I'm posting early today because I'm off of school and I work late. This chapter does involve trauma response.

Enjoy!

-CL


Michael jumps out of his chair and kneels next to Bella, murmuring something to her. She doesn't respond and looks at me. "It looks like she's having an anxiety attack. Any idea why?"

I think and remember the first time I met her. "She has anxiety, as you know. She had an attack when she got to the palace; it was the first time I met her. Bella was telling me that before we left for dinner she was having pains in her stomach. Could that be why?"

Michael turns to Bella. "Bella, hey, just calm down. You'll be alright, I'm right here. Do you want to try to tell me what's going on?" At this I kneel on her other side and grab her hand, squeezing it.

Bella looks up and sees Michael. "I-I'm not-ready for a-baby," she gasps out before groaning. Her hand squeezes mine tightly.

"Michael, what's going on?" I ask, glancing over at him.

"It seems like she's having Braxton Hicks contractions, which are just muscle spasms that a lot of pregnant women believe to be actual contractions. I think it set her anxiety attack off because it's too early for her to give birth and she was worried about it." He has Bella look at him. "Breathe," he instructs, counting to three aloud. She follows his instructions and slowly calms down.

When Bella comes out of her attack, she looks around and blushes. "I'm so sorry. I overreacted." She puts her head in her hands, ashamed. "I ruined your dinner."

"Bella, it's ok. I'm glad you were with me. Let's go ahead and go to the hospital and I'll make sure it's just Braxton Hicks, alright?" Michael says, standing up and putting an arm around Ames. He kisses her hair and smiles down at Annabella.

Bella nods. "Alright," she whispers. I notice her bite back a groan and I decide to carry her in my arms. She gasps but quickly adjusts.

"Let's go," I say, walking out of the dining room. It only takes us a few minutes to get to the hospital. Ames decides to put Annabella down for bed, and it's only Michael following us. I promised to update Ames as soon as I could. Michael walks in and greets some of the nurses, leading us to a room. "Where's Dr. Ashlar?" I ask, wondering why he would work on his night off.

"He's retired, basically. He's only here for stuff that I don't know how to do or if we need another doctor," Michael responds, prepping the bed. I lay Bella down on it and he places her feet in stirrups, preparing for a vaginal exam. He puts gloves on, rolls up his sleeves, and sits on the stool. "Alright, Bella, open up."

Bella whimpers and shakes her head. "Don't hurt me." Her hands are in front of her face, shielding herself. "Please, don't do this."

Michael stands up and looks at Bella. "Hey, Bella. It's not them. It's me, Dr. Corden-Michael. I promise I won't hurt you. I'm just doing an exam, alright?" She nods slightly, fear still glimmering in her eyes.

I take Bella's hand in mine and lean down to kiss her forehead. "I'm right here, my dear," I murmur. She nods and squeezes my hand, still scared. I'm going to kill those motherfuckers.

Michael has her open up and Bella screws her eyes shut, tears running down her cheeks. "Shh, it's ok," I whisper, trying to comfort her. "I'm right here, my dear." She nods but the tears don't stop.

"Relax, Bella," Michael instructs. She starts taking deep breaths and groans when a cramp comes. I keep trying to comfort her, but it doesn't seem to work.

After a few minutes, which felt like hours, Michael finishes his exam and takes off his gloves. "It seems like it's only Braxton Hicks. Still, prepare for labor. I would just say rest tonight," he says, helping Bella sit up. "Do you think you could handle it if it's labor?"

Bella shrugs but I can tell from her heavy breathing that she wouldn't be ok if it was. "Is there any way for me to help her prepare? Mentally and physically?" I ask, helping Bella stand.

"Keep her calm and try to keep her moving. It will help distract her from panicking if she moves," he says. "Now, I have a personal question for you. Is it ok if I ask it?"

"Sure," I respond, placing an arm around Bella to help her keep upright. She squeezes my arm tightly, signaling that another cramp is here.

"Did you two have sex at all today?" he asks.

I almost choke on my spit and Bella gasps, quickly covering her mouth. "Uh…yes, we did. Before we met you for dinner," I say, flushing.

"That set off the cramps then," he muses. "You two relax and have a good night," he says. He holds open the door and I help Bella walk out. She leans heavily on me, exhausted.

"Can you walk by yourself?" I murmur. Bella nods and takes a step away from me, swaying slightly. I reach out to take her back but she shies away from my touch.

"Please come get me if Bella does go into labor. I'll be with Ames for tonight." I nod and he walks out, leaving Bella and me by ourselves in the hospital. I look at Bella, who's walking ahead. We walk to our room slowly, and I make sure that she won't collapse.

Once we are inside our room, Bella sits on the bed. "I think the cramps went away," she announces quietly. She places her hands absentmindedly on her stomach and yawns. "I'm going to go get ready for bed."

"Alright," I say, taking off my suit and changing into my pajamas. I crawl under the covers and text Ames about the situation. After that, I pick up my book. Bella's convinced me to read at night when we aren't having fun. I open it and start reading, waiting for Bella.

A little while later, Bella steps out of the bathroom in her nightshirt. Her hair is in a high bun and her face is bare. I close my book and watch her in the mirror. She pokes and prods at her body, sighing and hanging her head. She looks up and pinches her skin near her back, making it come together. She pinches her thighs, arms, and even her face. Tears start rolling down her face. I slip out of bed and walk over to her. I stand behind her and rub her arms. "What's the matter, my dear?" I murmur. She starts sobbing and sinks down. I catch her, sinking down with her. I place her in my lap and she sobs into her hands. "My dear, what's the matter?" I echo.

"I-I hate myself," she chokes out. "My body is-I'm-so-so ugly," she says, doubling over.

"Oh, my dear," I murmur. "You're beautiful."

"No-no I'm not," she says between sobs. "Look at me!" She gestures to herself.

I gently grab her hands in mine and put one of my hands on her cheek. "Shh, Bella. You are beautiful."

She continues to shake her head. "N-"

"Shh, Bella. Yes, you are." Bella just sobs in response. I stand up with her in my arms, laying her gently in the bed. I tuck her in and climb in next to her. I gently spoon her, and she finally falls asleep. "I love you, my dear," I whisper before falling asleep.