Realistic or Modern Anchored by Love (Draft Four... lol)

[isax]

Lindsey​

This cafe had slowly become my life. I never imagined that working here through college would make me change career paths entirely. I started out going for an advertising degree but the more I spent my time here the more I realized that wasn't really for me. Now, I'm pursuing business, more specific entrepreneurship. With the cafe owners becoming older, I was planning on taking over the shop for them and opening a few more mom and pop stores here in Dallas.

With that in mind, I devoted a lot of time to ensuring that would become a reality. I loved the environment but lately, I was beginning to miss Amelia and Jayden. I knew about what happened, more specifically Jayden's trial. I was more than enraged that Alyssa Hampton even tried to make Jayden out to be a cold killer but now that he was able to go back to work, I was relieved. I hadn't seen the couple since the last time they came in together and it was a bit of a bummer considering I was part of getting them together.

So to say the least, when Amelia walked in pushing a stroller and Isabel following behind her, I squealed at the sight, instantly jumping from behind the counter to one of the regulars I became super close to. Hugging her tightly, I let out a soft laugh as I pulled away when Amelia said I couldn't tell Jayden. Looking at the stroller, I moved the blanket and squealed again as I saw the baby.

"Amelia, she's so precious!" I said happily, rubbing the back of my hand against the babies cheek. "She's so tiny too. What's her name?"

After being so attached to the child, I stood up and smiled at Isabel, giving her a hug and noticing she was pregnant too.

"Oh my gosh, you're having a baby too?!" I exclaimed, "That's so cute. The babies are going to grow up together!"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Giggling at Lindsey's child-like excitement, I nodded at her realization. "We hope, but there's still a chance they could end up hating each other," I teased, "But I hope not, because I named her after Isabel," I replied, taking my best friend into a side hug at the mention. "I think it'll fit her well, and Jayden didn't have a choice but to agree." Following sweet Lindsey to the counter, I ordered Jayden's usual coffee and sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel. To keep with tradition, I wrote a note. I didn't keep a reporter's notebook on me anymore so I just used the back of my receipt.

"I decided to pay it forward on my birthday, from me and our little baby of course. I hope the station is treating you well, officer. See you at home. Don't neglect our Lindsey! She misses your stupid jokes."

"I promise not to be a stranger anymore," I replied to Lindsey as she handed me the order once it was ready. "Keep working hard, Jayden and I are proud of you." Dropping a ten un the tip jar, I winked, hoping the visit lifted her spirits because I remembered what it was like to be in college and be that overwhelmed and stressed. It was the little things that always pushed me to keep going and Lindsey, I knew had so much optimism and drive, I didn't want her to lose that when her goals seemed too daunting to achieve.

***​

"Let's hope he's even here or this was all for nothing," I said walking into the station with both Isabel's at my side. Smiling at the woman at the front desk, not knowing who she was because she must have started working here in the time Jayden was put on leave.

"I'm just waiting for Jayden," I informed her. I had just texted him to come to find me but I knew there was a chance he was out on patrol. However, I got lucky this time when I saw him dash down the hallway towards me. Taking him into a hug, my smile remained infectious as it had all morning.

"Hi," I whispered happily. "We came to visit since Isabel dragged us out for the day." I was just about to hand off his breakfast that he used to never hesitate to take, but as I should have known, his daughter now triumphed everything that used to matter. Now that we were in a safe place, I lifted the cover from the stroller and smiled when Jayden scooped the newborn into his arms. The admiration he had for her beamed from him. Resting the blanket on his shoulder, I rolled my eyes playfully when he walked off with her to introduce her to his unit.

Following him, I motioned for my best friend to follow.

 

[isax]

Jayden​

When Amelia had texted me to tell her she was stopping by the station, I was more than thankful that I was actually sitting at my desk rather than out on patrol. Considering everything that happened, I was more than grateful to be back, and I wanted nothing more than to continue doing what I was doing before all the undercover work, especially with Little Bel back in the picture. I wanted to ensure my next move in the department was a smart decision not only for me but for my family as well. That was one of the reasons I hadn't entirely chosen a new department yet. I was still pretty up in the air.

Jogging out of the main area, I went to the front and smiled brightly at the sight of my wife, her best friend, and my daughter. I was a little jealous I wasn't able to accompany them on Little Bel's first day out but I didn't mind because they were here and I was going to introduce Bel to some of the best men and women I knew.

"Thank you for the breakfast, I love you," I said to Amelia while I reached into Bel's stroller and pulled her out, resting her against my chest with a gentle smile, kissing the top of her head and instantly being protective when her green eyes like her mother looked up at me. She was such a beautiful baby and I wanted to ensure she stayed protected from all the evil in the world. "Hi princess. Daddy's gonna introduce you to some wonderful men and women. Are you ready?"

Walking into the department with Bel in my arms, I paid no mind to the food Amelia brought me or my wife and her best friend. I was transfixed on my daughter and when everyone came over to meet her, I was beaming with pride.

"She's so beautiful, Jay and Amelia." Chavez said when he made his way over and took Little Bel's hand in his own. Sure the man and I always butted heads but after everything I went through, finding Amelia and the trial, we kind of grew closer to one another.

Isabel​

Smiling at the sight of Amelia, Jayden and my mini me together, I knew the three were such a beautiful family. I was glad I was able to help Jayden in the best way during his trial by standing up for him because I didn't want to know what would have happened had I not. I liked to think he would have still made it out unscathed but I wasn't sure. I did laugh softly to myself, however, when Amelia and the food she brought were ignored by the Lieutenant while he became entranced by his daughter. I wonder if Dawson will be like that with Mateo.

Walking to Amelia, I looped one of my arms through hers while I laughed again as we followed Jayden into the main area.

"He sure is proud of y'all's daughter, huh?" I asked her with a laugh. "Jealous you don't get all the attention anymore?" I teased, playfully yet carefully nudging her in the side with my elbow.

As I watched some of Dallas' fine men and women walk over to meet my mini me, I was also beaming with pride. She was already so loved and admired and I couldn't be happier. She was going to know how loved she is while she grew up. I pray for you, Bel. When you're older, no boy will be able to date you unless your dad, his officers and your uncle approve. Yikes.

Who was I kidding? Mine and Amelia's opinion would out rule everyones.

"She looks exactly like Amelia, Acciolli." I heard someone say and I didn't even have to look in his direction to know who it was. Fuck. This is awkward. Looking up, I came in eye contact with Nick. It had been about three years since we last talked and now we were standing in the same room. Smiling at him, I didn't really acknowledge his existence, releasing a sigh of relief when he and Jayden held a conversation. Shaking my head, I rested it on Amelia's shoulder.

"Dear Lord, save me." I whispered, giggling with Amelia.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"I'm only a little jealous. I wore this for nothing," I whispered, smiling back at Isabel, looking forward to when it was her showing off Mateo to everyone while I admired the scene. It wasn't long now. I hoped that when Isabel met her son, things would change for her in a good way. I knew she was still overcoming the ordeal of having to leave the border earlier than she anticipated.

But as I was thinking about her future, a blast from the past was now present. Realizing Nick was in the room, I couldn't help but laugh at the embarrassment I knew Isabel was feeling.

"Yikes, lucky for you he's married now," I replied in a giggle. Remembering how bored I was at that wedding because I didn't know a single soul and was still pregnant and unable to drink through it. "Annnnnd looks like he's avoiding you on purpose." Just then, the baby let out a scream when Jayden tried to pass her off to Nick.

"Looks like your niece doesn't like him either," Instinctively I walked toward her and tried to reach for her, but again, not to my surprise, Jayden scooped her back up again.

"It's not your fault Nick, we've been out for a while and this all new to her. I should take her home soon back to her grandma so I can feed her and then I promised my best friend over there to take me out for the day."

 

[isax]

Nick​

When I saw Jayden holding a baby girl, I knew instantly it was his daughter, his new pride and joy. I had no doubt in my mind that Jayden would be wrapped around her finger the minute she was born and considering he was introducing her to everyone, that was definitely the case. Making my way over, I smiled at my friend happily before looking past him and seeing Amelia and Isabel. A pregnant Isabel. Ouch.

I loved my wife more than anything but considering I never had the guts to tell Isabel our fling meant so much more to me, it was a little irritating to see her here pregnant with Dawson’s child. I brushed it off however, and chose to act as if she wasn’t here so I went over to Jayden and the baby and smiled at her, attempting to hold her but the minute I did she began crying. I instantly felt bad and didn’t know if I had done anything wrong so when Amelia reassured me, I nodded with a soft smile.

“She’s a beautiful little one, Amelia. Definitely has your looks more than Jayden’s,” I teased, biting the inside of my cheek when she mentioned Isabel not so subtly. She knew what I was doing. “Ahh, today is your birthday right? Happy birthday! I do think you should hand over the baby to her grandma so the two of you can have some fun.”

“I second what Nick said, Melia.” I heard Jayden say as he gave his wife a smile before becoming distracted by his daughter again.

“How does it feel knowing Jayden pays more attention to your daughter now?” I asked Amelia while Bel’s cried turned to sniffles and eventually stopped. Jayden was a good dad. I could never see myself being in his shoes. The thought of children terrified me.

Isabel​

It was no surprise that Jayden refused to have Amelia take my mini me and try to soothe her when her cried began. I smiled as I watched the two of them, instantly missing my pilot as the couple stood next to each other with their attention on some of their friends and their daughter. It was a precious sight and I felt tears starting to form.

God, stupid hormones.

Staying in the spot Amelia left me, I touched my stomach out of instinct, feeling s kick against my hand, I looked down and released a giggle. My son had a tendency to express how displeased he was with the lack of space.

When Amelia walked back over to me, I smiled.

“So you are going to let me take you out,” I said with a sly grin. “Great because we have dinner plans tonight and I need to get my nails done. My current set looks beat.”

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Once I got Jayden to relent on our daughter. I walked back over to Isabel with a smile but it quickly faded when I caught her trying to hide being emotional.

"I suppose we can do that," I teased with a wink. Hoping to lift her spirits I handed the baby off to her only to whisper some reassurance. "He'll be home soon."

As promised, we took Baby Bel home for Jayden's mom to watch her, now that she had her own nao, she was energized and ready to take on her granddaughter for a few hours. I myself was exhausted, but knew how important making something of my birthday was to Isabel, so I let it happen, but not without coffee of course.

After a relaxing afternoon well spent getting our nails done and impulse shopping for the babies, I went back to Isabel's apartment with her so she could get dressed for whatever dinner plans she made, knowing her I suspected them to be luxurious.

"Where are we going?" I knew she wasn't going to ruin the surprise, but my curiosity about the rest of the evening was inevitable. I knew this was going to be out last extravagant evening until her own birthday approached considering we both had new families to adapt to and take care of now. It sure wasn't just us anymore and that was a strange observation to reflect on. Sitting on the edge of her massive bed, I smiled over toward the full-length mirror that was lined with pictures from all Isabel's adventures, some of them from college, before Dawson or Jayden were in the picture and some of them were of us. Sometimes, I wished I didn't take those moments for granted when they were happening, because now, we couldn't just decide to be spontaneous and run out the door to whatever adventure Isabel was craving, considering she was the one who implemented them, I was more of the mild time who felt like things had to plan ahead of time, but I never regretted her pulling me out of my methodical habits.

Making my way to the mirror I pulled off one of my favorites to admire it. It had been a while since I had seen it, but it always took me back to how genuinely happy I was in that moment. It was the first picture we took together when she came to see me for the first time in college. Before this, she had never been exposed to Florida and I only ever flew to Texas for our visits. This was because I was too terrified that if Isabel experienced where I was from, she would hate it and everything between us would fall apart. At the time, the fear was valid to me because I didn't come from the best circumstance, and in a way, was embarrassed to expose her to what I considered parts of my life that were too broken and not meant for others to see.

But after years of avoiding it, I relented, and she came faster than I anticipated. She came to visit my junior year in college, and we went on an excursion to the Aligator Farm, a local tourist attraction in St. Augustine, that we both ended up hating, but made the most of it by perhaps being a little too snarky with our enthused group around. At first, I was anxious, because, naturally, I could tell in the first five minutes Isabel wanted NOTHING to do with this, and this was the first time she encountered my other friends, but eventually, as always, we slipped into our authentic personas unapologetically, and this is when we started making jokes about how fun staring at hundreds of species of reptiles was, even though they all looked the same. Being bored with the whole thing, we started noticing all the cameras around, rather than all the reptiles and started taking pictures with our phones as a way to joke around. The people with us weren't too amused with our banter, but this picture of the two of us hunched together with stupid smiles on our faces was still one of my favorite photos years later. That's when I learned Isabel and I could make the most of any occasion as long as we were together.

Laughing at the memory, I showed t to her. "I thought I would never step foot in there again, but then we went next semester for my photo class, I still hated it."


Here's the actual photo:


(If y'all knew how savage we were being LOL)

 

[isax]

Isabel​

The afternoon spent with Amelia was more than I could have asked for. We went to get our nails done and did something I rather enjoyed, shopping impulsively. It was a bit weird to me that we were shopping for our babies rather than ourselves or each other. It was still processing in my head that it was no longer just Amelia and I. It hadn't been since Jayden and Dawson came into our lives but I was always the one who hoped and wished it could always be just me and my best friend. We were growing, getting older and had our own families but I never wanted mine and Amelia's friendship to end and stop being spontaneous. I didn't want to stop being impulsive and on the fly but I knew that was an aspect of my personality that with age would have to change and adapt.

When we arrived back to my apartment, I was ready to get dressed for the night ahead. I took on the role of planning Amelia's birthday, I always had for awhile now, and it really stemmed from having to miss a good chunk of them despite her coming to Texas for mine. This was my way of making up for all the missed birthday's, that and I just really loved to go all out for someone who deserved it and so much more because she never thought she did.

I went straight to my closet where I dug out what little options I had considering my stomach was sticking out a good amount thanks to my son. Releasing a sigh, I tried not to dwell on the lack of options for tonight too long because then I would become emotional all over again. Without the pregnancy hormones, I was already a pretty emotional woman. The stupid hormones just intensified everything and it was getting old and annoying for me.

Settling on a dress, I walked out with it hung around my neck from the hanger so that I could show Amelia and ask for her opinion. When I found her sitting on my massive bed with charcoal colored bedding, I blinked as I took note of the picture she was holding. Smiling gently at her, I laughed softly to myself before I walked over and sat next to her, taking the dress off of my neck while I took the picture and released a soft sigh.

"God, I really hated being there," I said with a laugh. "And I know I had the ugliest facial expression when we got there but dear lord, the things I do for my best friend."

Considering I barley had any sleep the night before I arrived to Florida, I was already frustrated and had no filter whatsoever. Now, I never really do have a filter, but sleep deprived Isabel is someone no one wants to be around nor deal with. Despite my career where sleep is for the weak, I need sleep to function properly, at least six hours of it, and if I get anything less of that I'm a complete and total bitch.

With that in mind, picture a Texan wearing yoga pants and an oversized NC State sweater (I know, call me crazy. I wore a sweater to Florida. In my defense, it was cold as shit when I left Denton) who has never set foot in Florida getting in a van where I'm greeted with coffee (Bless Amelia for that) and one of Amelia's very good friends. It was a good ride into Saint Augustine, don't get me wrong, and I rather enjoyed it but the bitchiness began kicking in when I was constantly being told not to wear jeans or leggings because it was hot. As a Texan, I know what it's like to be in a city where it's 90 degrees and humid as shit. I was the girl who wore jeans every summer so this was nothing new to me. I can't really remember if I snapped and Amelia and her friend when we were in the dorm about their pants pestering, but I wore pants anyways AND, get this, a black shirt.

I was trying so hard to be the best friend I possibly could be and get over the ugly mood I was in but as we drove to the surprise destination (You heard that right. Surprise destination), I saw the lighthouse and so very much hoped that's where we were going. Imagine the expression on my Texan face when we arrived at an Alligator farm, home of several crocodilian species, and walked in to find nothing but crocodiles in my midst. At this point, I know my irritation was evident in my face but like many other times, Amelia and I made the best of it whether it was talking shit to each other, very quietly I might add, or getting into small arguments. The whole trip really did a 360 when I spotted a camera and my camera loving self focused on the body and the lens and I vividly remember constantly saying I wish I had brought mine. I don't like shooting with my phone but I do when I have no other option so that's what I proceeded to do and that's when I took the first selfie of me in Florida with Amelia. That's the one she was holding and every time we reminisced on that day, I couldn't help but instantly remember how irritated I was but Amelia made it all better.

"Metro after was amazing though and the rest of the days spent in Saint Augustine weren't too shabby." I added, laying back on my bed as I released a soft sigh and looked over at Amelia while she put that picture back. "It's just a tad bit upsetting that we can't be as spontaneous as we used to be anymore."

One spontaneous, split-second decision I remember doing with Amelia was going on the Margaret McDermott cable bridge in Dallas. Why you might ask? Because I had never been on it before and I for some odd reason wanted to cross that off my bucket list with my best friend. We were literally on the far left hand lane and I whipped the car to the right so quickly when Amelia said we could go over the bridge.

"It just means we can do what we always said we would do and take trips to another country with the kids without your husband and my boyfriend." Releasing a giggle, I sat up and sighed contently. "Now, what do you think of this dress? Do you think it works despite my ginormous belly?"

Holding up the blush flowy dress with floral printing on it, I smiled at Amelia gently. I was enjoying that she had no idea where her dinner for tonight was.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"I think you and Mateo will look cute in it," I replied, slowly sitting up, with a content sigh. "I need him to hurry up and come so you don't cry over everythingggggg," I teased. When Isabel glared over at me I laughed. "I'm kidding, you're not the one who cried because there was an odd number of hangers in the baby's closet when you tried to organize everything. I literally sobbed and I know as hard as Jayden tried to console me, he was trying so hard not to laugh. It was ridiculous. But c'mon, I hate not knowing what's happening and I want to get the mystery over with."

As I waited for Isabel to finish getting ready, I curled back onto her bed and closed my eyes, unknowingly falling asleep until I awoke at the familiar scent of my latest perfume of choice that smelled of soft roses. Groaning, I shook my head against the pillow.

"You're ridiculous, Isabel," I whispered sleepily, knowing she went looking in my purse for it. "Get your own!" I exclaimed throwing the pillow at her less forcefully than I normally would have.

Sighing I got up from the bed and grabbed her hairbrush from the dresser, laughing again when she made a face and yelled at Mateo for being too rough with her.

"Ha, that's what you get for taking things that don't belong to you, he's defending me," I insisted, hurrying toward her to feel my nephew move around for myself, and at the touch, I knew he was rougher than his cousin ever was with me.

"You definitely got yourself a rider there. I'm so sorry."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

I had a tendency to borrow Amelia's perfumes whenever she and I were together because I always loved the smell of them. For some reason, she picked ones that I could never find or never would have thought of buying so me digging through her purse for the one I knew she was wearing today, I wasn't surprised when she woke up from her nap and picked on me about using it.

"Why would I buy my own when you have it and I can just borrow it?" I asked her with a sly smile, laughing again while she stood up and grabbed my hairbrush. By now I was sitting on my own bed but when I felt Mateo kicking around, I groaned at the feeling as pain instantly shot through me.

"Mateo ya, por favor." I pleaded, looking over at Amelia when she hurried over to feel his kicking herself. Rolling my eyes at her statement, I released a deep sigh. "I know I do. I will be driven insane always but I'm hoping it'll all be okay."

After the two of us finished up the final touches, I led Amelia out of the apartment and out to my car where we got in and I drove us go the restaurant where her dinner would be. Jayden and his parents, along with Little Bel, were already there because I had asked Jayden to go a tad bit earlier than Amelia and I so he could ensure the reservation I made was set to go.

When we arrived to Klyde Warren Park, I knew Amelia was more than confused as to what we were doing here. We came to this park several times, especially when I needed to edit but in a different scene because this park offered wifi. It was also the first park I brought her to when she came to Dallas my sophomore year of college. It was around Christmas time and we both took our cameras. Mine was a Canon and hers a Nikon. It was basically a shoot out and a time for me to try and shoot with a Nikon. It was also the time Amelia found a reflector randomly on the sidewalk. I was irked that it fit her lens. (I still am y'all. It wasn't fair.)

When I pulled off to the side of the road like always to park, I paid the meter for two hours before walking with her across the street and straight to the glass square area to the left when he enter the park. We had never ventured out to eat here together, but I loved this place and the venue so much that I figured it was the best place to bring Amelia for her birthday. Savor Gastropub was one of my favorite upscale restaurants here in Dallas.

I smiled softly at Amelia when I saw her shake her head at where we were, and I wrapped my arm through hers while I lead her inside and told the hostess the party we were with. When we made our way over, I giggled when Amelia saw a few others than just her husband and in laws. I also invited a few of her good friends from college that I adored and Brooke, her sister. It was my surprise to her considering we hadn't seen them in quite a while.

"Surprise. Happy Birthday." I whispered before pushing her forward, going to my seat on the other side of Jayden's mother where I was quick to take my mini me from her arms and hug her close to me. She was going to have all my attention for the night since I had to refrain from drinking and was here without my significant other. God I miss him.

Taking out my phone from my clutch purse, I opened mine and Dawson's thread to shoot him a quick text.

"Hi Amor, we all wish you were here! I miss you just a little more than everyone else though. Te amo mucho. Be safe at the shows please (red heart emoji)."

I groaned internally after hitting send. Get a grip. You hate being this cheesy. You're a strong, independent woman. You don't need Dawson around 24/7. Today is Amelia's day so focus on her, pendeja.

 

[Lexus]

OOC: You always conveniently leave out that I tried to give it to you first.

Amelia ​

"I hate you," I whispered to Isabel before she pushed me forward, realizing what she had done and instantly bursting into tears when I saw everyone she invited to the dinner I foolishly thought would just be the two of us and now I understood why she pushed it so hard all day. Running toward my sister first, I engulfed her in my petite embrace and wiped away the tears that streamed down my face from the hormones that were still surging through my own body.

"You're here," I exclaimed in disbelief, realizing that she must have met her niece already and only being a little upset that I missed their first encounter but forgave it since we were together a lot sooner than I planned, "I missed you."

Letting go of her for now, I moved on down the line greeting all my friends and then my in-laws and Jayden, complimenting how handsome he looked in his suit before I ran back for Isabel and hugging her tightly as a thank you for putting all of this together.

"Best friend, this is too much but I love it so much, thank you." Taking her hands in my own before we all settled into our seats to enjoy the meal. I wasn't surprised when Dawson facetimed his way in for most of it. joining in on the laughter we all shared, a part of me did wish he was here, but he was only away for a week and then he would be home for the weekend, I knew he would try to make it up to me then but I just teased him saying me stealing his son would be a suffice trade. I couldn't wait to hold that baby in my arms. If he looked anything like Isabel when she was a baby, I was done for and I was excited for my daughter to have a cousin so close in age to grow up me, something I didn't have myself growing up and always longed for.

Reaching for Jayden's hand under the table while we all talked over dessert, I grinned when I felt his thumb run the back of my hand, squeezing his hand in response, I shook my head at Isabel and Brooke fighting over my daughter.

"Hey, play nice, she's still brand new."

 

[isax]

October 25
Dallas, Texas
Isabel​

Today started out like any normal day. I knew it was coming closer to Mateo's birth and I was looking forward to it but I was becoming slightly annoyed with the constant presence of my boyfriend and how he practically hovered over me. It was comforting and something I enjoyed at first considering he was away a lot now, but now I wanted him to leave and that's what I did. I practically begged him to go to work today because I couldn't handle another day with both of us in my studio apartment.

With Dawson not here, I decided to sleep in because I needed it. Mateo was making it more than known that he was no longer interested in staying in his small space and I couldn't wait for him to be out. I just wasn't expecting that day to be today. The one day I told Dawson to go to work, I was going to have to call him and ask him to come back and rush me to the hospital.

At exactly one in the afternoon, I felt a sharp pain shoot straight through me. I thought at first it was just because of Mateo moving around but when I felt something drip down my legs I immediately began to panic. Fucking hell.

My water broke.

Quickly grabbing my phone, I called Dawson so that he could rush back home. The minute I heard him answer, I let out a frustrated groan of pain when the first contraction hit. I was currently praying I wouldn't be in labor as long as Amelia was. I wouldn't survive. Releasing a deep breath, I was able to calm myself down. I heard Dawson calling out to me again and I quickly sat down on the couch.

"Hi, I'm here and in pain. My water just broke."

I knew saying that was all it would take for Dawson to leave work and rush over. I wasn't looking forward to going straight to the hospital but I was looking forward to finally being able to hold and meet my son. I was hoping he came out with eyes like his father but if he looked anything like me as a baby, I knew everyone was going to eat him up. Opening mine and Amelia's text thread, I attempted to type out a text to her while I wasn't in pain. Thankfully the contractions weren't too close together just yet.

"Hi best friend, guess who finally wants out. I called Dawson and will be at the hospital soon. I'm already dying from the pain... lol."

After sending the text, a contraction hit and I quickly cursed in Spanish when it did. Chingao.

I don't really remember much of when Dawson arrived to the apartment and hurried me to the hospital. I don't really remember arriving and having nurses quickly rushing me to my own room where I was laid down and told that I was only dilated four centimeters.

Four? Only four freaking centimeters? Hijo de puta.

Gripping Dawson's hand tightly when another contraction hit, I tried my hardest not to curse while I bit my lip.

"Fuck, your son would raise some hell right now," I said to him while the nurse suggested changing positions. We were in the third hour of labor and only at four centimeters. I thought that was moving pretty fast but the nurse assured me it was normal. "After this I swear you're not getting another one, Dawson."

 

[Lexus]

Dawson​

I think it's safe to say. we were all ready for Mateo to come, for more reasons than one. Of course, I was ready to meet and hold my son who we nearly waited ten months to meet, but more importantly, I was ready for Isabel's misery to end. It was difficult for me to be helpless to her discomfort and emotional outbursts, but I did the best I could for her, doing whatever she asked of me and giving her space when she needed. Really, in the final stretch, when I assumed things were unbearable for Isabel carrying a full-term Covington, bless her heart, I wanted to ensure she was cared for to the best of my ability, but I could tell on this particular day, she wanted to be alone, not taking it to heart, I agreed to go into work, getting dressed in the usual uniform, I kissed her goodbye, letting her try to get some sleep, not thinking much of it, even though she was now past her due date, the thought of her going into labor today didn't seem like a possibility.

However, a few hours after getting to the base, she called and I ran off the tarmac to take the call so I could hear her. Before I could greet her lovingly, I heard her groan and instantaneously felt the adrenaline course through me.

Something's happening.

"Amor, what is it?" I asked, attempting to not sound as panicked as I felt as I ran for my office for my kets before she even told me her water broke. "I'll be right there," I reassured her, keeping her on the phone the whole time so I could be assured she was alright in the time it took me to get to her.

Arriving in average time, I left the truck running in a hurry I jogged inside, knocking on the door until she answered. "Hi," I greeted almost out of breath. "Are you ready?" I asked, taking the hospital bags from her and closing the door behind her, saying a quick goodbye to Apollo before we sped off toward the hospital. I knew the drive would be a long one considering Isabel's natural impatience but I did my best to reassure her she would make it through this.

"You can do this, love," I whispered, bringing her hand to my lips when she squeezed it as I turned into the hospital's entrance.

By early evening things progressed but not as fast as I knew Isabel wished they had, her irritation was hard to miss.

"Whatever you say, Isabel," I whispered, not letting go of her, leaning over her to kiss her forehead, I talked her through the pain. "Breathe. He's almost here, you just have made it through this last thing."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

I was more than thankful that Dawson was able to rush over as quick as he did because I knew bringing myself to the hospital wouldn't have gone well considering the amount of pain I was already in. I was a baby with no pain tolerance whatsoever, so yes, I did want to get this over and done when. That's why I was annoyed when I was told I had only dilated four centimeters. I was naturally a very impatient person, so through an immense amount of pain on top of that and I was fucked.

Releasing a tense sigh as one of the contractions faded, I shook my head when Dawson reassured me I would make it through this. I didn't think I would but I knew that was just the pain talking. I liked to think I was a strong woman who could bare anything but this was something I couldn't.

"I swear, when they ask you about the epidural, you tell them I want it." I said sternly to Dawson, not caring about the future side affects that would come with it. I would do whatever it took to fade out the pain.

Three hours later...
Seven hours in labor​

I found myself waking up from the smallest nap I could take while in so much pain. When I did, I groaned from the discomfort before I rolled onto my side and attempted to do what the nurse suggested to help move this along. I didn't feel like any of it was working, so I was quick to look over at Dawson with a weak smile.

"I feel like I look horrific right now," I whispered to him with a laugh. "How many hours are we in?" Quite frankly, I didn't want to know. I just wanted it to be over.

I closed my eyes again in an attempt to keep relaxing but the pain was slowly setting in again. This pain was a lot worse than when I was last awake and I could feel all the strength I had fading away.

"Can it please be over already?" I begged my boyfriend, a few tears escaping my eyes. I tried to talk myself out of the tears, reassuring myself that I would get through this. If Amelia had to be in labor for an entire day then I needed to man the fuck up and handle where I was right now.

"You're still at four centimeters," I heard the nurse tell me after she checked yet again. Now I was starting to become worried and I could see in the nurses expression that she was too but she was doing her best to hide it and so was Dawson. I was getting pissed.

"What does that mean?" I asked her, becoming worried instantly.

"I assure you everything is fine, Ms. Anes. Doctor Fernandez will be in shortly to do her own check up," She replied to me sweetly before quickly leaving the room. The nurse didn't know me well enough to know that not telling me things sent me straight into my head and I was beginning to panic.

Taking fast short breaths, I felt Dawson grip my arm strongly, attempting to pull me back into reality. I felt the walls caving in but I knew I needed to chill the fuck out or my distress would hurt Mateo.

"What isn't she telling me, Dawson?" I asked, trying not to cry from the pain and my mixed emotions. I needed Amelia. I needed her here with me right now because I couldn't handle this and it was evident with the crying fit I was now in.

One hour later...
Eight hours in labor​

The answer to my previous question was answered about an hour later when Dr. Fernandez made her way into the room and checked to see how far I was. I was now at five centimeters according to my doctor, but the expression on her face caused me to worry all over again. There was something no one was telling me and I was going to raise some hell if I didn't get told soon.

"Ms. Anes, I assure you everything will be alright. You're just progressing slower than we'd like to see. It's basically what we call prolonged labor. You haven't really met the worry mark so for now we just advise you to relax. If you'd like, you can take a quick walk or we can run you a bath, just something to soothe you and Mateo. We can also give you the epidural now if you'd like, there's just no guaranteeing it won't wear off by the time you need to push."

I took everything she said into consideration and quickly pushed to get the epidural. I was a baby when it came to pain and I couldn't go any longer without some form of relief. I also couldn't "relax" like she advised while being so tense and worried.

It felt weird having a needle stuck through my spine, and being sure I didn't move even an inch while it was happening was so hard. They said if it went in even slightly off, there was a high chance I would become paralyzed, and I instantly couldn't believe that was a thing. I was bringing a life into the world but the dangers of it were so real now.

If you keep giving me hell Mateo, I swear.

When I was rolled back to my room, I felt the epidural kicking in and the pain fading out. I released a small smile in Dawsons direction before releasing a yawn. I was now getting sleepy and I could feel myself drifting off back to sleep.

Two hours later...
Ten hours in labor​

Over the span of two more hours, I was able to reach an eight centimeter dilation and I was more than grateful. We were slowly starting to see improvement and I couldn't wait for Mateo to pop out. I was officially attempting to evict him. I no longer wanted him inside of me.

About another hour went by and I could feel everything in the room changing. I saw the nurses and my doctor rapidly setting everything up, I was now propped up and breathing rather heavily. I knew the time for Mateo to come into this world was finally coming and I was more than ready for it.

"He's finally coming, Amor. Are you ready?" I asked Dawson softly with the brightest smile, giggling excitedly. "What do you think he's going to look like?"

I know, I did I complete one-eighty from how I was acting before but I blamed it on the hormones. At this point, I just wanted to hold my son.

"Do you think he'll have your eyes?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Sitting in the waiting room rocking my own baby I held Jayden's hand, my palm sweating out of nerves. I couldn't ignore the feeling in the pit of my stomach that something was wrong. When I woke up in the morning, I felt it and it made me uneasy, but I was uncertain what it could be. Then Isabel texted me that she was laboring and I just had an eery feeling about it that I didn't want to try to understand. It terrified me. But I didn't want to scare her with my inclination, so I just offered her words of excitement and encouragement that she could get through this, I knew she thought she was incapable, but until you go through bringing a life into the world, there is no understanding that your body knows what to do and the strength to get through it is almost natural, even though you fail to realize it at the time. But still, I couldn't shake the feeling.

My gut told me, I needed to see Isabel, but I didn't want to intrude on her and Dawson's moment, this was their son and unless I was invited in, I wasn't going to barge in because I was scared. That wouldn't help anyone, especially Isabel who didn't need to be stressed. I texted for occasional updates and thanked Dawson when he made time to respond, but as time passed, I felt my anxiety skyrocket. I was trying to distract myself by clutching to Isabel's namesake while she slept peacefully but I began shaking.

When Jayden made eye contact with me in concern, I shook my head, leaning closer to him I whispered in his ear, not wanting to frighten the audience Mateo had waiting for his arrival.

"Something's wrong, I feel it." Pulling away quickly, I took a deep breath. Picking up my phone again, I gave in to the feeling and texted Dawson.

"Can I see her, please? I won't stay." I was asking out of desperation, I wasn't sure why, and I knew I didn't want to know, but I knew this feeling had to mean something that was beyond me.

Just then, I watched one of the nurses I knew was tending to her walk past, nearly jumping out of the chair, I haded off my daughter to Jayden and literally chased the woman. I needed to know Isabel was okay before I lost it.

"Excuse me? Can you tell me how Isabel is doing? I haven't gotten an update from her or the father in a while and I was just curious." When the nurse politely declined because Isabel's status was confidential, I felt my throat go dry and I almost forgot how to talk. If she was okay the nurse would have been quick to reassure me and I knew by declining, she was only doing her job, but Isabel wasn't married, and until then, anything "confidential" was in my right to know.

Finding the will to speak up, I politely protested. "You can tell me, as far as I know, I'm still her emergency contact, I think. I can show you my ID." Fumbling over my words, I ran back for my purse when she simply nodded hesitantly. While the nurse pulled Isabel's papers, I handed off my license, praying she didn't change it yet, Dawson still leaving me in the air for now, I held my breath while the nurse tried to confirm my statement.

 

[isax]

Nurse Vanessa​

Isabel was worrying me with the lack of progress she had been making until now. I know that prolonged labor was common, especially for Isabel who seemed to be having slow cervical dilations and a pretty big sized son, but something about everything just set me off. It was normal for someone to be stuck at four centimeters then go to five and then almost immediately to eight. Everything about this patient worried me but when it came time to push, I knew my uneasiness about everything was valid. Isabel was in so much distress from the pain since her epidural wore off that she mentally could not fathom pushing out her son. It was worrisome because she reached the ten centimeter dilation we needed her at but there was talk between the head nurse and Doctor Fernandez about having to potentially perform a cesarean pregnancy.

Rushing out of the room to take a breather and grab Isabel's file, I knew we needed to act fast. When she started pushing, I knew this wasn't going to go well, so I wanted to ensure along with the head nurse that we had everything prepared for every potential situation that could occur. At least the common labor complications.

It was then when I saw someone rush over to me and ask me about Isabel's state. I had to smile brightly at her and explain that I couldn't say anything due to Isabel's file being confidential. I knew she didn't buy it though and I never really refused to tell someone how a patient was doing until it was a situation like this. I knew that this woman knew that and her pushing to know more made me smile uncomfortably but I nodded when she stated that she was Isabel's emergency contact. If that was the case, telling her everything I knew would be acceptable so I grabbed Isabel's file and compared Amelia's license with Isabel's file.

After confirming that Amelia was indeed still Isabel's emergency contact, I let go of the facade I previously had on and released a heavy sigh, handing back Amelia her license. I knew relaying this was going to be hard on her.

"As of right now, Ms. Anes is expected to start pushing. She was stuck at a dilation of four centimeters for a few hours and showing signs of prolonged labor so we did everything we could to ensure she was relaxed. We also gave her the epidural then but it has since worn off and she is in an immense amount of pain. Her blood pressure is currently super low and we're trying to prepare blood bags for transfusion incase she loses too much blood during the birth giving. That's all I can tell you right now because she hasn't started actually giving birth but I or another nurse will let you know of anything else after."

Giving her arm a gentle squeeze of slight reassurance, I hurried off back to the room where everyone was in a state of distress. While I was preparing everything, Isabel found the strength to push her son out, and his cries were loud and brought all attention on him. What I noticed however, was his mother smiling gently at her but looking awfully pale.

Oh no.

I was quick to bring it to Dr. Fernandez's attention and shortly after we acted as quickly as possible. From the look Isabel gave me when I asked Dawson to step aside, she could feel her body shutting down and that was the worst realization of today.

Isabel​

I know my doctor and nurses wanted to keep my attention and focus on anything other than the worry they were all hiding but I couldn't help but notice it, even more so when Nurse Vanessa ran out of the room after the head nurse whispered something to her. They knew something I didn't but I couldn't think about it now with how Mateo was demanding to be let out.

I focused all my attention after that to making sure Mateo was brought into the world. Pushing seemed impossible, especially after the fourth attempt. Dawson could see the distress setting in on my face.

"Dawson, Six, I can't. I really can't," I said out of breath, shaking my head while everyone pleaded for me to continue. I felt every single tear that was happening and the pain just shot straight up my back. I was a baby when it came to handling pain so now the tears were inevitable and they rapidly fell down my cheeks. "I really can't."

No amount of reassurance from my boyfriend that I could make it through this was enough.

I... I can't.

Practically yelling while I pushed for the fifth time, I heard cries shortly after. Another push and my doctor reassured me that Mateo was here. I smiled at the sounds of his cries and when I got the smallest glimpse of him, I knew everything I endured was worth it.

I feel funny.

I don't know how to describe this to anyone but I literally felt my body growing weak with every passing second. It was something I had never felt before. It was like I could feel the life draining out of my body and with my eyes slowly closing, I tried to get Dawson's attention by gripping his hand but I was too weak to even do that.

"Dawson," I said really quietly, failing to grab the attention of anyone. Squeeze his hand. I tried again but eventually all that happened was my hand slipping out of his. That's when I saw him look at me and I smiled weakly at him, my eyes now halfway lidded. "I don't feel good." I managed to get out but he was quickly pushed away from me by Nurse Vanessa and suddenly everything shortly after that went black.

 

[Lexus]

Warning: Graphic and triggering content.

Dawson​

Bringing our son in the world was supposed to be a joyous occasion. It never crossed my mind that in the process, I could lose Isabel because of it. With modern medicine becoming so advanced and dependable for expecting mothers, talk of fatality as a complication, from what I remember was never talked about in any appointment I went to, which was almost all of them, aside from when I was out of town for work, but even then, Isabel kept me in the loop. No one prepared me for this disastrous chaos, but living it taught me childbirth was still very much dangerous, and what was supposed to be a day filled with love and excitement now turned to horror and uncertainty that the love of my life wouldn't make it out of this.

The blood-curdling scream Isabel let out told me something was wrong. This was more than just her low pain tolerance, and it would haunt me for the rest of my life whether she came out alive or not. My attempt to keep it together for Isabel's sake I knew was weak, but there was no hiding the horror I was witnessing between her screams and the doctor and her team of nurses having to practically pull my son out of his mother. The sense of urgency caused even me to tremble to my core. Watching the blood that followed Mateo's birth pool out onto the floor, made me sick to my stomach, I knew losing that amount of blood wasn't normal.

Not letting go of Isabel, I kissed her forehead and whispered sweet things to her. The looks I was getting told me they might be my last, and on the horrific chance they were, I wanted them to be loving and peaceful.

"You did it, Amor. It's all over now. It's going to be okay. We love you, so much," I whispered, squeezing her hand. I knew even in her lucid state she would be more concerned for our son than herself so I reassured her of that as well. "He's okay, Whiskey. He's really strong. Can you hear him?' I asked, my voice quivering now as I continued to lean over her. She was my first priority, I knew our son was well cared for and I didn't want Isabel to be alone. Watching her slowly lose consciousness, I squeezed her arm harder.

"Hey, love, stay with me, please. Please," I whispered. When the nurse pulled me away from her, I watched her close her eyes and that's when the panic struck me full force.

"Isabel! Isabel!" I saw the daze many times before, and I wished I was clueless to what it was, but there was no unseeing the look in someone's eyes when they were dying. "Is she dead?" Is she?" I asked as a response to my own fear and that's when the nurses excused me out of the room with little answers as to what was happening. Stepping out of the room, I became frantic.

"No please. Let me stay. I don't want her to be alone, please. Just let me hold her, please." Trying to push past the nurses that were now barricading the door trying to hold me back, I didn't stop trying to make my way back into the room until I felt another hand rest on my back from behind me. Turning around in confusion, I gasped when I saw Amelia. Instantly taking her into a hug, I let go of my sorrow onto her.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," I kept repeating in denial that this was happening. At that moment, I felt like this was my fault. I should have been able to tell sooner that something was wrong with Isabel, Amelia would have. I would never have that gift and now it was probably too late. I was losing the woman I thought I would get to spend the rest of my life with and Amelia, she was losing her best friend. I knew she would more than likely resent me for it for the rest of her life, and I deserved it.

"I didn't know it would hurt her. I'm sorry."

Amelia​

After the nurse confessed to me the uncertainty of the situation. I felt my knees go weak. I couldn't go back to the waiting room, I couldn't keep my composure and I still didn't want to panic the two families that came here to welcome Mateo. Bringing a hand to my mouth to hold in my gasping cry, I let the tears stream down my cheeks. My worst fear was coming true.

Waiting for the nurse to make her way back into the room, I waited a few minutes before I followed suit to Isabel's room. I knew the room was soundproof, so whatever disaster was occurring, I had no way of hearing, but I needed to be as close to Isabel as possible. Sitting outside her door, I continued to sob, with my knees to my chest. Catching a breath after a few minutes, I closed my eyes and lowered my head. I was praying Isabel would make it through this.

To the people in control of this, I ask that you give Isabel all my strength to pull through this. She's going to make an incredible mother, better than me that's for sure. For once, I'm not asking you to help her for me, but for Mateo, he deserves to meet his mother, because nothing I could tell or show him will ever get him to comprehend the remarkable human being that she is. She was meant to be his mother, it's something she's looked forward to for as long as I can remember, so you can't take her back just yet. We still need her here. Dawson needs her to make it through this too, she changed him, for the better and I know, he would never live through this if he lost her for real this time. I know you're in control here, but it's not her time to go yet. Please, I'm begging you, for them, not me. I trust you.

The prayer was interrupted though when the door opened and Dawson was being pushed out against his will, Now I could hear all the commotion and my anxiety was in my throat, but I knew, for Isabel, I needed to stay calm and help Dawson through this. Even if his pleas to see her shattered my heart.

"Dawson, Dawson let me them help her," I insisted, resting a hand on him before he took me into a forceful embrace. His apologetic cries, made me sob again.

"It's okay. It's not your fault. She'll get through this. She's been through the drug cartel, Dawson, I think she can survive your son," I teased, in hoped to lighten the mood, even though I could feel both of us simmering in our uncertainty. "We have to believe she's going to be okay. She's got good people taking care of her, Dawson. More than just doctors. I promise."

 

[isax]

OOC: We got kinda sad here. Whoops.

Cue Yo te Extrañare by Tercer Cielo

Isabel​

There are several stories out in the world about people facing death and what their experiences were like. Several claim to have gone to heaven, to have seen our maker, while others focus solely on the physical aspect and how the could feel the life draining out of their body. I always found these fascinating, especially the ones where claims of seeing heaven were present. I never liked hearing my mom's own story but she was one of those who faced death and was given a second chance. The thing is though...

I never expected that I would have my own story to tell about meeting death face-to-face.

Today was supposed to be a joyous occasion. I was bringing a whole new life into the world, my son, Mateo Gilbert Covington. Everything was supposed to go smoothly, I was supposed to hold him immediately after his screams filled the room but I knew from the very start of my laboring, something was off and I just chose to ignore it. I could feel the anxiety growing the closer it came to Mateo being here with me but that last push, I felt everything change. I knew in that moment, something was utterly wrong with my body and it was shutting down. That's where my story begins.

I can't remember much of anything that happened in the real world. I could faintly hear Dawson pleading for me not to leave him, and eventually all I heard what him shouting my name. I think that's when I gave in to the feeling. That's when I gave into death.

I always used to think when I died I would have some type of out of body experience, but instead I found myself sitting in a pew. No, it wasn't just any pew. It was wooden with forest green cushions. It was a pew that set my childhood church apart from all the rest. When I got my sense of location, that's when I looked up, and sure enough it was confirmed I was sitting in the very front pew of Holy Family Catholic Church. Rather than an out of body experience, this felt like nothing more than a dream. A dream where I knew the chances of waking up weren't likely.

The longer I sat there in silence, the more I could feel everything about my physical body shutting down. Eventually, I knew I was no longer alone. There was someone else with me and when I looked over to the left, I couldn't help the tears that streamed down my face when we came face-to-face.

You see, my death experience didn't involve me going to heaven and meeting God, it didn't involve my spirit being out of my own body where I got to see everything in the real world still happening. No. My death experience was me, in my childhood church, sitting next to my grandfather. How fitting that this church is where I said my final goodbyes.

I remember shaking my head, instantly hugging the old man the minute he sat down. I didn't want to let go and the tears didn't stop anytime soon. It had been a total of thirteen years since I last saw my first anchor. The man who practically raised me and did everything he possibly could to ensure I had everything I needed. He was my very first best friend and losing him tore me apart. I tried so hard to stay strong for my grandma after that, and I think I held my promise to take care of her.

"Hi Gramps," I whispered softly to the man, hugging him even tighter while I felt him embrace me. "Abuelo, I'm scared."

"Ay, mi nina, there's no reason for you to be scared," The old time Navy sailor replied, pulling away from our embrace while he wiped away my tears.

"There is. I'm dying, grandpa. I'm dying and I can't leave them. I can't leave my son or Dawson behind. I especially can't leave Amelia behind, you know that."

"Of course I do. I'm glad you were able to find her."

I shook my head then, laughing quietly. I never had a doubt in my mind he was the reason Amelia was in my life.

"Then if you know that you know my time there isn't over. It can't be. Not like this."

When I felt him take my hand in his and pat it, I knew he was trying to reassure me that everything was going to be okay. Right now, I didn't believe that.

"Por favor, Abuelo. No quiero dejarlos." Please, I don't want to leave them.

"Mija, eschuarme," My child, listen. "Relax and talk to me. It's been thirteen years. What have I missed?"

After that, I was able to calm my nerves and just talk. We talked about pretty much everything he missed since I lost him. What high school was like, where I went to college, what that was like. All my stories and where I was now.

"Now, I'm a Visuals Editor at D Magazine, Wello. I have an amazing southern boyfriend named Dawson. He is the definition of cowboy, let me tell ya, but he's also a Blue Angel pilot and well, I'm sure you know about Mateo. He was born today and I can't leave him all alone. You know that."

"Si, yo sabe, mija. I know. Todo esta bien," Everything is fine. "I enjoyed this, don't you agree? I've missed you but you've become a beautiful grown woman. I couldn't be more proud of you, Chave. Now, go. Go with back to your family. I'll explain everything in these parts but you're right, they need you."

The following day​

I woke up with a start, gasping as everything my body just experienced began to sink in. I was in utter pain and discomfort and I let it known with the groan I let out. Looking around the white walls that surrounded me, I saw Dawson sitting in what had to be the most comfortable recliner a hospital could offer beside me. On the other side, I saw Mateo in his little cubie. Everything was deadly quiet and I wasn't sure how long I had been out for. Blinking, I realized there was an oxygen mask over my face and an IV chilling in my arm. My entire body felt drained, like as if I couldn't move or do anything for weeks to come. I didn't even know what the hell went wrong, but I was more than likely going to find out.

"Dawson," I whispered weakly, becoming irritated with my lack of strength. "Hey, Six." I said a little more strongly now, reaching for his hand and giving it a weak squeeze. "Six." I said again, smiling brightly when he finally woke up and met my gaze.

"Hey." I said softly, giggling weakly when he was quick to shower my face in kisses. I couldn't even imagine what it was like for Dawson knowing I was dying but I was back and I couldn't thank anyone but my grandpa for making sure of that and that everything was okay. "How long have I been out?"

Before Dawson could even respond, I heard a knock on the door and smiled when Dr. Fernandez made her way inside. I groaned when she asked how I was feeling and she seemed to be amused with my response but I wanted to know what the hell happened.

"Can you please explain what happened?"

When she did, I blinked. I wasn't expecting any of what she said but I could believe that it happened. My body was still attempting to recover from all the bullshit. After she told me and left, I released a sigh and looked over at Dawson.

"Help me take this mask off?" I asked him gently, grateful when it was off and I felt just a little less constricted. "I'm sorry, Six. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I can't even imagine how you must've felt." I felt tears forming at the thought. "What was Mateo's first time in the world like? Can you tell me?" I can't believe I missed it.

Dr. Fernandez​

I was grateful that in this moment in time, I was Isabel's doctor. Ms. Anes faced a major labor complication that was not only a rare chance but something you needed to act quickly on. The team of nurses that I had made sure we did everything we could to ensure the new mothers safety and though there was a point in time we thought we lost her, we were able to revive her. I could tell the entire time that Isabel was fighting to come back to her family.

Isabel started off her laboring with a more common complication. Something we call prolonged labor. It happens for many reasons but the ones that stuck out with Isabel the most were slow cervical dilations, a rather large baby, and the amount of distress that she was in. That blood curdling scream however, let me know that there was something completely wrong that I was missing. In that moment, I did my best to get Mateo out and with him, I knew Isabel faced another complication: a hemorrhage. This is known as excessive bleeding, which was evident the minute Mateo left his mother, but what I noticed was why this was happening.

Isabel was experiencing uterine atony. What that means is essentially her uterus wasn't contracting or tightening as tight as it should after the placenta was delivered. These contractions usually help stop the bleeding but because they weren't happening well enough, it was a factor into Ms. Anes now having a hemorrhage.

I at all costs wanted to avoid having to perform a hysterectomy on Isabel, so I started off doing what they told us to in medical school. I did a uterine massage and when that seemed to help, I was more than relieved. After I was sure we were able to get the bleeding to stop, I quickly asked the nurses to prep for a blood transfusion and when it was all over and one with, I sat back and took a deep breath. Everything could have ended up so much worse for Isabel but I was glad they didn't. She definitely had a guardian angel looking over her considering we lost her once during the massage but were able to bring her back.

Looking over the entire file, I walked to Isabel's room and knocked, letting myself in. I released a gentle smile when I saw that Isabel had woken up and I walked over to check her vitals. Everything was looking good and I was hopeful she wouldn't face any postpartum complications.

"Good morning, Ms. Anes. So glad you could join us. How are you feeling?" I asked her cheerfully.

"Like shit." My patient quickly replied and I released a soft laugh.

"Mateo really put you through it but you sure as hell pushed through it," I wasn't surprised when Isabel asked to know what happened. I looked over at her boyfriend before looking back at her. Dawson and Amelia already knew what happened. "You essentially faced atony of the uterus which is where your uterus doesn't contract tight enough after the delivery of the placenta to cut off blood loss. Because of that, you lost a lot of blood and got a hemorrhage. Once we were able to get the bleeding to stop, getting you to recover was rather simple. All we had to do was a blood transfusion." I made sure to leave out the part of Isabel practically dying on us. I didn't think that was important for her to know.

"But I'm glad you're back with us and feeling slightly better. You're going to have to be on bed rest for a little bit longer than usual and I do want to keep you here at least one more day. I'll be sure to tell the nurses to bring you some food and you should be good without the oxygen mask now. I'll be back in later or one of your nurses to check up on you."

With that, I left the room again and released another sigh. Another successful birth giving.

 

[Lexus]

Dawson ​

I wanted to be able to say that when this was all over, however, it ended, that I was able to keep it together for Mateo and our families, but that was a blatant lie. The thought of having to bury Isabel, well, it was sickening, It almost made me wish we didn't have our son. I knew the thought was irrational, we were blessed to bring a life into the world when so many others, like Amelia and Jayden, could only long to have children unless a miracle happened. But in my grief, I didn't think to bring a child into the world was worth losing the woman I loved so much it physically hurt. I regretted not taking more time to show her I loved her, I worried now that she wondered how much she meant to me.

You should have pulled all the stops, Covington. Even though both of you hate being "cheesy" at least then she wouldn't doubt your feelings for her when she was taken.

The doctor told Amelia and I what happened, and reassured us now that they were able to revive Isabel and supply her with an adequate blood supply, she was going to be okay. But as much as I was in denial that she was gone, now I was in denial that we wouldn't lose her again. I was severely paranoid, so much so, I wouldn't let myself sleep. I was so obsessed with making sure Isabel was breathing, I didn't have time for anyone or anything else. It was embarrassing to admit, but I hadn't even held our son. I still wanted Isabel to have her moment before me, she deserved that after the hell she endured bringing him into the world and I wasn't going to take that away from her. So thank God for Amelia.

While I stayed awake, holding Isabel's hands and over analyzing the heart monitor, Amelia kept Mateo company. Before everyone left for the night, she was the one who took him to meet Isabel's family because I couldn't bear to look them in the face, still bearing the guilt for almost killing her.

One thing I did take notice of my son was that it was no joke that he was huge. He was just born and almost caught up to Little Bel. He was a few ounces away from being ten pounds even, and had the longest legs I had ever seen on a newborn. Brett made jokes about him being a natural born rider, but I swore them off the second he suggested it. He was cute and I couldn't wait for Isabel to get her first actual glimpse of him.

His wails to be fed were startling and made me feel helpless, it was obvious he was calling for his mother who was unable to care for him, and my heart broke for him. He was less than a day old and was already having to learn without his mother, and in my eyes, that was a cruel first lesson. But Amelia. again was quick to soothe her nephew, swaddling him with one of Isabel's shirts while she bottle fed the baby, rocking him gently in the rocking chair. Watching her the first time, I took notice to the braided rope she was clutching in her fist with her free hand, dangling an anchor charm. It looked worn with age but seemed to keep Mateo's attention.

"What is that?" I asked in a curious whisper. When she opened her eyes and smiled at me, I smiled back before she explained that it was on anklet Isabel gave to her before Amelia went off to college, that it was her first sign they were meant to be friends forever. She used to wear it every day until she got the tattoo on her ankle to replace it, but kept the original piece of jewelry for its sentimental value. She also confessed that more often than not, she kept it on her wrist to make it through her most difficult moments through college to remind her to keep going because she was forced to look at it the, so she was using it to get Mateo through his first night without his momma. The whole explanation behind it was unexpected and made me choke up for the countless time and all I could do was thank Amelia for everything she was doing.

"I'm sorry to keep you from your family to take care of mine."

"Dawson, Isabel was my family when I felt like I had no one. I owe her this one thing."

***
​

In the morning, Amelia left before the sun rose, ensuring me she would be back before Mateo needed to be cared for again, but she wanted to go make sure Jayden faired the night without her and would bring back coffee and breakfast. Relieving her of her duties in thanks, I started to let myself doze off.

Just for a few minutes.

"Hey, Six... Six." That's you. Wake up.

Still in a daze, I opened my eyes and felt my heart drop when I saw the unthinkable. She's awake.

"Isabel!"

Shooting up from the chair, I catapulted toward her, paradoxically as gently as possible, planting loving kisses all over her face that now held some color and trace of liveliness to it. Helping her take off the oxygen mask, I set it next to her, kissing her forehead, tears brimming my eyes again.

"You scared me, Whiskey We thought we lost ya," I whispered giving her hand a gentle squeeze while the doctor came into explaining what happened. Something that after she explained, I hoped I would never have to relive again. Smiling when Vanessa came in to see Isabel for herself, I grinned from ear to ear when she wiped off her hands and picked up our son, unswaddling him from Isabel's shirt, and laughing at his cries.

"Are you ready to meet Mateo, Isabel?" She asked sweetly, "He's been waiting impatiently for you." Walking over toward Isabel she held her to unsnap the top of her hospital gown and laid the crying baby on his mother's chest, covering him with the newborn blanket they had set aside for him. Mateo's cries stopped as soon as he was skin to skin with his mother and the sight of Isabel cradling our son made me weep. I had to pinch my nose to gain my composure. This moment was surreal, more so than it would have been had things went smoothly. The whole team of nurses now gathered in the room to watch the mother and son meet for the first time, and there wasn't a single dry eye because yesterday, we all thought this moment would never happen.

"Do you like him? You're the first one of us to hold him."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

We thought we lost ya.

If only Dawson knew what I experienced in the time they thought they lost me. I knew I had to tell Amelia about the next time I saw her, which I hoped was soon. All the shit I just went through was a lot more than I ever handled before and I knew I was going to need to vent to her about it very soon. If not today then whenever I had the chance, but right now I wanted to see her as much as I wanted to hold Mateo.

"I'm not going anywhere, Amor," I whispered softly to my boyfriend, giving his hand a gentle squeeze like he just did mine. When I saw Vanessa make her way in to check on me herself, I smiled sweetly at her before I noticed all the other nurses making their way in. I knew everyone on the team that saved me must be feeling relieved but at the sounds of Mateos cries, I instantly went into mommy mod. I was going to attempt to sit up but I felt so weak. I couldn't do much and I was becoming irritated but I was thankful when Vanessa brought my son to me. Accepting him with open arms, I held him against my chest, giving his that skin-to-skin contact I know he was so desperately looking for. With him now in my arms, I looked down at just how handsome he was and the tears falling down my face were inevitable.

"Hi Mateo. Hola, Amorcito," I whispered gently to my son, admiring him while his curious eyes looked around the room before resting on me. "He's so handsome, Six." I whispered softly to Dawson, looking up at him with a tear-stained face. "I love you."

Leaning forward, I gave Dawson a loving kiss, pulling away after a few seconds with a bright smile on my face. Reaching up with the back of my hand, I wiped the tears away before I looked up at the nurses.

"Thanks y'all. For everything." I told them sweetly.

"Of course. We're so happy we got to witness this moment after last night." Vanessa said and I nodded in understanding. I was grateful I was able to have this moment too.

When all the nurses left after coming over to say their hellos to Mateo, I looked back at my boyfriend with a soft smile.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. I promise y'all will have to do a lot more than that to get rid of me," I said to lighten up the mood. "And I need you to know that I love you so much, Six. So freaking much. You and Mateo are my entire world and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us. Tu eres mi vida y mundo. You are my life and world." God, that was cheesy.

I didn't care how cheesy it sounded. I knew moments like this for Dawson and I were rare but considering I almost left this world and the love of my life, I felt like this moment was appropriate and needed.

"Te amo con todo mi corazón." I love you with all my heart.

After a few minutes of just soaking in my family, I released a content sigh and kissed Mateo's head gently.

"How's Amelia and the rest of my family? Are they okay? How did Amelia handle everything?"

 

[Lexus]

Dawson​

"The rest of the family doesn't know what happened. Amelia didn't want to panic them so she got them to believe that the delivery was just too rough on your body, without telling them the worst of it, and that the medicine they gave to help with the pain made you too drowsy so she took Mateo to meet them and then they all left for the night. They'll be back when I send the text inviting them and after that, she stayed up with Mateo and quite frankly talked me out of losing my damn mind. She left about an hour ago to go check on Jayden and the baby, but I texted Jayden and told him to keep her because she hasn't slept. She was too busy taking care of all of us. How she didn't lose it herself, I don't know, but I'm glad she was here. Mateo and I wouldn't have made it through the night without her. How are you feeling though? What can I get for you, Momma?" I teased with a wink, having fun with her new title before I got up and kissed her forehead again.

Squatting to be at eye level with my son, I smiled as he looked onto me, still clinging to his mother. "Who is that Mateo, is that your mom? You finally got her, huh?" Taking his hand, I rubbed it gently with my thumb. "She's the real deal, no more hurting her though, ya hear? You put her through enough, you're only allowed to love her from now on, and when you get big and strong, you protect her too."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

That sounds like Amelia. I owe her a lot when I get out of here for everything she did for Dawson and Mateo. I don't know what I would do without her but boy I can't wait to tell her Gilberto practically confirmed what we've only been thinking of since we started our friendship.

Smiling softly at Dawson, I giggled when he addressed me by my new title: Momma. It made everything sink in. I was now a mom, and my son was going to grow up so quickly. How could you be thinking about that when he's only two days old. Relax.

"I'm a little hungry but I can hold off on food for right now," I said gently, watching as Dawson squatted to be eye level with our son. I instantly laughed when he talked to Mateo and told him he was no longer allowed to hurt me. "Say okay dad, I won't hurt momma anymore." I said with a giggle, smiling when Mateo looked over at me when I started speaking. I was never going to get over how handsome he was. "You look so much like your dad, Mateo. Yes, you do. Gosh when you get older all the women are going to be all over you. That's something that hasn't changed for your dad."

Laughing at Dawson's reaction, I said I was only kidding before I leaned over and kissed him lovingly yet again. When my stomach growled, I knew I no longer could fight it.

"Can you please buy me Chick-fil-A? I'm craving it." When my southern cowboy agreed, I thanked him and watched as he left. When he did, I devoted all my attention on Mateo and fed him when he started crying from hunger just like I wanted to. "Shhh, Mateo. No llores. You're fine, Amorcito. Momma's here and so is daddy and your Aunt Amelia. She's the one who took care of you all day yesterday and last night for me. She's pretty awesome, huh? I know she already adores you, just like your grandparents."

As if on instinct, I looked up when I heard the door open. I knew it couldn't have been Dawson but I wasn't surprised when I saw Amelia. Laughing softly, I shook my head as I continued to feed Mateo knowing he was just as hungry as I was.

"Well well, I'm not surprised to see you here. Dawson just left to get me some food. I could of sworn he said he told Jayden to keep you at the apartment for the day. I can't say that I'm not happy to see you though," I said gently. "Thank you for being their for my boys. It means a lot to me. How are you? Are you okay?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Sighing I rolled my eyes at Isabel's comment about Jayden keeping me.

"I may be married and have a child with him, but he still knows better than to tell me what to do," I replied setting my purse in the chair next to the window. "Plus, when you woke up, they called me." Turning to face her, I sighed heavily when Isabel asked how I was.

"I'm fine, just glad you're okay. I was going to take orders and go get food, but Dawson beat me to it. That's okay. Do you need anything else before I leave?"

Now that Isabel was awake and semi-okay, my "work" here was done. I knew Dawson could handle her needs now that she was coherent and I didn't want to intrude on the family time they were just now getting to enjoy. I trusted now that the worst of it was over, Dawson could handle it.

 

[isax]

Isabel​

I couldn't help but shake my head when Amelia was quick to say she was going to leave. I wasn't surprised. I knew what this was. My best friend thought now that she "handled" everything in regards to me she could leave but I wasn't going to let her. I know she didn't want to impose but after what I just went through, I needed her here more than anyone. She does need to sleep though.

"Come here," I said softly to my best friend, patting the now empty spot beside me on the bed after I mustered the strength to move over. God I hate being this weak. "Can we just talk? Why do you have to leave me so quickly?"

I didn't want Amelia to leave. I wanted her to stay here, with me and Mateo.

"I mean it when I say thank you for taking care of my boys, Amelia," I whispered softly, resting my head against her shoulder when she sat next to me as we both admired the bundle of joy sleeping in my arms. "I saw him, my first anchor."

A sniffle. Oh no, more tears.

"He looked exactly like I remember him. I was so scared, Best Friend. So scared that I wasn't going to be able to come back to y'all," Now I was crying softly. It was evident with the deep breaths I took. "He said he's so glad I was able to find you. That was my confirmation that he had a hand in their friendship. I love you so much, you know that right?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"Yeah, I know," I whispered in a heavy sigh of relief, my own tears falling for the first time since everything went downhill. I couldn't show emotion in front of Dawson he was an emotional mess, I didn't want Isabel's family to know anything was wrong, so crying was out of the question then too, and I could have broke in front of Jayden when I went home to check on them, but my role as a mother came first. So this, was the first time I was able to let go of my own despair, even if it was over now, thinking about the real possibility I could have lost my best friend for forever, was the most horrific indescribable feeling. The gasp I let go of was ugly, and I wish I could have taken it back, but falling into her shoulder the grief overwhelmed my soul. But at least I knew now, the whole time, Isabel was safe and not alone when she left us. I was relieved about that.

But I wouldn't forget that I was the one holding her son while she was dying. While I laid awake caring for Mateo and praying for Isabel, as much as I said it wasn't for me, it was. She was my better half and without her, I would have been completely and utterly lost.

"When I said I would write you a nice eulogy, I didn't mean I wanted to." Wiping the tears from my eyes with my index finger, I composed myself just as quickly as I was vulnerable.

"Just don't do it again. That was the worst night of my life. But I'm glad you visited him. I hope he gave you enough jokes to get through it."

Two years later...
April 4th, 2026 (I think lol I'll fix it later) ​

"C'mon loves, what do we want for breakfast? Don't stop holding hands please." Opening the door to the cafe, I let the two toddlers roam inside. I was responsible for both Mateo and Isabel this weekend. Isabel and Dawson asked me to watch Mateo since they were both out of town for work and I agreed without question. I took Mateo often, and I adored that he and Isabel were already best friends. Being so close in age they clung to each other It was everything I hoped for, but keeping them entertained was a difficult task on my own, no matter how many times everyone said I made it look easy. Today, we were getting breakfast and then I was taking them to the station because it was a family day. Anything with food games and horse rides was up their alley and going to them as a kid, I knew they would have a car, a bus and a helicopter for them to look at, and I knew Jayden was showing off Liberty, his K9. Shortly after we had Isabel, Jayden decided to become a K9 officer in narcotics. I supported the decision and me wasn't one to say no to a dog. She was a sweet addition to our family and gave me reassurance that if something happened to Jayden on the job, he wouldn't be alone.

In the time it took me to hold the door open for someone behind me the tiny humans ran straight for Lindsey despite the line of people. As a mother, I panicked for a moment, embarrassed that my kids weren't behaving, but like I had to do often out in public, I reminded myself that they were still learning social norms and my expectations were too high.

Apologizing to everyone, I grabbed each of their hands gently.

"Hey, I know we want to see Lindsey but we have to wait our turn," I whispered taking them to the back of the line where everyone said hello to them in the process which made me feel better about the whole thing. "Next time we wait for me, okay?" I said not letting go of either of them. "What do we want?"

"I want cookies for breakfast!" My daughter exclaimed in her innocent baby voice, it melted my heart, every time she spoke But that didn't mean I gave into every time, unlike her father. She knew how to back him in a corner and it was her favorite thing to do. She had been after the cookies I made for the outing all morning.

"No cookies until we eat breakfast first. You know the rules," I whispered cupping her face in my hand and kissing her cheeks, laughing when she erupted into giggles hanging her head back.

Grinning at the woman in front of me, I nodded when she said Isabel looked just like me. "I get that a lot," I replied sweetly. Her long blond hair and green eyes gave her away.

When the woman asked about Mateo, the smile stayed on my face when he clutched my leg, unsure of the woman approaching him.

"That's Mateo!"

"Who is Mateo?"

After Isabel thought about it, she answered carefully. "My best friend!"

"Yes, but what else?" When she looked to me clueless and just smiled, I whispered in her ear. "Can you say, he's my cousin?"

Nodding she complied. "Mateo's my cousin!" By now we reached the front of the line and Lindsey offered the drawing Jayden left for Isabel at his last visit. "What is it?" I asked her curiously, nodding when Mateo picked up an assorted fruit package and handed it to me.

"What else do you want?" I asked, setting Isabel down and picking him up so he could see the options. I knew he was being shy because he was a die-hard momma's boy and was used to her being here.

 

[isax]

Lindsey​

To say I was a little more excited when Amelia and Jayden came into the coffee shop now was an understatement. After getting to meet their new bundle of joy Isabel, I enjoyed their visits just a little more, especially because their daughter tagged along most of the time. It was crazy to think that two years had gone by since then and Isabel was now two years old. Every now and then, I got to see Mateo too and boy did he look just like his dad. I didn't think Amelia's best friend was ready for that but whenever Isabel wasn't with the usual mom and child group, Mateo was usually too shy to speak up much. He was definitely a momma's boy and felt more comfortable with her around.

When both of the toddlers ran up to the front of the counter, I let out a soft laugh, smiling and saying hello to them before I noticed Amelia quickly run over and take them to the back of the line. They were so precious and still learning the social norms so I wasn't going to tolerate anyone saying anything negative about them.

"Hi loves!" I said sweetly with a bright smile as they waved while being dragged back, shaking my head while ringing up the customer, I smiled when she said they were precious. Those two were the true definition of that word so I agreed with her.

when they finally made it to the front, I handed over the drawing Jayden left for his daughter to color while she was here. I thought this was a cute new addition to what the family did here. Jayden and Amelia started out passing notes to each other and now Jayden drew pictures for Isabel to color. I didn't even know Jayden had an artistic side to him until now.

"Good morning. I'll get started on your usual now. What do the critters want today?" I asked Amelia gently while walking away from my spot at the counter and over to the coffee machine so I could start on her usual caramel macchiato.

I figured that she was considering Amelia had Mateo with her alone. That's usually the case when it happens.

"Mateo, do you want something other than fruit?" I asked as I watched him hand it to Amelia. The little boy was quick to shake his head but quickly took his refusal back. "Can I have a bowl of sugar for my strawberries and some chocolate milk?"

I couldn't help but laugh softly at his question and nod.

"Of course you can. Where did you learn to eat your strawberries like that though?" Looking up at Amelia, I handed her her finished coffee before ringing her up at the counter. "What does Little Bel want?" I asked her sweetly.

"I want apple juice please and a bagel. I'm not sure which one mommy usually buys me though." I heard the little girl say behind the counter.

"Coming right up." After getting everything they asked for, I went back to the register and rang Amelia up, only charging her for the coffee and bagel she bought for herself. "How's Jayden and Isabel?" I asked while Mateo and Isabel went to the usual table at the shop and sat down, Mateo eating his fruit while watching his cousin color.