Page 53 of Loyal
“I’m uncomfortable,” she pants.
I nod as I slip on a pair of latex gloves. My eyes dart over to the machine that tracks contractions.
“I get that. Would you be okay if I checked you out to see if you’ve dilated any further?”
“Go ahead,” she sighs when the contraction stops.
I help her adjust and move the blanket. Without prompting, she drops her knees, giving me access.
“Sorry, you might feel a little pressure,” I murmur as I place my fingers at her entrance.
After going through the motions, I pull back, placing the blanket back over her.
“Good news, Mama, you’ve progressed from a three to a six. Unfortunately, you have to make it to ten, but if you keep going the way you are, you’ll make it in no time.” I wink as I take off the gloves.
“Really?” she says breathlessly.
“Really. Now, I know your records said that you don’t want an epidural or anything, but I know things can change. Is that still your plan?”
“I want to try and do this naturally,” she says, her eyes darting down.
“No judgment, Mama, but if you change your mind, it’s going to have to be soon. We have a small window to do it before it gets really intense.”
“Thank you.”
Before she can say anything else the door opens.
“Halle?” a man says.
“In here,” she sighs.
Gina and I step back, letting the man in.
“This is my brother,” she says, looking between Gina and me.
“Nice to meet you.” I smile at him.
“Thank you for taking care of her,” he says as he takes her hand.
“Of course. Page us if you need us.” I smile.
Gina and I leave the room and head back to the desk.
“It never gets old watching you work. You’re so good with them.”
“You’re good with them too.”
She rolls her eyes. “I know I am, but just take the compliment for what it is.”
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“Did you bring lunch or do you want to order something?”
Before I can say anything, someone calls out my name.
“You have a visitor,” Rebecca says, looking uneasy.
I wince. I doubt it’s someone I want it to be.
