Chapter 80: Opposite Sides Of The Atlantic.

For the past twenty-four hours, I have not been having sense of day or night. Everything is just a blur of time with Joseph and Benjamin. Andrew hasn't left my side since I put to birth, well, unless on a specific mission for peanut butter crackers from the vending machine, painkillers from the nurses, or booties from the gift shop in the lobby of the hospital. He slept on the cot next to my bed, helped me to the bathroom, and snapped roll after roll of black-and-white film.

Andrew brought his phone to me and told me to call my mother. Of course I balked and explained how too exhausted and hormonal to deal with her, but Andrew being*"Andrew"* dialed my home number on his mobile. "Here. You'll regret it if you don't do this," he said, sticking the phone into my right hand.

My mom answered as soon as I took the phone from him.

"Hi, mom. It's me," I said, feeling defeated before the conversation even began.

"Hello, Tessy." Her voice is so formal and stiff just as it was on Christmas Eve.