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  “Bunny, are you okay?”

  Debbie turned and gave a slight smile. “Yes, thanks for your love and understanding.”

  Micky leaned forward to kiss her—

  “Dee… bee, Guiney, be… hung… gree.” Gini walked out of the bedroom.

  Debbie turned toward the door and stood up to quickly go to her. Micky slid her hand down from Debbie’s back to her arm. Debbie turned, looked at her, and smiled. Micky grabbed Debbie’s hand momentarily, and then Debbie went to help Gini.

  On July eighth, Debbie was having a hard time getting Gini out of bed. She eventually took their breakfast in the bedroom and fed her. About eleven, she called Linda and told her Gini was very lethargic.

  “Bring her in,” Dr. Nelson said. “I’ll let Robert know you’re coming.”

  After the exam, Linda decided that Gini should be admitted, and the caesarian surgery was scheduled for nine the next morning. Linda’s concern was that Gini’s blood sugar was low and she was so uncomfortably large, with puffy feet and hands.

  “I think it’s time,” she said to Robert. “No reason to take any risks. The baby is small, but she’s fully developed.”

  All day, Debbie had had a burning feeling in her stomach. She knew it was anxiety for Gini. No matter how hard she tried to tell herself everything was going to be okay, she had a feeling something was wrong.

  She and Micky had already set a date for that night. Robert insisted Debbie go. There was nothing she could do at home or the hospital. Robert would be constantly at Gini’s side. “So, go,” he said. “Go have a good time.”

  The minute Micky saw Debbie, she said, “What’s wrong?”

  Debbie forced a smile. “Nothing. Well, they have admitted Gini for surgery tomorrow to deliver the baby.”

  “Why? It’s not time.”

  “Just a precaution. Gini’s blood sugar is low, and they don’t want her to go into labor.”

  “Oh, bunny, you look tired.” Micky put the back of her hand on Debbie’s forehead. “You’re not sick, are you?”

  “No… Just a gnawing in the pit of my stomach. I’m worried about Gini, that’s all.”

  Micky laughed, trying to lighten the moment. “You’re like an old Mother Hubbard. Gini’s like your child.”

  “I know.” She looked at Micky. “She is my daughter.”

  “That makes you a grandma to Jessica.”

  “Oh, Lordy, I’m too young to be a grandmother. Aren’t I?”

  They both laughed, and Micky cupped Debbie’s head in her hands and kissed her. “Stop worrying.”

  At dinner, Debbie just pushed the food around her plate, not eating much. All she could think about was Gini having surgery the next morning. She would have to go under anesthesia, a real risk for brain trauma patients, and they would be cutting on her, another risk for infection.

  She finally pushed her plate away, only about a fourth eaten.

  “That’s it,” Micky said. “I’m taking you to my place for the night. You are scaring me with your worry.”

  “No, I’m okay. I want to get up early and go to the hospital. I’m standing in for the surgery.”

  “You can go to the hospital from my place or I can stay in the condo.”

  “Thanks, Micky, but really, I just want to be alone tonight and sleep.”

  Micky walked her to the front door of the condo building, and they kissed. “Call me if you need anything,” Micky said. “It’s not too late; I can stay the night.”

  Debbie reached over and kissed her again. “I’m fine, really. I need to get the baby bag ready, and I just need to get good rest.” She gave a glaring look at Micky and smiled.

  “Okay,” Micky said, reluctant to let her go. “Grandma.”

  “Oh, no, no, no. Way too young to be a granny.” Their hands slipped apart, and Debbie went inside.

  The next morning, Lisa walked into Gini’s room. Robert was standing next to the bed, adjusting all the wires to the vitals’ monitors.

  “Lee… see,” Gini said, her eyes closed.

  Robert looked up and said, “Hey, Lisa.”

  “Dr. Young, how is it going this morning?”

  “Be… uff, goo,” Gini said.

  “How do you tell it’s me if your eyes are closed?” Lisa took Gini’s hand in hers.

  “Smeel, lie… luck.”

  “Not fair using smell.” She leaned down and kissed Gini on the cheek.

  “Bay… be, jess… eeca, be… uff, bore.”

  “I know, isn’t it exciting? You will be holding her in your arms soon. I love being a mother, and so will you,” Lisa said. “Is Debbie in yet?”

  The pesky small section of Lisa’s fine strawberry blonde hair on top of her head slipped out of the hairclip and fell slowly over her eyebrow. She kept blowing puffs of air to keep it out of her eyes.

  “Are you kidding?” Robert said, putting Gini’s chart back on the hook. “She’s down in surgery making sure everything is in place.”

  “Of course she is!” Lisa exclaimed. “She is so ridiculously thorough.”

  Gini giggled. “Be… uff, goo, noorse.”

  “The best.” Lisa rubbed on Gini’s hand. “She’ll be running the show down there.”

  “I’m sure of it,” Robert said.

  “Okay.” Linda walked into the room. “Are we ready for this baby or what?”

  “Bay… be,” Gini said, raising her voice at the end.

  Robert felt better seeing how chipper Gini was. The IV with glucose overnight had worked wonders.

  “Little Jessica, it’s time,” Linda announced.

  “Teem.” Gini smiled.

  Robert put his face close to hers. “Are you ready to be a mommy?”

  “Oh, yes, Guiney, be, ma… ma, Rob… ber, be, dad… dee.”

  On the way to surgery, Gini thought about the name. Jessica Elizabeth Young. Her mind started swirling. What was her name before she was married? Virginia what? Who were her mother and father?

  The calming meds were starting to work, and Gini was having a hard time thinking straight. Why couldn’t she remember her name before she got married? Then the name Elizabeth kept running through her mind. Who was Elizabeth? “Your mother,” a little voice explained.

  “What shall we have as Jessica’s middle name?” Robert had asked months earlier.

  “Rob… ber.” She grinned, opening her eyes wide.

  “Robert’s a boy’s name. We need a girlie name, how about Jessica Virginia Young?”

  “No, er… Guiney, be… uff, my, name. Be… uff, con… fuse.”

  “Okay, how about Elizabeth, your middle name.”

  Gini thought for a long time. Her middle name was Elizabeth?

  “And according to your birth certificate, that was your mother’s name.”

  Mother… Gini could hear the clicking of the gurney’s wheels. I have a mother?

  “There’s my baby,” Debbie said through her mask.

  Gini moved a little and slurred out, “Deeee—”

  “Sleep, baby, this will be over soon.” Debbie reached up under her ribs and pinched herself.

  “Debbie, what is it?” Robert asked.

  She gave a small laugh. “I’ve got my belly all in knots over this surgery. Let’s just do it.”

  Lisa was surprised when she walked into the waiting room and saw Micky.

  “Lisa, how is Gini?” Micky rushed toward her.

  “They just went down to surgery.”

  “And Debbie, where is she? She was so worried last night. I’m concerned about her.”

  Lisa didn’t know how she felt about Micky. Every time Micky and Debbie were close to each other, a huge feeling of jealousy rolled over Lisa. Then she wanted to tell Micky to go away. The jealousy was not appropriate, and she knew it. She was totally committed to Lenny, but her fear that Micky would hurt Debbie emotionally was real. She would never forget the humiliation she felt when Curtis canceled their wedding the night before the ceremony. She didn’t want Debbie to ever
go through that pain. She had already felt some of that when Micky showed up at Debbie’s door with another woman.

  But today Lisa could see the genuine worry on Micky’s face.

  “Come with me,” Lisa said.

  Micky followed her around the corner to a table with coffee, tea, juices, and pastries.

  The two women got a drink, and Lisa grabbed a powdered sugar donut and went back to the waiting room.

  Both ladies grabbed magazines and started reading. The fine section of Lisa’s light red hair worked its way out of the hairclip and fell to her nose bridge. Lisa took the clip and pulled the hair back up to be pinched inside the clip. Almost immediately, the clip slid back down, and the section prepared for its next escape.

  “Lisa,” Vicky called out, walking into the waiting room carrying a frilly pink gift bag with a fancy bow. “Do you know how it’s going?”

  “No, haven’t heard.”

  More and more people gathered, nurses from the ICU and the unit area, all there to hear of the birth. Everyone introduced themselves.

  The surgery was a success. Linda pulled the tiny infant from Gini’s body. Robert clipped and cut the cord. Debbie held the small baby in a loose blanket while another nurse siphoned the mucus out of Jessica’s nose and mouth.

  The baby made a loud cry, and Gini jumped at the sound. Robert was holding her hand and saw the reaction. Both his girls were okay.

  Around ten-thirty, Debbie walked into the waiting room still wearing her surgery cap. “It’s a girl,” she announced.

  “How is everyone doing?” Vicky was the first to ask.

  “So far, so good. Jessica is small but not having any problems. Gini came through it like a trouper. She’s in recovery but waking up and has answered all of Robert’s questions.”

  All the ladies in the room hugged each other. When Micky took Debbie in her arms, Debbie let out a long huff of air.

  “I told you to stop worrying,” Micky said. “Gini’s a strong woman. She’ll be fine.”

  “I know,” Debbie said, wanting to believe it, but she still had that awful feeling in her gut; something wasn’t right.

  Lisa walked up behind Debbie and slightly rubbed on her back. Debbie pulled out of the hug with Micky and turned around.

  “Can you believe Jessica is finally here?” Lisa asked.

  The two embraced. Still standing close to each other, Debbie took the swath of red hair from Lisa’s forehead and with her fingers weaved it back into Lisa’s tresses. “I know, it’s very exciting. She’s cute, Lisa. I think she favors Robert, but it’s too early to tell.”

  Micky, standing behind, slipped her hand into Debbie’s. “Babies, all the babies!” Micky exclaimed.

  Debbie stepped back next to Micky. A pain jabbed in her stomach. Debbie tried her hardest to not show the discomfort, but Lisa immediately saw the reaction.

  “Debs, what is it?”

  Debbie shook it off. “Nothing, probably just hunger pangs.”

  “Then let’s go get something to eat,” Micky said, pulling on Debbie’s hand.

  Vicky walked up to the group, and the conversation broadened. Lisa watched as Debbie stood closer to Micky. It should be me taking care of Debbie, she thought. Micky is going to hurt her, I just know it. Not wanting to watch any further, Lisa left.

  After lunch, Debbie and Micky walked to Gini’s room. When they walked in, Robert was sitting on the bed talking to Gini.

  “How’s it going?” Debbie asked.

  “Everything’s right on schedule,” Robert said.

  “Robert, you remember Micky.”

  “Yes, it’s good to see you again.” He stood and shook her hand.

  “How’s my baby?” Debbie took Gini’s hand and held it close to her body.

  “Dee… bee, no, be… uff, goo.”

  “What, you’re not feeling well?” Debbie looked at Robert.

  “Guiney, be… uff, goo. Dee… bee, no, be… uff, goo.”

  “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” Debbie leaned down and kissed Gini on the forehead.

  “Jess…eeca, bress… uff, mill.”

  “Really?” Debbie smiled and looked at Robert.

  “Yep,” he said, “both sides.”

  “Oh, Gini, that’s wonderful.”

  The door opened, and a nurse walked in carrying a pink bundle. Robert immediately went to her and took Jessica.

  “Debbie, she’s perfect in every way. She has ten fingers and ten toes. I know because I counted them.”

  Debbie could see the pride flowing out of him. She smiled at his giddiness.

  He took Jessica to the other side of the bed and gently put her in Debbie’s arms.

  Debbie had a sudden warm feeling inside of her and tears collected in her eyes. Micky saw the emotion pouring out of her. She put her hands on both of Debbie’s arms. “She’s beautiful, bunny, just beautiful.”

  Jessica was fair-skinned with a small amount of fine, light brown hair. She moved her tiny, well-defined lips in and out in a sucking motion, and her cute button nose sat perfectly on her sweet face.

  Robert sat back with Gini and watched the intimate gestures of the two women. He had seen Debbie and Lisa together when they all worked at the hospital, and he knew they were a couple. But neither showed any affection while on duty, and he rarely saw them outside of work. But there was no holding back with Micky. She cupped Debbie’s face in her hands and wiped Debbie’s tears with her thumbs. A very touching moment.

  Jessica let out a big cry.

  “Hey, little girl, don’t cry,” Debbie said, gently rubbing her finger on Jessica’s cheek.

  Gini opened her eyes wide at the cry and turned to look at the baby. Jessica’s cry went to a whimper.

  “Mama, I think she’s hungry,” Debbie said.

  “Oh, yes…”

  Debbie took Jessica to Gini, and Robert placed pillows so Gini could cradle the baby, and then he helped get Jessica comfortable on Gini’s breast.

  Gini stretched out her fingers on her other hand and placed it on Jessica’s head and then leaned down and kissed her forehead.

  Again, the emotion bubbled up in Debbie. Micky put her arm around her and gave a big squeeze. Her friend had a really good life. Micky wanted to be a part of such happiness and love—to have family, something she’d never felt in her life. She loved Debbie and was going to try her best not to screw it up this time.

  A jabbing pain went through Debbie’s abdomen. She tried not to react; Gini turned to Debbie and opened her eyes and looked at her.

  “I’m so proud of you, baby,” Debbie forced the words. “So happy for and proud of your family.” Debbie looked at Robert. She was blessed to be a part of this wonderful day.

  After Robert gently rubbed on Jessica’s back for a burp, she fed off Gini’s other side.

  “Oh, look at the time,” Micky said. “Bunny, I’ve got to get going; I have classes.”

  “I’ll walk you out.”

  “Gini, you have a sweet little girl. Dr. Young, congratulations.”

  “Thanks.”

  Debbie walked down the hall a ways, and then the two women embraced and then kissed.

  “Deb, you’re tired. Go home and get some rest. Gini looks like she’s doing very well. She doesn’t need you. What time did you get up this morning?”

  Debbie gave a small laugh. “I didn’t really sleep much. I got here around five-thirty. I am tired. Isn’t Gini beautiful? I…” The pain grabbed again.

  Micky kissed her on the forehead, not seeing the agony in Debbie’s eyes.

  “Rest!”

  “I will,” Debbie said in almost a whisper.

  Micky hugged her one more time and then walked down the hall.

  The pain was taking Debbie’s breath away. She walked to the small seating area almost doubled over.

  After a few minutes, an older lady sat next to her. “Are you okay?”

  Debbie forced a smile. “Just a little indigestion.”

  “I’m waiting
to see my new grandson.” The woman sat straighter, obviously excited. “I’ve seen them taking a baby in pink into Mrs. Young’s room. Is Mrs. Young your daughter?”

  Debbie slightly shook her head. “No, but like one.”

  “Babies bring so much happiness into the world.”

  “Yes, they do.” The pain had subsided, and Debbie got up to go back to Gini. “Have fun with your precious grandson.”

  When she went into the room, Robert was half lying on the bed with his arm around Gini, still nursing. Debbie stood at the door. It was so wonderful to see everyone so happy, so in love. They were going to make great parents.

  A nurse walked in, and Robert took Jessica to his shoulder. The nurse helped Gini button up her top. “Are you up for a shower?” she asked Gini.

  “Oh… yes…”

  Gini gingerly got up off the bed, and as they walked past Robert, Jessica let out a loud burp. Gini giggled, and Robert chuckled. “I think she’s satisfied.”

  “I think so,” the nurse said.

  “Robert.” Debbie walked farther into the room. “I think I’m going to go home and get some rest. Looks like Gini doesn’t need me right now.”

  “Okay, good.”

  She stood close to him and ran her finger over Jessica’s eyebrow. “So perfect.” She looked at him. “She looks like you.”

  “Oh gosh, I hope not. She looks like her beautiful mama.”

  Chapter 8—Coch

  Debbie went straight to bed when she got to Boston. After a few hours of sleep, she fixed herself something to eat. It was a little after six. The food seemed somewhat good, but she still had the heavy feeling of exhaustion. She talked to both Micky and Robert, telling them she was going to take the night off and just rest.

  Robert stayed with Gini and the baby until nine when Vicky and John visited. Vicky immediately recognized how tired Robert looked and insisted he go home for a good night’s sleep. She wanted to stay with Gini for a while and would help her with the nursing. Robert didn’t put up much argument. He and Debbie had been up very early that morning, and they both needed to take care of themselves.