Birth

Danielle's POV

It was on Monday, April 6 and Danielle was already in her 3rd Trimester, although she didn't have enough money to go for prenatal but thank God for her neighbor, Ava who is a nurse and had also been her mom's close friend. She had always come to check up on her and the baby, making sure they had a proper diet.

And Danielle woke up feeling a bit tired, she reached for her phone to send text messages to Britney not to forget to help with the baby's crib. She stood up to draw the curtains, it was a beautiful sunrise, the sky was bright. The birds were chirping and enjoying the cool breeze. She made her way to the kitchen to make breakfast, she found her grandma knitting "must be a towel this time" she thought. "Good morning granny," she said she got no answer from her as usual but something felt weird for she wasn't looking bright this morning. She let it slide and went to the kitchen, she had thoughts of making a sausage and egg sandwich with coffee and so she did.

She served the table and called on grandma to have breakfast but she only nodded. Danielle went ahead to eat when she heard her phone ringing and remembered she left it in her room. She was done eating, she cleared the table and drop the plates into the dishwasher. She went to her room to get her phone, Britney had been the one calling. She called her back and told her she was home. After she drops the call with Britney, she felt a sharp pain around her waist, it was a week before her due date but she ignored the pain. She was about going to arrange the baby's crib when she felt a sharp pain again and this time it was more severe that she could feel it in her legs. She screamed at the top of her voice, she reached for her phone to dial Ava's number. Thank God she picked, she screamed for help and Ava knew she was in labor. The pain got so much she found herself on the floor crying while rubbing her stomach just maybe she will feel much better.

Ava got in and met grandma knitting "I think she doesn't know," she said to herself while running to see Danielle in her room restless. She asked her what happened. "I don't know I felt a sharp pain around my waist and some contractions, I think it's time," she said to her. "We need to get you to the hospital while trying to check on her I guess you have a little complication," she said. Ava tried to get her up to her feet, her car was parked out so it was easy for them. Grandma was still knitting not minding what was happening. "Is she okay?" Ava asked. "I don't know she's been acting weird all morning" Danielle answered.

She was panting and screaming, the pain was just too much and it was her first as well, she didn't know how to take it all in. Ava kept on massaging her temples to help reduce stress and make her relax more. They finally got outside the house to where the car was parked, Danielle got into the back seat still screaming "the pain is too much, I can't". You're doing a good job". Ava said to her. "Where's the baby's bag?" She asked. "It's at the corner of the wardrobe" Danielle answered. "Hang in there okay ?" Ava said while heading back to the house to get her maternity bag.

Ava got to the sitting room and met grandma lying lifeless, she rushed to where she was, placed her two fingers at her wrist to check her pulse. Grandma was dead. "Mrs. Haddish" she called out while shaking her body   "No no wake-up, Mrs. Haddish, Granny" she screamed. Ava was scared and confused as a cold shiver ran down her spine.

             Britney walked in and found Ava on the floor with Granny. "What happened?" She asked. Ava turned to see Britney coming closer to where she was holding Granny. She's dead, I came in to get Danielle's maternity bag and I found granny lying lifeless" she admitted.

They both heard Danielle screaming louder, Ava went to the room to get her bag and asked Britney to do whatever she can while she gets Danielle to the hospital.

   Ava got to the car drove so fast with a lot of thought going through her mind. "What is she going to tell Danielle?, How will she survive this? God please take control". She got to the hospital and the Emergency unit rushed Danielle to the labor ward while Ava went to reception to sign some hospital documents.

Ava had to pay for all the necessary bills. She got to the labor ward to be by Danielle's side. The nurses were moving around to get everything ready before the doctor gets in. Danielle was in so much pain, she kept screaming at the top of her voice. Ava kept telling her to breathe. Finally, the doctor walked in and introduced himself to them as "Dr. Lucious". "Can I get her files?" He asked one of the nurses. He went ahead to check on her details. "You're doing a great job, Danielle," He said to her. "And you must be her guardian" He directed to Ava. "Yes," she nodded. Okay then, "Danielle I want you to take a deep breath and give me a push," he said to her, while he separated her legs.

It was already 4 hours since they've been at the labor room. The doctor and nurses were trying all their possible best. Danielle kept screaming with so much sweat on her body. Ava could only hold her hands while she gave in every little push. Ava was excited about the progress they were making. The baby's head was out already. She kept telling her she was doing just great and she's the strongest woman she's ever met.

"You have to give me a very big push," The Doctor said to her. Danielle was so weak but she had to try her very best and all the energy she had to push. She gave in the last push and the baby was out. Danielle laid back to rest and  Ava kissed her forehead. "Congratulations, it's a girl!!" The doctor said to them while he brought the child for them. Danielle managed to get hold of her baby, tears rolled down from her eyes. So much joy when she saw her baby, she had her eyes. She felt the love of every mother to her child. There and then she promised to love her and make sure she struggled to give her the best life no matter what happens. The nurses took the baby for cleanup while Ava followed to make sure the baby is properly dressed. And the other nurses made sure Danielle was cleaned up too.

Britney's POV

Britney was still at Danielle's place, she had already pulled a call through for the Ambulance to come by. She was scared, confused. She had a lot of questions to ask and she needed an answer. What could have happened to Mrs. Haddish? Was she sick? and most importantly how's Danielle? hope she's doing just fine. Before she could ask all the questions she had in mind, she heard a sound of a siren she knew it was the ambulance, she headed outside. A tall man pulled from the car, "You must be Britney, right? I'm Ronald. I headed out as soon as we got your call. Where's the corpse?" He asked.  "Right inside and thanks for coming" Britney replied as she directed him to the living room. Mrs. Haddish was carefully wrapped and place in the ambulance backseat. "Are you okay?" He asked. "Ohh Yes" Britney answered, she was lost in thoughts. "You'll get over this. It's just inevitable". He continued. He got to the hospital and Mrs. Haddish was taken for autopsy, Britney had to see the doctor who was in charge to make sure everything fell into place before leaving. She had been thinking of Danielle". She made her way to see Danielle, but she met Ava and called her out. "Did you call the ambulance?" Ava asked. "Yes I did, she's been taken for autopsy, the result should be out in 3day's time." She answered. "But what will happen to Danielle? How are we going to break this news to her?" Britney asked. "I don't know but for now, she must not get to know at least not after having her baby" Ava replied. They got to the ward to meet Danielle holding her baby with so much joy. "Have you thought of a name for her?" Britney asked. Danielle looked up to see Britney, she was happy. "Oh yes, her name is Elena".  But where's Grandma, isn't she coming too? She asked while looking at Britney. "Oh... she's at home. She wasn't feeling too fine to come" Britney sighed and said.  "Granny's mood this morning was weird, but I'm sure she will be so happy to see her great granny". Danielle said with excitement...  "Thank you so many guys, I didn't think I would go through this journey," she said to them, and oh yeah you owe me, my baby's crib must be arranged before we get back" she directed to Britney while laughing.

"Yes ma" Britney answered.

It was a beautiful Wednesday morning and Danielle was to be discharged. Ava ran around to make sure she paid for the hospital bills before leaving. Danielle and the baby were ready to leave, they made their way outside the hospital building to where the car was parked while she waited for Ava to come down.

All they talked about on their way was the moment they had at the labor ward with every other topic an experienced mother would say to her child. They all got home safely. Danielle carried the baby to the house and Ava helped to bring in the stuff they took to the hospital.

     Danielle got in, she couldn't believe her eyes the whole house was decorated. Her baby's name Elena was boldly written on a card paper, gift boxes were placed on every corner, toys and baby's wears were neatly kept, Danielle walked in with her baby Elena, she was weak to go any further. "Surprise! Congratulations dear!" Everyone screamed. Tears rolled down from her eyes, she wasn't expecting this, not this kind of love. Ava got in and held Danielle's waste.. "don't cry," she said to her. Danielle looked up and saw Marcus and Mr. Spencer, her former boss. She fell on the chair which was closed to her and began to cry. I can't believe you guys did this for me and Elena. "Ssshhhh..you deserve this and more, you have been an amazing friend to me and I will continue to do my best" Britney said to her while brushing her hair with her hands. Come on get up and let me have my God daughter" she continued. Okay, "Danielle won't you open your gifts". Marcus directed her. Danielle was excited as she unwrapped every beautiful gift she got. She was happy and loved all of the gifts. With all of these, Danielle wasn't feeling right about everything, she quickly thought of grandma "she should be here, Is everything fine with her?" Danielle went to the kitchen counter and met Mr. Spencer  "Hi" she said with her face still down. Mr. Spencer got close to her "I'm sorry for the way I treated you, I know I haven't been nice to you but please forgive me and I promise to make it up to you and baby Elena" He said to her. "It's fine, I've forgiven you a long time" Danielle replied, and thanks for coming she continued.

Britney walked in and met them together talking and laughing. She was happy they were getting along she knew it was hard convincing Mr. Spencer to come. "I'll leave you both to have your little chatty..." Mr. Spencer said while looking at Britney. Okay! Britney answered. "Where's Grandma? I have not seen her anywhere around" Danielle directed to Britney. "Ermmmm she's fine, there...." still finding words to speak. Marcus walked in "How are you, Danielle?" Look at you looking so fat and all he said while smiling. I got you something, take a look while. Danielle took a parcel from him and unwrapped it. She was laughing... "you got my body magic and slim tea?" she said. "Yeah I want you to take back your shape, that's if you want," Marcus said while laughing. Marcus got a message from his friend and knew it was time to head out. He got to Danielle and kissed her forehead. "So I'm leaving now but I'll come by tomorrow to check up on you. Take care of yourself and Elena too" he said. Danielle was still in deep thought. She wanted to know where her grandma was and needed an answer now.