Page 39 of Love Resurrected
“Yeah. What’s a Belly-Bop?”
“Hmm. Pretty sure that's a pillow that helps her sleep on her side. Try looking under the comforter on their bed, maybe up by their pillows.”
Sure enough, there it is.
“Got it. Last thing: NueSkinner.”
“That should be in the bathroom. It looks like a big vibrator with wheels on the end.”
“What the fuck is it?”
“It’s supposed to help skin keep its elasticity. You use it after the shower.”
“Jesus, what will they come up with next?”
“You wouldn’t believe how many things they have on the market for pregnant women.”
“I can only imagine. Thank you so much for your help. I tried calling and texting Ethan, but he didn’t pick up or respond.”
“Do you think Sadie is okay?”
“If it is pre-eclampsia, it’s treatable, she just has to take certain precautions.”
“Oh good. That makes me feel better. And, hey, thank you for calling me, Brad.”
“Why are you thanking me?”
“I didn’t think I was playing much of a role in Sadie’s pregnancy, but I knew what all of those things were that you couldn’t find. Which tells me I am way more on top of it than I thought. That makes me feel good.”
I smile at that. “I’m glad. Okay, thank you again for your help, I gotta get this stuff over to them.”
“Okay, maybe I’ll see you there.”
“If I do, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee for your help. It sounds like you need all the coffee you can get in the mornings.”
“Ah, yes. No truer words have been spoken, my friend.”
I kind of like she calls memy friend.
“See you later, Tenley.”
“Bye, Brad.”
I gather everything together in two reusable grocery bags and get it loaded in my truck, then head toward the hospital, stopping once to grab a couple coffees and breakfast for Ethan and I. Depending on how long they’ve been at the hospital, he probably hasn’t eaten or even thought about eating. I debate getting something for Sadie but decide she’s probably on a limited diet while they get everything under control. And fast food will definitely be out.
If I get there and she’s hungry, I’ll run out and get her something. It’s kind of nice to be needed by Ethan. He and Sadie have been doing their own thing for a while and it hasn’t affected me since I’ve been in a grief-bubble. But as I emerge and socialize again, I realize just how much everyone’s lives have moved on without me. And if I want to be a part of them again, I will need to step it up.
The hospital parking structure is full despite the early hour, but I find a spot quickly and head in. Ethan is pacing the hallway when I reach their area of the maternity ward.
“B, thank you for coming. And for bringing all of this. I can’t thank you enough.”
“What are you doing out here?” I ask.
“They’re running some tests and asked me to step out. Please tell me one of those coffees is for me?”
I hand him the coffee and the bag with the food in it. “Dude, I don’t care what anyone says. You’re the best.”
I laugh at his pathetic joke. It’s actually a joke we’ve used on each other for years.
