The drive to the hospital was such a torturous one as Debby grabbed his face most of the time as he was seated by her right side pushing and pinching him whilst he offered her consolation and comfort. "It won't be long my love, we would soon be in the hospital". He often said to ease her mind off the constant contractions. "I don't care! I just want to get over this!" She responded with a scream pinching his thighs. "Just keep up with the breathing exercises. In and out" he practiced with her as she looked at him again with a frown which silenced him but not for long.
Her mother on the other hand was at her left hand side,rubbing her waist and praying. Patrick drove like a crazy maniac as Debby repeatedly told him to speed up every time she felt a contraction near.
Mayfield specialist was a standard high budget maternity hospital for the elites. Located on the island with its 4 storey building structure, it stood proud as they offer impeccable medical services that you can get outside the country and even the continent of Africa as a whole.
Adebola discovered this hospital from a friend when Debby refused to travel to London. It was earlier agreed that she would have the baby at the place where he was born but she declined the offer at a very crucial time when it would become difficult to procure a visa. The reason she gave for refusing to travel was because she wanted all her loved ones present as they would be unable to travel to visit her and the baby. It sounded sweet but annoying to Adebola who couldn't complain as she was very irrational in her thinking. Pregnancy made Debby nag alot but he found it hilarious often, but now, it was not fun.
Driving into the emergency marked park of the hospital, a wheelchair and a stretcher was presented depending on the severity of the condition present. They took the wheelchair and Debby screamed, citing that she wanted the stretcher. Having laid on the stretcher for a second, she got down and walked herself into the emergency marked room entrance using neither of the provided aid. The sweats beaming down from Adebola's head was not resolving because he could not dab it, as he was dragged by his mother in-law into the ward.
"I have only one child because I couldn't handle more. Childbirth is not a joke. Ade, let's go in with her for moral support" she said holding his arms. Getting closer to the labour room, Adebola removed his hands from hers gently as fear was registered all over his face.
"Ma, am sorry but I can't stand the sound of her screaming" he objected respectfully. "That is what labour entails, they all say. Its not that bad." Mrs Olatunji responded as a nurse gave them scrub garments to wear before entering the room.
Adebola was told that Debby was 10cm dilated and ready to have the baby as soon as they walked in. He wondered what that meant, as he thought of asking questions. However, he swallowed up his words when Debby commanded him to come closer to her and hold her hands, which he obliged."You can do this baby" he said looking away afraid, that she might slap him as she looked wild and furious. " The pain is too much and I don't want to die" Debby said amidst fresh tears pouring down from her face.
"I am so sorry for the pain, but hey you are not going to die. You are just scared and that is okay. It's okay to be scared, besides am scared too and it alright. But you are strong. You are so brave that I envy you." Adebola said lovingly into the eyes of Debby his Queen. This girl was about to birth his child and he was enthralled by her awesomeness.
"When I give my thumbs up Ma'am, I need you to push." The doctor said.
"Huh" Debby replied still sobbing. "I mean, take a deep breath in and release out with all your energy." The doctor explained.
"I can't. I can't... I want to poo. I want to go to the toilet" Debby cried out squeezing her mother's hand tightly.
"It's okay ma'am. That's good. Its alright to empty your bowels. Infact I need you to do it right now. I have put out something here for you. You can do your business now and I will clean you up. On the count of three, you can go" the doctor encouraged and was rewarded with a nod from Debby.
It was just ten minutes but it was the longest of Adebola's life as he was rewarded with a shrill voice and the doctor said "Congratulations!! You have a daughter ma'am. Congratulations sir, you did good sir."