Naomi embraced Ruby back firmly, offering a sense of comfort and support that Ruby eagerly needed at that moment. The weight of her heartbreak, mixed with the understanding that she would be raising her child alone, was almost too much to endure. But in Naomi’s arms, Ruby found comfort.
“You’re right,” Ruby finally said in a very low tone, her voice shaking slightly. “We are in this together. I don’t know what I would do in your absence.”
Naomi pulled away mildly to look into Ruby’s eyes. “And I don’t know what I would’ve done without you either,” she replied softly. “We’re a team, Ruby. No matter what happens, we’ll face it together as a team.”
Ruby managed a feeble smile, feeling a shimmer of hope flash within her. With Naomi beside her, she knew she could traverse the difficulties that lay ahead. She couldn’t change the past or the scenarios that brought her here, but she could regulate her life moving forward.
Inhaling deeply, Ruby adjusted her back and wiped away the tears that stuck to her cheeks. She could feel Naomi’s steadfast support emitting from her, giving her the strength she needed to keep going.
Together, they started making plans
Naomi spoke softly, “I think it would be best to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician as soon as possible. We can call around tomorrow and find a reputable doctor who specializes in antenatal care.”
Ruby nodded, grateful for Naomi’s assistance. “Would you be attending antenatal with me? Just for moral support,” she asked.
Naomi smiled warmly at Ruby. “Of course, I will be with you every step of the way,” she promised Ruby. Remember, we are in this boat together? In addition, I want to be present to hear our baby’s first heartbeat.”
Ruby experienced a blend of anxiety and anticipation while in the doctor’s waiting area with Naomi. She tightly clasped Naomi’s hand, drawing solace from their proximity. The door opened, and a nurse greeted them with a smile, she called them by their names. In the examination room, Dr. Williams warmly welcomed them. His friendly behaviour made them feel comfortable from the beginning.
“Congratulations,” Dr. Williams warmly expressed.
“Thank you,” Naomi said, her voice filled with emotion.
The doctor nodded, delving into the process of prenatal care. He talked about the importance of consistent check-ups, making healthy lifestyle decisions, and various tests that would be conducted throughout the pregnancy period.
As he spoke, Ruby felt a strong sense of responsibility on her shoulders. Motherhood’s weight was both thrilling and scary, but she knew she had to be strong for her child.
During the subsequent weeks, Ruby and Naomi accepted their new roles as parents-to-be. They went to every prenatal appointment together, eagerly listening to the sound of their baby’s heartbeat and admiring ultrasound images that showed tiny hands and feet. Each milestone made them hopeful and enthusiastic, stirring a love within them that grew stronger each day.
They went through classes on childbirth and newborn care, absorbing all the knowledge they could to ensure they were fully prepared. Ruby’s baby bump began to grow, a visible reminder of the life thriving inside her. Together, they decorated the nursery with love and anticipation, carefully selecting every item.
Life was good again for the girls, they were both doing very well at their workplace. Ruby tried to push thoughts of Stephan out of her mind and focus on giving birth although, it wasn’t easy as the internet kept raving about him and his proposed wedding.
One evening, Ruby and Naomi sat side by side on the couch watching TV, and then a picture of him appeared on the screen with the headline; Was the proposal a publicity stunt?” Ruby’s heart sank and just then, Naomi turned the TV off
Naomi stretched out and squeezed Ruby’s hand gently” Ruby we don’t need this kind of energy right now”
Ruby took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew Naomi was right, she didn’t need negative vibes.
She gently placed her hand on her growing belly. “Can you believe it, Naomi?” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. “In just a few months, our baby will be here.”
Naomi turned to Ruby, her eyes shining with love. “I can’t wait to meet him,” she softly said. “Our little miracle.”
As days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Ruby’s pregnancy progressed smoothly. Ruby’s expected delivery date approached quickly, causing a mix of excitement and nervousness to consume both women. They had carefully prepared everything they could think of – the nursery was decorated, clothes were neatly folded, and bags were packed for the hospital. Now, all that was left was to calmly wait for their baby’s appearance.
The day finally arrived, Ruby’s water broke and the baby was ready to come out
She screamed aloud “Naomi.” She sprinted as quickly as her legs would allow. Ruby was happy and afraid at the same time, she replied “I think it’s time”
“Oh my goodness,” Naomi murmured, as they hurried to their car, Naomi was holding her hand very tightly to support. They rehearsed this scene many times, but when it was finally real, emotions of excitement and fear overcame them.
The trip to the hospital never seemed to end. Ruby clutched onto the dashboard, her knuckles turning white. Naomi attempted to stay calm, focusing on each traffic light as they turned green in their favour.
The tension was nearly unbearable, but they finally arrived at the hospital and were immediately taken to the delivery room. Every medical attendant scurried around them, preparing for the impending arrival of their baby. Ruby was attached to the monitors, her contractions growing stronger with each passing minute. Naomi stood by Ruby’s side, holding her hand and whispering words of encouragement.
Time seemed to blur as the pain increased. But amidst it all, Ruby found solace in the unshakeable presence of Naomi. Her love and support grounded her, reminding her that she wasn’t alone
It felt like forever but finally, a beautiful cry filled the air. The baby was delivered.
Tears rolled down both Ruby and Naomi’s faces as the doctor gently laid the baby on Ruby’s chest. Their hearts enlarged with intense love and joy as they took in every tiny detail of the child. They wondered at the tiny fingers and toes, the button nose, and the shining eyes that seemed to hold a wisdom beyond their years.
Ruby looked up at Naomi with pure admiration in her eyes
“He is so cute,” She said as tears of joy streamed down her cheeks
“He looks just like his father” Naomi commented. Ruby wanted to refute but the resemblance was so uncanny. They have the same eye colour, skin colour and jet-black hair.