Hey everyone! Thanks so much for everything. This will be a filler for what’s next to come and I can’t wait for you all to read these next few chapters.
A week had gone by since the baby shower, officially making Jelena 33 weeks pregnant. It seemed as if with every passing day, Jelena’s anxiety grew. She didn’t know what was going to happen in the next few weeks but decided against trying to overanalyze every little thing. The Devils were preparing for the playoffs and Jelena was trying to keep her stress level as low as possible. Ahsha had the Devil Girls in shape and looking good as a unit and Sloane was handling affairs as the director effortlessly. They all knew how important this game was going to be and everything needed to be perfect. With Jelena’s due date fast approaching, she headed over to the arena and was going over what was expected out of Jude. He would be taking over for the 6 weeks Jelena would be out caring for her newborn.
“And for press, remember if it has nothing to do with official Devil’s business, there are no comments to be made. That’s a good way to throw dirt on your own team’s name without even knowing it.” Jelena was sitting behind her desk in her office briefing Jude, and being quite brutal to be honest.
“Of course. Trust me, I learned from my father.” Jude said shifting in his seat.
“Well, let’s hope that’s the only thing you learned from him,” Jelena raised an eyebrow chuckled. She may have done a complete 180, but she still liked to bust people’s balls.
“Well let’s hope the princess of the Devil’s doesn’t inherit her mother’s wit.” Jude laughed and saw that Jelena too, had cracked a smile. “You know, we’re all proud of you. The changes you’ve made, the way you look out for us. It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come Jelena, honestly. And I’m not just saying that because I work for you,” Jude looked Jelena in her eyes, “I mean, even Zero mentioned it a while back. And I’ll tell you something, he absolutely HATED you. You’re going to be an amazing mom.”
Jelena had been chuckling up until Jude’s last statement. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She still was unsure how she’d be as a mother, but hearing that she would be a good one was a beautiful feeling.
“Thank you.” Jelena said trying to choke back the tears.
“Don’t cry. I keep forgetting you have like extra hormones and stuff now. Be happy, uh…” Jude was trying to change the subject but was failing, “think of like funny stuff, I don’t know.”
Jude’s flustered nature was enough to have Jelena laughing through her tears.
“It’s okay. Don’t feel bad. I’m used to this by now. I can’t stop it even if I tried, I’m like a fountain or something. I went from someone who never cries to someone who can’t stop nowadays.” Jelena grabbed for some tissue that was sitting off to the left of her desk and blotted her eyes. She took a deep breath in to help regain her composure. “But like I was saying, this all will fall on you Jude and I need for you to mentally prepare for it. But if you need anything after the baby is born, you know I’m just a phone call away. Also, since you brought up Zero, please make sure he doesn’t show his ass.”
“Understood. You won’t have to worry about a thing. And that’s a promise. Besides, it’d be nice to actually be able to breathe a little around here, I mean, since you’ll be gone and all.” Jude was cheesing by now.
Jelena laughed, “get out of my office and get to work. I emailed you some of our most recent press releases. Go over them and then get back to me.”
Jelena stayed in her office going through emails and looking at the playoff schedule for the Devils. This was the time that was the most exciting, yet the hardest part of being involved with this team. There was so much work to be done and so little time to accomplish it all. Once she was done, Jelena headed down to the court to watch the dancers and see what they had all been able to learn. There was new choreography and Ahsha was known to put some hard-hitting moves in there and it needed to be seamless. Jelena could hear the music going before she opened the doors to see the Devil Girls in their spots going over the moves. Ahsha was dead center trying to get them to see what they were messing up on. Ahsha ran back to the front of the formation and faced them to see them hit their moves. After the second run-through, Ahsha squealed at their synchrony. Jelena waddled over to where Ahsha was and told the girls to be quiet by putting her finger up to her mouth.
“Okay ladies, that was good. Just keep in mind, on the 4th count, it’s hit, touch the floor, spin, back walkover, then split.” Ahsha demonstrated.
Jelena was behind her holding her belly and tried to mimic Ahsha, but when that failed, she resorted to dancing silly. The girls all began to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Ahsha turned around to see Jelena still going at it. “Oh my gosh, I’m gonna kill you.” Ahsha made her way over to Jelena as she tried to “run”, but ended up more as a fast waddle to get away. Ahsha couldn’t help but to laugh at her friend.
“Okay, ladies. That’s it for today. You did good. See you tomorrow!” Ahsha started to pack up her duffle bag.
Jelena allowed Ahsha to get settled before she began to interrogate her about the upcoming weeks. Once Ahsha had all of her things together, she walked to the bleachers to where Jelena was sitting.
“So, what’s going on?” Ahsha took a sip of her water.
“Nothing much. I just wanted to go over what was expected out of you and the girls once I’m gone on maternity leave. Playoff season is the most important, and I just so happen to be due around that time,” Jelena rolled her eyes, “but I’m grateful though. Anyways, I see all that you’ve been doing with the girls and it’s great. Just remember to drill it in them that they have to be in sync. It doesn’t matter how hard they can hit the move if they aren’t synchronous.”
“Yeah, I’m trying. I’m thinking of having them do some excerises and drills where they all have to be around each other and learn how to coordinate with one another. But it’s only like 2 or 3 girls.” Ahsha sat back and got more comfortable.
Jelena took her hand and brushed her hair behind her ear, “I know, but it only takes 2 or 3 girls to make the whole team look a mess. You know how important this is. And I’m coming to you as your boss right now. You have to deliver. But you have time to get them in shape.”
“Trust me, I know. You won’t let me forget it, I know the pressure is on right now,” Ahsha giggled.
“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. Now help me up from this seat. I should have known better than to sit on these damn bleachers,” Jelena shook her head.
“Oh my goodness, come on,” Ahsha pulled Jelena up by her arms and made sure that Jelena kept her balance. She squatted down and started to talking to the baby.
“Hey baby girl. It’s your Auntie Ahsha. I can’t wait to meet you. You’re going to be so beautiful and spoiled. You already bring so much joy,” Ahsha took both of her hands and held Jelena’s belly.
“Not spoiled, please. We still don’t know what her personality is going to be like. She will be loved, but nooooot spoiled.”
“Ugh, you’re already being a fun sucker,” Ahsha turned her attention back to Jelena’s belly, “don’t worry baby girl, Auntie Ahsha’s got your back.” Ahsha hopped back up as Jelena playfully mushed her.
The two of them headed out of the gym and back to Jelena’s office. Jelena was giving Ahsha all the information she needed when she would be gone on maternity leave.
“I mean, there honestly isn’t a lot for you to do. Just stay on top of the girls and make sure that they don’t do anything stupid to compromise our image. Many of the duties fall on Jude, but I swear to God if Zero pulls any stunts while I’m gone, it’s gonna be both of their asses on the line.”
“I would hope he wouldn’t. I think he understands your situation and won’t try to pull anything while you’re away. Now when you get back is a different story,” Ahsha looked away and screwed up her face in pitty.
“I don’t care about after, I’ll be able to straighten him out better here than I would from home with a newborn. Speaking of, she seems lower than what’s been. I know it’s normal for her to drop, but it just seems a little soon. I’m probably just being paranoid but I just have this feeling that I can’t shake for some reason.” Jelena sat back in her seat and rubbed her belly.
“I’m pretty sure that’s normal, you only have 7 weeks left to go. If I were you I’d just schedule a quick check up with your OB and see what she says. And you’re right, you’re being paranoid. Enjoy these last few weeks stress-free because once she gets here, you won’t be stress-free until she turns 18.”
“You know, you have this special talent for making people rethink life decisions,” Jelena laughed, “it’s cool though, I needed that laugh and I’m not too worried. I know that I’ll have you to call for all the late night feedings and shitty diaper changing.”
“Not I. No ma’am. I can play with her but THAT I’m not ready for just yet. You’ll be having to clean up my puke because I can guarantee you that is what’s going to happen,” Ahsha shivered at the thought.
“Well you need to get your practice in now for when you and Derek decide to expand the ‘Roman Empire’. It would only help you, “ Jelena smiled big in another attempt to sway Ahsha.
“It could help, I’m just not feeling it right now. But have you and Terrence truly figured out a way to handle this?”
“Sort of. I mean, we still have some time before we have to worry about all of that. He already said since his team didn’t make it to playoffs he’s free to do whatever. I told him he could stay with me until we get a system going. He should be out here in a few weeks that way we can learn how to be around each other again before Marley gets here.” Jelena took a sip of some water from her water bottle and took a deep breath.
“Good! Maybe one night me and Derek can go over there, too. We’ll all catch up and have a good time.” Ahsha sat up in her chair in hopes of getting Jelena excited.
“Definitely. I wouldn’t mind.” Jelena shifted in her seat as she felt her stomach getting tight. Ahsha took notice of it.
“Is everything okay?” Ahsha had a worried look on her face.
“Yeah, I’m fi-hoooooo.” Jelena grabbed at her stomach and labored her breathing to ease the pain. “I’m fine. I’m pretty sure they’re braxton-hicks.” Jelena’s face was still slightly screwed up.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in this kind of pain. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I promise. It could be all of this stress, too. That’s why I’m trying to get everything in order now before it’s time for me to leave.” Jelena got up and walked around to try to keep the pain at bay.
“Jelena, if you need to go to the doctor to get checked out let’s just go, please. It won’t hurt to check. If everything is good, then fine. But if it isn’t, I’d rather we know now instead of finding out the hard way because you like to be stubborn,” Ahsha turned around in her seat to face Jelena.
“I’ll go tomorrow, is that okay with you? Just let me finish everything that needs to get done. I’m pretty sure its normal at this stage. She has to get into position for birth.”
“Yes, that makes me feel better. Would you mind if I went with you? You know I won’t be able to focus on anything if I can’t be sure that you and baby girl are okay.”
Jelena walked over to Ahsha and put her hand on her shoulder, “of course, I appreciate all that you do for us. I’ll try to stop being so cynical. I just don’t want to think about anything being wrong,” Jelena sighed.
“I know, but I try to be your voice of reason.”
“Thanks,” Jelena looked down at her watch and saw that it was 4:15, “actually, it’s time for me to leave. I’ll go home and put my feet up and stay as relaxed as I possibly can. Does that sound good to you?” Jelena giggled.
“Duh!” Ahsha chuckled right along with her.
“Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night.”
“You too!” Ahsha grabbed her belongings and headed out. Jelena followed suit.
On the trip home, Jelena felt the same discomfort from earlier. By the time she got home her skin was clammy and her breathing was labored. She headed straight to her room and put her stuff down. She walked into the bathroom and took a hot shower to try to soothe the pain and it worked a little bit. She decided to take a nap and sleep it off. When she woke up she eventually felt better but she couldn’t help but to feel as if something was wrong despite her attempts to believe there wasn’t.
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