Page 95 of The Fake Play

Chapter 41

Epilogue - Keke

Iblink against the hospital’s fluorescent lights, trying to hold onto the moment. People in the halls smile warmly at both of us while a nurse wheels me forward. As we head for the room where I’ll meet my child, it hits me.

I’m about to become a mom.

My body has gone through so many changes over the past months. I laugh at myself as we enter the room.

“What’s so funny?” Luke asks.

“I… I don’t think I can do this.”

Just then, a contraction hits, squeezing my body from the inside out. Menstrual cramps had nothing on this. My grip tightens on Luke’s hand, and to his credit, he doesn’t flinch.

“Breathe, baby. Just like they taught us in class.” He demonstrates to remind me, encouraging me to join him.

As much as I love him, I want to punch him.

But I do it, following his lead, and eventually, it passes. They help me onto the bed, a flurry of nurses coming in and out with questions.

“Are we doing an epidural?”

“No, I hate needles.”

“Okay, but we can only give it to you up to a certain point. Have you picked a name for the baby yet?”

I hate that question even though I know she’s just making conversation. “We’re waiting to meet them first.”

She smiles at that and glances at Luke. “Is there a list you’re choosing from?”

Luke smiles at me. “I think that’s a mom question.”

Oh God. I’m about to be a mom.

It keeps hitting me over and over, like the contractions.

“How about it, Mom? Is there a list you’re choosing from?”

I stare at her blankly until her question registers. “Um, no. Like I said, I want to meet them first. Then we’ll figure that out.”

“I’m sure you’ll pick something perfect. Can I get either of you anything?”

I grip Luke’s hand as another contraction hits, and this time, there’s a flinch. But he doesn’t pull away. He breaths with me, eyes locked on mine helping me through it.

Every part of me feels heavy except for my heart which is light and happy. Our child is on the way, and I have the honor of bringing them into the world. As scared as I am about being a mom, we’re starting a new chapter in our lives together, and that is?—

Fuck. I brace for the contraction, and he reminds me of my breaths again. Luke squeezes my hand, grounding me, his thumb tracing lines, his steady gaze holding me firm.

“I’ll let them know your contractions are getting closer together,” the nurse says.

Sweat pours down my face, along with everywhere else. “I thought this was supposed to be a beautiful miracle.”

“It is,” he says supportively.

“I feel like I’m hungover after a three-day bender.”

He snorts a laugh. “Know much about three-day benders, do you?”

---