Welcome to the Outside World Athena

"Drive faster, John. We are moving like a turtle." Dorothy told her husband.

"I'm trying to but I'm also tense. We have to get there safely."

"Hello! Yeah, we are on our way to the hospital. Yes, you can bring some food for Danny and Joan. Yeah, see you there." She hand up the call after. "Why are these ladies keep calling me. I already sent them a message. Why do they still have to ask for details instead of just heading directly to the hospital. Sorry, Joan. I told the others about your situation. You know, all of us are excited to see our little angel."

"You really can't hide anything from this place. I wonder what you told them about me." John said.

"I told them you are a very slow driver! Focus on the road!" She then turned to me. "Is is too painful? Tell me exactly what you feel."

"It seems like I want to pee or poop. Can we stop in the nearest restroom first?" I requested.

"I told you to drive faster!" She yelled at her husband. "This is a sign that Athena is pushing her way out. We are near the hospital, hang in there."

Danny keeps massaging my hand. She looks nervous and was quiet beside me.

After 20 more minutes, we finally arrived the small hospital. A wheelchair came rushing towards the car and as soon as I got out, a nurse helped me sit down on it.

"Martha called me 10 minutes ago and told me you are coming." She told Dorothy.

"I think she will give birth soon." Dorothy said.

We are now brought to the information desk.

"Please fill out this form and wait here while I call the doctor." The nurse handed out a form.

"I will do it." Danny said and got the form from the nurse.

The nurse came back with a middle-aged woman behind her.

"Bring her to the examination room."

"Yes doc."

The nurse brought me to a small room and helped me changed into a hospital gown. She then ask me to lie down on a bed in front of me. I feel ashamed because I can feel almost naked and I don't know where the pain is coming from now. I have never felt so much pain in my life but I'm sure after this, I will be able to hold Athena in my hands.

After lying down on the bed, the nurse asked me to put my feet on the steel plate on the sides of the bed. I followed everything she says without complaining. Being in pain doesn't give me any energy to complain.

She wore gloves and went beside me. "Do you feel pain continuously or does it disappear from time to time?"

"It's continuous." I said.

"When you feel your stomach contracts, don't push, okay? You need to save your energy."

She then went to the edge and pushed aside the gown covering my lower limb. She looked surprised and left the room immediately. I heard her shouting "Crowning!"

I could hear footsteps running towards me. The next thing I knew, I was being transferred to a stretcher by two men and tho nurses.

"One, two, three!" They lifted the bed covers where I was in and transferred it to the stretcher next to the bed I was in. They moved so fast. I could feel the bed moving. When we passed by the hospital lobby, I saw familiar faces looking so worried at me. I feel so weak yet I know I have to be strong. This pain is so unbearable that I just want to push continuously and let Athena come out. I hope she's okay.

I was brought in a room that says "Labor Room" and was transferred again to a smaller bed. The nurses put my feet on the side steel. One nurse injected something on my wrist and the next thing I knew, a tube was already connected to my vein. A plastic bottle was hung over me where the tube is connected. I saw the doctor put on new gloves. The next thing I knew, I was already instructed to push every minute. I am conscious but it seems like I don't know what I was doing. I just followed whatever they tell me.

I heard the doctor saying scissors and the nurse on my right handed her the scissors. I felt more pain next but I really don't know where it is coming from now. I could feel pain in my whole body. I guess my mom also had the same feeling when she gave birth to me. She never told me about how she gave birth or was there by her side. Was my father waiting for her in the waiting area while she was giving birth? Or was she like me who was helped by friends? Or was she alone? The thought of her being alone in the hospital makes me guilty of not being nice to her since I was young.

After a few minutes, I heard the nurse shouting, "Baby Myers out at 6:12 p.m., October 12, 2017."

"Athena." I whispered. "I want to see my baby."

30 seconds later, I heard her first cry. My baby. She was then put on my chest. "She looks so beautiful. Hi there, young lady. I'm your mommy." I said and I started crying.

Next thing, she was taken by the nurse on my left and was brought out from the room.

"Where is she bringing her?" I asked.

"Don't worry. She will be cleaned and clothed in the nursery room. We will take care of her and the people in this town are already waiting for her." The nurse beside me said, smiling.

"Thank you." I whispered.

I saw the nurse injecting something on the tube on my wrist. I feel paranoid in these situations but I couldn't do anything. I wanted to ask her what it is for but I don't have energy to do so.

I feel so tired and sleepy. I feel scared and paranoid. What if Athena will be taken by Geoff? What if I will not see her again? The next thing I knew, I was already asleep.