Later that evening, I went to Julia's place but she was not home. I waited in her courtyard for about a few minutes before she came in beaming with smiles. We went into her house after exchanging pleasantries and she put down her bag on the table.
"Okay, now tell me. Why didn't you come in? I thought you have a key to my house "
"Yeah, I know. I just wanted to enjoy the breeze for a moment. So how are you doing and how is this little one " I said pointing to her stomach. She rubbed her hand protectively on it; it hadn't even started showing yet.
"I spoke with Tony this morning and... " She bit her lips "he says he's coming back very soon. He was able to obtain a favor from his captain. Although he says he won't stay for long "
"Well, that's great. The point is for you both to see each other and discuss plans for your baby's future. I'm so happy for you darling " I hugged her tightly.
"And anyways we've fixed the date for our wedding and it's in August " I announced happily.
"Oh dearie!!! Am so happy for you too " Julia hugged me back but then she frowned "Oh my!! I'm supposed to be your maid of honor but I'm due in August "
"Ouch!! Why didn't I think of this earlier. Your mum and mine have even started making plans for the invitation cards. "
We both laughed and chatted for a while longer, knowing fully well that it would be weeks before we saw each other again. I left after making sure that's her and the baby were okay.
****
SIX MONTHS LATER
"Alright Jules. One last time. Push!!! " I shouted but Julia was too exhausted to even breathe.
I wasn't supposed to take the delivery since I was a family member but Julia was really a stubborn freak. She kept on screaming during contractions and insisting that I must take it. The hospital authorities had no choice than to let me do it.
She kept on shouting and throwing blows at me.
"Julia, just once more. Please baby girl " her boyfriend, Tony was right beside her, holding her hand. He insisted on being there for the whole process. My mum, her mum, Jerry and her elder sister, Jolene were in the reception, waiting and praying.
"Jules sweetie. Just one more push and I promise you, you'll be holding your baby in your hands. Don't you want that? " I asked in a mild tone.
"Of course, I want that you fuckshit " she screamed as the next pain hit her. Finally, she pushed with all her might and the baby came out. I carried it up and exclaimed in happiness "It's a boy !!!"
Tony couldn't help himself. He ran out to the reception screaming at the top of his lungs "We have a boy!! A boy!! A boy!! A beautiful boy!! "
Everyone wanted to rush into the ward but we're stopped by the other doctors .
I clamped the umbilical cord and cleaned up both Julia and the baby. I was so proud of myself, because this was my first natural childbirth. Julia didn't want a Cesarean section.
After I got them both cleaned up, I excused myself and went into one of the bathrooms, ignoring calls from her mum and my mum and even Jerry. I believed that the other doctors and midwives there would be able to take care of the other formalities.
Despite the excitement, I was so tired and exhausted.
I washed my hands first.
"Sweetheart, you did a very great job. I'm so proud of you " I turned back and it was Jerry. My heart did a lurch and I smiled at him. He hugged me despite the horrid smell of blood and syringes.
"Congratulations big uncle " I teased him.
He laughed "But seriously. Are all deliveries that difficult? Is that how you're gonna scream when we have our own baby? " Jerry asked with fear.
"Yeah, natural births are difficult and yes I'll scream louder than that " I laughed at the dreadful look on his face ."Babe let me clean up. I'll come join you guys later"
"Alright love" he kissed her on her cheek and left to see his sister and new nephew.
After I had freshened up and had a cup of coffee, I went into the ward to join them. It was already crowded with family members cooing and ooing over the beauty of the baby.
My mum came over to where I stood at the corner in the room. She put a hand on my shoulders and smiled at me "Well-done dear ". I nodded with a genial smile .
"So have you guys decided on a name yet? " I asked directly at Julia.
"Yeah " she replied weakly and looked at Tony. "it's Raymond.
"His name is Raymond Anthony Arnold. "Tony shouted happily.
"We've heard , but if you insist, there is a microphone. "
Jerry said and everyone laughed. I dismissed everyone when Raymond started crying. I explained to Julia about breastfeeding and sat beside her. She was looking at me quietly.
"What?" I asked her.
"I could still be your maid of honor "Julia said with a knowing grin and we both laughed at the absurdity of her statement.
"Seriously after the shouting would you be strong enough .Don't forget that the wedding is in two weeks time " I reminded her.
"Of course. He looks like his dad. I'm jealous" Julia said while looking at her son.
"No, he has your beautiful eyes and brown hair. "I said and she smiled.
She was discharged two days later alongside her son and I was grateful because my mum and hers diverted their overwhelming attention from my wedding to her and the baby. It still didn't change the fact that my wedding was in two weeks
****
/GRRNG /
I groaned in annoyance at that stupid alarm again. I've turned it off twice already. I swear I was going to destroy it one day. It was even given to me as a gift from my brother William.
Damn!! I'm thinking about them again.
I remembered what day it was and I smiled in appreciation. It was my wedding day when I would officially become Mrs Roseline Winters. I would walk down the aisle as I'd always dreamed of...
Only without my dad to hold my hand...
I cried silently wishing that dad was still alive to witness this memorable day in my life. I also felt bad wishing my siblings were here to celebrate with me on this special day, but I reasoned that it was for a specific purpose.
I felt tired. I stayed with Julia and her son throughout the previous day. Raymond was really a troublesome baby and silly Julia doesn't even know how to calm her son down so the responsibilities fell on me, not that I was complaining because I equally loved the boy as if he were my own son.
I also missed Jerry. I hadn't seen him since this week because of some stupid traditions Julia said about the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. The worst part was that our mums agreed with her and succeeded in keeping us apart for a week.
My mind was just whirling with a lot of mixed emotions. And I knew it wasn't a good way to start your wedding day.
I heard a knock on my window.
Wait!! WINDOW ??!!
Who could be knocking on my window when there is a door? I hope it wasn't an alien.
I dragged myself, tying my purple flannel nightrobe tightly at the sides. I opened the door and Jerry jumped in.
"Please babe remind me to slaughter Julia when next I see her. This is abject frustration. Not seeing the love of my life for a whole full week!!!" Jerry said in a rush of breath.
He untied my robe and let his hands roam over my sides.
"Okay hold on darling. You know it's actually forbidden for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. Fine, what do you want? "I asked.
He stopped and pulled away abruptly.
"Come on honey, aren't you happy to see me? "
I was about to reply when s knock sounded - no - pounded -at my door. I knew instantly that it was Julia. I wondered what she was doing here early this morning.
Jerry quickly hid under my bed and I opened the door for her to come in.
"Happy wedding day Rosie. "Julia said and sat on my bed after hugging me. I could tell she was about to give me her boring sisterly speeches.
"You know sweetie. In this life, we're defined not by what we've achieved but by births and deaths, marriages and divorce, dance recitals , high school and college graduations and the cycle that makes a change in someone's life ." She said and then yawned. I stopped myself from chuckling.
"So what's the lesson here? " I asked.
She flushed and smiled "Well, I don't know. Figure it out yourself " She stood up, obviously about to leave.
I laughed happy that she didn't sense Jerry's presence in the room.
"Okay now. Tell me. "She stood with her arms akimbo. "Why does it look like there is someone else here and that reminds me, I told Tony to check on Jerry, but he was not at home . So tell me, anything I should know about? "
I chuckled "For Christ sake. You're not my mother "
Jerry came out from under my bed and charged a finger at his sister "Fuck you Julia "
We freshened up and went to the church where the vows were said and rings were exchanged and Jerry and I were pronounced husband and wife.
It was indeed a memorable day of my life.