Around ten-thirty, Debbie walked into the waiting room still wearing her surgery cap. “It’s a girl,” she announced.
“How is everyone doing?” Vicky was the first to ask.
“So far, so good. Jessica is small but not having any problems. Gini came through it like a trouper. She’s in recovery but waking up and has answered all of Robert’s questions.”
All the ladies in the room hugged each other. When Micky took Debbie in her arms, Debbie let out a long huff of air.
“I told you to stop worrying,” Micky said. “Gini’s a strong woman. She’ll be fine.”
“I know,” Debbie said, wanting to believe it, but she still had that awful feeling in her gut; something wasn’t right.
Lisa walked up behind Debbie and slightly rubbed on her back. Debbie pulled out of the hug with Micky and turned around.
“Can you believe Jessica is finally here?” Lisa asked.
The two embraced. Still standing close to each other, Debbie took the swath of red hair from Lisa’s forehead and with her fingers weaved it back into Lisa’s tresses. “I know, it’s very exciting. She’s cute, Lisa. I think she favors Robert, but it’s too early to tell.”
Micky, standing behind, slipped her hand into Debbie’s. “Babies, all the babies!” Micky exclaimed.
Debbie stepped back next to Micky. A pain jabbed in her stomach. Debbie tried her hardest to not show the discomfort, but Lisa immediately saw the reaction.
“Debs, what is it?”
Debbie shook it off. “Nothing, probably just hunger pangs.”
“Then let’s go get something to eat,” Micky said, pulling on Debbie’s hand.
Vicky walked up to the group, and the conversation broadened. Lisa watched as Debbie stood closer to Micky. It should be me taking care of Debbie, she thought. Micky is going to hurt her, I just know it. Not wanting to watch any further, Lisa left.
After lunch, Debbie and Micky walked to Gini’s room. When they walked in, Robert was sitting on the bed talking to Gini.
“How’s it going?” Debbie asked.
“Everything’s right on schedule,” Robert said.
“Robert, you remember Micky.”
“Yes, it’s good to see you again.” He stood and shook her hand.
“How’s my baby?” Debbie took Gini’s hand and held it close to her body.
“Dee… bee, no, be… uff, goo.”
“What, you’re not feeling well?” Debbie looked at Robert.
“Guiney, be… uff, goo. Dee… bee, no, be… uff, goo.”
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” Debbie leaned down and kissed Gini on the forehead.
“Jess…eeca, bress… uff, mill.”
“Really?” Debbie smiled and looked at Robert.
“Yep,” he said, “both sides.”
“Oh, Gini, that’s wonderful.”
The door opened, and a nurse walked in carrying a pink bundle. Robert immediately went to her and took Jessica.
“Debbie, she’s perfect in every way. She has ten fingers and ten toes. I know because I counted them.”
Debbie could see the pride flowing out of him. She smiled at his giddiness.
He took Jessica to the other side of the bed and gently put her in Debbie’s arms.
Debbie had a sudden warm feeling inside of her and tears collected in her eyes. Micky saw the emotion pouring out of her. She put her hands on both of Debbie’s arms. “She’s beautiful, bunny, just beautiful.”
Jessica was fair-skinned with a small amount of fine, light brown hair. She moved her tiny, well-defined lips in and out in a sucking motion, and her cute button nose sat perfectly on her sweet face.
Robert sat back with Gini and watched the intimate gestures of the two women. He had seen Debbie and Lisa together when they all worked at the hospital, and he knew they were a couple. But neither showed any affection while on duty, and he rarely saw them outside of work. But there was no holding back with Micky. She cupped Debbie’s face in her hands and wiped Debbie’s tears with her thumbs. A very touching moment.
Jessica let out a big cry.
“Hey, little girl, don’t cry,” Debbie said, gently rubbing her finger on Jessica’s cheek.
Gini opened her eyes wide at the cry and turned to look at the baby. Jessica’s cry went to a whimper.
“Mama, I think she’s hungry,” Debbie said.
“Oh, yes…”
Debbie took Jessica to Gini, and Robert placed pillows so Gini could cradle the baby, and then he helped get Jessica comfortable on Gini’s breast.
Gini stretched out her fingers on her other hand and placed it on Jessica’s head and then leaned down and kissed her forehead.
Again, the emotion bubbled up in Debbie. Micky put her arm around her and gave a big squeeze. Her friend had a really good life. Micky wanted to be a part of such happiness and love—to have family, something she’d never felt in her life. She loved Debbie and was going to try her best not to screw it up this time.
A jabbing pain went through Debbie’s abdomen. She tried not to react; Gini turned to Debbie and opened her eyes and looked at her.
“I’m so proud of you, baby,” Debbie forced the words. “So happy for and proud of your family.” Debbie looked at Robert. She was blessed to be a part of this wonderful day.
After Robert gently rubbed on Jessica’s back for a burp, she fed off Gini’s other side.
“Oh, look at the time,” Micky said. “Bunny, I’ve got to get going; I have classes.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
“Gini, you have a sweet little girl. Dr. Young, congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
Debbie walked down the hall a ways, and then the two women embraced and then kissed.
“Deb, you’re tired. Go home and get some rest. Gini looks like she’s doing very well. She doesn’t need you. What time did you get up this morning?”
Debbie gave a small laugh. “I didn’t really sleep much. I got here around five-thirty. I am tired. Isn’t Gini beautiful? I…” The pain grabbed again.
Micky kissed
