*
*
"Ma'am, are you okay? Do you need help?"
The taxi driver was kind enough to offer. Faith's expression was distressed as she got out of the car and into the house.
Perhaps Rex wouldn't recognize her? She dared to hope but the reality was certain.
Who was she kidding?!
Why would he come to the hospital in the first place?! What if Sterling got to know that__
A sudden pain in her abdomen tore a gasp out of her mouth.
Her palms grabbed her stomach when the pain hit stronger.
She had experienced contractions before, but they had never felt so intense as it was at this moment
And it didn't seem to be stopping.
Maybe if she sat down__
That thought was put on hold when her cellphone vibrated.
Relief hit when she saw it was Julian.
"Julian, I think I__"
"Faith, are you there? I think we might return a little late, the traffic is crazy__ What's wrong? Are you okay?" His tone instantly changed to one of worry, probably hearing her heavy pants.
"Julian! Where are you? Ah! I think the baby might be coming!"
"What? You are going into labor?! Dammit__" Was all he said and she could hear the sounds of horns honking.
"I'm scared, can you make it here? How soon can you make it?!" She cried.
"Shit! I'm currently stuck in traffic! I don't know! I'm getting there as fast as I can! Hang on!"
At that moment, Faith felt something soaking her underwear.
"Oh my god! I can't wait! I think my water broke!"
Ending the call, Faith started to dial the ambulance when a voice sounded behind her. She jerked, completely startled.
"I'm sorry for jolting you, the door was opened, so I __"
It was Micheal.
"Actually, I want to apologize about that night __" He started, then suddenly stopped.
He lunged towards where she was wrapping his arms around her.
"H_hospital!" Faith gasped and she was scooped into his arms. Then, he was racing toward his car.
The drive felt like forever, she was breathing heavily and rapidly.
The car stopped in front of the hospital and she could hear Micheal yelling words.
"Hold on sir, we'll help your wife!"
"She's no.."
"Sir, you have to come with me to fill the form__"
That was all Faith heard before she was led away by the doctors and nurses.
*
*
Hours later, Faith lay on the bed completely exhausted, but wholly satisfied.
Her red, tiny, and brawling infant was threatening to bring down the whole hospital with her cries.
The moment she held her in her arms, her heart completely melted, she had never felt so fulfilled, as though she had finally realized a long fulfilled dream.
Little Maya was the most beautiful thing Faith had ever seen.
The moment was surreal, she couldn't help but break down into tears. She was a mother! This little bundle of joy was her own flesh and blood!
"She's perfect, isn't she?" She whispered.
"I think she looks very ugly! She's so tiny, how can her voice be so loud?" Julian scrunched his nose and Faith shot him a death glare.
Her foot ached to kick him across the room, if only she wasn't so exhausted.
"I completed the form, I think any adjustments can be done later." Micheal smiled warmly at her, Faith realized that she was yet to thank him for everything, but the nurse walked in at that moment.
"It's time for the mother and the child to rest, you can come back later__"
Faith looked to see Maya had not only quietened but also fast asleep, she was also feeling drowsy herself.
They said their goodbyes and Faith closed her eyes, in the next few seconds, she was out like a light.
*
*
Faith slowly regained consciousness. She could hear the hushed voices in the room.
Her eyes slowly fluttered open. There were about three nurses in the room.
Faith's eyes widened when one of them lifted Mia from the little crib next to her.
"Is something wrong with my baby?" She struggled to sit up.
The nurses stared at her, but none of them uttered a word. Faith got the feeling that they were silently communicating amongst themselves, and this sped her anxiety that something might be wrong with Maya.
"Where are you taking her? What's wrong?"
The nurse who carried the baby started to exit the room while the two nurses remained.
"I'm asking what happened, can any of you answer me!" She yelled on the verge of panic. The response finally came, and it left her stupefied.
"Mrs. Lawson, you are unstable, I'm afraid the baby can't be allowed to stay with you."
Faith stared at them unable to comprehend.
Who the hell was Mrs. Lawson?!
Why were they addressing her with Michael's last name?
She still didn't understand what was going on but her heart started to beat faster and faster.
"I'm Ms. Jameson, why can't my baby stay with me? What's wrong with me?"
While she was concerned about her state of health and the baby's, she didn't know that her troubles were yet to begin.