Bring Me To Life

The unexpected arrival

Jennifer's Perspective

Thursday, June 15th, 8:28 AM.

The morning began with a twinge of discomfort, but I brushed it aside, thinking it was nothing to worry about. As I attempted to rise from my cozy cocoon of bedsheets, I was met with an unwelcome surprise—a sharp, persistent pain in my lower back that made even the simplest movements challenging.

"Ben... Papi... help," I implored, gently nudging my peacefully slumbering partner.

No response.

Desperation urged me to push his arm more firmly, and, with a groggy yawn, he finally stirred.

"Hm? What's going on?" he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Papi, my back is in agony, and I urgently need to use the restroom," I confided, my voice strained by the pain.

"Alright," Ben replied, still half-asleep, as he helped me into a robe, a lingering reminder of our passionate night together.

Carefully, I made my way to the bathroom, clutching my belly as the pain intensified, almost mimicking contractions.

"Oooowwwww!!!" I couldn't help but cry out, the pain taking over.

"Jenn, are you going into labor?" Ben asked, genuine concern and worry etched on his face.

"I can't be. It's only been eight months and two weeks," I said through gritted teeth, the sharp, relentless pain in my lower back refusing to subside.

Ben promptly assisted me in dressing and prepared himself, grabbing the emergency hospital bags I had thoughtfully packed a month prior. Hurriedly, he dashed to the car to load our essentials, then raced back to carry me to the vehicle.

As Ben maneuvered our car through the streets towards the hospital, I tried to remain composed, but something felt amiss. I felt wetness and couldn't help but glance between my legs.

"Shit... my water broke," I whispered, struggling to maintain my calm exterior.

"Babe, everything's going to be alright," Ben reassured me, his voice trembling as he continued to drive.

"I know, I know," I replied, feeling slightly queasy and light-headed.

Upon our arrival at the hospital, Ben quickly parked the car and retrieved our bags, scooping me up in his arms and rushing me inside."My wife is in labor!" Ben declared anxiously, seeking immediate assistance.

"Alright, sir, has she been experiencing contractions?" asked a nurse, ready to provide support.

"Yes, but I don't understand how—" Ben's words faltered as my body betrayed me, and I vomited uncontrollably, eventually fainting.

"Don't worry; there's no need to panic," the nurse assured Ben as others retrieved a wheelchair. They placed me in it and whisked me away to a room, ensuring I was cleaned and settled. A nurse swiftly drew blood for testing to check on my well-being, while another monitored my alarmingly low blood pressure.

An observant nurse stationed at the reception desk promptly attended to Ben, cleaning up the mess I had made. "Sir, are you alright? I'll get you some water," she said kindly, seeing the shock and disbelief still etched on his face. Ben accepted the water and, overcome with emotions, sank into a nearby chair.

"Sir, can you provide us with some information about your wife for her registration?" another nurse asked, her iPad at the ready.

"Jennifer Lynn Lopez Affleck... born July 24th, 1980," Ben replied softly, sipping his water and chewing on ice.

"Thank you. Our team is conducting tests, and we'll inform you when you can join her," the nurse reassured him, as Ben attempted to steady himself.

"Thank you," Ben murmured, his brow glistening with sweat.

An hour later, the nurse returned to summon Ben.

"Mr. Affleck?" she called, and he rose to follow her.

"Jennifer is doing alright. She had low blood pressure, but the doctor administered some medication, and she's stable now," the nurse informed him, opening the door to my room.

"Thank goodness," Ben exhaled with relief, thanking the nurse as he stepped inside."Jenn?" he said, moving closer to me. I managed to offer a faint smile as I continued to chew on ice.

"Hello, my love," I greeted him, drained from the medications coursing through my system.

"Are you planning on a natural birth?" Ben asked, concern evident in his voice as he clasped my hand tightly.

"Yes, natural. I'd rather avoid any unnecessary interventions," I whispered, my exhaustion palpable.

"I love you more than you know. I was so scared; I thought I might pass out," Ben confessed, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"I love you too, honey. I think I'll take a nap. I feel utterly drained," I said, making a playful pout. Ben nodded and kissed me softly.

"Alright, my love," he agreed, settling beside me.

"I love you," I repeated, slipping into a deep sleep. However, my condition began to deteriorate, and the monitors signaled trouble. My heart rate plummeted rapidly from 79 to 43, leaving Ben in a state of panic. Desperate, he summoned the nurses, and they swiftly rushed to my side.

Two agonizing minutes passed as I struggled to regain consciousness, the voices around me blending into an anxious cacophony.To be continued...