Preparing for the Worst

I quickly scanned our small, cluttered house, trying to remember the little bit of information I've learned about childbirth from listening to the older women in town. I grabbed some clean towels, a blanket, and a basin, just in case. Gail was getting more and more uncomfortable, and I could see the fear in her eyes. I tried to reassure her, but I was scared too. What if something went wrong? What if I messed up? Ashlee and Sonny were starting to get curious, and I tried to distract them with a game, but they weren't buying it. I could tell they were worried about Gail. "Ashlee, Sonny, go play outside for a bit, okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Ashlee looked up at me with big eyes, "Ree, what's happening?" she asked. I took a deep breath, trying to think of a way to explain it to her. "Gail is having a baby, sweetie. I need to help her." Sonny looked concerned, "Is Gail okay?" he asked. I nodded, trying to reassure him. "Yeah, she's going to be fine. I just need to help her have the baby." Ashlee and Sonny nodded, and slowly got up from the floor, and headed outside. I watched them go, feeling a pang of worry. What if I couldn't take care of them? What if I failed? As I turned back to Gail, I could see the pain in her face. Her contractions were getting stronger, and she was starting to lose control. I was trying to help her breathe, but she was getting more and more agitated. I could see the fear in her eyes, and it broke my heart. I was doing my best to stay calm, but inside, I was freaking out. What if I didn't know what I was doing? What if the baby got hurt? I sat down next to Gail on the couch, trying to comfort her. "You're doing great, Gail," I said, trying to sound calm. "Just breathe through it." She nodded, her eyes closed, and I could see her trying to focus on her breathing. I held her hand, trying to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. But as the contractions got stronger, I could see the panic rising in her eyes. "Ree, I think it's getting worse," she said, her voice tight with pain. I nodded, trying to stay focused. "Okay, Gail, I'm here. I've got you." I looked around the room, trying to think of what to do next. I remembered hearing that sometimes, women need to be on their hands and knees during contractions. I helped Gail get into that position, and held her steady as she rode through the pain. As the minutes ticked by, Gail's contractions got closer and closer together. I could see the baby coming, and I felt a surge of fear. What if I couldn't handle it? What if something went wrong? But I pushed those thoughts aside, and focused on Gail. I had to do this. I had to help her. I looked around the room, trying to find something to support Gail's back. I grabbed a pillow, and placed it under her stomach. "Okay, Gail, push," I said, trying to sound calm. She nodded, her eyes closed, and I could see her straining. I held her steady, trying to guide her through it. And then, suddenly, I heard a cry. I looked down, and saw a tiny baby in my arms. I was in shock, but also relieved. We did it. We made it through. Gail was exhausted, but she was smiling, and I could see the pride in her eyes. I looked up at her, and smiled back. We'd done it. We'd brought a new life into this world, and we'd done it together.