The door to the hospital lounge swung open with a dramatic flair as Mason and Justin barged in, practically gliding across the floor with Alex wedged between them in a queen's chair hold—her body bent slightly forward, held up by their strong arms. She had a death grip on their shoulders, her breath coming out in frantic little gasps, spluttering as she panted through the contractions. The tension in her face was palpable, but she tried to remain focused, her eyes flicking from Mason's steady, comforting gaze to Justin's concerned but determined expression.
"Alex," Justin's voice cracked like an old record, desperate to keep it together. "Just hang on, we're almost there. A few more steps. You've got this!" His tone was calm, but there was an urgency in his movements.
Alex wasn't exactly hanging on to his words. The contractions ripping through her like a freight train, she let out a yelp and dug her nails into Mason's neck with the force of a cat attached to a scratching post. The sound of her labored breathing echoing in the corridor. Juliet trailed a few steps behind, her face a mirror of worry, yet she knew there was little to be done except support Alex emotionally. Though she kept close, ready to step in if needed.
Suddenly Alex doubled over, her whole body shaking, "Ah! I—need—I need to push!" She groaned in declaration.
"Not yet, love, not yet," Mason urged, trying to stay calm. His heart was beating so fast he feared it was probably going to jump out of his chest, "We're almost at the desk. Just keep breathing—"
"Somebody help!" Justin yelled, his voice cutting through the sterile hum of the hospital like an alarm.
Alex's face was pale, splattered with perspiration, her eyes clamped shut as she focused on her breathing. She gripped Mason's hand like she was trying to fuse their bones together. Soon enough the sound of hurried footsteps echoed as the hospital staff, alerted by the commotion, sprang into action.
A nurse behind the front desk looked up, startled by Alex's cries. "I'll get a wheelchair!" She called, springing to her feet. Justin and Mason lowered Alex next to the counter, and another contraction instantly hit causing her to lurch forward, nearly making Mason's hand in to a permanent part of her palm, her nails burrowing deep into his skin.
"Ow, ow, ow! Hurry with the chair!" Alex begged, almost frantic. "Ow! Ah-shit!"
Justin looked back and forth between his sister and the nurse. "She's serious!" He shouted, "she can't wait! Get her a damn wheelchair!" He exchanged a quick glance with Mason, but neither of them said anything. There was no time for words.
Rapid footsteps and hushed voices scurried down the hall as Harper and Max rounded the corner, drawn to the chaos ahead. When Harper spotted Mason and Justin holding Alex up next to the counter, her heart leapt in her chest—a blend of concern and excitement flooding her all at once.
"Alex!" she called out, breathless but relieved to see her best friend, even in the midst of the madness. She practically bounced towards her, arms open for a hug.
Alex, however, was otherwise occupied. Consumed by yet another contraction, she gasped for air, gripping the counter for dear life, her face straining in pure focus.
Max paused a step behind Harper, and locked eyes with Justin for a split second, silently asking if everything was okay. Justin gave a tight nod, though his worry was written all over his face. Max didn't need another invitation—he whirled around and sprinted off down the hall, heading straight for their parents.
"Harper… Harper, I need drugs!" Alex cried out, her voice strained. She squeezed her hand, but her own voice was barely audible as she shook her head violently. "I can't do this on my own," she admitted.
"You can," Harper reassured her, "You've totally got this. I promise."
Alex clamped her teeth on to her bottom lip, whilst her grip on Harper's hand tightened, as another contraction began. Her voice was weak, almost a whine, as she looked at Harper, wide-eyed and desperate.
"I need something now!" Alex begged, her voice tinged with a slight delirium. "I don't care what it is, just make it stop…" She whimpered helplessly.
"Someone go and get Doctor Butcher-now!" Harper bellowed, rage burning in her. "Come on, hurry up!"
The nurse, who had returned with a wheelchair, rushed over. "We need to get her upstairs," she said, trying to keep her voice professional, but it was clear she was in no way unruffled by the emergency. "Help her into this, please."
With no time to waste, Mason and Justin carefully maneuvered Alex into the chair. The second she was sat, the pain of the contraction eased for a brief moment, and Alex let out a ragged breath. From behind them, Alex heard the doors to the waiting area clatter as they were launched open. Their parents, along with Max, appeared, both looking like they had been pacing for hours, their expressions flushed with exhaustion.
"Oh Alex!" Theresa gasped, hurrying towards her. "Max told us you were back!"
"Are you—uh, are you okay?" Jerry stammered, looking like he was trying to sound calm but failing very miserably. "How are you feeling?"
Alex shot him a look that could've cut glass, barely able to focus through the pain of the latest contraction. "Just peachy, Dad," she snapped, her voice shaking but sharp. "I'm about to push a human out of my body, and you're asking me how I'm feeling?!"
Jerry blinked, momentarily stunned, then cleared his throat awkwardly. "Okay, okay, bad question," he mumbled, holding up his hands in surrender. "I'll just... stand here and be supportive. No more questions. Got it."
Alex grimaced when she felt the next pain beginning to burn her abdomen, a low, strained moan escaping her lips. Her body went rigid, hands clutching the sides of the wheelchair like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. She sucked in a sharp breath, trying to power through, but the pressure was unforgiving.
"Breath Mijha," her mom told her as she crouched down to her level and caressed her cheek softly.
"Guys, don't just stand there!" Justin snapped, his usual calm demeanor evaporating in the chaos. "Get in the elevator, we don't have time!"
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and the family quickly crowded inside, the doors closing with an almost eerie quiet. Justin's eyes darted between Alex's clenched jaw and the nurse, who was doing her best to stay composed. He shot a quick glance at the numbers above the door, which seemed to be ticking down at a pace that was anything but comforting. The elevator shot up the floors, the pressure in the air feeling almost unbearable as the sounds of Alex's gasps and cries mingled with the soft hum of the moving elevator. There was no turning back now. They were here. And the baby was coming.
The elevator jolted to a stop with another chime, and the doors slid open revealing a blur of sterile, bustling hospital hallways. Immediately, two nurses rushed forward, their faces set in determination.
"Let's get you to your room, sweetie," one of the nurses said gently, though her voice carried the weight of urgency. "This way," she called, motioning toward the end of the hall.
Alex was hurried down the hall with Justin staying close behind her, and his father trudging along with him, wheezing as he jogged. Jerry could feel the sweat on his forehead increasing, his pulse racing as he tried to keep up with everyone.
"Just breathe, sweetheart. We're almost there," Theresa called as she rushed beside her daughter, her hand lightly resting on Alex's shoulder while Mason wheeled her through the hallway. Alex's body was shaking now, covered in a sheen of sweat, her breath quick and shallow as she panted through the contractions.
The delivery room doors loomed in front of them, and as they sped forward, the soft squeak of rubber-soled shoes against the linoleum flooring echoed down the hallway. The doors flew open, and Alex was quickly rolled inside, ushered in by the nurses.
The three Russo men, Juliet and Harper came to a sudden halt as they watched Alex disappear into the room, along with her mom and Mason. The door shut behind them, leaving a brief silence in its wake. Justin's jaw was clenched, his hand flexing at his side, the weight of the situation pressing down on to him. Whilst Max stood beside him, his eyes locked in on the closed door, his hand absently running through his hair. Rushing down the hall, Dr Butcher hurried towards the doors, her heels repeatedly tapping along the linoleum as she trotted over to the door. As she heaved it open, she spun on her heels and faced the family, "She'll be okay," she smiled, "I'm sorry you can't be with her. But it's only advised that it's the birthing partners for now."
Justin nodded, his throat tight, fighting back the sudden lump of emotion that threatened to choke him as he watched the Doctor tiptoe into the room, the door swinging shut behind her with a soft click. Justin turned to his father who stood stiffly, his hands shoved into his pockets. "I... I just want to be in there with her," Justin muttered, his voice strained.
Jerry nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on the door. "We all do," he said quietly. "But your Mom's with her. They've got this."
Then the sudden sound of the door crashing open caused everyone to jolt in surprise, Mason stepped out, his face pale but focused as he looked briefly at the Russo's. After a brief moment, his eyes settled on Harper, "Harper," his voice was low but urgent. "Alex wants you with her. She's asking for you."
The words hit Harper like a jolt of electricity. She blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly. "She... she wants me in there?" Her voice cracked slightly, overwhelmed with a mixture of disbelief and excitement.
Mason nodded, glancing back towards the room, where the sounds of Alex's moans could be heard evaporating into the hallway.
Harper didn't hesitate for a second.
"I'm coming." She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the reality of the situation settled in like a weight in her chest as she followed Mason into the room, with her heart thundering in her chest.
The bright fluorescent lights of the delivery room hit her eyes as she stepped inside. The air felt thick with anticipation, but as soon as Alex's eyes landed on to Harper, all of the chaos of the room seemed to ease.
Alex had propped herself upright next to the bed, her face flushed with sweat and her breaths ragged. When she saw Harper, her expression softened, even though she was clearly in agony.
"Harper..." She gasped stooping her shoulders, her head lolling around as she reached her arm out to Harper. And though her smile was faint, it was still present, like a fragile attempt at reassurance.
Harper immediately moved to her side, taking Alex's hand, "I'm here, Alex. I'm not going anywhere."
Alex's eyes filled with relief, and she nodded weakly, her grip tightening around Harper's hand. Alex's eyes locked onto hers, "Thank you," she whispered, the words barely escaping her lips.
Harper nodded, squeezing her hand. She glanced up and Mrs Russo, who was stood opposite, looked at Harper with gratitude in her eyes. She said nothing, but her quiet nod was enough. She trusted Harper to be there for Alex in this moment.