Chapter 3 The Birth of Adriana

The night was thick with silence, but inside the small apartment, Luci was wide awake. She tossed and turned, shifting uncomfortably as a dull pain spread through her back. It wasn't the usual pregnancy discomfort, this was different. Sharper. She let out a small gasp, clutching her belly. Dotan, who had been dozing off beside her, stirred. "Luci?" His voice was groggy, thick with sleep. Another wave of pain struck, stronger this time. Luci bit her lip, her fingers digging into the bedsheet. Dotan sat up immediately, fully awake now.

"What's wrong?" Luci inhaled sharply, squeezing her eyes shut. "I think..." She stopped, panting. "I think it's time." Dotan's heart skipped a beat. He threw off the blanket and jumped to his feet. "Are you sure?" As if answering for her, another contraction hit, this one more intense. Luci doubled over, groaning. Dotan sprang into action. He grabbed their already-packed hospital bag, flung on his jacket, and rushed to her side. "Come on, sweetheart. We need to go." Luci nodded, breathing through the pain. He helped her up, supporting her as they made their way out of the apartment. The streets were quiet, the only sound being the distant bark of a stray dog. Dotan opened the taxi door and gently helped her inside. "Hold on, baby," he murmured as he started the engine, his hands shaking slightly on the steering wheel. "We'll be there soon." Luci clenched her jaw, gripping the edge of the seat as another contraction ripped through her. She had never felt pain like this before. By the time they reached the hospital, Luci was sweating and groaning in pain. A nurse rushed toward them. "She's in labour?" Dotan nodded frantically. "Yes! Please help!" They quickly placed Luci in a wheelchair and wheeled her inside. Dotan tried to follow, but a nurse stopped him. "You'll have to wait here, sir." Dotan's heart dropped. "Wait? But-" "She needs to be prepped first. We'll call you soon." Before he could argue, Luci was wheeled into a room, disappearing behind the double doors. Dotan ran a hand over his face, pacing the waiting area. His mind raced. What if something went wrong? What if she was in too much pain? He clenched his fists. He hated feeling helpless. After what felt like an eternity, a nurse appeared. "Mr. Mechanzi?" He rushed forward. "Yes? Is she okay?" "She's asking for you." Without waiting for permission, Dotan pushed past her and ran inside. The moment Dotan entered, his heart clenched. Luci lay on the bed, drenched in sweat, her face twisted in pain. She was gripping the bed rails so tightly her knuckles had turned white. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with agony. "Dotan..." Her voice was weak. "I'm here," he said, rushing to her side. He took her hand in his, kissing her fingers. The doctor stood at the foot of the bed, his brows furrowed. "She's fully dilated, but the baby is taking time to come down. We need her to push harder." Dotan turned back to Luci. "You can do this, baby." Luci shook her head, tears spilling from her eyes. "I can't..." Her body trembled. "It hurts too much." Dotan cupped her face. "Listen to me. You are the strongest woman I know. You can do this. You have to." Luci sobbed, her body shaking. Another contraction came, and she screamed. The doctor nodded at the nurse. "She's almost there. Just one big push." Luci looked at Dotan, her lips quivering. "I'm scared." Dotan pressed his forehead against hers. "I know, my love. But our baby needs you." Luci took a deep breath, clenching his hand. And then, with everything left in her, she pushed. The room was filled with tension, nurses moving swiftly, the doctor giving firm instructions. Then- A loud, piercing cry filled the air. Dotan's breath caught in his throat. Luci gasped, tears slipping from her eyes as she collapsed back on the pillow. The doctor lifted a tiny, wriggling baby, her skin still slick and pink, and turned to them with a smile. "Congratulations. It's a baby girl." Dotan let out a shaky breath, his chest heaving. He turned to Luci, kissing her damp forehead. "You did it," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Luci's lips trembled. "She's here?" The nurse gently placed the baby in her arms. The moment Luci looked at her daughter, everything changed. The pain, the fear, the exhaustion-all of it disappeared. She had never seen anything so perfect. The baby's tiny fingers curled slightly, her eyes barely opening, as if trying to recognize the world. Luci's heart swelled. "Adriana," she whispered. Dotan smiled. "Adriana," he repeated softly. Tears ran freely down Luci's face. "She's ours." Dotan reached out, brushing a gentle finger over his daughter's soft cheek. "She's everything," he murmured. And in that moment, nothing else in the world mattered. A few weeks later, friends and family gathered in Miguel's small backyard. It was a simple ceremony, no lavish decorations, no extravagant celebrations. Just love and a few family and friends gathered. Miguel, her elder brother, was present. Miguel stepped forward, holding a small cup of water. He looked at Luci and Dotan, then at the baby wrapped snugly in a white blanket. "What name have you chosen for this child?" he asked. Dotan glanced at Luci. She nodded. "Her name is Adriana," Dotan announced. Miguel smiled. "And why Adriana?" Luci took a deep breath, cradling her daughter closer. "Because it means strength and courage," she said softly. "She fought to come into this world. And I know she'll grow up to be just as strong as her father." Dotan's throat tightened. Miguel nodded, dipping his fingers in the water and gently touching Adriana's forehead. "May she live a long and happy life?" The guests clapped softly, murmuring prayers and well wishes. Dotan wrapped an arm around Luci. "She already has everything she needs," he whispered. Luci smiled. "And what's that?" Dotan kissed Adriana's tiny head. "A family who loves her." They smiled at each other That night, as they lay in bed, Adriana asleep between them, Luci traced small circles on Dotan's arm. "Are you happy?" she asked. Dotan turned to her, his eyes filled with love. "Happier than I ever thought possible." Luci exhaled, snuggling closer to him. "I love you." Dotan smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "And I love you more." Outside, the world kept turning. But inside that tiny apartment, their love story was just beginning. And little did they know, life had other plans waiting for them.