CH 31

Alexis, Kristina, Stefan, Taggert, Lucky and Luke had all made themselves at home at Wyndemere. “I still don’t see why Gia decided to have the baby here.” Stefan said as he paced the room. “Women have their baby’s at home all the time.” Kristina said. “I know but are you sure it’s safe? And why is she having it in her bathtub no less?” Stefan asked. “Yes it’s safe, the midwife knows what she’s doing. And the water helps with the pain, now will you stop worrying?” Kristina said loudly. Stefan nodded his head and sat down on the couch. He had to admit; it was nicer being in his old home then it would be sitting in a hospital waiting room. Stefan had called everyone when Gia started complaining about having contractions. The whole family waited downstairs for Gia to have the baby. They had been waiting for 3 hours and still no baby.

~Nik and Gia’s room~

“Nikolas, please make the pain stop.” Gia said as she rocked back and forth on the bed. Gia was in exception to Nikolas, surrounded by women. Flo, Laura and Isabel all came to help Gia with the birth. Gia’s midwife placed a wet cloth on her head as Gia took deep breaths to push away the pain. “Gia, I wish I could baby.” Nik said gently from his spot on the bed behind her. The midwife checked Gia and suggested that she get in the tub. Nik helped her walk over to the tub and got in the huge whirlpool first. He eased Gia in so that she was sitting between his legs and she rested her head on his shoulder. Izzy stepped up and began to do her job as the photographer and started taking pictures. Gia squeezed Nik’s hand as she felt another contraction coming on, she cried out in pain. The water helped with the pain but the pressure was still intense. “Gia, the next time you have a contraction, I want you to push.” Maria, Gia’s the midwife said as she massaged the back of Gia’s neck. Gia nodded weakly and looked over at her mother. “Momma, I don’t want to do this.” Gia said as she started to panic. It was hard for Florence to see her daughter in the pain she was suddenly reminded of. “Oh baby, you can do this.” Flo said with tears in her eyes. Gia’s eyes squeezed shut as she felt another contraction coming. She held onto Nik’s hand as she pushed. “Oh my god this is so hard.” Gia said with tears in her eyes. “Gia the baby is almost here, I can feel its head. In about three more pushes, you’ll be able hold your baby.” Maria said. Gia nodded her head and when the next contraction came, Gia grabbed onto Nik’s knees and dug her nails in as she pushed. “Gia sweetie that kind of…never mind.” Nik said as Gia viciously turned her head and glared at him. “OK, Gia this is going to be a tough one, the head is almost out. I’m going to massage you to prevent from tarring but it’s still going to hurt. This push needs to be slow and long.” Maria said from the side of the tub. Gia shook her head no. “I can’t do this, I’m sorry Nikolas but I can’t. I know that you all think I’m tough but this is just too hard.” Gia said with tears in her eyes. ‘Gia, come on baby you can’t quit now. You can do this.” Nik said in her ear. Gia shook her head no but as the next contraction came she felt the urgency to push. Gia bore down and slowly pushed, the feel of her baby’s head as it came out of her was indescribable for Gia. It was a mix of sheer pain and excitement for Gia. In that moment, she wanted more than anything to meet her baby. “I can do this.” Gia told herself. “That’s right Sparky, you can do this. Your so strong Gia, I love you.” Nik said. Gia pushed one last time and watched as Maria’s hands emerged from the water, holding the most amazing thing she had ever seen. Gia was still crying from pain as she watched her baby take its first breath. She and Nik were sobbing when Maria laid the crying baby on Gia’s chest. “Gia that’s our baby, oh Sparky I’m so proud of you.” Nik said, as he pressed a kiss on the side of Gia’s face. Nik and Gia stared in amazement, both shocked by the emotion and love they were feeling. “I love you Nikolas.” Gia said as she lifted her head and kissed him. “I love you too Gia.” Nik said in a whisper. Laura and Flo hugged, pulling Izzy in as well. They were all crying like mad until Laura finally pulled away. She walked over to Gia and Nikolas and looked down at the baby. She then turned around and headed out the door.

~Downstairs~

The group looked up when they saw Laura walk down the stairs. “Well?” Lucky asked as the group was all standing now. “It’s a boy!” Laura said with happy emotion in her voice.