Alex let out a frustrated huff as she struggled to sit upright against the pillows, her hands grasping at the bed rails that lined with each side of the mattress. Her body, however, refused to cooperate. Without missing a beat, Mason gently but firmly helped her adjust, his voice full of tenderness. "There you go, love," he murmured, his words offering both comfort and support.

Alex gave a quick nod in gratitude before another contraction soon gripped her, her body stiffening as the rhythmic sound of her cries filled the room once more. Harper remained by her side, a steady presence, never leaving her side. Alex gasped, her voice strained, the intensity of the contraction evident in her face as her expression tightened. She turned to Harper, "Where's the doctor? I ... I need something for the pain..." Her eyes were wide with desperation, her breath coming in short, jagged bursts.

Harper squeezed Alex's hand tightly, trying to offer her as much comfort as she could. "I'm sure Doctor Butcher will get you something soon…"

"No, please," she whimpered, her voice breaking. "I need something. Anything. Now!" Alex's head rolled to look over at Theresa, "Mom?"

Her face was a mask of calm, though her eyes were filled with concern for her daughter. She gently pressed a hand to Alex's cheek, flushed and clammy. "We'll talk to the doctor, okay? Just keep breathing."

Alex growled in frustration, "If one more person tells me to breathe, I swear I'll mix dragon snot into their shower gel!"

Harper's eyebrows shot up. "Please tell me that's not why my body wash has been so slimy..."

Theresa rolled her eyes and looked over at the doctor, feeling hopeful. She watched as with practiced efficiency, the doctor slipped her arms into the sleeves of a scrub top, the soft material rustling as it settled into place. She then adjusted the collar, smoothing out any wrinkles, before hurrying over to the bed, her expression calm but purposeful. She took in the scene: Alex's rosy face contorted with pain, Harper tightly holding her hand, and Theresa and Mason standing by, their own worry palpable despite any attempts of composure.

"Alex," Dr. Butcher said, her voice soft, "Sorry about the wait, how's it going baby?"

Alex's eyes blazed with rage as her jaw clenched, "how do you think it's going?" She shook her head, tears rapidly welling up in her eyes, "I'm hurting. I. Need. It. Out!" She hissed through gritted teeth. "I need some drugs!"

She lay herself back against the pillow as another intense contraction hit. Her faced scrunched, and she gripped the sides of the bed with all her strength whilst releasing a guttural wail.

"I know," Dr. Butcher said, placing a gloved hand on her knee. "But you're making great progress. Not long now, and we'll have this baby out."

Alex nodded, attempting to steady herself, but the contraction hit with force, her back arching as her body turned rigid in response. Mason leaned in closer, "Breathe, Alex. In and out. You're almost there, love."

Her eyes flashed to him, "WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!" She screamed, her face flushed with fury as her chest heaved with every breath. The room seemed to shrink under the intensity of her glare. Mason, pale and anxious, hovered at her side. He reached out, but Alex instantly swatted his hand away, "Don't touch me!" She snarled, her voice rising again. "This is your fault asshole!"

The doctor moved closer, snapping on her second glove, "Alright Alex, I think it's time to check how far along you are." She announced, "So let's see how dilated you are, okay?"

Alex nodded, barely able to find the words. Her hands squeezed the bedrails, her nails digging in as she tried to breathe through the overwhelming pain. Theresa leaned in, her forehead against Alex's, her voice steady, "It's okay, sweetie. You've got this."

Alex let out a breath and leant back, suddenly exhausted. "I am never doing this ever again! Why would anyone choose to go through this more than once?"

Theresa chuckled softly, "I remember thinking the exact same thing when I was in your shoes." Her eyes rolled playfully, "all three times actually!"

Dr. Butcher carefully moved to the end of the bed, positioning herself to check Alex's progress. Chuckling at Theresa's comment, "Yeah, because who wouldn't want to go through hours of this again, right?" She turned back to Alex, "Just a little more pressure now baby," she said calmly.

Alex flinched and grimaced, clamping her eyes shut, she shifted her head along her pillow to face Mason. Softly he stroked her hair as they waited, then after a moment Dr. Butcher straightened, her eyes meeting Alex's with a hint of reassurance. "You're at nine centimeters, Alex. You're almost fully dilated."

Alex's heart skipped a beat at the news. Nine centimeters. It was so, so close. But the intensity of the pain was still there, sharp and relentless. She gasped, "So can I have the epidural now?"

Dr. Butcher's face mellowed with sympathy, but there was a clear finality in her tone. "Alex… I'm sorry, but it's too late for an epidural. You're already at nine centimeters."

The words hit Alex like a punch to the stomach. Her chest constricted, and for a moment, she felt as if she couldn't breathe. "What? No… please… I—I can't—" Her voice trailed off, Alex shook her head weakly, tears building up in her eyes. "I won't be able to do this I can't…" She whimpered, her voice barely a whisper.

The idea of going through this without any relief felt like a cruel joke. She had been hoping for the epidural, praying for it, but now it was gone, and she felt utterly helpless.

"You can!" Dr Butcher beamed, her face illuminated with excitement. Alex on the other hand, pouted her lips.

"I can't, it hurts too bad," Alex began to weep throwing her head back on to the pillow, tears exploding from her eyes, "I can't! I don't want to do this anymore!" Her sobs racked her chest, breath hitching between each shaky gasp, as if she was fighting to catch air.

Mason wiped away the tears from Alex's face, his voice steady but filled with empathy. "Alex, love, we're going to do this together, okay? No epidurals. Just you, me, and... a lot of pain." He winced, instantly regretting his words.

"I can't do this, Mason. I'm so tired. I'm so, so tired. I can't…"

Mason could feel his heart breaking seeing the girl he loved in so much pain, and his mind raced, trying to find any way to make it stop. He looked to the Doctor with helpless desperation, "isn't there any spells for childbirth? Or you know, for calming down childbirth. Or... making it go faster? Anything!"

Dr. Butcher's expression remained calm, but there was an unmistakable note of sadness in her eyes. "Sorry, I don't think any spells are going to help. Mason, I understand how hard this is to watch, but she's at nine centimeters. We've already missed the window for an epidural and giving her something else now could complicate things. We can get more gas to take the edge off, but that's about it…"

Mason swallowed hard, the words hitting him like a slap in the face. He turned to Alex, and squeezed her hand tighter, brushing another tear from her cheek. "I'm so sorry, love. I wish I could take this away for you."

Alex's lips quivered as she looked up at him, "really?"

He gave a small nod, "really."

In her panic and desperation, she remembered something—something ridiculous, but in that moment, it seemed like it might just be her only chance. Alex held out her trembling hands, "Alex, Mason. Cambia Corporum Meum Corpora-"

Mason furrowed his brow, clearly not understanding. However, Theresa and Harper immediately cut in, their eyes filled with panic, "Alex no!"

But before Alex could even attempt to continue the spell, her body seized up once again, and she let out a scream of pain, her jaw gnashing together tightly. She clasped Mason's hand, and without hesitation, he used both of his to hold hers, his grip firm and steady.

"Here, have some of this," a nurse produced the gas and air tube from a simple click of her fingers. Minuscule fragments joined together magically in the air, and as soon as it was fully formed Alex snatched the tube, jamming it in between her jaw. "It'll be a lot more helpful than that body switching spell…" The nurse tittered.

Mason's eyebrows arched, "Sorry? Did you just say body switching spell?"

"Never mind that!" The Doctor barked, "Listen to me now Alex, take another deep breath for me and then I'll examine you again…"

Her expression didn't change as she checked Alex's progress, and after what felt like an eternity, Dr. Butcher finally spoke. "You're at ten centimeters, Alex," she said, her voice tinged with a quiet note of approval. "Fully dilated. It's time to start pushing!"

Mason's face lit with a smile, and both Theresa and Harper reacted almost simultaneously, their expressions a mix of relief and awe.

Theresa's hand instinctively reached out to touch Alex. Her voice wavered with a mix of pride and relief. "Ten centimeters... Oh, thank God." She leant down to Alex, pressing a celebratory kiss to her forehead. "You did it, Mijha. I'm so proud of you!"

Alex stared blankly and shook her head, "no," her voice was weak. She looked up at her mom, her eyes filled with a desperate hope. "I can't be. There's no way…"

Theresa's brow furrowed in concern. "But honey, you are ready. You're at ten centimeters. You can do this!"

But Alex wasn't hearing her. She shook her head and scowled, "I'm not ready. I can't…" she muttered, her voice distant, as though she were speaking to herself more than anyone else. "I'm not doing this. I want to go home."

Theresa's heart clenched as the intensity of the moment hitt her with a sudden force, she looked up at Mason, her expression a blend of worry and helplessness. Gently, she then crouched down to meet her daughter's eyes, "Sweetheart, this is the hardest part. I know you're scared, but you've made it this far!"

Alex's breathing shallowed as her face paled, it wasn't just the pain now—it was the overwhelming flood of emotions.

The fear, the exhaustion, and the unrelenting doubt that gripped her. Alex shook her head as she clutched the blankets beneath her. "I don't want to. I can't. I just want to go home." Her lip dithered, and for a moment, it seemed like she might give in to the next batch of tears she was holding back, but then, slowly, her eyes met Mason's.

"I'm scared," she admitted in a shaky voice, before her head snapped back towards her mom. "I'm so scared. Mom please," Alex closed her eyes, letting her head fall back against the pillow. "Make it stop…"

Theresa swallowed hard, her chest aching at the sight of her. She cupped Alex's cheek, her voice filled with love and reassurance. "I know you're scared, Alex. But everything is going to be okay. I promise. next time you get a contraction just push, and then it'll be over…"

Alex's face twisted, but she didn't respond. Her mind was clouded with fear, and all she could focus on was the idea of running away. But as another contraction hit, Alex's whole body froze. The pain was back, more intense than before, and her body instinctively curled inward, as if trying to escape from it. The sharp cry she let out cut through the room like a knife.

"That's it, Alex," Dr. Butcher said with a large smile illuminating her face, her voice was urging but gentle. "You're doing it. You're pushing!"

Theresa couldn't contain herself, she squealed in a high-pitched sound of excitement and nervous energy, her hands clapping together in a mixture of joy and anticipation. "Alex you're doing it!" A nervous laugh escaping her lips as she hurried to the foot of the bed, before stepping forward to rub Alex's leg comfortingly."Keep going, keeping pushing! You're doing great, Mijha!"

The pain was like nothing Alex had ever experienced before, and every wave seemed to get worse. Her face twisted with frustration as she gnashed her jaw together, "I can't do this," she muttered through clenched teeth. "No, no! I can't do this anymore. This hurts too much! Why didn't anyone tell me it was like this?"

Mason leaned over the bed guard, gently brushing a tear from Alex's cheek before pressing a soft kiss to her skin. "Alex, they're nearly here. Look at me, love. You've got this."

Alex writhed in pain, "why is it taking so long?" She cried out, tears streaming down her face. "I feel like I'm dying here!" She gasped for air, wiping away a tear. "I need the drugs, please get me some drugs!"

Harper handed Alex back the gas and air, and she didn't hesitate. Gripping it tightly, and bringing it to her mouth Alex inhaled deeply, her breath rattling as she let out a low groan. She felt cool gas fill her lungs, and for a moment, it was a relief, offering a small distraction from the pain.

"Just breathe in deeply, Alex," the Doctor guided. "In and out. Focus on the gas, let it help you relax."

Alex's grip tightened on the gas tube as she tried to focus, but the pain was still there, gnawing at her. She sucked in another breath of the gas, her head swimming slightly as the lightheadedness set in, making everything feel distant and far away. "How could any of this be relaxing?!" Her breath became ragged, and as another contraction began, and she pulled the tube away for a moment, her face distorting with pain. "I just... can't..." Alex whispered again, "I'm too tired…" taking another deep breath, the gas starting to make her feel floaty, detached, almost numb. "I just need to take a nap…"

The Doctor stepped forward, her face calm but focused. "Alex, you're doing an amazing job, but why don't we try a different position? It might help with the pain. Would you be willing to try pushing on all fours?"

Alex blinked, her exhausted gaze meeting the doctor's. "Will it make it get out quicker?"

"Some women find it makes a big difference..."

Alex grumbled and passed the gas back to Harper, with some assistance, she managed to shift her body into the new position. She could barely support herself on her hands and knees, so instead, she leaned heavily against the head of the bed, her body collapsing onto the raised edge of the mattress. She hated the position, hated how vulnerable and exposed she felt, but she was willing to try anything to move things along.

The doctor, standing at the foot of the bed, nodded in approval. "Alright, Alex, I need you to push. Push with all your strength!"

Alex tried to gather what little strength she had left. Taking a deep breath, her chest rising with the effort, she braced herself as she began to feel the next urge to push.

"Well done love," Mason encouraged, his voice full of urgency and support. "Push, keeping pushing!" He leaned over her, rubbing her back, trying to keep her focused.

Alex let out a sharp cry as she pushed with everything she had, her body straining, her face flushed with exertion. The pressure was intolerable, but no matter how hard she pushed, it didn't feel like she was making any progress.

Her Harper's voice was gentle, though she, too, was clearly struggling to keep calm. "Try push again Alex, you can do this!"

The doctor nodded, glancing at the monitor. "Listen to your family Alex, and let's try again! Give it another push, the baby's almost here."

Alex nodded weakly, and with a desperate grunt, she pushed again—harder this time, the weight of the contractions forcing her to grit her teeth and clutch the edge of the bed.

"This isn't... this isn't working," she gasped, her voice thick with frustration. "I can't push like this!" Alex collapsed forward onto the bed for a moment, her chest heaving. "I'm done."

Mason knelt beside her, and once again, he ran his hand over her back. "Alright love, let's get you more comfortable. You don't need to keep doing that if it's not helping."

Mason carefully guided Alex back onto the bed, making sure she was as comfortable as possible before quickly climbing in behind her. He positioned himself at the edge of the mattress, sitting just behind her with his legs spread wide for stability. Gently, he eased Alex back against him, wrapping his arms around her in a secure embrace. Alex winced as she adjusted, but the shift brought relief, and she leaned into him, her back resting against his warm chest. The contact was soothing, offering her a sense of comfort in the midst of the moment.

"Just relax, Alex. I've got you," Mason whispered, his voice steady and reassuring. His hands moved gently down her arms, grounding her with each tender touch. "how's that feeling love, better?"

Alex exhaled in relief, giving a small nod as the new position offered her even the slightest respite from the pressure.

The doctor took a step back, "alright, Alex. Now, let's focus on pushing. You've got this."

Another contraction began to peak, and Alex's body stiffened. She pushed again, with every ounce of strength she could. She let out a hoarse breath, and desperately clung onto Mason, his warmth against her back and his steady presence keeping her grounded.

"That's it! You're doing it!" The Doctor encouraged, a note of excitement in her voice. "Keep going, Alex!"

Harper's eyes were wide with awe. "Oh my god, I can actually see the head. Alex there's a head, it has a head!"

"No shit Sherlock!"

"Alex would you like the nurse to fetch a mirror so you can see?" The Doctor suggested.

Alex's eyes widened, her breathing shallow and frantic. "I do not want to see it!" She snapped, almost hysterical. "I don't need to see anything. JUST. GET. IT. OUT!"

"The head's born!" The doctor announced proudly.

Alex let out a soft chuckle as her chest expanded with a long, grateful breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself a break from the endless pushing. Her body still ached but knowing that her baby was so close was a huge comfort to her.

Mason kissed her temple gently, "You're doing it, Alex. You're actually doing it!" His voice broke slightly as he spoke, his emotions raw with the excitement and anticipation. Alex, her face flushed with effort, leaned back against Mason and relaxed into his embrace.

Dr. Butcher smiled, "that's it, Alex. One more push, and they'll be here. Just listen to what your body is telling you to do."

Alex's face was a mask of depletion as she took a deep breath, bracing herself for the next push. The room was still, the only sound her labored breathing. Mason's gaze remained fixed on her, unwavering, his hand clasped tightly in hers. She let out a strained cry, and the doctor gave a reassuring nod.

"Alright, Alex, just one more push. I know you can do this," she said, his voice calm but encouraging.

Squeezing Mason's hand tightly, Alex let out a raw, desperate cry as she pushed with every ounce of strength she had left. She wanted to scream, but the next contraction swallowed her voice, leaving only panting breaths as her vision blurred. With one final, intense push, her body shuddered violently, and a strangled scream tore from her throat. Then, as if time itself paused, Alex felt a sudden release. She collapsed back into Mason's arms, her body heavy with exhaustion.

For a fleeting moment, the room held its breath, suspended in silence. The doctor's hands moved quickly, but Alex didn't hear the sound she expected—the loud, immediate cry of her baby.

The room was still. Silent.

Mason's face drained of color as he gripped Alex's hand tightly. Alex, still gasping for breath, blinked up at the Doctor, her heart racing in her chest. "Why isn't it crying?" she asked, panic creeping into her voice.

But the Doctor didn't answer.

Alex's breath caught in her throat, her whole body stilled with fear. "Mom... why isn't it crying?"

Theresa squeezed Alex's hand, trying to keep her own voice steady. "It's okay, Alex. They're just... just making sure everything's alright..."

"But Mom, why isn't it crying?"

They all watched as the doctor gently rubbed the baby's back. Her face concentrated, but her movements smooth and practiced. Alex felt like the world was holding its breath with her. She couldn't look away, her heart racing.

Then, just as the tension heightened, a small, raspy sound broke through the silence. The baby's first cries filled the room, cutting through the suspense like a bolt of lightning. Alex's chest ached as she let out a shuddering breath, the tension in her shoulders melting away as the room exploded with emotion. Mason's face broke into a wide grin, and Theresa let out a relieved sob, pressing her hand to her mouth whilst Harper's face lit up with joy.

The Doctor's face beamed as she lifted the small, squirming bundle. The tiny, wrinkled face scrunched up in discomfort, and their mouth opened wide, releasing a high-pitched cry that filled the room with its raw, urgent sound. Their tiny body shuddering slightly with each sob. Their delicate hands, still curled tightly into little fists waved in the air, and their eyes, though still mostly shut, squeezed tightly as if the world was too bright and loud. A mass of fine, damp and dark of hair matted to their scalp, while their tiny chest heaved with each desperate breath. Their small, perfect nose twitched with the force of their cry, and their plump lips quivered, as their cries continued to break free.

The baby was soon placed into Alex's arms, and she immediately brought the child to her chest. The sharp, wailing continuing to pierce the quiet. Alex beamed with pride as she looked down at her baby, she instinctively rocked them gently, one hand cradling their tiny head whilst the other holding their fragile body closely to her. The baby's skin, still flushed from birth, was warm and soft to the touch. As Alex gently held them, their cries began to fade, softening under the comfort of her embrace. A rush of love overwhelmed Alex as she observed the small face pressed against her.

Mason watched them both in awe. The way Alex held their child with such tenderness, he could see the way her eyes, still wide, mirrored his own sense of disbelief and wonder. He wiped away his own tears, though he hadn't even noticed when they had started to fall.

"You did it, Alex." He whispered as he kissed her forehead, the wave of joy sweeping over him, "you're amazing."

Alex, still breathless, glanced up at him smiling before looking back down at her baby, her tears mingling with the sweat on her face.

"Hi, baby…You're finally here." She whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "You took your sweet time, didn't you?"

Mason chuckled, wiping another tear from his cheek, still amazed at the tiny life they've created together.

The doctor, standing nearby, smiled gently watching the young couple and nodded towards the baby.

"So, Mom and Dad. What have we got?"

The couple felt a flicker of surprise. Gender? That hadn't even crossed their mind in the rush of emotions. Alex hesitated, glancing down at the baby, and with a tentative but gentle motion, she lowered the baby just enough so they could both get a closer look.

Alex's heart brimmed with emotion, a lump forming in her throat as more tears trailed down her face, "a girl..."

Mason leaned in closer, brushing his lips against the baby's head, soft and warm with new life. He carefully reached out, his hands gentle and unsure. His heart swelled at the feel of the softness of her skin, "hello my darling…"

Theresa approached Alex, "You did it Mijha, I knew you could," she whispered brushing Alex's hair back from her sweaty forehead, tears in her eyes. "I'm so proud of you."

Alex smiled through her own tears, "Thanks Mom."

Harper let out a relieved laugh and wiped her own eyes, "you're a mom. You're actually a mom!" She peered over to get a better view of the baby, now content and sleeping in Alex's embrace. "She's perfect…"

Alex wrapped her arms protectively around the baby, with a sense of tenderness. The baby girl nestled comfortably against her mother's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. Watching her with awe, Alex's eyes lingered on her daughter's peaceful face. As though she was memorising every feature, and whispering softly, she spoke, "Welcome to the family, baby girl."

Hope you're all still enjoying! Please let me know what you all think so far... X