100. Cherish

There was no turning back now, it was go-time. No more giddy jokes, no more waking up surprised at the increased size of my bump. I was going to be a mother. The concepts left me feeling dizzy at the very moment I needed to be focused and sharp.

I downed a cup of the broth offered by Martha, slurping it down greedily, as if it could take away the searing pain my exhausted muscles were in.

“Okay…okay….I can do this,” I whimpered. “Ivan, come where I can see you,” as I felt the pain rising once more I did as they asked. I gripped the side of the bathtub, my feet planted on the ground as I howled in pain, my eyes fixed on Ivan’s face. He looked so proud, he wasn’t terrified by my noises, the obvious bloodshed and pain, he made me feel like a superhero.

“We almost had a head then! Next one, next one they’re ready to come!” Bella shouted as I panted and braced myself. Sure enough, even faster and more blindingly intense than the first I fought and pushed until a huge wave of pressure an