***
Susie waited for me in my room, as I came out dressed in clean pajamas and feeling much better. Sometimes a good cry helped ease the heaviness. Now that my mind had cleared of sleep, and my emotions settled from the dream of Serena, it seemed I could do this, even alone. And really, I wasn't so alone. Many people had stepped up to help me prepare for school and motherhood—more support than most mothers would ever have, for which I was grateful.
She draped a blue robe over my shoulders. "Ready?"
"Yes." No. Maybe. How about terrified? A human being was about to push herself out of me. How ready could I possibly be for that?
But the baby didn't care if I was ready or not. She was ready, and nothing else mattered.
We walked down the halls of our new home. It was early still, and the other students and staff woke up slowly, reluctantly greeting a new day. They stumbled out of their rooms to use the bathroom and get ready for classes.
Greg and Gary were the first to see me and make the connection. Gary smiled and squeezed my hand. "We'll come by soon and check on you."
Their new puppy, an Italian Greyhound named Eddie who liked watermelon and was a huge hit with everyone, ran playfully between their legs. He nipped at my heels, begging for a rub, but I couldn't bend down to accommodate. Greg noticed my discomfort and lifted the pup to me.
I rubbed the little guy's belly. "He's adorable. Can I keep him?" Everybody asked them the same question, and they always laughed and shook their heads. I handed Eddie back and picked up on thoughts from Gary that worried me. "Is Mr. Jock still giving you a hard time, Greg?"
He looked away and Gary scowled, so yes. Didn't need to read minds to see that one.
"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Before they could answer a contraction stole my voice. I doubled over in pain and hands gripped my arms to keep me from falling.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
An eternity passed and finally I could stand again.
Greg smiled at me. "I think you have enough to handle right now. Don’t worry about me. I'll be fine."
I couldn't help but worry. They had been instrumental in helping Luke and Lucy lead the rebellion to destroy what used to be my home. Greg could manipulate any surveillance system, and Gary could control metal—coveted para-powers to be sure, but not enough to keep them safe from narrow-minded bullies.
They each hugged me and I continued my walk of fame down the halls.
A few others whispered heartfelt comforts as we passed. Robyn saw us and came over to hug me. "You're going to do great!" Her green eyes shone with sincerity. "I'll be there to help as soon as I get something to eat. I'm dying for some chicken nuggets."
For breakfast? Well, not for me to judge.
She'd been a rock the last few months, helping in so many ways.
It seemed this walk to the clinic would be my coming out party, in a manner of speaking. By the time we arrived, everyone in school knew the baby was coming.
Brad walked down the hall quickly, and stopped to hug me. "I just heard. Got here as quickly as I could. You okay?"
I didn't know how to answer that. Brad had been Drake's best friend their whole lives, and had helped us both when we escaped the Rent-A-Kid's evil baby-making clinic. He'd been indispensible as a friend, and a huge support to our cause with his blog, which grew in popularity daily. Still, I wanted his best friend, not him. He knew it too, but did his best to be there for me and the baby during this whole ordeal. "Yeah, I'm okay. And I'm so glad you're here. Just... you know, cover your eyes if bits are exposed." I cringed at the thought of people, even Susie, seeing so... much of me.
He chuckled and put his arm around me. "I'll make sure no one looks."
We walked to the clinic together, and I tried to smile as more well-wishers passed by, but their thoughts swirled through my mind. They were worried about me and the baby, and more than a few wondered if the baby would even be normal.
No one knew what to expect when Ana arrived. She was a mystery to everyone, but to me... I didn't even know. She was just mine. Mine to love and protect and raise. Mine.
But she should have been ours. Oh, Drake.
I set aside all thoughts of him as Susie led me to the bed I'd be using for the labor. After a full exam, she smiled. "You're eight centimeters dilated, Sam. She's coming soon."
That meant... well, yeah, that meant things down there were preparing for a baby to push through. Oh boy!
Where the hell are Luke and Lucy? I need them!
Chapter 68 – Lucy
The sun beat down on Lucy's face, hot and bright. Something stung her cheek and she slapped herself without meaning to. That woke her up. In a panic, she opened her eyes and looked around.
Where am I?
Memories trickled into her... the dark water rushing to meet them. Fear, panic.