Pyotr began to cry from the crib. Jasmine got up to check on him. As she stood, liquid abruptly gushed from her womanhood. She froze. Patricia's eyes widened. Before Jasmine could say anything, a bolt of pain arched through her body. She doubled over, crying out.
"Oh, no." Patricia quickly got up. "Girl, that must have been your water breaking! You are in labor!"
"But- but-"
"Shh, stay calm." Patricia rubbed Jasmine's back. "Come, we will help you through this." Jasmine's mind whirled as Patricia led her to the guest bedroom, set her on the bed, and then disappeared through the doorway, shouting. Jasmine couldn't believe herself! All this time she could have spent preparing, but she instead spent it in denial. Now she was thoroughly screwed. She had no idea of what to expect, though everyone else would think she did, and she had nothing prepared for the infant! She didn't even know whether she would keep it or not!
Another contraction rippled through her abdomen as Patricia returned with Betsy and Chelsea. She cried out in pain.
"Another so soon?" Betsy said. "Oh, dear."
"I sent the boy to fetch the midwife, but they may not get back in time," Patricia said. Jasmine moaned. "Another contraction?" Jasmine nodded tearfully. Patricia looked at Betsy, who shook her head.
"They will not get back in time," Betsy said. She rolled up her sleeves. "Luckily, my mother was a midwife. She taught me all she knew. First, we need to remove your gown, Jasmine." Patricia helped Jasmine get undressed. Fully nude, Jasmine shivered on the bed. Chelsea quickly draped a blanket over her bare breasts, but left her bottom half exposed. Betsy instructed Jasmine to move down the bed and had Chelsea and Patricia hold up Jasmine's legs, spreading them wide.
Everything was happening so fast, Jasmine couldn't keep up. She was uncomfortable and uncertain about whether she wanted to do as the cook instructed. But as another contraction hit her, she knew she had no choice at this point. Just like when she fled the Palace, her discomfort with the situation needed to take a back seat to her safety.
"Jasmine, girl, I have never heard of someone going from labor to birth as quickly as you," Betsy said.
"It is already time for her to push?" Patricia asked. Betsy nodded.
"I can see the head." Betsy looked at Jasmine. "With each contraction, push. I will tell you when to stop." Jasmine nodded. She felt another contraction. "Push!"
Jasmine followed the cook's guidance, screaming in agony with each push and contraction. After what felt like hours, Betsy informed her that the next push would be the last. Jasmine pushed with all her might. New pain, worse than anything she had felt before in her entire life, including the contractions, surged through her womanhood. A baby's cry sounded in the crowded guest room. Betsy held up a bald newborn, smiling.
"Congratulations, Jasmine. It's..."