I'm On Top of the World

[Grace relaxed against Ryder’s frame as she breathed deeply, the way she had learned with those classes that she was informed to go to which had freaked her out at first but were now proving to be very useful now.] I believe you. [She said looking up to him with a small smile along with a laugh as she continued to rub a hand over her stomach, she wouldn’t be like this for long. A few more hours and their little baby would be in the world, they would be able to hold her and love her and she wouldn’t have to deal with resting food and drinks on her stomach. She took Ryder’s assistance as he guided her out of the cab trying not to laugh at Ryder’s mimicking.] If you breathe like that you’re going to get lightheaded and I really don’t need you passing out on me right now. [She told him pausing at a sharp contraction before nodding at the sound of a wheelchair, the sound of not having to walk was bliss to her right now.] If you can move like The Flash I’ll be grateful.

[Ryder frowned a little noticing that Grace was doing her best to not laugh at him while he talked and mimicked the breathing technique.] But..that’s how they do it in the movies and stuff. [He said, he had been trying to help. Maybe he should have read more of those baby books. Ryder guided Grace to the wheelchair and helped her sit. He leaned over to whisper in her ear.] Then watch me go. [He smiled and kissed her on the temple and pushed her down the hallway fast-and as safely-as he could.] Look out, coming through! [He announced as they approached the front desk out of breath.] Baby....coming...now. [He said to woman behind the desk.]

[Grace couldn’t be convinced by his words of nothing was wrong, because she was certain- positive that it wasn’t supposed to feel like this. Like her body was revving up and shutting down all at once. She was antsy and felt as though she couldn’t stay still even though she knew too much movement would be painful. She looked at him when he instructed her to do so, the worry was evident in her eyes and she nodded ever so slowly. She didn’t feel like she was panicking but maybe she was, maybe that’s what it was showing as. She continued to nod as she lay her head against his shoulder as her hand rubbed over her extended belly.] You’re right I’m probably just- [She paused at a sharp contraction, taking a deep breath.] I’m just panicking and in pain. I can’t wait to get her out of me. [She said letting out a small weak chuckle as she focused her sight seeing  the hospital come into view, eliciting a sigh of relief from her.] 

[Ryder kissed Grace on the forehead and rested his head on top of hers as she leaned on his shoulder.] It’s going to be okay. [He said with a small smile after Grace’s comment.] She apparently can’t wait to be out. [When they finally pulled up in front of the hospital, Ryder got out of the cab, paid the driver and guided Grace out.] Okay, here we are. Careful. And just breathe. [He said mimicking the ridiculous breathing he always saw woman do on tv or movies] We’re going to get you a wheelchair and we’re going to move like lightning.

[Grace watched as Ryder’s eyes widened after saying he wasn’t panicking, because yeah right he sure wasn’t. There was a buzz under her skin that made her want to use up the extra energy that was running through her body but she couldn’t do any of that because her body was also telling her she needed to push a baby out of her. She moved over to Ryder and lay a shaking hand on her fiance’s cheek.] We’re ready. We’re more than ready and there is no way she’s going to hate you, she’s going to love you- just as much as I do. [She nodded and let Ryder lead her out of the door and down to the streets listening to his words and taking in two short breaths and then letting it out as one, trying to stop the pain radiating through her body. Once in the cab she let her head rest on her shoulder, she felt like her body hated her and she was sure this wasn’t what it was supposed to feel like when going through labor. She nodded at his question.] Yes, but it’s more than just the labor. I just, there’s a buzzing under my skin like there’s so much energy in my body, I’m freezing cold but sweating and it hurts, my body hurts and I just I feel worried for no reason. Then there is the labor pain as well. I don’t now what’s happening. [She could feel panic rising in her and she didn’t know why and it was that which was making her scared.] What if something’s wrong? 

I’m a horrible person

Dude, I’m going to need you to take a breath and chill. What happened and where are you?

[Even though her head was spinning and her heart was racing from all the energy that was rising inside of her, she was still able to give her fiance the best bitch face she could summon.] “I didn’t wet myself Ryder, I’m pregnant not eighty.” [She breather heavily as she rested against the counter behind her as she watched the other grab the bag that contained everything she would need to make the birthing process easier. A small smirk appeared on her face as she watched in amusement as Ryder began to panic.] “I’m not panicking and I’m the one who’s going to have to push this thing out of me. You on the other hand.” [She pointed out finding some shoes she could slip onto her feet without having to bend down. She slipped them onto her feet only looking up to have her face cupped in Ryder’s hands. Smiling as she nodded closing her eyes at the pressure on her lips.] “I love you too, but do you think you could maybe drive me to the hospital now, I don’t want to give birth in the car.”

[Ryder pulled back from the kiss.] I’m not panicking. [He replied.] So not panicking, just excited that we’re gonna be coming back with a baby... [Ryder froze a moment and looked around the apartment, and he then he started to feel panic set in.] Oh god. What if we’re not ready? I mean the nursery is all set but what if she hates it? What if she hates us...or just me.. [Ryder shook his head and grabbed the bag to put over his shoulder.] Right. Sorry. Car. Yes. [Maybe he was starting to panic. He smiled through all of the nerves that were rising and grabbed Grace’s hand.] Don’t worry, I’m going to get you to the hospital and everything is going to be fine just do that breathing thing...you know the class we went to? What was it LA Mazda breathing? [He walked Grace down and out to the street, he hailed a taxi because who the hell had a car in New York? Oh god they would probably need to get a car for the baby, Ryder didn’t want her riding in smelly cabs.His thoughts broke again as he helped Grace into the back of the cab and ordered the driver to the hospital.]  I can’t believe this is happening. Does it hurt? Are you alright?

Tempting as that sounds, gonna take a hard pass...you feeling alright man?

[Grace looked over the message that Ryder had sent to her, she knew he was only in a different room but with her lack of mobility it was the easiest way to communicate. She rubbed a hand over her swelling belly as pain radiated through her body, a dim grey light glowing from her as sweat clung to her skin and her head pounded. The thirst she was feeling was getting the better of her and she thought maybe if she moved she would feel better. Using the furniture around her as support she stood taking a step forward before her head spun causing her to tumble into the dresser cursing softly as the pain heightened. But that wasn’t the only thing - a wet feeling between her thighs and the odd feeling she had never felt before caused her to look down seeing the small pool that was no on the floor. Pain wasn’t coming from around her body now, the sharp contraction in her stomach let her know that it was time.] “Ryder” [She shouted holding herself up as she let out a small whimper.] “Ryder, I’m more than ninety eight percent sure my water just broke so if I were you I’d probably get in here, now!”

[Ryder had just gotten out of the shower when he received the message from Grace. It wasn’t entirely uncommon for the two of them to communicate through their phones or online even if they were in the apartment. Ryder blamed the way their generation was raised. Hell, just to annoy  Grace Ryder would text or message her while they sat beside one another on the couch. Not that Ryder was lazy, but sometimes it was better than shouting or making Grace shout one room to another. With her being pregnant he didn’t want her overexerting herself. Ryder was jarred from his thoughts at Grace’s voice echoing through the apartment. He stumbled out of the bathroom just as he was putting his shirt on.] “What?” [He stopped short of Grace starring down at the mess on the floor.] “What is the other 2 percent, that you actually wet yourself?” [He slid his feet into his shoes and raced to the bedroom to grab the bag that had been packed for a few months.] “Okay. Okay, the first thing we’re not gonna do is panic. No panic. No need to panic we’re only having our baby. Well, you’re having our baby...“ [He rambled and dropped the bag and took Grace’s face in his hands.] “Oh my God, you’re having our baby!” [His eyes began to water. Ryder leaned in and pressed his lips against Grace’s.] “I love you so much.”

I know I’ve never been pregnant before but I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to feel like this a few weeks before my due date. Seriously, I think if I move I’m going to pass out or die.

Maybe we should get you to the hospital, just to be on the safe side. I’d feel more comfortable if you were to pass out it would be around doctors who would be able to help you. 

It’s getting hot in herre!

Dude, did you eat an entire bag of pixie sticks again?

Anytime, Ryder- I just want you in your best health. She seems like the person who would drag you out against your will, she’s tough like that. But overall I’m glad that you’re feeling a lot better now. 

Thanks, Blaine. That means a lot. I love her for that reason. She may be all sweet and innocent looking but man, she is fierce and packs a punch. I would never cross her. I wouldn’t survive.

Really? then what if it’s a brain tumor? I mean…you shouldn’t be getting such huge headaches just because of allergies right?

It’s not a tumor!! ...Arnold Schwarzenegger.. Kindergarten Cop...

Did you end up going to the doc or was the pain over quickly? Half a bottle of pain meds, that’s worrisome. I hope you got rid of that headache!

I was kind of exaggerating. But it was a good amount of pain medicine. Nope. It went away. For now. Sometimes I’ll wake up with it but it’ll go away.

Arthur man…don’t do that. I mean. thing wrong with being born normal but don’t make it seem like what we are, are terrible things. 

I just want her to have a safe normal and easy life. I don’t want her to have to deal with any of this. 

[PRIVATE] How're you feeling? Still getting headaches? I can check you over if you want, see what's troubling you, this glowing thing does come in handy at times.

[PRIVATE] Yes you do, I’ve given it to you plenty enough. Oh yeah, sure, the weather. And a unicorn got me pregnant. God, the peanut butter cravings have been crazy, I didn’t even like it all that much before you knocked me up. But now, it’s like I eat, sleep and breathe it. You know even if I was not the size of a globe, that would sound like a great meal. It’s a good job our tastes aren’t that much different from a small child’s. Pudding is good. You’ve noticed and not taken advantage? How rude, you know the hormones go all  over the place with baby growing inside, I wouldn’t slap your hand away for taking advantage for once.

[PRIVATE] Grace, I’m being serious. I’m fine it was just headache. It’s gone now so don’t worry about it.

[PRIVATE] How're you feeling? Still getting headaches? I can check you over if you want, see what's troubling you, this glowing thing does come in handy at times.

[PRIVATE] You dont’ have to be in the same room as me to know I’m giving you a look right now. We both know it has nothing to do with the weather. I’m fine, totally fine, bed rest ins’t all that bad, I get to sit around, eat food and watch tv all day. I’m good, if I need anything I will let you know. You know an advantage of this apart form getting a baby, my boobs have gone up a whole cup size. 

[PRIVATE] I know that look well. It could be the weather 100%. You don’t know. I’m gonna go out and get more ice cream just in case and more peanut butter. I’m making peanut butter and jelly for dinner tonight with a side of chocolate pudding. I figured might as well practice all these kind of meals seeing as how we’re gonna have a kid soon...plus I really like pudding. Ohhh yeah, I noticed. :)

No. She’s normal.