Part 3 of High Risk

Alyssa

I stuck my hand into the glove, the desire to feel her skin for real burning in my heart. Jada Adalyn Graham was born premature at seven months weighing four pounds and seven ounces through a C-section.

She was so small and had to be placed in an incubator to finish her development. She also had to clear out an infection in her lungs which were one of the organs she still had to finish developing.

Doctors say she has a high probability of having asthma and will be more prone to lung disease and cancer. She had to have a feeding tube and a mask on to help her breath.

It was painful seeing her in that condition, not just for me, but also for Nathan. Since she was born, he'd put a brave face on, promising that she was going to be okay, that she'd get the best care known to man. I haven't seen him with any other expression but a hopeful one.

Yesterday, Oliver told me that he caught Nathan crying. The man wasn't full on sobbing but a few tears left his eyes. Of course he wiped them away when he noticed Oliver's presence but that doesn't change the fact that he was just as scared as I was, only he refused to show me.

“Love?” I turned around to see the man holding my small bag. “It's time.”

I nodded, looking back to Jada, stroking her tiny hand with my gloved finger. I heard him come closer and felt his hand on my shoulder.

He rubbed slowly, massaging the muscle. “She'll be fine.”

I nodded, trying to believe the next words that came out of my mouth. “I know.”

“She looks so peaceful.” He said, sticking his hand into the other glove to stroke her face and her white hair.

That's was also a concern of mine when I first saw her. I remember asking 'why is her hair white?' so many times. It's a miracle that the doctors weren't annoyed with me.

To answer that question, the said it was just a mutation in her genes, that it would not impact her health in any way. All it did was set her apart from others.

I liked it.

She wasn't like other babies and I didn't mind.

Nathan pulled away from her a few minutes later and tapped my shoulder. I set out a sigh, pulling my hand away too. She didn't react and just kept breathing.

I stood up, holding Nathan's hand as he gave mine an assuring squeeze. We said a quick goodbye to the doctor and nurse that were taking care of Jada before heading for the hospital exit.

I had been discharged two days ago, a week after the operation but she wasn't. I'd come back everyday since to watch over her even if there was a team of doctors and nurses doing so.

They did advise that I be with her constantly to form a sort of bond with her. It would be a bit like she was still in my womb and maybe encourage her.

I didn't question it, just gave me an excuse to be with her longer.

We got home after a silent drive and immediately my boys jumped on me, enquiring about their sister.

“How is she?”

“Is she done growing yet?”

“When is she coming home?”

I couldn't answer before my abuela came. “Alright boys, why don't you check the pollo al ajillo?” They obeyed immediately, well, Oliver had to pull Erik and Eran before they left, but we were alone soon after. “So, mi corazón, how was today?”

I sighed and sat on the couch, running a hand through my already messy hair. “They say her lungs are progressing well but the infection is slowing it down. She might still need a couple more w-weeks.”

My voice broke at the end as tears welled in my eyes. Abuela pulled me into her arms as I tried to blink them back. I couldn't count how many times I'd cried so many times on her shoulders over this matter.

She came to see me two days after the operation and since then she's been a big part of my support system, not as big as Nathan but still impactful. She, Carina, Matthew and Sophia have been the perfect family.

They helped me and Nathan out so much while we were dealing with this situation. Abuela was the one who'd had this sort of experience as my own mother was a high risk pregnancy and had to be in the NICU for a month and a half.

She helped alleviate some of my fears and it just made me feel better knowing there was someone around I could relate to. Carina, Matthew and Sophia, on the other hand, have been on children duty. They explained to the kids what was happening to their sister, although with Oliver it wasn't needed as much as with his younger ones.

They helped them understand that for now, my main focus would be on Jada and Nathan's would be on getting me to take care of myself or in this case, taking care of me. The man would give me the space I wanted but also be there when I needed a hug, I don't think he'd even gone to work since that day.

The children were stellar. The way they avoided fighting and resolved their conflicts on their own was amazing yet scary. I didn't want them to think I wouldn't take care of them anymore. I knew they were just kids and they needed me too. I couldn't fail at being their mom.

I managed to calm myself down before Alhan came bounding into the room like a hurricane. “Bisabuela, the food looks like it's ready!”

She gave him a warm smile. “Thank you so much for watching it dear, tell your gran to put the stove off and I'll be right there.”

He nodded his dark, curly head. “And after we eat, can you help me with my homework?”

I jumped in. “I'll help you, Alhan.”

He looked at me with a bit of concern. “Don't you need to rest?”

“Nope, I can help you with whatever you need.” I insisted, my heart fluttering at his compassion.

He grinned, running to give me a hug. “After, can we play a little?”

I kissed his forehead. “Sure.”

He cheered and ran back to the kitchen excitedly. Abuela gave me a proud nod, getting off her seat and heading to the kitchen where Sophia and the other boys were working on setting the table.

Everyone came down and we all sat to eat, laughing together as we did. For a while, I forgot the situation with Jada and thought about how good it'd be when she joined us.

**********

“Mommy! Phone!!” I heard Eran yell.

He was right across the room and the phone was two steps away. He definitely didn't need to yell.

“I know Eran. Thank you but please try to be a little quieter next time.” I said, reaching for my phone.

The boy nodded and went back to coloring while I picked the phone call. “Hello?”

“Hi, Alyssa, it's Doctor Hanson.” He was the one treating Jada. “I have some news about your daughter.”

For some reason that made my heart sink. It sounded like he was going to give some pretty bad news. “Okay, hold on please, I need to get my husband.” I located Nathan in his home office, indicating to him that the doctor was on. He dropped his work and gestured for me to get the man speaking again.

“As you know, her infection was cleared as at last week and after examining her today, we think someone's ready to come out of the box.” He told us, a bit more cheer in his tone.

It took me a minute to understand what he was saying. “Do you mean…?”

I wanted, no, needed to hear it.

“Mr and Mrs Graham, Jada is healthy enough to come out of the incubator, she doesn't have need for it anymore.” He declared.

I was tongue-tied, not believing what I'd just heard. When I didn't speak for a moment, Nathan took over.

“This is great news, thank you so much for calling us.” The man was grinning ear-to-ear, gripping my waist tightly.

“It was no problem. I suppose you will be here tomorrow to see her?” I gave Nathan an over enthusiastic thumbs up. We couldn't go today anymore because it was late, almost 8pm.

“Definitely.”

“Okay, we'll be expecting you.” We thanked him and hung up shortly after that.

I practically jumped on Nathan barely a second after the call disconnected. There were happy tears in my eyes and in his as well as we held onto one another tightly in celebration.

“I can't believe we'll be able to hold her tomorrow.” I cried out happily.

“Good thing it came so soon, I was getting tired of those gloves.” He said.

I laughed, pulling away slightly to wipe my eyes. He leaned in, planting a kiss on my lips. This was the best news wed heard in a while, we just hoped everything would be okay after this.

********

Nathan opened the door for me, waiting for me to get out of the car before getting the duffle bag. He put his hands on my lower back, leading us the the front door.

It opened and immediately our eyes were drawn to the 'welcome home' banner hanging over the TV. Colorful ribbons hung from the ceiling and smiling people stood in front of her.

Oliver, Alhan, Erik, Eran, Abuela, Sophia, Matthew, Carina, Jacob, Cassy, Philip, and Ivy were here to welcome Jada. After three weeks in the NICU, she was cleared and discharged free of infection and breathing just as well as any baby. She did have to take some supplements than the average baby but other than that, she was normal.

The kids were the first to approach us, fawning over her. They were careful to not raise their voices too much, even the normally loud Alhan, reduced his voice to barely over a whisper.

The grandparents were up next, each taking a turn carrying her. Nathan and I were always near, of course, so were the boys. I could already tell they'd be the overprotective big brother types. When Jacob wanted to hold her, Alhan protested.

“Did you wash your hands?” He questioned, inspecting them.

Jacob rolled his eyes. “Yes.”

“Liar, they're filthy! You're not touching my sister with your icky hands, you're gonna get her sick.” Alhan stood between me, the one currently holding Jada, and Jacob.

“Oh yeah?” The man smirked. “That means I can get you sock if I do this!”

He ran his hands over Alhan's face and the boy shrieked. “Ewwww! I have to wash my face now!”

“Ha ha.” The grown man stuck his tongue out at my kid.

“I'll be right back, I have to wash my face.” He grumbled. “You can't hold her while I'm gone!”

He walked out of the room after the declaration and Jacob reached his arms out to hold her. Since he was born, Alhan and Jacob have been rivals and best friends at once. Jacob was the only one who matched his energy and Alhan saw this as a challenge. For years, they've been trying to one up one another, whether it be in a race or being annoying.

It was always entertaining and reminded me of Oliver and Nathan.

The day was filled with celebration and the night, a tender moment when it was time to put Jada to bed and the boys insisted on kissing her goodnight. So Nathan bent to their level, holding her for them.

Oliver went first, tenderly touching her forehead with his lips. Next was Alhan who placed a quick 'muah' one her. The twins went last, each copying one of their brothers.

Nathan kissed her as well, whispering how much he loved her and how proud he was before leaving with the boys. I was left alone with her for the first time today.

I stuck her hand through the bars of her crib to touch her face. My heart squeezed as I felt her skin on mine, I still wasn't use to the feeling. She smiled in her sleep, her little hand clenching.

I let out a breathy laugh, holding back the tears. “Welcome home, Jada. Sleep well baby, just know you're loved by everyone in this house. I can't wait to watch you grow up.”

Author's Note:

Okay, can someone explain why there were tears in my eyes as I wrote this? Also, can y'all tell me how you got the last part up to 40 votes in less than three days? Like damn!

Anyway, I understand there might've been some confusion yesterday about my publishing this part. I just want to apologize. My hand accidentally hit the publish button when I was writing and I hand to unpublish it. Sorry for the confusion.

Do any of you have any requests? I'd love to know.

Also, I'm thinking of renaming 'Playing the Billionaire' to 'Lianne's Revenge' and changing the cover as well. What do you think? Tell me before it comes back in June.

Anyways, thanks so much for reading and don't forget to vote and comment and follow me for more updates!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

-E