Lauren

As soon as Maria – the nurse who helped me through the night when Logan played his little game of hide and seek at the exit before finally making his way out – leaves the room with him, I call Natalie.

“How did everything go?” she asks, her voice filled with concern.

“Not too bad,” I lie. I chose a natural birth. The contractions were brutal, but the real pain was going through it all alone. Still, I won’t let her see that. I need her to see strength, not struggle. That’s what I want her to pass on to Mason. He should know what kind of strength he gave up when he picked someone who falls apart over nothing.

“How’s Logan?”

“They took him to the nursery for observation. His blood sugar is high, and he’s not feeding well.”

“That’s okay. You’ve been through a lot lately. The stress may have caused the hyperglycemia,” she says, comforting me.

“Yeah, probably. Glad it’s nothing serious. After going through labour, I wouldn’t mind getting some rest too.”

“You definitely need to rest.” She pauses, then asks. “So, how bad was the pain?”

“Not as terrible as I thought it’d be.”

“How much does Logan weigh?”

“Six pounds, six ounces.”

“Good job, mama. I’m so proud of you,” she says warmly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come. I called Mason hundred times and texted him, but he was asleep. You know how Bethany’s place is… no proper network. I couldn’t even get through to her.”

“It’s okay, really,” I say, a bit disappointed. “I know you were working, and I get that you would’ve had Mason come immediately if he’d answered the call.”

“Bethany and Mason will be there soon. It’s nice that the hospital is around the corner.”

“I’m glad I have help close by,” I say, a smile forming.

“Do you need anything?” she asks.

“Not right now. I’ll let you know if I do.”

“Had breakfast yet? I can grab something for you,” she presses.

“Don’t worry about it. They provide everything here, and surprisingly, it’s pretty good.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in about half an hour. I’m running a little late. Jaime called in, so they had to send a nurse from an agency. I’ve got to explain everything from scratch.”

“Yeah, see? It’s always harder when it’s not Jaime. Still, you give her a hard time,” I point out.

“That’s not the only reason I’m late,” she says, trying not to agree. “Brian fell again. And of course, ten minutes before the end of my shift.”

“Oh no... Brian again? Renee is going to be upset with you now.”

“What can I do? He’s a high risk for falls. I can’t tie him to the bed. We do everything we can to prevent it. The bed alarm went off, but by the time Trey got in, he was already on the floor.”

“Shoot. But Renee won’t get it,” I emphasize.

“If she’s so concerned, why doesn’t she take her husband home and care for him?” she snaps.

“The problem is, she can’t handle him but still expects others to take on what’s beyond our control. Some people are just terrible. Don’t worry, though. You did all you could. He can fall at any time.”

“Not really,” she cuts in gently. “Renee’s always here with him during the day. That’s why he doesn’t fall then. But unfortunately, we can’t stay in his room all night.” She sighs, then adds, “I’m not worried about Renee or Brian. I’m more worried about you being by yourself when you need me the most. I’m sorry, I’ll be there as fast as possible.”

“Take your time, Nat. I’m perfectly okay,” I once again assure her.

After I finish the call, I put the phone on the bedside table and sit up, ready to head to the washroom. But as I start to move, there’s a knock, and Maria steps in. She’s about my height, not very tall, with dark, straight hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Her warm brown skin and amber eyes complement each other, and even if she doesn’t stand out at first glance, her kind nature and strong personality make her easy to approach and instantly likable. She’s usually gone by now but today staying a couple of extra hours since they’re short-staffed.

“What are you doing?” she asks, her tone firm but caring.

“I need to clean up.”

“You had a baby less than an hour ago, dear. You could feel dizzy and fall,” she says with concern.

I hang my foot off the bed. “I have visitors coming over.”

“Your visitors will understand.”

“I’m perfectly fine. Watch...,” I say, giving a little show by moving my legs up and down.

She steps closer and helps me get into my slippers. “I’ll come with you,” she says.

I understand her intentions are kind, but I can’t help feeling frustrated. I try to keep it together, but my irritation slips through in my voice. “Don’t worry, Maria. I’m a nurse too. I’ll ring if I need anything. After all, I’ve got to take care of myself and the baby on my own. This is only the beginning.”

She hesitates for a moment before stepping back. “Okay, but don’t overdo it, and call me if you need anything.”

As she reluctantly leaves, I head to the washroom with my favourite dress and makeup kit.