Maggie jumped from the truck and ran to the car. She tossed Aaron her cell phone. “Call,” she instructed as she leaned down over Lacey who was slumped in the driver’s seat clutching her protruding belly and moaning.
“Lacey, Lacey, look at me,” Maggie commanded as she grasped the sides of her face and forced the girl to look at her. She was bone white and drenched in sweat. Her breath was coming in short gasps and her eyes were glassy as she tried to focus on Maggie’s face.
“It’s too soon,” she whispered before she was wracked with another pain that had her doubling forward as she cried out.
“Mama!” came a cry from the backseat, and Maggie turned to see little Courtney sobbing.
“It’s okay, honey. Your mama is going to be fine,” Maggie promised as the little girl continued to wail.
“The ambulance is on its way,” Aaron said, coming up beside Maggie.
“Take Courtney,” Maggie directed. “I need to move her to the back seat.”
Aaron followed her instructions without question. He opened the back door and bent down to look at the frightened little girl.
“Hi, Courtney. Do you remember me?” Aaron asked in a soft voice. The little girl nodded her head.
“From the picnic.” Courtney’s little voice trembled as tears streaked down her face.
“That’s right, we met at the picnic,” Aaron continued calmly. “I’m going to unbuckle your seat belt now, okay?” He waited for the little girl to nod before he undid the restraint and lifted her from the car.
“Your mama is gonna be just fine,” Aaron told her as he held the small girl in his arms. “We just need to give her a place to lie down until the doctors get here. They’re on their way, okay?” Aaron’s soothing voice had calmed the child. She sniffled and nodded her understanding.
“The doctors are coming?” she asked.
“Yes, baby, they are coming to help. Should be here any minute,” he promised as he slowly walked with her back towards his truck.
~
“Lacey, I need you to stay with me,” Maggie said. “I need your help. We are going to move you. Do you think you can move?”
Lacey shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Yes you can,” Maggie insisted. “We are going to do this together. First you’re going to swing your legs out of the car. Come on, Lacey, I know you can do this.”
With a little help Lacey managed to shift in her seat, allowing her legs to swing out and her feet to touch the ground.
“See, that was easy,” Maggie encouraged. “Now I need you to wrap your arms around my neck like you’re giving me a hug. I’m going to help you get to your feet.”
“I can’t,” Lacey cried as yet another contraction had her folding down over her belly and crying out in pain.
Maggie rubbed her back and reminded her to breathe until the spasm had passed.
“Okay, now put your arms around my neck.” Maggie’s tone left no room for argument. Lacey did as she was told. “Hold on tight, don’t let me go,” Maggie told her as she wrapped her arms around the woman’s waist. “Now on three. One. Two. Three.” Maggie heaved, pulling Lacey to her feet. As soon as she was upright Maggie felt a rush of fluid hit her feet.
“Oh God!” Lacey cried, as her knees began to buckle.
“Oh no you don’t,” Maggie said, holding her up. “It was just your water breaking. Lacey, I need you to help me. This baby is coming. We need to get you into the back seat.”
“It can’t come. Not now.” Lacey shook her head in denial.
“Whether you like it or not, this baby is coming. Arguing with me won’t change that fact. Now I need you to take a step.”
“Here, let me help,” Aaron spoke up, appearing beside the women. He wrapped his arm around Lacey, supporting most of her weight as he helped Maggie maneuver her around to the backseat.
“Where’s Courtney?” Lacey asked frantically.
“She’s fine,” Aaron assured her. “She’s right back there in my truck.” Lacey stared into Aaron’s eyes with a look of sheer panic on her face.
“I won’t let anything happen to her.” he promised “You just let Maggie help you.” Lacey nodded as Maggie helped her to recline back onto the rear seat.
“You should go check on Courtney.” Maggie told Aaron as she adjusted Lacey onto the seat. He nodded and jogged back to his truck.
“What’s happening to my Mama?” Courtney was sobbing again. Aaron climbed into the truck and tucked the little girl under his arm.
“By the looks of it she’s having a baby,” Aaron answered honestly.
“Why is she crying?” Courtney cried as she snuggled into his side. He stroked her head just like he used to do for his little sister when she was upset.
“Well, sweetie, it hurts to have a baby.” He didn’t know how to answer her questions without being honest. “But you know what?”