lie," Misaki said, studying his face. "We're in trouble, aren't we?" she asked.

"No, no," Takumi said, rolling up the windows. "We're going to be fine. Turn on the AC," he told the driver.

Misaki sat up be herself and leaned her head against the window. She felt so stuffy, she felt like she was going to suffocate.

"Do you want some water?" Takumi asked, opening a bag.

Misaki shook her head. She kept taking deep breathes while leaned against the cool glass.

"Are you sure-"

"I SAID I DON'T WANT ANY!" Misaki snapped. "Leave me alone…" she said, gripping the door handle. Her breathing was really labored.

"Mis-"

"Don't talk to me!" Misaki snapped. "Just shut up for five minutes."

Takumi nodded and fanned her with a book.

"Stop, that's annoying," Misaki said, pushing the book away. "Ugh, this car is so stuffy. I'm going to give birth in this STUPID car! There's no air in here!"

"How much longer?!" Takumi demanded the driver.

"I-I don't know," the driver stammered. "Half an hour maybe?"

Misaki screamed. Takumi started freaking out on the inside.

"I wish we were home!" she cried. "I'm going to die…"

"You're not going to die-"

"Stop talking!" Misaki moaned. "Why'd we have to go to this stupid party with all this stupid talking?!"

"I'm going to call the hospital," Takumi said.

"Great," Misaki said. "That will help!" she said, sarcastically.

Takumi sighed and waited for the phone to connect. "Yes, my wife has just gone into labor," Takumi said. "We're stuck in traffic right now. There's been an accident on 5th Street. I need to know how long we have to get to the hospital."

There was a long pause.

"There's long breaks between the contractions, several minutes." Takumi replied. "Alright. Thank you."

The car moved forward a few feet and came to a stop again.

"Misaki," Takumi said, cautiously. "Can I check?"

"Check what?" Misaki moaned.

"How far along you are… Are you dilated?"

Misaki shook her head and continued clinging onto the inside of the door.

"Misaki," Takumi said, gently. "I need to know."

"It's not that far," Misaki said. Her face was buried in the crook of her elbow. "There's still time."

"Can I look?"

Misaki shook her head.

"Misaki," Takumi said. "Be reasonable-"

"I'm in labor! In a car!" Misaki yelled. "Don't ask me to do anything!"

Takumi held out his hands. "Sorry. Do you want a foot rub? Back rub? Water? A snack?"

"I want to be dead," Misaki said, leaning back in her seat. "IT HURTS!" she screamed.

Takumi let her almost cut the circulation out of his hand as she squeezed it. He offered her breathing exercising but Misaki didn't want to do them. Panic started to fill Takumi when Misaki's contractions were getting closer together.

"I need medical help right now!" he yelled into the phone. "MY WIFE'S ABOUT TO HAVE OUR BABY IN THE CAR!"

Takumi paused for a moment and hung up. He threw open the car door.

"Where are you going...?" Misaki said. Her face was pale and Takumi had never seen her look so scared before.

"I'll get you to the hospital," he said, holding out his hand.

"You're crazy!" Misaki exclaimed.

"We won't make it in time," Takumi said. "I can't have you delivering in the car with no medical help. It's too dangerous."

"What are you going to do?" Misaki asked, slowly standing up. She wobbled in her heels.

Takumi wrapped his arms around her as gently lifted her up. "I'll carry you to the hospital," he said, briskly weaving through the cars.

"You're crazy!" Misaki exclaimed. "The hospital is all the way down this road."

"They're going to meet us as far as they can," Takumi said, trying hard not to jostle Misaki.

"I'm scared," Misaki said, holding into Takumi tightly.

"I'm here," Takumi whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you or our daughter."

"I'm too heavy," Misaki said. "I'll walk."

"That will only rush the baby," Takumi said. "I'll carry you there even if I break both my arms."

"Takumi, no-"

"Shh," Takumi said. "I can see the hospital."

"Ugh!" Misaki cries out as another contradiction hit her. "Takumi!" Misaki screamed, digging her nails into his neck. "Set me down! I can't keep moving!"

"No, Misaki," Takumi said, supporting her. "Just endure it. We can't stop right now."

EMTs ran down the sidewalk as they neared the hospital.

"We got her," they said, helping Misaki lie down on the hospital bed.

Takumi finally released her. His relief was short lived when he looked at his hand. His palm was stained with red.

"Oh god, no…" he breathed, staring at his hand. This wasn't his blood… His head jerked up to look at Misaki's disappearing shadow.