Page 50 of Bewitched

“I can’t go to the hospital for a fever, Mama. They would laugh me right out of the place.”

“Paige, you will listen to me and not fuss. Having a fever when you’re pregnant is not something to take lightly.”

“Okay.” Taking one step, Paige realized how unsteady she was on her feet. The dizziness had gotten worse, and she wondered if maybe Mama was right. “Don’t walk too fast, because I feel like the floor is moving.”

“When was the last time you ate?”

“I don’t remember. I guess yesterday before the amnio. I haven’t been hungry.” They slowly walked down the hall, and Paige put her hand against it to steady herself. “I take that back. I had an apple last night and a cup of tea.”

“Something is definitely wrong,” Faye responded as they stepped into the bathroom. “Let’s get you in the shower and see if that helps.”

Paige stood still as her mama help her get undressed. “I think I can take it from here.”

“I’ll get you some clean clothes and then I’ll wait for you to finish.”

“Okay,” Turning the water on, Paige stepped in and sat down on the bench inside the shower. As the water flowed over her, she leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes.

***

Faye shook her daughter’s shoulder. “Paige, honey.” Nothing, no response. “Paige, wake up, honey.”

Grammy walked in and gasped. “I’m calling for an ambulance.”

“Hurry, Mama. Our baby girl is in bad shape.”

Faye turned off the water and grabbed a big towel. Drying Paige off as best she could, she tried lifting her and couldn’t. “Come on, Paige, honey, open those pretty eyes of yours and let’s get you out of the shower.”

Faye felt her daughter stir and gave her a little shake. “That’s it, baby.”

In a low voice, Paige responded, “Mama, my head hurts.”

“I know. Can you stand? I need to get you out of the shower and dressed.” A small nod was all she got from her daughter. Somehow Faye managed to get her out of the shower, and she set her down on the toilet. Wrapping her up in a towel, she dried her quickly.

Grammy returned and shook her head. “The ambulance is on the way. Let me hold her while you get her some clothes. Those paramedics don’t need to see her in her birthday suit.”

“Hold on tight, Mama, or she’ll fall over.”

“Don’t you worry. I am not going to let anything happen to my granddaughter.”

Faye scooted out of the bathroom and started opening drawers. “Why in the world are Blake’s clothes still in the drawers?” she asked as she pulled out clean underwear. After grabbing a T-shirt and yoga pants, she returned. “Let’s get these on her.”

“My goodness, what in world has happened? It must have something to do with the amnio. I can’t imagine what else it would be,” Grammy muttered to herself as she held Paige up.

“I’m going in the ambulance. I want you to follow in the car. Call Phillip and then the girls,”

“Should we call Blake and let him know what’s going on?” Grammy asked as she helped put the T-shirt on. “He is the daddy, after all.”

“Let’s wait and see what we find out. Paige hasn’t told me a thing about how they left it. I’m guessing he’s coming back because his clothes are still in the drawers, but let’s not alarm him if we don’t have to.”

“Good idea. Men don’t handle these sorts of things well,” Grammy replied.

The doorbell rang and Faye let out a breath. “Thank God.”

“I’ll bring them back,” Grammy said as she hustled out of the bathroom.

“Help is here, sugar.” Faye kissed her daughter’s head and sent up a little prayer. “We’re going to get you and the baby whatever you need.”

A large paramedic entered the bathroom, and Faye gave him a grateful smile. “My daughter needs your help.”

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