~ROME~
“And so you left?” Neo inquired, his gaze fixed on Rome.
“Well… it wasn’t my intention to leave, but I felt like I needed to give her space,” Rome explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
“Fuck!! You’re dull. She didn’t need space; she needed an explanation,” Neo retorted, his frustration evident as he glanced at Rome.
Rome looked at him for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh.
“She must think I don’t love her anymore,” Rome confessed, his voice filled with regret, and Neo nodded in understanding.
“I get that Georgia was your first love, but she’s gone now. You have a new woman who truly loves you to death,” Neo pointed out, trying to reason with his friend.
“And she’s pregnant, man. You know you’re stressing her out, right?” Neo continued, concern etched in his features, and Rome nodded solemnly.
“I was… Georgia just came to mind that day, and I realized I haven’t been in that room for almost a year now. I went there to see her things for the last time because I was planning on renovating the room. Maybe I would give her clothes to her mother,” Rome finally explained, his words filled with a mixture of sadness and nostalgia.
“Maybe you should tell this to Phoenix,” Neo suggested, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.
“Thanks, and I sent Camilla to see her, though,” Rome added, grateful for Neo’s support and advice.
“I miss her already,” Rome confessed, a wistful smile playing on his lips.
“Such a lover boy,” Neo teased, eliciting a chuckle from Rome.
“You want to tell me that you don’t miss Beatrix right now?” Rome asked, curiosity lacing his tone.
“Well… technically,” Neo began, his expression playful, causing Rome to laugh even more.
“Technically,” Rome echoed, amused by Neo’s response.
“Of course, I miss her, who wouldn’t?” Neo admitted, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
“Are you two dating now?” Rome inquired, his interest piqued.
“Nope, we’re just taking it slow and steady for now,” Neo replied casually.
“You’re not one to be taking things slow and steady. I think this girl really got some effects on you,” Rome observed, a hint of teasing in his voice, prompting Neo to chuckle in agreement.
“Well, she really did,” Neo confessed, his tone reflecting a mixture of surprise and contentment.
“So… what’s…” Rome’s sentence was abruptly cut short by the ringing of his phone.
He retrieved his phone from his pocket and glanced at the caller ID, sighing when he saw it was Camilla.
He showed his phone to Neo, who chuckled knowingly.
“She’s about to scream at me about what happened,” Rome predicted, a resigned smile tugging at his lips.
“So, are you going to answer the call?” Neo asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.
“And hear all her screams?” Rome replied with a shake of his head.
“No,” he added firmly, sliding his phone back into his pocket before turning his attention back to Neo.
“What’s up with the…” Once again, Rome was interrupted by the persistent ringing of his phone, prompting him to roll his eyes in frustration.
Rome remarked with a chuckle, “She’s the worst sister you could ever ask for,” prompting Neo to burst into laughter.
“Why not put your phone on Do Not Disturb?” Neo suggested, offering a simple solution to Rome’s incessant phone calls.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Rome agreed, reaching for his phone and navigating to the settings to activate the Do Not Disturb mode.
As Rome and Neo continued their conversation over a few drinks, the hours passed by quickly. Laughter filled the air as they reminisced about old times and shared anecdotes.
Eventually, Rome decided it was time to head home. The streets were quiet as he made his way back, the city lights casting a soft glow on the pavement.
Upon arriving home, Rome noticed the serene quietness of the house, indicating that Phoenix was likely already asleep. He made his way to the kitchen, the familiar creak of the floorboards echoing in the silence, and poured himself a glass of water before heading towards Phoenix’s room.
Standing in front of her door, he hesitated for a moment before pushing it open slightly. The room was dimly lit by a bedside lamp, casting long shadows across the floor.
To his surprise, Phoenix wasn’t in her room. Frowning, he checked the bathroom, but she wasn’t there either.
Where could she be?
In a bid to find her, he searched the entire house, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridors. He even checked areas he rarely ventured into, like the attic and the basement. Yet, she was nowhere to be found.
Exhausted and worried, Rome sighed deeply before retrieving his phone from his pocket. His heart skipped a beat when he saw numerous missed calls from Camilla.
Camilla would never call him this much on a normal day. Something wasn’t right, and Rome’s concern grew with each unanswered call.
He quickly dialed Camilla’s number, the phone ringing in his ear with each passing second. On the first attempt, she didn’t pick up, but his heart leaped when she finally answered on the second try.
“Is this how angry you are, you Dickhead?” Camilla’s voice came through immediately, cutting through the tension.
“Wait, what happened? Where is Phoenix?” Rome’s voice trembled with fear, his mind racing with all sorts of dreadful possibilities.
“You couldn’t answer the damn phone, Phoenix is in there struggling for her life, while you enjoy yourself, huh?” Camilla’s words hit him like a punch to the gut, sending a wave of guilt crashing over him.
“What… what is happening, Camilla?” Rome’s impatience grew, his voice strained with worry.
“Three hours ago, Phoenix went into labor, and you were not there,” Camilla’s voice cracked with emotion, her frustration palpable even through the phone.
Rome’s eyes widened in horror, his breath catching in his throat. Without another word, he bolted outside to his car and jumped in, his hands trembling as he started the engine.
He drove like a madman, his mind consumed with self-reproach. How could he be so stupid? Why did he leave the house in the first place? Why didn’t he just apologize? And why didn’t he answer Camilla’s calls?
“Shit!” he cursed, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel, his mind filled with regret and worry.
Rome sprinted into the hospital, his heart racing with fear and anxiety. He had been so caught up in his own guilt and regret that he had almost missed the birth of his child.
As he entered the hospital, he saw Camilla pacing outside the maternity ward, her expression a mix of anger and worry. Rome knew he was in trouble.
“Camilla, what’s going on?” Rome asked, his voice laced with concern.
“Phoenix is in labor, and she’s struggling,” Camilla replied, her voice firm but trembling. “She’s been calling for you, Rome. She needs you.”
Rome’s heart sank. He had let Phoenix down, and now she was suffering because of it.
“I’m so sorry, Camilla. I was such an idiot. I should have been here for her,” Rome pleaded, his voice choked with emotion.
Camilla’s expression softened slightly, but her eyes still held a hint of anger. “You need to get in there, Rome. She needs you now more than ever.”
Rome nodded, his heart heavy with regret. He pushed open the door to Phoenix’s room, and his heart broke at the sight before him.
Phoenix lay on the bed, her face pale and exhausted. She was struggling to push, her body trembling with effort. Rome could see the fear and pain in her eyes, and his heart went out to her.
He immediately went to her side, taking her hands in his. “Phoenix, I’m so sorry. I was such an idiot. I should have been here for you,” he pleaded, his voice choked with emotion.
Phoenix didn’t respond, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she panted and pushed. Rome could see the exhaustion and fear in her eyes, and his heart broke. He knew he had let her down, and he was determined to make it right.
As the doctor and nurses worked to help Phoenix, Rome held her hands, his eyes fixed on hers. He could see the tears streaming down her face, and his heart went out to her. He knew she was scared, and he was determined to be there for her.
Phoenix’s face was pale and sweaty, her eyes sunken with exhaustion. She was breathing rapidly, her chest heaving with each pant. Rome could see the pain and fear in her eyes, and it tore at his heart.
“Phoenix, you’re doing great. Just a little longer,” the doctor encouraged, but Phoenix just shook her head.
“I can’t, Rome. I’m so tired. I can’t do this anymore,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Rome felt a surge of worry and helplessness. He didn’t know how to make it better for her. He held her hands, trying to offer some comfort, but she just pulled away.
“Don’t touch me! Just leave me alone!” she shouted, her body tensing up in pain.
Rome felt a stinging sensation in his eyes as tears began to form. He had never seen Phoenix like this before, and it broke his heart. He didn’t know how to help her, and it was killing him.
As the doctor and nurses worked to help Phoenix, Rome stood back, feeling useless and helpless. He watched as they administered medication and fluids, trying to ease her pain and exhaustion. But Phoenix just lay there, her body trembling with each contraction, her eyes fixed on some point in the distance.
Rome knew she was struggling, and he felt like he was failing her. He should have been there for her from the start, supporting her and helping her through this. But now, all he could do was stand by and watch as she suffered.
Rome returned to Phoenix’s side, his heart heavy with worry and regret. As soon as she saw him, she burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs.
“Rome, I can’t do this! I can’t bear this pain! I’ll never have another child again! I’ll be a nun from now on!” she vowed, her voice trembling with conviction.
Rome’s heart went out to her. He knew she was suffering, and he didn’t blame her for feeling that way. He took her hands in his, his eyes filled with tears.
“Phoenix, please… just a little longer. Our baby is almost here. Please don’t give up,” Rome pleaded, his voice choked with emotion.
But Phoenix was beyond consolation. She shook her head, her eyes wild with despair.
“No, Rome! No more! I can’t take this! I’ll never survive this!” she screamed, her body arching off the bed in agony.
Rome was beside himself. He had never seen Phoenix like this before, and it was tearing him apart. He held her hands, his eyes fixed on hers, as she continued to sob and scream.
“Phoenix, please… I’m here for you. I’ll get through this with you. We’ll get through this together,” Rome begged, his voice hoarse with emotion.
But Phoenix just shook her head, her eyes filled with a deep despair. Rome knew she was at her breaking point, and he didn’t know how to reach her. All he could do was hold her hands and pray that she would find the strength to keep going.
“Don’t you want to see our baby? Do you remember how we said we would play with him all day and not go anywhere at all?” Rome asked, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and desperation as he looked at Phoenix, gently touching her sweaty cheeks.
“Do-don’t touch me,” Phoenix managed to say between cries of pain, her agony evident.
Rome felt his heart breaking into pieces at the sight of her suffering. He turned to the doctor, expecting to see Doctor Phil, but instead, it was Doctor Jeff. He didn’t have a chance to question why Doctor Jeff was here instead.
“Can she do it?” Rome asked, his voice filled with worry, his eyes pleading for reassurance.
“She can if she wants to push,” Doctor Jeff replied calmly, his confidence unwavering.
Rome turned back to Phoenix, who looked utterly worn out from the ordeal.
“Baby,” he called softly, leaning in to kiss her cheeks.
“I love you,” he whispered, his gaze filled with love and concern as he held her hands in his, pressing gentle kisses onto them.
“We are just one step away. I know it’s not easy to push a baby out, but please, please. Just try,” Rome pleaded, his voice trembling with emotion, willing her to find the strength to bring their baby into the world.
As the intensity of labor reached its peak, Phoenix’s screams echoed through the delivery room, a symphony of pain and determination. Her voice reverberated off the walls, each cry a testament to her strength and courage.
Rome stood by her side, his heart aching with every agonizing moment. He gently wiped the sweat from her brow, offering words of encouragement amidst the chaos.
“Just one more push, my love,” Rome whispered, his voice filled with unwavering support. “You can do this. Our baby is almost here.”
Phoenix’s breaths came in ragged gasps as she summoned every ounce of strength within her. With a primal roar, she pushed with all her might, her body trembling with exertion.
The doctor’s voice cut through the tumult, a beacon of hope amidst the storm. “The baby’s almost out,” he announced, his words igniting a spark of determination within Phoenix. All Phoenix could feel, was the fact that Her vagina felt like it was tearing apart.
With renewed resolve, Phoenix pushed with all her remaining strength, her cries mingling with the sounds of the medical team’s encouragement.
And then, in a miraculous moment of triumph, the room filled with the sound of a newborn’s cry.
Rome looked at Phoenix before smiling. He kissed her on her lips slowly before whispering.
” You did it” she smiled weakly. Feeling so exhausted all over.
As soon as the baby’s cry filled the room, the medical team sprang into action. They quickly cut the umbilical cord and wrapped the baby in a warm blanket. Rome’s heart swelled with pride and joy as he gazed at his newborn child.
After a few moments, a nurse brought the baby over to Phoenix and Rome, placing the tiny bundle in Phoenix’s arms. Phoenix’s eyes lit up with a weak smile as she gazed at their child, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. As the nurse gently positioned the baby closer to Phoenix’s breast, a wave of realization washed over her. Instinctively, she understood what needed to be done. The baby needed to be fed, and she was the source of nourishment.
With a mixture of awe and trepidation, Phoenix experienced a sensation like no other. The feeling of a tiny life latching onto her breast, eagerly seeking sustenance, filled her with wonder and amazement. This was motherhood in its purest form-a bond forged through the intimate act of feeding her newborn.
In that moment, as she cradled her baby close, Phoenix felt a surge of love and responsibility unlike anything she had ever known. It was a profound realization that she was now not only the protector but also the provider for this precious little being who depended on her for everything.
As the baby suckled hungrily, Phoenix marveled at the miracle of life, grateful for the opportunity to nourish and care for her child in this most primal and beautiful way. It was a moment she would cherish forever-a symbol of the profound connection between mother and baby.
Rome leaned in, his eyes shining with tears, and gently kissed Phoenix’s forehead. “You did it, my love. You’re a mother,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
” He looks exactly as you” Phoenix murmured her eyes met Rome’s, and they shared a tender moment, their love and gratitude for each other and their newborn child palpable in the air.
The nurse gently helped Phoenix adjust her position, and Rome supported her as she held their baby close. They gazed at their child in wonder, taking in the tiny features, the soft skin, and the delicate fingers and toes.
As they held their baby close, the medical team continued to monitor Phoenix’s condition, ensuring she was stable and recovering well from the birth. Rome and Phoenix were lost in their own little world, basking in the joy and wonder of their newborn child.
Camilla stepped inside to greet Phoenix before she finally drifted off to sleep.
“He looks nothing like you; rather, he looks like me,” Camilla teased Rome, who chuckled before casting a loving gaze at his son.
“He would be damn ugly if he looks like you,” Rome quipped, earning an eye roll from Camilla.
Turning his attention to Phoenix, who was sleeping soundly, Rome gently placed their son in the crib before making his way to meet with Doctor Jeff.
“Good morning, sir,” Doctor Jeff greeted with a warm smile as Rome entered the room.
“Good morning, Doctor,” Rome replied, returning the smile.
“Thanks for earlier, but I was meaning to ask,” Rome began, his curiosity piqued.
“I thought Doctor Phil was going to be the one here?” Rome inquired, looking at Doctor Jeff for clarification.
“Yeah, but you know Phoenix came earlier than usual, and Doctor Phil isn’t in the hospital at this period,” Doctor Jeff explained, understanding Rome’s concern.
Rome had told Doctor phil that he needed to be at the hospital at the period because Phoenix was going to be due any moment from now.
He looked at Doctor Jeff before nodding in understanding, appreciating the explanation. With a sense of relief, he knew that Phoenix and their newborn were in good hands under Doctor Jeff’s care.
~~
“I’ll go get some things for them. Make sure you keep an eye on them,” Rome instructed Camilla, his tone filled with concern and determination.
Camilla nodded in agreement.
“And when you’re coming back, please get some ice cream,” Camilla added with a playful grin.
“Maybe,” Rome replied, chuckling at her request.
“Fuck you,” Camilla murmured teasingly, the playful banter between them bringing a moment of levity amidst the tension.
~~
“He just left,” Doctor Jeff whispered into the phone, his voice low and cautious.
“Well, I know I saw it,” the person on the other end of the line replied, their tone tinged with urgency.
“Now, first the target,” she instructed him, her voice firm and decisive.
Doctor Jeff nodded in acknowledgment, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. With a sense of purpose, he prepared to carry out their plan, knowing that the stakes were higher than ever before.
TBC