A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(85)
“Ok, now before I can give you the good stuff, I’m going to need you to sign the release form. It explains the procedure and the risks involved.” The scrub wearing, walking, talking, Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy placed a clipboard in my hands.
“I’ll sign anything, just please give me drugs.” I was glad there were no sharp implements around and was seriously considering using the pen to stab him in the eye if he didn’t hook me up soon.
“Lexi, it’s important you read it and understand it before you sign. It’s a legal requirement.” Dr. Dana went through finer points of the release form before I scrawled my name across the bottom of the page.
“Ok, now here’s what I need to have happen,” Happy Asshole Brian instructed. “Lexi, you are going to need to lean over your husband over here and you are going to have to keep very still while I enter the catheter.”
“Ok, Ok.” Alex held me while I bent forward wondering if Happy Asshole Brian moonlighted as a sadist.
“Very still,” he repeated tapping me on the shoulder. “And if you feel the slightest inclination of a contraction you need to tell me so we can stop.”
Something inside me snapped. I wasn’t sure if it was the fatigue or the pain or some other variable I couldn’t comprehend but I was done being polite. I reached out my free arm and grabbed a handful of Happy Asshole Brian’s scrubs, while my other arms stayed locked on Alex.”
“Listen to me *. I will keep the f*ck still. Do not worry about me. I will not move a f*cking muscle so stop talking and jab that needle in my spine, NOW!”
“Wow, she’s a ray of sunshine, isn’t she?” Brian grimaced as he moved to my back.
Alex gently kissed me, “She’s perfect and I wouldn’t argue with her if I were you.”
Wisely Brian kept his mouth closed and administered the epidural he had seemed intent on prolonging. I fought against another contraction while I pressed against Alex, holding still and absorbing the pain, knowing it would soon be over.
The warm flush of sensation overtook my body and like magic, the pain vanished with a slow moving wave. It was heavenly. The agony evaporated and left only a dull pressure. This was the best drug ever. I drowsily relaxed onto my back and closed my eyes and allowed sleep to come. Alex settled into the chair beside me as I floated away. I couldn’t stay awake for a second longer.
BLACK
“Ok Sweetie. It’s time to start pushing,” June gently shook me awake. Dr. Dana was already wearing her gloves and mask and ready for action.
“Hey Baby,” Alex looked exhausted, his bloodshot eyes strained against the overhead lights. “It’s time.”
With the help of June and Alex, I shuffled up the bed in preparation to push. Alex stood beside me, his hand clasped tightly around mine and with each passing contraction I pushed. It was slower than I had anticipated. Every time I’d seen a movie or TV show and there was a birth scene it was over before the next ad break. There were a few undignified grunts, a slight sheen of sweat and wham - a bright pink baby. But in reality I was pushing for almost a full hour before Baby Stone finally made it into the world.
“Last one Lexi, just give me one more.” Dr. Dana nodded as I gave it everything I had and with that it was over. A huge cry echoed through the room.
“It’s a girl Lexi, a beautiful, perfect little girl.” Alex kissed me as I wept uncontrollably. Our very vocal baby daughter settled as she was placed in my arms.
“I’m so proud of you baby,” Alex pressed his lips to my temple as he gently placed his hand protectively on our daughter, who immediately latched onto one of his fingers. “She is so f*cking perfect.”
As I looked at her tiny scrunched up face, I wondered how I could ever have doubted my ability to love. I could never have described this feeling to my former self but it was as if my heart grew in capacity, which was irrational because a heart can’t change size but it’s what it felt like nonetheless. I could never fathom treating my child how my parents had treated me, with such indifference, and despite my defective DNA I knew that I would do everything in my power to be an extraordinary mother. She was perfect, she was everything that was right about the world and in her I saw love and I saw hope.
“Congratulations Lexi and Alex.” Dr. Dana looked on as I cradled our bundle of joy. “Have you picked out a name?”
“Grace,” I smiled. She was our Grace.
~~~
A replacement guitarist filled in for Alex for the remainder of the scheduled shows. While some fans had been disappointed, most of them understood his unwillingness to leave the side of his wife and new baby daughter.
Matt handled the rest of the tour solo while Sydney dealt with the birth announcement and the impending madness that surrounded a celebrity baby.
Back in Australia, Lexi’s attacker pleaded guilty and was charged with aggregated assault and attempted manslaughter. Sadly as he had entered a plea his sentence was negotiated to eight years, less the time he had already served in remand. Lexi was not present for the sentencing and would not comment further on the case or perpetrator. Anna’s assistance in the investigation gave the prosecution additional ammunition to indicate premeditation. She has had no further communication with Lexi and/or Matt.
Marcy Bryant pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of conspiracy to commit a crime. Defense argued that as she had no explicit knowledge of the intentions of the perpetrator and because she had aided in the investigation once details of the crime came to light she was not charged as an accessory. She received a fully suspended sentence, a two-year good behaviour bond and one hundred and thirty hours of community service. She lost her endorsements, was dumped by her agent and her character in the soap opera in which she starred was killed off. She is currently struggling to find work and has considered posing nude for a B grade men’s magazine.