Always Been You

~Lola’s POV~

Dante’s mother has been visiting me and assisting me with a variety of tasks and errands. I thought I’d be able to do it alone, but having her here makes all the difference. I have no idea how she does it. She has spent the last few months protecting me and her grandchildren, and it feels good to have her by my side. The children’s room is now ready. But I’m so tired, though. I’m tired and my stomach feels like it’s going to burst. I really don’t want to do anything. To prepare for giving birth, Dante’s mother and I have been going to antenatal classes. She hated the idea of Mason accompanying me. I don’t blame her though. She says that Mason has feelings for me and his motives are not pure, which I personally find funny, as Mason and June are my friends and they have been helping me. I know I have just met them but Mason never gave me the idea that says, ‘Hey Lola I want you.’ I think all this is just in my mother’s head. There are some nasty women at the antenatal classes and Mason has been of great help, but my mother would come each time I had my classes, just to avoid Mason getting closer to me. Due to the fact that only me and my mother have been attending the sessions, everyone is curious about my husband’s whereabouts now. At the time Mason was attending, no one dared to talk behind my back. I almost quit the classes because of those women. Except for me, everyone brings their spouses. That’s unfortunate, but my mother has taught me that not every husband who attends those classes is delighted. Several of them were compelled to attend. I believe this is accurate because several of these husbands appear restless. I don’t think I have to be very concerned about what other people think about what I do or where my husband is. Today I’ve been feeling a little weird. When I go to the bathroom, my pee has a thick mucus-like discharge. Then a thunderous agony struck me, and I leaped from the couch, screaming. Ruth leaped to her feet too. When she shifted her gaze towards me, her eyes went wide. It took me some time to register that my water had broken.

No, no, no Mother has to be here! She had to see her grandchildren’s birth.

“Ma’am, it’s the babies!” Ruth screamed.

“No, it can’t be.” I’m due next week, and Dante’s mother is not here. I can’t do this alone.” I burst into tears. To be honest, I know it’s not good for the babies, but I wanted Dante’s mother to be there. If Dante wasn’t here, at the very least, his mother should be. I shook my head as another thunderous wave of pain slammed me through.

“Evelyn!” I overheard Ruth calling Evelyn. “Bring the car, Madam is in labor.” I went inside the car, screaming like a child who has no idea what is going on. I was pulling my hair as if it would alleviate the pain.

“Breath, ma’am,” Ruth screamed. I was constantly inhaling and exhaling, which seemed to help with the pain I was feeling. I was transferred to a private ward. Dante’s mother was already there, much to my astonishment. Seeing her made me cry. She hurried over to me and wrapped her arms around me.

“Breath Lola, breathe baby, you’re going to be OK.”

“I’m afraid I can’t, Mother. It hurts so bad.” Then the pain struck me once more. I screamed and reached for my tummy. When I closed my eyes, I had the distinct impression that the world was coming to an end.

“Look at me.” I stared at her with a horrified expression on my face and she said, “I’m going to accompany you into that room and hold your hand until it’s all over. Do you hear what I’m saying?” I gave a nod.

“Emily!” Mother called.

“How are you, Lola? In this game, your children defeated me. They arrived earlier than anticipated.” Both of us laughed. I was escorted into the room, where she examined me. Mother clutched my hand while she wore a medical gown and cap. Emily and another doctor both said it was time, and I agreed with them.

Mother gave me a glance. Emily instructed me to part my legs, and I glanced back at mother.

“You are going to push, push those little Dantes out as though you are punching him in the face. Are you ready?” She asked, and I nodded. “Now let’s punch Dante in the face.” I gave another nod. “Now, push!” She yelled, and I pushed. I shook my head. “Punch him, Lola! Punch his stupid face!” she yelled. I clenched my teeth and pushed, then I heard a cry. “It’s a boy!” Emily yelled. I could feel my wall expanding. I locked my gaze on my mother and pushed again, tightening my grip on her hand. “It’s a baby boy!” Emily screamed once more. I’m now concerned. Am I giving birth exclusively to boys? Am I not having a little sister? It was as if Mother had been able to read my thoughts.

“You never know, you might end up with a miniature Lola this time.” I grinned and squeezed her hand tightly. I overheard another wail. “My God, my God! She is stunning!”

“She?” I asked and Emily gave a nod.

I was the happiest mother on the planet. Dante’s mother was the first to hold them all. Well, all of them look alike, with the exception of my little girl. I’m not sure I’d be able to tell the difference between the boys. My baby girl looks like her brothers. It’s a little sad that I carried them for nine good months and they came out looking like Dante.