“How did this happen?” Luca’s voice is cold and serious, probably trying to find someone responsible for what happened and wondering what to do with them.
“There isn’t really a cause, but it happens in some cases of twin pregnancy; I think that’s the case.”
“My babies, will they be all right?”
“Yes, there shouldn’t be any major problems. You’ll have to rest completely from now on, and we’ll have to be more vigilant. If all goes well, you’ll make it to the end of your pregnancy without any problems.”
“What if everything doesn’t go well?” My voice is shaky, insecure, and covered in fear.
“They may have to be born a little earlier, but nothing that puts your life or the lives of the babies at risk.” I lay down completely on the bed and closed my eyes, still feeling some pain but happy and relieved. I don’t mind going through the worst painfor my children; I will do anything for them. “I recommendthat you stay in the hospital until tomorrow; in these cases, it’s not usually necessary, but I’d like to monitor you for the next twenty-four hours and help control the pain. Besides, the hospital belongs to the Camorra, so you’ll be safe.”
I nod, knowing that he only suggested staying away from Luca’s fear, trying to make sure it is on his good side. I’m escorted to a luxurious room reserved for our family. Luca follows the doctor and the nurses with his eyes until they leave the room. Francesco and two other soldiers are at the door of the room. I hold out my hand to my husband. He approaches me slowly, running his hands through my disheveled hair. I feel him take my hand and sit down next to me, pulling me to rest on his chest. His hand goes to my belly, caressing it. I feel my whole body relax, and I close my eyes, feeling slight movements—movements that are imperceptible to Luca but that make me smile incessantly.
“They’re moving.” It’s light, almost imperceptible, but I can feel them. I can feel our babies!” Luca runs his hand across my belly, making our children move following the movement of his hand, recognizing their father. “I was so scared.”
“I know, but it’s all right now; nothing will happen to our children; they’ll be fine, amore.”
I nod, looking at my swollen belly, swearing to myself that I will never let anything happen to those children; I will do anything for them; I will kill and die for them.
“I love you, and I love the fact that we’re about to be parents, about to have our family get a little bigger.”
“You’re going to be the best mother; they’re lucky to have you.”
I look at Luca, his eyes glued to my belly, still caressing it. We’re going to be fine; I feel that way. “They’ll be very loved; nothing bad will happen to them!”
“I’ll make sure of it; I won’t let anything threaten yoursafety.”
“We will protect them.”
“I’ll kill anyone who tries anything; I’ll make them suffer if they dare.”
***
The contractions started lightly, waking me up. I look at the clock on the bedside table and see that it’s four a.m.; I’ve just turned thirty-nine weeks, and apparently, my babies aren’t willing to wait any longer. I sit up in bed, take a deep breath, look at my husband sleeping, and let out a low moan, feeling the pain reach deep into my stomach. I run my hand over, feeling the babies move and make strange shapes; I smile, feeling their limbs, and can’t wait to hold them. The contractions are spaced out; we still have a few hours. I close my eyes and lean against the headboard, waiting for another wave of pain.
At six a.m., I feel the pain becoming more constant and stronger. I stretch out my arm and gently shake Luca’s body, causing him to open his eyes immediately.
“I don’t think your children are willing to wait much longer.” Despite the pain, I can’t help but smile. Luca looks lost as he gets out of bed, looking for some clothes to put on. “It’s okay, the water hasn’t broken yet.”
As fate would have it, as soon as the words were out of my mouth, water started running down my legs. A laugh burst from my lips at the irony of the situation, and I looked at my husband standing in the middle of the room, staring at the water stain on my feet.
“So here’s what we’ll do; you go to the twins’ room and get the bags in the corner; inside, there’s everything we’ll need at the hospital. I’ll take off my nightgown and put on a dress, and we’ll go to the hospital, okay?”
Luca still looks lost when I leave the room in search of thetwins’ bag. I put on a light dress and grab the bag with my things. I quickly send a message to my family, Luca’s family, and my best friends, letting them know that the twins are coming.
“Luca?” I leave the room and see him running toward me when he hears my voice, with the twins’ suitcases in hand. I hold his arm and slowly walk down the stairs, feeling the contractions getting stronger in short spaces of time. “Francesco!”
As soon as he enters the room, he looks in my direction and Luca’s, and I see panic appear on his face. He runs to get his bags and heads for the car, getting into the driver’s seat and starting it quickly. I see him look worried in the rearview mirror, and I smile in his direction.
“You need hahahah…” The contraction is strong, and without realizing it, I scream at the top of my lungs in the car, making the two men look worriedly in my direction. “Calm down. It’s okay, I’m fine.”
“It doesn’t look like it.” Francesco’s voice is low and sweaty, and he keeps looking in the rearview mirror.
I don’t have time to answer. I grab Luca’s arm, digging my nails into his skin, and scream, feeling everything hurt.
“Okay, my loves, you have to take it easy, okay?” As soon as I’ve finished speaking, another even stronger contraction hits me, and I scream louder and louder.
“Chiara.” My husband’s voice catches my attention. I look in his direction and try to smile, to reassure him, but all I can do is cry out in pain.
