The baby has other plans when it comes to watching the final game of the season
“Wakey wakey.” Leah whispered, knocking on your door.
“I’m awake.” You groaned, pushing your duvet off you. “Le, I don’t think I can get up.”
“Yes you can. Don’t use excuses. It’s the final game of the season. Don’t you want to come?”
“Yes I want to come but I can’t get up. Please help.”
Leah walked in to find you attempting to sit up but failing miserably.
“I’m sick of being pregnant. I just want her here.” You said, your eyes trailing to the cot next to your bed.
Everything was ready for Ryleigh’s arrival.
All of her clothes were folded in her draws, her cot was ready, her nursery was all decorated and done.
All that was left to do was for her to come.
Leah helped you up and got your clothes out for you.
“Do you need help changing?”
“I think I’m okay but I’ll call you if I do. Thank you though.”
“Okay, kid. I’ll see you down stairs.” Leah said walking out of your room and closing the door.
You changed into your clothes, wearing whatever fit you nowadays.
You’d barely just managed the stairs before you had to sit down again.
The weight of carrying Ryleigh was really starting to get to you now.
Your back ached constantly, your ankles swollen, your stomach tense.
You collapsed onto the sofa and within minutes, Leah was handing you breakfast and started brushing your hair for you.
“You’re the best sister. Thank you.”
“I know I am.” Leah grinned
“What do you think the score will be?” You asked
“I don’t know. I’d rather this game just be one final test before the champions league final.”
“I’m going for 4-2. When are we leaving?”
“Within the next 10 minutes so you better hurry up.” Leah told you. “I’ll pack your bag with everything you’ll need.”
After what felt like the most exhausting hour, you finally made it to your box and seats.
“Are you comfy, bubba? Do you need a pillow or anything? I’ve got one here for your back if you need it.” Your mum asked, taking a pillow out of a bag.
“That would be great, thank you mum.”
You leaned forward so you could put the pillow behind you.
Your body relaxed into the chair as you looked out into the stadium.
The girls were out warming up so you waved to Leah who sent a wave back.
Alessia’s family came and sat in the seats next to your box so you said a quick hello to them.
Alessia’s sister in law was also expecting within the next few weeks so every match day, you’d been talking to Lauren about your pregnancies.
Alessia was like a second big sister to you so you’d always gotten along with her family.
“How are you, Y/N? Ready for the baby now?” Alessia’s mother, Carol, asked.
"I think so. I'm a little nervous but I know l've got help." You replied, looking at your mum who smiled and squeezed your hand.
"Have you thought of a name yet?"
"Yeah. Ryleigh. Ryleigh Meadow Williamson." You rested a hand on your bump, feeling Ryleigh kick at the mention of her name.
You smiled but it quickly dropped as a shooting pain filled your stomach.
You gasped, squeezing your mums hand as result to the pain.
"What's wrong?" Your mum asked frantically, immediately turning to look at you.
"Just a bad braxton hick I think."
"Is this the first one today?"
You nodded, feeling the pain ease away.
"Oh bubba." Your mum kissed your head in comfort.
"She's telling you that she's nearly ready." Carol added
"Well I hope she's not coming today. I'm not quite that ready yet."
Chloe had opened the scoreline up early with a goal in the 2nd minute.
The stadium erupted and on cue, the same pain appeared.
You were thankful for the goal, because whilst everyone was celebrating, no one noticed your face scrunched up in pain.
Today was the last game of the season and you didn't want the attention to be on you.
You really hadn't given much thought to the pain until you got cramp in your leg and had to stretch your leg.
"Ow, l've got cramp. I've got cramp. You exclaimed dramatically, causing laughter from people around you.
Your dad quickly helped you get up so you could stretch your leg.
You walked around and inside to grab a drink but you stopped dead in your tracks when you felt liquid trickling down your legs.
“Yes, bubba?” She replied, turning to you and immediately noticing the panic on your face. “What’s wrong? What’s happened?”
“I think my water broke.” You revealed
Your mum and dad immediately jumped up, rushing to you.
“Oh, bubba. She’s coming.” Your mum whispered, kissing your head.
“Do we need to go to the hospital now? Or can I wait till after the game because I really wanna watch the rest of the game.” You said, on the verge of tears.
“We have to see how bad your contractions are.”
“Let me go see if I can get you a new pair of trousers somewhere.” Your dad said, rubbing your back before rushing out the room.
“Is little Ryleigh on her way?” Carol asked as she walked inside.
You nodded, grabbing your bump as a contraction hit.
Your mum rubbed your back, providing you some comfort in such a painful moment.
A few minutes later, your dad returned with a pair of training trousers for you to change into.
“Right, we’ll get you changed and then we’ll go and watch the game and time your contractions.”
You nodded, tears welling in your eyes.
“Oh, bubba. I know you are but just think, you might have your baby in your arms by the end of today.”
It was half time by the time you had changed and settled back in your chair.
Your mum had her stopwatch ready on her phone for when a contraction hit.
You tried your hardest to take your mind off the pain and instead turn your focus onto the game but there was no use in trying.
After 15 minutes, your next contractions hit and you squeezed your mums hand.
She quickly got the message of your contraction and started the timer.
“It’s over.” You breathed out, rubbing your bump as you sighed in relief.
The game continued and so did your contractions.
But they started coming quicker and more painfully every time.
Your face was scrunched up in pain when your mum spoke up.
“I think we best get you to the hospital, bubba.”
“No.” You shook your head, determined to stay until the end. “I can’t ruin the last game of the season.”
“Y/N, I think it’s best that you go. You’re in a lot of pain and the last thing you probably want is little Ryleigh to be born in the stadium.” Carol said, and you nodded in defeat, knowing deep down that Ryleigh wasn’t going to wait.
“You go with your mum and me and Leah will leave as soon as the game ends.” Your dad said, resting a hand on your shoulder. “I’ll ring Jacob as well and tell him.”
“Okay.” You nodded, “thank you, dad.”
“Come on then, bubba. Let’s go to the hospital.”
You said your goodbyes to everyone before finally leaving.
“Do you need an extra pillow or are you okay?” Your mum asked you, fluffing up the pillow you already had.
“I think I’ll be fine thanks mum.”
“Now where is Leah and your dad?” She got up and looked out the room onto the corridor but there was still no sign of them.
“I don’t know mum, but I need Leah here.”
Just as you were about to relax into the bed, a contraction hit and disturbed your peace.
Your face scrunched up in pain as your mum took your hand.
“Oh bubba, youre doing so well. It should be over any second.”
The contraction slowly dulled and came to a stop.
“That was the worst one yet. I don’t know how they can get worse than that.” You sighed, resting a hand on your bump.
“Well, you heard the nurse, she thinks your labour will be quick so hopefully you don’t have hours and hours of this. Which is why Leah needs to get here quick.”
Again, she looked out the room and onto the corridor but she shook her head.
“No sign of them. They’ll be here soon though. I promise.”
A few minutes past. Your mum was keeping herself occupied by switching through the tv channels to see if anything watchable was on.
You on the other hand, were nervously fidgeting about not having Leah here.
If the nurses words were true, then potentially Ryleigh could come a lot sooner than you’d expect and Leah could not even be there.
Your thoughts were halted to a stop by a contraction.
Your eyes closed as you breathed deeply.
You tried not to think of the pain, but then your mind would drift off to how much you wished Leah was here.
You could barely make out that your mum was talking to someone, but you couldn’t bring yourself to open your eyes whilst being in this much pain.
“It’s okay, bubba. I’m here now.” You could recognise that voice anywhere.
“Le?” Your voice broke, as your body tensed at the prolonged pain.
“It’s me.” She kissed your head and rubbed your back.
Slowly, your contraction stopped, and you were finally able to look at Leah.
“She chose the wrong timing, didn’t she?” Leah joked, resting her hand on your bump. “Could she not have waited until after the game?”
You laughed, having also thought the same.
“But saying that, she’s your daughter so she’s probably got your bad timing skill.”
“Hey! I’m not late to everything you know.” You defended yourself
“Yeah, yeah, you keep telling yourself that. Now me and dad swung by the house to pick up the bags. I even remembered to quickly put the car seat in the boot so I’ll install that at some point.” Leah told you, walking round to sit on the chair next to your bed.
“Do you need anything to eat?” Your dad asked
“Yes please, I’m starving.”
“Anything in particular?”
“Just anything will be fine, thank you.” You replied, smiling at the thought of something to eat.
“I’ll go with him and make sure he doesn’t get lost.” Your mum said, making you and Leah chuckle.
“Dad was funny on the way here. He was all freaked out.” Leah started and you laughed at the thought of him. “I told him to pull over half way through and switch with me because I was scared he was going to crash the car.”
“If I’m being honest, I thought you would be the stressed one.”
“Me? Stressed? Never.” Leah gasped jokingly, before cracking a smile. “I just want to be here for you. And I don’t want Ryleigh to first see me with a frown on my face.”
“She’ll soon get used to-” you began to say but got cut off by the pain of a contraction.
“What do you think.” You muttered through gritted teeth.
Leah soon got the message and took your hand in hers, squeezing it gently as reminder that she was there.
“Is it done?” Leah asked, feeling your grip slowly release against her hand.
You nodded, taking a deep breath.
“When can they offer the epidural?” You half joked, wishing the pain would go away.
It had now been 9 hours since your water originally broke and 8 hours of being in active labour.
You were on your knees leaning against the bed with your head in your arms.
Though it not being a comfortable position, the nurse recommended it to increase the speed of Ryleigh dropping down.
Your mum and dad had quickly gone back to the house to grab fresh clothing for Leah meaning only Leah was with you.
“There’s so much pressure, le. I feel like she’s right there.” You whispered with a shaken voice.
You’d now had the epidural and although you weren’t in a lot of pain, you could feel the pressure and uncomfortableness of it all.
Leah rubbed your back in soothing circles as you groaned in discomfort.
“Do you think it’s time?” Leah asked
“I don’t know. It’s just - there’s so much pressure.” A tear ran down your cheeks as you silently prayed for this to be all over.
“I’m going to get a nurse. Pressure means she’s nearly ready.” Leah explained, getting up.
“Please don’t go.” You begged her.
“I won’t be long, I promise. Im just going to get a nurse so she can help.”
You nodded, watching her leave the room.
Not even a minute later, Leah returned with a nurse following her.
“Right, Y/N, I’m going to get you onto the bed so I can check how dilated you are.” The nurse explained, helping you off the floor and guiding you to sit on the bed.
A few moments go by and all you can really gather is Leah holding your hand, and how uncomfortable you were.
“So I’d actually say that you’re ready to push, especially if you can feel the pressure. I’ll grab the team and then we’ll deliver the baby.” The nurse finally said with a smile, taking her gloves off and putting them in the bin.
“No I can’t. Mums not here. I wanted mum here.” You panicked, your breaths growing shorter the more you got worked up.
“It’s fine. Look at me. You’ll be fine. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” Leah reassured, her hands either side of your face so you were looking at her. “I’m not going anywhere.”
You nodded slowly, closing your eyes and repeating to yourself that Leah was there.
“Ryleigh will be here soon.” Leah whispered as she redid your hair quickly.
“Right, Y/N, I need you to push when you feel your next contraction.”
You nodded before resting your head against Leah.
Leah was stood to your left, holding your hand and trying to be as supportive as possible but inside, she was shitting herself.
Her niece was about to be born and it was the first birth she’d ever witnessed but pushing her worry of fainting aside, she knew she had to be there for you.
As your next contraction approached, you closed your eyes and pushed as hard as possible.
You heard the doctor mumbling a few things but you weren’t in the right mindset to listen.
“You’re doing so well, bubba.” Leah whispered, stroking your loose baby hairs away from your face.
You let out a broken sob as you stopped pushing.
“I don’t know if I can do this.” You sobbed, your whole body shaking.
“Yes you can, I know you can.” Leah told you, rubbing your arm.
“Another big push, Y/N.” The doctor encouraged. “One more push and I think her head will be out. She coming out a lot quicker than I thought.”
You opened your eyes briefly, looking at Leah who nodded encouragingly.
You started pushing but let out a cry as you felt a burning sensation.
“It hurts.” You cried as you attempted to push.
You could faintly hear the doctor telling you to keep pushing.
“Her heads out, bubba.” Leah said softly, with tears in her eyes.
You leant your head against Leah just to remind yourself that she was there with you.
“Are you ready to push again, Y/N?” One of the nurses said, looking at the graph that showed your contractions.
You nodded, preparing yourself for the last few pushes.
Just two pushes later, you heard the unnoticeable sound of a baby’s cry.
“You did it, bubba. You did it.” Leah cried, kissing your head as the doctor placed ryleigh on your chest.
You grabbed your baby gently as your body shook from the whole experience and with sobs.
Leah wiped away your tears so you could really focus on your daughter.
“Hi, baby.” You whispered, holding Ryleigh close.
“She’s perfect, y/n.” Leah said, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“You did it, bubba, I knew you would.” Leah told you
“Who wants to cut the cord?”
“Le” you said immediately, looking at Leah who had an honoured look on her face.
Leah nodded as more tears gathered in her eyes.
The doctor handed her the pair of scissors and she cut ryleighs cord.
“Am I okay to just take baby away quickly to get her checked over?” A nurse asked and you nodded, reluctantly.
“The placenta has been delivered and everything seems to look fine. I can’t see any tears or haemorrhages.” The doctor explained
Leah asked her a few questions before you left but your eyes were focused on your baby who was being weighed and assessed.
Just a few minutes later, they brought Ryleigh back to you, swaddled in a blanket and a hat that was a little too big for her.
She had been cleaned so you could fully see her little face.
You were now sat up on the bed, very uncomfortable, but it was as if everything disappeared as soon as she was in your arms.
“Ryleigh.” You whispered, tracing your finger of her cheeks. “I’m your mummy.”
Leah watched, feeling so many emotions at once.
She let you have as much time with Ryleigh by yourself before she went near.
You looked over at your big sister, who was silently crying with pride.
You patted the bed next to you, telling Leah to sit down.
Leah sat down on the bed, fully taking in Ryleigh face for the first time.
You smiled, not taking your eyes off Ryleigh.
“I wouldn’t be here holding Ryleigh if it wasn’t for you.” You said through tears
“You did everything yourself, I was just there doing what a big sister should always do.”
Leah rested her head on yours, both of you looking at the baby who had been so unexpected but so loved even from the beginning.
You lifted Ryleigh up from your chest, and moved her towards Leah.
Leah took her straight away, holding Ryleigh like a natural.
“Hi Ryleigh, I’m your auntie Leah.” Ryleigh let out a tiny noise that could only be described as a baby noise.
“She recognises your voice.” You said, remembering the countless nights where Leah spoke to Ryleigh to stop her kicking.
Leah moved off the bed and sat down in the chair just next to the bed.
The room filled with a comfortable silence, the two of you not daring to make a sound above a whisper.
Only a few minutes had passed when a gentle knock echoed around the room.
“Come in.” You said, expecting it to be a doctor or nurse.
“The traffic was awful, we got the clothes in the end but all I-” your mum started saying before finally looking up and seeing the tiny baby bundled up in Leah’s arms. “She’s here?”
“About 20 minutes ago.” You explained, turning your head to look at your parents shocked faces.
“Bubba, I’m so sorry we missed it.” Your mum said, dropping the bags and rushing over to press a kiss to your head quickly before peering over Leah’s shoulder at Ryleigh.
“She did so good, mum. She was so brave.” Leah told your parents
“How are you, darling?” Your dad asked as he came over to your bed.
“I’m exhausted but I can’t take my eyes off her. It’s funny, she was the most unexpected thing to happen to me but I couldn’t imagine my life without her.”
“Can I have a cuddle?” Your mum asked and you immediately nodded.
“You don’t have to ask, mum.”
Your mum burst into tears at holding her granddaughter and your dad soon stood behind her, looking at the baby girl they had loved for the past 9 months.
Leah came and sat back down next to you on your bed, wrapping her arm round your shoulder and rubbing your arm.
In that moment, you realised just how loved you and Ryleigh were.
There was never going to be a moment where Ryleigh wasn’t going to be loved.
vaporwave
amandla
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
blakekathryn
dailybridgerton
yousharknotpass