Happy Reading Everyone!

Comment below, let us know your thoughts by leaving a review.

Chapter 7

Tris' POV

Push through

Six weeks til due date

"Mom, what are we doing here?" I ask for the tenth time. Her refusal to answer me tells me that she obviously wants me in the dark. I walk up the final three steps to the second floor of my mother's shelter. It's Sunday night. The shelter closed hours ago. There isn't a reason to be here this late.

"You'll see soon. Come this way, I need your help." My mothers says. I take another deep breath, supporting my lower back with my left hand as my right hand holds tight to the rails. It's been two weeks since I last saw my feet. I'm not even sure if I'm wearing matching shoes at this point or not.

I have six more weeks until my due date. Six more weeks until I can meet my baby that has been growing inside of me. But also six more weeks of it to grow even more inside me, that is the scary thought. The fear and the want for the same things. Of course I want my baby to grow nice, big and healthy. But at the same time, I know my baby has to come out of me in one way or another, and the bigger the baby is… The more painful and harder it will be for me.

I stand behind my mother as she pushes the heavy door in front of us open. Her hand extends out as she flips on the light. I step in, nearly falling backwards as the cheers of "Surprise," break out through the room. My mouth falls open, amazed as I look around at all the familiar faces and decorations around the large room.

"You have wonderful friends." My mother whispers in my ear as everyone steps forward to embrace me. I smile at her, nodding my head, knowing that she is right about that. I am blessed and so is my child, whom even without a father will be nothing but loved and cared for by all these amazing people.


4 weeks till due date

I force my body forward down the crowded hallway at school. Trying to support my lower back with one hand while my other is occupied with all the books and supplies for my next class. I stopped carrying around my backpack last week when Doctor Mathews advised me that perhaps the added weight to my back wasn't the best of ideas. Although losing it has given me some relief. It's not enough, unfortunately. The school has offered me a spot in their virtual schooling, but I refuse to give in to them. It's my senior year, and yes I am an unwed, pregnant, 17 year old. But I deserve to finish out, I deserve everything just like the next student does.

"Watch it." I hear the roar of Peter's big mouth before I even see him. I feel my body being pushed forwards, as my body loses its balance. "Slut!" He spits out just as my body nearly meets the floor. Luckily a separate set of strong arms catches me mid air. My body is breathless, recovering from the near injury my baby and I almost had to endure.

"You alright?" Uriah asks, concern written all over his face as he glances over my body making sure I'm not injured.

"Yeah, I think so," I say, breathlessly. I lean against the wall of lockers trying to catch my breath.

"You dumbass!" Uriah begins. Grabbing the collar of Peter's shirt. "You could have hurt her. Are you fucking blind? She's pregnant!"

"Yeah. I see that. Everyone does… Thought perhaps she would give out a little taste. You know, take advantage of her current situation." Peter says, licking his disgusting lips and staring at my body. I feel instant disgust as I desperately want a shower.

"You sorry excuse for a human being." Uriah says, right before he jabs Peter's chin. All hell breaks loose as a growing crowd circles around Uriah and Peter who are now taking turns hitting each other, until someone screams out "Oh shit, the Principal," both Peter and Uriah stop their advances. Letting their hands drop to their sides, breathlessly waiting for whatever consequences may fall upon them. I step up into the circle taking Uriah's hand. Refusing to let him take the fall alone. This is my fault. I'm the weak one here.

"Mr. Pedrad, Ms. Prior and Mr. Hayes…. Come with me." Principal Lauren Parkway demands. We all glance at each other before stepping forward. Uriah makes sure that he stays between Peter and I at all times.


3 weeks till due date

I support my bottom stomach, as I buckle over in laughter. I try so desperately not to lose my bladder once again. Uriah's immature humor as he literally sits in my unborn baby's highchair, swinging his legs and smiling widely as everyone in the room takes a picture of him. The sight is hilarious.

My mother surprised me this morning when I came down for breakfast.

"I thought it would be nice to have everyone help us get the nursery ready for the baby this morning, after breakfast." She explained as I sat down.

Zeke, Uriah, Christina, Shauna and Marlene are all at the table stuffing their faces with the assorted foods that my mom had made for them. Thankfully, she thought ahead and made sure to have triple the needed amount. As Uriah, Zeke and I for the first time shoved as much food down our throats as we could stand too. I just couldn't help it, between the delicious donuts, fruit and eggs… I just couldn't stop. Pretty sure Marlene and Shauna were both disgusted. Chris was surprised that I could pack as much in as the boys.

Thank goodness for my mother's thinking ahead. Having the boys help came in very handy. My father is away on business and Caleb is still not talking to me. Mother and I still needed to clear what was in my father's office, that will now be the baby's room. Father agreed to move his office downstairs for now.

"Uriah you are going to break that thing and then owe Tris money for a new highchair. Get out of there." Marlene laughs.

"Oh please. I'm fit!" He squeals so happily with himself.

"Yeah, cause that's such a turn on for me." Marlene points out.

"Well you know what they say about size…"Shauna says, gesturing towards Uriah. His smile turns into a frown quicker than I have ever seen as he struggles to jump out of the highchair.


One week till due date

"Oh, come on. You gotta be kidding me." Shauna says, laughing. "You mean to tell me you had no idea that he was going to do that!"

"No. I had no idea." Christina squeals as my mother hands me a grilled cheese sandwich. My mouth waters as I smell the delicious yellow cheddar and white cheddar cheese. I stand almost quicker than I have in weeks, and impatiently take the plate from my mother halfway and shove the delicious sandwich into my mouth.

"Oh come on, he had to have hinted to you somehow!" Shauna continues on. Last night, for Christina's birthday Will proposed to her. All day Shauna, Marlene and Christina have been gushing over the whole thing. Between the ring showing, the story behind the proposal… It's been an exciting morning. Christina and Will already have their wedding date set. They are thinking of the week after College graduation.

A part of me feels jealous at Christina's plans. All year… They all have been talking about prom, prom night, graduation… and of course which College to go to. I, on the other hand, have been thinking about daycares and whether or not to breastfeed.

Ever since the whole fiasco scene with Uriah and Peter it was decided between my parents and the school board that I no longer attend school. Instead it was decided that it was in the best interest for everyone if I attend virtual school from here to the end of the school year. Also given that I should receive my diploma via mail. A part of me wanted to fight that decision… But knowing that it would be for the best in the end. After all, the baby will be here soon enough. Virtual school would make more sense in terms of keeping up with the baby and my curriculum.

"Tris? Did you hear me? You okay?" Christina asked.

"What?"

"Isn't your due date like next Saturday? You look lower. Did you lose your mucus plug yet?" Christina continues to ask. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Ever since she has been attending the birth classes with me, she has been Ms. know it all lately. Not that I'm complaining. Chris has been great being my birth couch. My mother surprisingly didn't mind. Seeing that she has already given birth twice, she thought it would be a good idea for Chris to learn a thing or two.

"Yea, I'm due next Saturday. No. I haven't lost that yet." I say, my cheeks heating up. The last thing I want to speak about is something called my mucus plug. Yuck!

"Well as long as you know we will all be there right with you." Marlene says with encouragement. "Well down the hall…. Lounging on couches… and sipping on coffee or soda… But you know we will be there in spirit. " Marlene laughs.

The chaos continues to break through our lunch. Girls throwing scenarios on how and when my water might break or if I will be going into labor first. Before long I find myself biting my lower lip, gripping my stomach and screaming out in pain. I internally laugh as everyone stills with their mouths gaping open and unable to jump into action.

"Oh my god!" Christina screams out. "Are you in labor?"

"I was kidding. I was kidding. Holy Shit!" Marlene cries out.

"We need hot water, some towels…Scissors." Shauna lists off.

"Towels? Scissors? Bitch, this ain't no craft project… we need a hospital!" Christina blurts out. Just before they all begin to stand from their chairs, ready to spring into action. I can no longer take the moment as I burst out into laughter, throwing my head back and howling at them all. My mothers breaks through the doorway of the kitchen. Her purse and keys in hand, looking more frantic than ever. I laugh even harder, nearly peeing on myself.

"You were kidding?" Christina says, catching on.

"You bitch!" Marlene says.

"You have been hanging around Zeke and Uriah way too much!" Shauna says.

"You were joking?" My mother says, breathlessly. "You mean you're fine. No water… No pain?"

"No!" I laugh. "I'm sorry…. I just couldn't help it." I continue to point at them, laughing harder than I have in months.


One week overdue

"And PUSH Beatrice." The doctor says, encouraging me to push as hard as I can. I do just as I'm told. Taking the deepest breath I can and pushing with all of my might. I feel myself tearing and widening down there. I really wish I didn't turn those drugs down now.

My mother smiles while holding up my right knee, Christina holding my left, both encouraging me. I stop when the Doctor counts to ten. Throwing my head back, taking a deep breath, but it's not enough air. I take another and another. I'm so tired.

"Okay. One more push." The doctor says. I take a deep breath, trying to find the strength to push again. But I can't . I don't have it in me.

"I can't," I cry out. "I'm so tired."

"Yes, you can. One more push." The Doctor says.

"I can't!" I cry out. Ready to beg for this to be over. To make this stop.

"Yes, you can, sweetheart. Come on. You can do it. One more big push…. For this little Miracle." My mother says, she wipes the sweat off of my forehead kissing the top of my head. At this point the tears won't stop flowing down my cheeks. "Now you push this baby out. Or I'll pull her out myself."

"Okay. Okay," I laugh and cry out, as I grab both Christina and mom's hands harder than before. I pull my top half of my body up trying to get my bearings. I give it one last large push, yelling with all of my might as I grind my teeth.

"There you go, Tris. Keep going…" Doctor Matthews says. "And… she's… out." She announces. I feel the second that my body releases my baby. I feel instant relief, as what was inside of me is now on top of me. My hands cradle my newborn baby, as the doctor works on wiping the baby off.

"Great job, Tris." Doctor Matthews says. "She's a beautiful baby girl!" She says, smiling wider than before. "I have a granddaughter!" My mother cries out.

"It's a girl.. A girl!" Christina yells out in joy. "She brings the phone up to her mouth, repeating the new arrival of my baby girl. "Did you guys hear that? It's a girl!" When the hospital thankfully limited the amount of people in my room, Christina offered to have her phone on speaker during the delivery. Again, I'm so thankful. It's awkward enough having my mother and my best friend in here with me. I can't imagine my father and all of my male friends.

Ever since I told everyone about my pregnancy, they have been nothing but supportive of me. Zeke and Christina the most. The moment I told her that my mom had plans to take me maternity shopping. Christina wouldn't have it. She called up my mother and offered to take me instead. My mother was more than happy to give up that chore. Zeke and Uriah have both been great, driving me to appointments and birthing classes and even getting me whatever I was craving at whatever time of the night. Zeke hasn't really said much about the subject, but part of me wonders if he is doing it because of Tobias. Like somehow there is an unspeakable bond he is paying for his friend not being here.

Things were really rough when school started back up. Things got so tough, I hated the thought of Zeke changing his life for me when he announced that he was no longer going to stay in the dorms, but instead live at home just a block away. He often said it was to be close to his future niece or nephew. But I think it was the nightmare that I was experiencing at every turn. It's not easy being 17 and pregnant. I got teased at every corner I turned whether it was in the halls at school, in the shelter I worked at, or even on my walks home by the neighbors. Eventually he made sure to be there to drive me to and from school and the shelter if need be.

I was placed on bed rest last month when I started bleeding. My placenta had torn slightly. The doctor explained it was my small frame and the lack of room for the growing baby, causing pressure against it. To avoid me losing the baby or even going into labor too early, I was sent home on bedrest for the rest of the pregnancy. I was lucky that my teachers were all understanding and agreed to a more virtual approach with my classes. I would have hated having to repeat my senior year. Zeke and Shauna both helped me when it came to that. Or more like my guards. Making sure I didn't lift a finger, or even step out of bed. I hated feeling helpless and weak. They made me feel different though. Bringing me things to do in bed, writing, drawing, even scrapbooking… Whatever it took to keep me happy in bed and off of my feet. Many nights I couldn't sleep because the baby was kicking too much or I just simply wasn't tired from being in bed all day. There were nights when Zeke was kind enough to read to me. Hoping to bore me to sleep. He had to suffer through reading to me my favorite poet, Emily Dickerson. What he didn't seem to understand was that I could read Emily Dickerson's work forever… and never get tired or bored from it. For hours he had to endure the endless pages. I almost felt bad for him. Almost.


"So come on… what's her name?" Christina asks, hating the anticipation. I look at every face that encircles my hospital bed. It was only a few hours ago that I gave birth to this little miracle in my arms. The only one missing from this whole group is my brother, Caleb.

He hasn't muttered more than one word to me since he found out I was pregnant more than six months ago.

My father, on the other hand, warmed up to the idea of having a little one around the house long ago. Sure he was not pleased with the idea of his teenage daughter being pregnant and all. I can't blame him for that. I know I disappointed him and my mother.

"Yeah, come on Tris… What are we calling this little ass kicker?" Uriah asks. The group laughs when Marlene doesn't think twice before slapping him beside his head. "What? Damn that hurt." He cries.

"Her name." I laugh, clearing my throat before continuing. "Her name is Emily Marie Prior."

"Prior? Not Eaton?" Zeke asks.

"No. Not a chance," I say.

"Marcus wouldn't have it that way either. He says she isn't an Eaton." My father explains, in disgust. One thing for sure, my father's hatred for Marcus Eaton has grown even stronger than before.

"And the DNA test?" Zeke asks, concern written all over his face. "Are you still going through with that?"

"Yeah, it'll be taken care of before we are discharged," My father answers. Both my parents and I agree we hate the thought of having to subject my newborn daughter and I to such a low level. To be forced to prove what in his mind are allegations, against his son. But I won't back down from Marcus, I won't give him that satisfaction. A part of me wants to prove that his son is indeed the father. I thought about the situation long and hard… although I hate the thought of taking a hand out. A part of me also doesn't think Tobias should get off so easily. After all, it took two of us to make her. He should be at least if not partially responsible. Zeke nods in understanding. We aren't the only ones that felt more than burnt by Marcus' attitude when it comes to all of this.

Zeke tried numerous times to reach out to Marcus. Countless phone calls and showing up at all hours of the day and night to his house to try and find out where Tobias is. Marcus refuses to talk to even Zeke. Amar on the other hand had the pleasure of passing along the same message each time.

"Unfortunately Mr. Pedrad, Mr. Eaton has expressed the lack of interest in speaking with you or anyone else about the matter of Mr. Tobias' location at this time. He has asked that you not try to contact him again about the situation at hand." Amar had told Zeke and anyone else that has tried to reach out.

I've had to remind myself more than once that Tobias didn't just leave me behind…. He left all of us. Without even so much as a Goodbye. Something that is definitely not like him.

"Well, that's his loss." Shauna says, smiling as she gazes down at my beautiful daughter. I can't help but return the smile. She's right. Now is not the place nor the time for this. What's important right now is my gorgeous baby girl in my arms.

"Wanna hold her?" I ask the room.

"Fuck yeah." Uriah announces, rubbing his hands together. Marlene once again slaps him from behind the head, with disgust all over her face. "Damn, woman."

"Not with that mouth, you don't." She says, scolding him.

"Well, don't mind if I do then." Zeke says, gently holding his hands out to receive this little bundle of joy. I gladly handed her over to him. Knowing without a shadow of a doubt that she is safe in his arms. I take the first full breath since she was born, laying back in the hospital bed, watching everyone circle around Zeke and my daughter, doting over her. I can't help but feel a small part of me mourn. Mourn for what should have been, that could have been. For the moment that was taken not only from me, but from my daughter. Will he ever know? Will Tobias ever know that he has the most precious, baby daughter?


A/N

Nothing like a nine month glimpse into Tris' pregnancy in one chapter.

What do you guys think about all that Tris has been through so far?

Stick around, next week should be interesting…

Revised by: FDFobsessed

Like always, happy reading, be safe and stay healthy.

Trini