Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 40: Just Like Hayden

A week passed with me mopping around the house. I couldn't help it; I'd just lost someone I'd planned to spend the rest of my life with. Luca had to practically force feed me to make sure I was eating. I tried to grieve and move on like Jason said, but I just couldn't. I was sitting on the stool in the kitchen while Luca was making dinner. I stared into my glass of ice water and watched the condensation form little droplets.

"Jo," Luca said lightly. I looked up and him and sat that he was done. "Food's ready," he said again. I picked up the spoon and started eating the chicken noodle soup in front of me.

"Thanks," I muttered. Luca hesitated before he turned to me again.

"I went ahead and planned the funeral. I know Jason was pushing you to do it, but... now you don't have to worry about it," he explained softly. My eyes were watery from the word 'funeral'. I didn't know whether to thank him or slap him for bringing it up. I settled on not saying anything. I hoped off of the stood and froze as a flow of water released itself from between my legs.

"Uh oh," I breathed. Luca turned to me quickly. He couldn't see anything because he was still on the other side of the island.

"What was that?" he asked.

"My water just broke," I said softly. Luca's eyes widened as he walked around to check. I held the bottom of my huge stomach.

"Jason! Grab the bag," Luca yelled. They'd put together a labor bag for me full of all the things I would need when I go into labor. They had already even started turning the guest room into a nursery. I don't think they were planning on letting me out of their sight any time soon. Jason can charging down the stairs with the prep bag. Luca grabbed the keys and started leading me to the garage.

I stopped him. He looked

"What's wrong?" he asked.

car with my pants all wet," I said. Luca rolled his

I pulled

to go change,"

register with you?" he asked. I held my stomach as I walked up the stairs. Luca grabbed my arm and helped me. I guess he realized that the sooner I changed clothes, the sooner we could leave. I changed

hallway, I stopped as my face contorted in pain. "Ow," I breathed. I felt

to make it to the car," Luca said. I felt another contraction and held on to the wall. Luca scooped me up and carries me the rest of the way. Jason opened the door for him. This wasn't the car I was expecting. It was the van. Luca laid me down in the seat and got in with me. Jason sped off before the door was even closed. Luca got the door closed and we were on our way. At a stoplight, a police officer pulled up beside us. I was beyond in pain by this point. I couldn't help it, I started to push. I yelled as beads of sweat started to form on my forehead. Whoever said that childbirth was a beautiful thing forgot to mention how painful it was. It felt like I was starting to be split in two. I'm pretty sure that it was too late for any pain meds by this point. Jason asked the police officer for an escort and he gave it to us gladly. Next thing I know, doctors and nurses are

becoming labored as pushing became harder. I yelled and closed my eyes as I pushed again.

delivery room with

doctor told me to push. Luca held my hand and I squeezed it as hard as I could. I took a deep breath before I pushed. I pushed for as long as I could before I had to breathe again. I probably pushed about six times. It was becoming a very slow process. It was already way

gave one last push. I held it longer than normal. I let out a yell just as all the pressure was released from me. I sighed and tried to catch my breath as I let my

"What?" I asked hoarsely.

"Good job, Jo," he said. Despite my tired, sweaty nature, Luca leaned forward and kissed my head. His lips lingered for a moment before he pulled away. I just remembered that my baby wasn't crying when she came out. I thought babies

I had to lose one more person in this life,