Page 140 of Family Bonds: Coy & Angel

“Deep breath, Angel,” he said. “In and out with me. We both need it.”

He watched as his wife breathed in and out in unison with him, and finally, the needle was removed.

“That was horrible,” Angel said, gasping for air.

She let go of his hand and he shook his fingers off. “What’s happening on the monitor?”

Angel’s hand went to her side. “It’s a contraction. They aren’t hard or long. But they are there,” Ava said.

“How long does that stuff take to work?” he asked.

“Not sure,” Ava said. “It could be quickly, it could be a few hours. She might need a second dose.”

“Please no,” she said.

“You can do it,” he said. He wasn’t so sure his fingers could handle it though.

“I’m sweating,” Angel said. “Is this normal?”

“It is,” Ava said. “It should pass.”

“Her face is red. Are you sure she’s not having a reaction?”

“She’s reacting the way most do,” Ava said. “It will pass. You might feel nauseous or dizzy too. Keep drinking if you can. Lie down. You might get a sudden headache. Let us know what you’re feeling.”

“Right now just really hot,” she said. She kicked her feet out from under the blanket. “I need air.”

“I’ll see if I can find a fan,” Ava said. “We’ve got some around here.”

“I’ll send someone to buy one,” he said.

“I’m not going to argue with you,” Angel said. “Can you get me some ice water?”

“I’ll have the nurse bring some in,” Ava said. “Sit tight and try to relax. You’re going to be here for a while. Do you want your family to come visit?”

“Sure,” she said. “Anything to get my mind off of this.”

“I’ll get them also,” Ava said.

“I’m scared,” Coy said. “It’s too early.”

“I’m scared with you,” she said. “But I need you to be there for me and not get me worked up. Can you do that? This isn’ta time for you to be a superhero or try to fix anything. This is going on in my body and I’ve got it. I want to tell you I’m scared without you making it worse.”

He nodded. “I can do that,” he said, leaning in to kiss her on the head.

Both of their families came in to visit. But an hour later, nothing had changed.

The contractions weren’t getting worse, but they weren’t stopping either.

“I’m going to do another exam,” Ava said. “If we can get some privacy.”

“I’m staying,” he said.

“That’s fine,” Ava said.

Everyone else left the room and Ava pulled a stool up and he held Angel’s hand during the exam.

“Still not dilated, I hope?” Angel asked.

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