A Baby Shower

Sunlight crept through the gossamer curtains. It leaked across the floor, pouring its way towards the edge of the bed. As it swam across the blankets, then across smooth, peach skin, Victoria hesitated in her sleep; until it finally reached her fluttering eyes. She awoke slowly, drowsy with cloudy after thoughts of the night before. It suddenly dawned on her that it was, in fact ‘dawn’. She remembered her pleasant night in Victor’s arms, immediately wanting to see his gorgeous face when she’d wake him up. Looking to the side, her eyes widened at the sight of no one there.

“Victor?” She whispered, turning to the other side of her. No one there. She furrowed a brow, then her eyes traveled forward to the great grandfather clock. It chimed eight thirty; the usual time of their morning wake up. So where was Victor? She propped herself up and sat on her bottom and was about to get out of bed, when suddenly her knee hit something hard underneath the sheets.

She lifted them in confusion, separating the downy layers of Egyptian cotton. She finally found him, reclining on her hip. His hand rested on her round stomach, and by the look of him he had all but passed out from the intoxicating night before. She smiled at him; then shifted lightly away as to make room. Victor stirred in his sleep. His brows furrowed, and he shifted towards her, wrapping his arms around her snug belly. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Victor darling, wake up.”

He said something under his breath. She couldn’t recall what it was, but his innocence made her flush. She pushed harder this time, right on the shoulders. Finally with a little prodding he sat up and looked to her with tired eyes. Victoria smiled at him; then took his hand in hers.

"Sorry...I guess I was just a little worried last night." Victor whispered, staring at her exposed belly. Victoria gasped and immediately pulled the blankets up to hide herself. “S-sorry.” She whispered. She then turned to her husband and gave him a curious look. "Worried?"

Victor pulled some bangs away from his eyes, then looked down at her. "Yes..."

Victoria smiled. "About what?"

Victor sighed, still messing with his bangs. Victoria watched him with interest; how silly he still acted in front of her...but how polished he was when they made love. Finally after being fed up with that one wisp of hair, Victor looked into her eyes and gave a weak smile. "You know...just... pre-labor issues, sorts of the matter." He looked down into his hands and was suddenly very interested with his pale fingernails.

Victoria fluttered her eye lashes lightly; she looked away, still very curious. "Is it... because you worry about my safety?"

Victor nodded hurriedly. "Of course! I'm supposed to...I'm your husband!" Victoria smiled longingly at that word. Then looked to him and nodded, understanding. "You wish me to throw up...since I haven't yet?"

Victor sighed. "You know, it doesn't mean anything if you've thrown up or not..." Victoria smiled at him. "But you are worried... you worry if I'm in good condition to pass this child." She took his hands in hers, and squeezed them very gently. "Victor... You don’t have to worry about me. I'm a very strong woman... you know that," She added kindly, "That’s why you married me."

Victor laughed lightly...then his eyes traveled down to her stomach. It was just a lump in the sheets... but it was a very big lump. She was due any day now...but would he be ready?

Victoria followed his gaze. She smiled when it fell on her stomach. Victor spoke, and his words were gentle, almost silent. "Are you sure... you feel alright?"

Victoria nodded. In all honesty, yes... she felt she could accomplish anything. And when she told him this, he felt a flood of relief was over him.

"Okay." He said, nodding. "So... all we have to do now is wait."

Victoria smiled and nodded back. "Wait...and worry. Worry lightly. Alright?" She nodded, as if reassuring herself. She squeezed his hands. Victor felt very relieved at her tenderness. When she stopped with sudden interest, he began to reworry himself. He had a tendency of doing that.

Victor looked her up and down. He gently nudged her shoulder. "Is something wrong?"

Victoria’s head gave a light nod. "Yes...Victor." She glanced at him and tried her best to seem proper. "I…I want you to be there when the baby arrives."

Victor looked perplexed. Wait, what?

"In...the room? With you? The same room you are labored in--"

"Yes." Victoria interrupted, nodding. "Yes...I want you to be with me. To hold me...I-I'll feel much safer. I think it would be healthier if the baby saw both of us at the same time too. Please," She looked into his eyes, "Promise me you will?" Her eyes were wide and fearful; Victor couldn’t help but feel a little saddened that she had relied on him ‘this much’.

Victor fell silent for a moment. It was a very odd thing to see the husband with the wife during her labor... would her parents allow it? Would the preacher see it fit? How would the midwife react?

No…he couldn’t let her down. He couldn't disappoint her. If this is what she wanted, if she wanted him to be with her during her labor, then he would definitely do as she wished.

"Yes." He whispered, smiling. "I promise."

Victoria sighed in relief, then lay her head against his shoulders. "I love you...so much." She seemed so content as she gave him a cozy hug.

Deep inside, Victor felt a bit odd... holding his wife helped a little...but... he was still scared about what was to come. Was Victoria aware that it was one of the most dreadfully scary things he had ever come to face in his life? He'd never felt so scared before, ever. However, since most of his wedding was spent in the company of a corpse and the living dead, he had to rethink that last thought.

How much did she know about the trials of pregnancy? Enough, he guessed, she’d passed the nine months strong. But those nine months were nothing compared to what lie ahead. The birth canal was a dreadfully slow process, and unbelievably painful. Victor winced, just thinking about what his beloved Victoria would have to go through... would she be strong enough?

Suddenly a knock at their bedroom door broke his concentration. Breakfast already...oh well.

He would just have to buck up and face the truth...his adoring Victoria was going to be in labor in only a matter of days. And maybe even the day itself.

o.O.O.o

o.O.O.o

Victor decided to let the maids do their jobs this morning. Usually Victor was the one who wanted dress and undress Victoria (A queer thought, considering how squeamish he was at the sight of even the smallest lady bug) But Victor enjoyed it either way. Victoria sat upon the plush chair, gasping at every tug of the corset strings. He would look longingly at her in the mirror, then down to the exposed flesh of her spine. He felt so giddy as he marveled as her skin. Victor had to be extra careful now that his wife was pregnant, and a special corset was used to support his pregnant spouse. When he was finished the maid would help Victoria dress, and then they would all go downstairs for breakfast.

Victor was most precarious that morning, checking on things to make sure they were ‘perfect’. "Make sure the eggs are cooked thoroughly." Victor called at the table, every now and again to their maid, Maria. She would smile (quite used to this coming from the master) and nodded her head.

After breakfast was done, they retired to the parlor to make ready for the guests. The midwife and doctor were to arrive at any moment, for a scheduled appointment in the parlor. A normal check up, some short exercises, and some progress reporting. Victor felt so secure having the midwife come in to expect the little baby. Even for a midwife she could be very reassuring. So far things had gone splendid. Lets hope things are kept this way Victor thought to himself.

Their cottage wasn’t exactly large, but even so, walking Victoria down the hallway seemed a slow and tedious task. Victor felt like wetting his knickers every time Victoria had to stop to catch her breath. Please don’t break your water, please don’t break your water! Victor thought repeatedly. Thank the lord they hadn’t any steps in the house. If so, then he really would wet himself.

Victoria stopped suddenly, causing Victor to jump in place. He dared to look at her, seeing her wincing and holding her lower waist. "Is…something wrong?" He asked, then bit his tongue in response. Of course something’s wrong; she’s holding her stomach and wincing!

"It’s just a little pain, that’s all." Victoria whisked it away with a swipe of her hand. "Nothing really." She straightened, returning to her normal estate. They continued down the hallway. Victor could tell she was trying all her best to seem like the ‘perfect’ woman for Victor’s child. Victor continued to be ever sensitive to that fact (he knew she was in pain) until they entered the small parlor. Together they sat on the settee, and as soon as they propped themselves down, the doorbell chimed. As Victor made sure Victoria was situated nicely, the maid rushed to answer the door. Victor heard her footsteps outside of the parlor, listening intensively for a moment; then he went back to comforting his wife.

"Have you been doing your exercises?" Victor asked, trying to seem of some use. Usually when these meetings happened, he hadn’t a thing of any of it. He was only there for support, and of course ‘husband duties’. However, since Victoria was in fact an ‘Everglot’, she had grown more independent since their marriage a year ago. He was quite proud of that.

The door opened and the maid ushered the two professionals into the room. Victor stood and shook hands with the doctor, welcoming him back into his home. The midwife was accepted to of course. She had the highest honor and role of all.

The midwife, Madam Barbara, was a very resound person, known throughout town for her skills in birthing children. Many soon-to-be mothers and fathers looked up to her for her wisdom in babies and pregnancy. The doctor, Mr. Simon, was pretty well adapted himself. Victor wanted only the best treatment for his wife. He guessed it had something to do with that whole ‘male protecting family’ thing.

The midwife enjoyed Victoria most of all though. She was proud of the misses for such an extreme abiding to the role of motherhood. Like most mothers, Victoria was excited and eager for her laboring day to come; but unlike most mothers, Victoria was a little ‘too’ excited. Victor had spent at least a couple hundred pounds buying baby carriages, books, a crib, scrap books, record books, toys, supplies, and other goods. He was obliged to do so of course, (he himself had to admit he had spoiled the tot quite a bit). Their nursery was crammed full of piles of baby supplies yet to be sorted out.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand.

The midwife was very obliged to have come to check up on Victoria and the child. As she began to write things down in her record sheet, Victor looked to Victoria with a certain pride in his eyes. Victoria smiled back, she too feeling just as proud. As the midwife continued to talk with years of experience in every word, Victoria, deep inside, began to feel sort of uneasy.

Victor hadn’t a clue why. But when the midwife suddenly asked Victoria if she had any questions, the whole room was blown away by the threatened soon-to-be-mommy.

Victor had a little trouble understanding what his wife had just blurted out. Something about, how much the baby is moving, worries of contractions before the due date, morning sickness, stripping membranes… Victor wasn’t quite sure why Victoria asked about morning sickness. Haven’t they already gone through that?

Ah yes, morning sickness. The first time Victor had recalled knowing of her pregnancy. He was absolutely terrified, overjoyed, and ecstatic. He hadn’t a clue on how to handle Victoria though, for she wasn’t exactly in a ‘thrilled’ mood, coughing her lungs out and vomiting every couple of hours. It was quite a trifle, Victor remembered; but it might have been the greatest news he had ever recalled having.

The midwife took in what Victoria said rather calmly; Victor on the other hand, was a little overwhelmed. As his head swam with crazy insanities, he noticed Victoria shaking slightly under his arm. Victor immediately looked to her to see what was wrong.

"Why are you shaking dear?" The midwife asked. It seemed she noticed it just as well as Victor. Victoria perked, fluttering her eye lashes ever so lightly. "Oh! Oh…" Victoria looked away briefly. "I’ve just been having light shakes lately…that’s all." She controlled herself as best she could, giving the mid wife a weak smile. Victor squeezed his wife’s arm. All this shaking and aching was starting to make him feel uncomfortable.

The midwife jotted something down in her schedule and then started on the questions Victoria had asked. "The baby should be moving ten times every twelve hours, dear. Most babies move more often than that. As---"

Victor breathed deep, his eyes intense and focused straight on her. Her shaking had ceased, but now she was holding her stomach rather firmly. Oh I do hope she’s alright… Victor thought in his mind. My poor, poor, Victoria…

"We’ll also be cutting the lower part of the uterus, or stripping the membrane---"

Why is she so tense? Does she hurt that bad? Could it be contractions? No, its definitly not that, she was told to tell someone if she had those… and Victoria would never hide something as important as that.

"Victor, do you have any questions?"

Will the baby come soon? Is she having pre-pre-contractions? Wait, there’s no such thing as that!

"Victor?"

His thoughts suddenly vanished in the blink of an eye at the call of his name. He regained composure and looked to Victoria at his side. "Wh..what?"

"Do you have any questions?" The midwife asked, tapping the end of her quill against the clip board. Victor blinked, hesitating a bit. Then as his mind began to get back in the swing of things, he gave a slow, deliberate, shake of the head.

The midwife nodded. She looked to dr. Simon beside her. "Alright then. Its your turn."

o.O.O.o

Victor had never felt so giddy in his life… For the sake of him, he couldn’t get those nagging baby birthing thoughts out of his mind. In fact, his heart was racing in his chest at the thought of such a messy and awkward thing. It was even more disrupting then the act of making the baby and going through those nine trifling months.

Even so, he had to remember it was his duty to stay calm. If he didn’t, Victoria would grow scared as well… really that had been the only reason why he had kept such things to himself. The baby, the issues, the overbearing fear, yet the thrill of knowing you’re bringing a spiting image of yourself into the world. Or a spitting image of her… either way, it was quite rewarding.

After all, the baby was to come any day now. They had been waiting for months on end. A baby was a blessing, and as the father of the child, he’d be expected to be happy, yet firm. He’d teach this baby how to behave, and grow in polite society. Just think of all of the fun times they’d have, the ball games… no, Victor was scared of baseballs. The backyard animal collecting—no, turtles didn’t suit him. Ah! The studying! That was more like it. Throughout all of his misery, Victor was starting to feel much relieved on this subject.

But wait…what if the child didn’t like studying!

Victor grumbled in his pillow, snorting at his own misbehaving. He closed his eyes, trying to find some slumber to make the blues go away…but try as he may…he couldn’t sleep. This mess in his head wasn’t going to get better by wishing it to go away… he’d have to talk it through…with her.

“Umm…” Victor said rather in unmanly in his pillow. “ Victoria, are you awake?” He hoped to god she wasn’t.

He winced as Victoria’s soft voice answered back.

Victor felt the bed creak as she reclined her back into the pillows. Victor responded by fumbling to light the whick of the lantern. Instantly the room flooded with warm light. Victor squinted and looked around, until he finally found Victoria at the spot on the bed beside him.

He took a moment to study her; her hair was messy with curls dangling past her brow, and she was wearing her cotton gown. Victor took a moment to take in her beauty for it was a comfort to him. Unfortunately it didn’t last long, and he was back to twiddling his thumbs together and shooting awkward glances from Victoria to his lap.

“Is something wrong?” Victoria whispered, questioning. Victor gave a shallow nod. She looked on with perseverance. “…Well, what is it then?”

Victor sighed and scratched the back of his neck. He picked at the hairs of his scalp, finding that one long strand again… that pesky, stupid hair….

“Oh!” Victor said, “oh..um… yes, the problem…”

Victor looked to her and smiled weakly. She looked to him with worry in her eyes. “Yes?” She asked of him again.

“Its…the baby.”

Victoria perked. “Whats…wrong with it?”

Victor sighed, trying to get it out. It was amazing how much of a ninny he could make himself to be at times.

“My…parents…never t-told me about child birth.” Victor announced, sheepishly. “So…Well I don’t think they’re supposed to, I mean, it is rather silly-“

Victor gaped as his wife placed a finger to his lips. She closed in, nuzzling softly against his chin.

“Hold me?” She asked, without looking up. Victor shivered, but nodded. This could, perhaps, make things a little easier for the both of them. Wrapping his arms around her, she spoke words of comfort that only a wise woman like herself could speak.

“If you’re worried about me and the baby, and me when I go into labor, Victor, you shouldn’t. You should threat for my safety, and protect me and stand by me…. but when the time comes, don’t worry so much. You’ll have an anxiety attack.” She giggled, holding his hand, “To be honest, I’m more worried about you’re reaction then my own safety.”

Victor felt a little saddened by her remark…but it did make sense. He had been so confident around her throughout the nine months…and now he just looked like a scared ninny.

Victor tightened his hold on her stomach, though careful not to hurt her. He kissed her crown, than spoke what he felt.

“Thank you, Victoria. It means so much… I’m sorry to have worried you.”

Victoria smiled. “Don’t be sorry…just don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine… Nothing will go wrong.” Victoria kissed his cheek, moving slightly away. It was unaccustomed to be sleeping together like this…especially with the maid one room away from theirs. Yet Victoria felt safe and confident when slumbering with her Victor. And as a maid, Victoria hated to admit it, but Maria didn’t really have a say against such a thing.

“Best you go to bed.” Victor whispered, looking down at her plump tummy. She cooed, smoothing her hand over the soft skin. Victor looked on with facination. What ever is she doing?

Victoria knew how good a mother she would become. Victor didn’t know of it, but whenever alone, talking to the baby seemed to settle it down in one of its ‘rolly polly moods’. She just smiled slyly at the notion that Victor didn’t get ‘mommy love’. So she just patted his hand, and gave him a wink. “Goodnight, Mr. Van Dort.”

Victor still looked a little perplexed; but he decided not to argue. Victoria was a marvelous woman; and sometimes she was an absolute mystery.

As the lantern light faded into darkness, Victor was finally able to relax….it was just then he remembered he had forgotten to ask the mid wife if he could be with Victoria during the labor.

But he relaxed… it was alright, they were due for another check up in a day or two. The baby wouldn’t surely come by then.

o.O.O.o

Victor's eye lids slid open rather slowly. He looked about the cloudy room, focusing in on the darkness…and why he had awoken. His incoherent mind thought hard on why he had awoken so late in the night. It wasn’t until he felt a slight tug at his coat sleeve that made him a little more open to the idea.

He turned, trying to see who was at his sleeve; it looked like Victoria… and as she edged forward…she looked a little frightened.

"What is it?" Victor asked, concerned at his wife’s sudden forwardness. He wasn’t too happy waking up so late in the night. He heard her whimper with fear for an instant; it sounded like a whimpering kitten, or puppy. Victor sat up, moving his hips in order to find comfort. He stopped immediately though as he felt something really weird between his legs. It was slimy…and wet.

And then it dawned on him.

Her water broke.

Victor rushed, practically panicing to get some light into their bedroom. As soon as the lantern came on, he threw up the covers…only to find a big wet spot underneath Victoria's legs. Instantly Victor's hackles rose. He looked to Victoria with instant fear in his eyes as she whispered the words he most dreaded to hear;

"Victor…the baby is coming."

Victor had no idea what to do. Think, he told himself. Oh yea, that’s a good idea, thinking is going to make this baby get born. “No! Um…walk in circles!” Victor cried, running up and down the side of the bed. Victoria looked absolutely terrified. “VICTOR! The baby!” She cried.

Victor smacked his forhead. “Baby I need too---“

All he could think about now was a bunch of conjumbled side track thoughts. Months of practice had just flown over his head…. think, THINK! "Oh….dear?" He squeaked. " Victoria…"

"Don't sit there, wake the midwife!" Victoria cried.

Victor about tripped as he fumbled towards the door. "Y…yes…right away!"

Victoria was dumbfounded as he rushed about the room. Hadn’t she told him to get the midwife?

“Victor!” Victoria cried. Victor shook his head. “Its okay! I’m getting my coat!”

He smacked his forehead at that. Why does he need his coat at a time like this! Oh! To look suitable of course! Wait…no! NO!

"Hurry!" Victoria cried, beginning to get anxious. Victor winced, then decided to grab his coat instead. "Sorry, going!" Victor cried, racing out the door. As the door slammed shut, Victoria winced in after thought. Her own mind was beginning to race as well. Victoria began thinking heavily to herself. She'd awoken at midnight, feeling her heart race. She had adjusted herself in bed, when all of a sudden she felt what was like a great flood, pouring down her legs…. it had come quickly, and without warning. And now she was here, trying to get her thoughts in order.

The baby was coming, and she would have to deal with it as quickly as possible.

"But why now?" Victoria asked herself. Only god knew… but the thoughts on her mind continued when she remembered her water breaking. Should she just stay in bed and wait? Or was it contaminated? Should she change the sheets?

She was relieved to see Victor rushing in with the midwife. The short old woman ran as fast as her tiny feet could carry her. She stopped at the side of the bed where Victoria sat, then, expecting the sheets and finding the ordeal, the midwife nodded her head and concluded;

Victoria was indeed in for the night of her life.

o.O.O.o

o.O.O.o

Victoria thoughts were all but shattered at the first contraction of her labor. At first it felt as if a knife was cutting through her lower middle, slicing its way down to her inner self. She felt like screaming as the white hot pain seered through her abdomen. Her mind almost snapped in two at the feeling of what had to be the most terrifying experience of her life.

How belittling...and it had only begun.

All her brilliant mind could recollect was pain. Her baby as well, along with her safety, the babies safety. But it was extremely painful! Never had she gone through somthing so incredibly frightening! And the worst part was, everyone was looking in between her legs!

Months of practice couldn’t amount to this traumatizing event. It was incredible.

But what made it even worse, was the fact that Victor couldn't be with her through her labor...

He had tried desperately and was practically on his knee's begging the Midwife for his company with his wife. As Victoria lay, gasping for breath from her stiff contractions, Victor begged the midwife and doctor for the chance to be with Victoria during her contractions.

Finally after his continuous misbehaivor the midwife practically shoved Victor out of the bedroom, quite angry with the fact that Victor had been in the room. He'd seen the messy sheets! Goodness, he really didn't know the right thing to do in such situations.

So, he had been shoved outside the door and locked out. Victoria’s heart sank in her chest just knowing her beloved Victor wouldn't be there to hold her hand. She wanted to cry…

"Alright mrs. Victoria, you’re doing a blessed job so far." The mid wife said gently, knowing of Victoria's heart break. But the sir couldn't be in... especially since the Everglots would be absolutely shocked to find out their son-in-law had seen their daughter in such a state.

"You’re going through your second trial of labor now, so we’ll have to work a little harder on the breathing, dear."

"Can you please let my husband in?" Victoria questioned after some collective breaths. The midwife just shook her head with saddness, doing so while gathering a couple of towels to stop some of the bleeding.

Suddenly Victoria gasped, feeling another hot contraction in between her thighs. She shouted, pushing with all of her might. Beside the bed the maid, Maria, wiped Victoria's sweaty forehead with a wet wash rag. Being the mother of two, Maria was quite aware of the trials of birthing a baby. Ever since Victoria and Maria had met, they had been good friends. Maria took it upon herself to watch and take care of Victoria, before and after the pregnancy. Now the Victoria was pregnant (and even more so in labor) Maria was quick on her feet to make sure Victoria was in the best of care.

"Easy, deary, easy." Maria cooed, as Victoria withdrew from another big push. "Its just us women now, so you've not a thing to worry about."

"VICTOR!" Victoria cried, grabbing the bed sheets as she thrusted with all of her might. The midwife looked on with hesitation for a slight moment… she wondered if maybe...just maybe...it would be alright for the husband to see his wife. I mean, there is no harm in that...no. The Everglots waiting outside the door would not see it fit. Likewise, he was a nice, sensible boy, and he minded when he was told too. He would just have to wait like the rest of the family.

"Dont push so much...just push when I tell you to." The midwife instructed, realizing she needed to focus on the matter at hand. She worked her fingers over Victoria's lower waist, a sort of trick she had picked up from so many years of birthing babies. It relaxed the muscles, and made birthing more relaxed; well, as relaxed as it could be.

Victoria nodded, knowing she needed to focus on not the pain, but what she had to do in order to make sure she and the baby would be fine. Thinking back on what she had been taught, Victoria calmed, even though she felt like her whole body was now on fire.

o.O.O.o

Victor and the grandparents were waiting in the parlor. His mother and father were there, and Victoria's parents were there as well. The Van Dorts sipped their tea with anxiousness in their aging eyes; the Everglots, ever prim, sat with quiet remorse in their own. Both families sat in opposite chairs, with Victor in the middle. As the tea was sipped, the quietness began to worry him. Victor decided to talk somthing up, when he was suddenly interupted by Mrs. Van Dort.

"Well goodness, its been an hour. You'd think she could hurry it up a little." Nell took her fan and hurriedly began to fan her face. Victor could tell she was getting a little annoyed. Of course, the Everglots chose to ignore that comment. Or so Victor thought, before Maudaline chose to speak.

"She's in labor, Mrs. Van Dort. She doesn't have control of that." She said it rather hautly as well. Victor winced, looking back at his mother. She rolled her eyes and nudged her husband, William, in the chest. William almost dropped his tea cup as he felt his wife's prod. He sat the cup and saucer down onto the tabletop, then shrugged it off.

"What...what if somthing wrong?" Victor asked to himself. He said it rather loudly though, because as soon as he did everyone perked up. Maudaline stuck up her nose. "Rather an unnessecary thing to say, Mr. Van Dort." She bickered. Victor frowned.

"She's an Everglot, we didn't raise her for a hay penny." Finis coughed.

Nell reassured the best she could. She sounded more like she was trying to retaliate though, and Victor felt even more out of place. "Well, Victor's always been a bit of a worry wart." Nell looked to him and smiled, "Don't let your worry's get the best of you dear."

"Fish merchants..." Maudaline spat under her breath. Beside her, Finis nodded.

Victor about wet himself as a high pitched scream buzzed his ear drums. The Van Dorts jumped, and Nell quickly fanned her face. "Oh dear..." William whispered, clutching his cane.

"Oh the poor thing…" Nell cried, fanning herself faster now. "I remember when I was having Victor… right in the middle of the night--"

"NOO!" Everyone in the room shouted. Nell practically dropped her fan at everyones sudden imprudeness. Even the Everglot’s had a little say in that… too much information, especially right now. Nell huffed, rolling her eyes. She picked up her fan and bickered underneath her breath.

Victor almost felt like crying. He had always looked after Victoria, and hated having even the slightest notition that she was in trouble. Birthing a child was no easy task. He hoped she was doing well…

William Van Dort looked on at his son, his face filled with understanding; he knew well what his son was worrying about, the wife and the child’s safety. He too had been in the same position just twenty years before hand. William moved his bony hand next to his son's, and gently brushed it against Victor's knuckles. Victor's eyes moved to see his father's reassuring gesture, but his features still held grim remorse. His father smirked, and gave Victor a loving pat on the back. "You’re doing a great job, son." He said with a wink.

o.O.O.o

Inside Victoria felt like she could vomit. Her back ached, her knee's quivered, her whole body was withering with pain…

"Just a few good pushes." The midwife whispered. "Give me a big push, one, two, three—"

"AHHHHH!" Victoria screamed, pushing with all of her might. Maria winced, immediately looking over the midwife’s shoulder to see what was going on. She suddenly gasped in delight, turning to her mistress. "Madam Victoria! I can see the child’s head!"

"Keep at it." The midwife told Victoria. She spreaded foldes of skin away from the opening, making sure there was enough room. Victoria about snapped at the feeling of more skin around being stretched even more than it already was. How in the world could anyone go through so much trauma? Well, she certainly was doing fine, but… WAIT…

"PUSH!" The midwife hollered. Victoria screamed at the top of her lungs; certainly unlady like but at the moment, she really didn’t care. She gasped, thrusting her hips forward. Then, in a sudden swift jolt, the baby was pushed out of her. Before she could even think, the room was shattered with an ear piercing scream. She gasped in bewilderment, suddenly surrounded by Maria and the Midwife collecting blankets and towels to warm the tiny infant. Victoria breathed deeply, her senses focused on whatever had caused such a great sound.

"Where is he?" Victoria said wearily, glancing over her deflated stomach. All she could see were the maids and doctors surrounding the midwife, and they seemed to be wrapping the baby in swaddling clothes. Victoria rested, gathering her breath; and mostly her wits. Where’s the baby? She thought. Where is he?

A couple of moments passed, Victoria waiting anxiously to see her miracle child. She felt sick too, but oh… she needed to see him. She watched the midwife and nurses weight the child, take the temperature, fix the umbilical cord and this and that. Victoria straightened into the pillows with a wide and wondrous gaze, ignoring the pain in her lower back completely. As soon as she did, Maria turned away from the group with the bundle of joy in her arms.

Maria sat in the chair next to Victoria, then carefully passed the baby into Victoria’s arms. At first Victoria was uncertain; she had to recall what to do in a moment such as this. As the midwife changed the sheets without disturbing Victoria or the maid, Victoria’s shaking hands removed a layer of blanket from the babies face.

Instinctually Victoria brought him close, smothering him underneath her own blankets. When she saw her babies face for the first time, she could feel tears stinging her eyes. But not tears of saddness…tears of joy. "B…B-"

"Get her feeding child, she's hungry!" The midwife pressured, smiling as she did. Victoria thought back for a moment, then suddenly remembered that, yes, the baby was incredibly hungry right now. At first she was a little timid, removing the cup of her night gown. Then at thought that Duh, they had seen much more than just my chest! Made her realize they didn’t much care. So she removed the cup andbrought the infant ready into the feeding position. As she nipped, Victoria couldn't keep her eyes off of her. "She…" Victoria whispered, breathing against the infants skin. "It's a girl…"

o.O.O.o

Victor almost tripped over himself at the sight of Maria walking into the parlor. She announced the grand news, the baby was fine and healthy, and that everyone was allowed to meet the newborn. Victor rushed out of the parlor and dashed into Victoria’s bedroom. He stopped suddenly, noticing the tiny bundle in Victoria’s arms. Then it dawned on him; everything was fine. His wife had survived, and now… as he looked down at the tiny face in her arms, he realized his life was never going to be the same ever again.

Victor's eyelids rose as he walked a little closer. Victoria looked to him, she too a little bewildered at such an event. Victor couldn't help but stare at her… the old Victoria, the shy, remorseful teenager he used to know…was now a wise, mature lady with a child in her arms. Victor didn't know what to do or say as he watched her hold the baby. Seeing her holding it so close, the mother protecting its young child… his heart swam with warmth at the intamacy of her actions.

"Victor?" Victoria whispered, glancing down at her child. Victor stuttered a nervous "Y-yes…?"

She smiled at that, the carefully removed the babies mouth from her nipple. Watching the baby snuggle against her warmth, it made her smile even brighter.

"Would you…like to hold her?"

Victor was dumbfounded. He just sat there, bemused. "H—her…" Victor smiled at that. "It's a girl…"

Victoria smiled as he edged himself closer, right next to her side of the bed. He finally sat down on the bed beside her legs, and looked down into the face of his child. She was beautiful…

As the parents saw the baby too, they were also bewildered at Victoria’s grand achievement. Victor was proud to sport his bundle of joy he and Victoria had created together… Even Maudaline had a look of pride on her face. Which sort of scared everyone in the room. Victor couldn't believe it…what such a tiny miracle could achieve for a broken family like there's.

"What's her name dear?" The mid wife asked, as Victor craddled the tiny infant in his arms. Victor looked over his shoulder as his baby rested deep into his snug, navy blue coat. Victor suddenly looked confused. He turned to Victoria and gave her a questionable look.

Victoria giggled, then turned to the mid wife.

"Rebecca." She whispered. She looked to her husband, who was thrilled to sport a name so pretty. He nodded in agreement. Victoria went on, and Victor could swear he saw a tiny tear falling down her cheek.

"Yes, that’s right. Rebecca Van Dort."

o.O.O.o

END