***

Push! Push! Thats it! The doctor coached Tina through. Bette! Wheres Bette? Tinas vision blurred with the mixture of physical stress and drugs that pumped through her body. She was only allowed a small amount so as not to harm the babies. Im right here, Tina. Youre doing so wellI can see the head.

***

Where am I supposed to park? Shane did circles inside the massive parking garage across from the hospital. By the time I find a space the kids will be walking.

Carmen pointed in some direction, look, over there. Theres a spot. Shane pulled into the space and the two hopped out, taking careful notice of what level they were on. I remember one time I got lost in one of these dreadful places, Carmen reminisced It was me and my brother Charlie, and we had just come from a movie. We searched for an hour for that damn car! Shane looked worriedly at Carmen. Sorry.

***

How many cream? Dana held up her hand.

Okay, how many sugar? She held up two fingers. Are we playing charades? Dana shook her head and motioned for the cup of hot coffee. She took a long, slow sip, relishing in the moment. Ahh.

Alice sipped her coffee. Better?

Much. What room are they in? Alice walked up to the counter and asked.

Room 625, miss.

They headed for the elevator doors. Just as they were about to board, a man in a black tie and gray business suit rushed past them, causing Dana to spill her coffee all over her pink pearl shirt. Oh, *****! You *****! The man disregarded her comment and continued to speed along the hallway. Damn it.

Alice yelled at the man, even though he had virtually disappeared. Jerk!

Danas upper lip trembled. She had been having the worst night ever, and now it had just upgraded itself to super – sucky.

Just take off your shirt, Im sure no one will notice.

Dana opened her mouth to let her have it. Shut up, Alice! What am I going to do? I cant go in there looking like this. A woman headed to the same elevator had witnessed the entire ordeal. Excuse me, but I have a suit case with extra clothes. Its for my son, but I think I over packed. Im sure I can find a shirt for you to borrow. Dana felt relieved. Thank you so much! You have no idea how grateful I am to you right now.

Yes, thank you, Alice chimed in, thats very kind of you. Whats wrong with your son? Dana elbowed her in the ribs. Ouch!

Al, dont be rude. The woman wasnt offended even the slightest. Its okay, really. He just broke his leg skateboarding. He thinks hes Evil Knevil. Alice smiled, ah, one of those. I bet youve got your hands full. The woman nodded in agreement, then opened her bag and fished around for a shirt. Oh, hereI think this one will fit you just right.

Suddenly the elevator doors opened and she flocked towards the entrance. Ive got to go, I hope everything works out for you ladies! She waved as the doors closed. Alice waved back. Dana just stared at the shirt. Al. Alice saw the front of the shirt, then let out a stifled giggle. Very cool, Dane. Bette and Tinall love it.

***

Everyone gathered round as the babies were introduced for the first time since their birth. Weve decided on names, Tina was absolutely thrilled. She held her baby girl, while Bette cradled the baby boy in her arms.

Ladies, meet Allyson and Jacob. Kids, these people are your new family.

Bette handed Jacob to Shane, and she carefully kissed the babys forehead. Hi there, little guy. Jenny held Allyson, playing with her tiny wandering fingers. They are so beautiful. Bette stood to speak, I want everyone to meet us at the house tomorrow afternoon. Im having another party. Everyone expressed their joy and wonderment, touching the babies faces and toes, oohing and ahhing. Dana sported a tight fitting Star Wars t-shirt. She looked into Allysons eyes, a stunning crystal blue. You two are soooo lucky. You have THE BEST parents in the whole wide world.

***