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Three months later...July
Houston, Texas.

It's been nearly four months since I arrived here in Texas. The time has flown by, filled with both challenges and blessings. Two weeks ago, Sayyid arrived, and he wasn't alone—his mother, Mami, came with him, bringing a sense of home and comfort I hadn't realized I missed so much.

A lot has happened in these past months. Maryam gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Khadija Maya, and the joy she brought into our lives has been indescribable. Even from afar, the pictures and video calls from Maryam made me feel connected to the celebration, though I wished I could have been there in person to hold my niece. She's perfect—tiny, delicate, and absolutely precious. Maryam says she has her father's calm temperament, but I think she has her mother's spark in her eyes.

As for me, life here has been a mix of adjustments, anticipation, and moments of deep reflection. My belly has grown significantly, and so has my excitement—and anxiety—for the arrival of our baby boy. The support from my family and Sayyid has been invaluable, though the distance from home and everything familiar still tugs at my heart.

Everything has been moving so fast, it feels like just yesterday I arrived here, yet now we're knee-deep in preparations for our little one's arrival. Before I knew it, we were out shopping for diapers, wipes, baby bottles, and countless adorable baby clothes. The tiny onesies, soft blankets, and baby shoes—it all feels so surreal, like a dream I'm living in slow motion and fast forward at the same time.

Each shopping trip makes it more real, more tangible. Every item we pick out reminds me that soon, I'll be holding my baby boy in my arms, InshaAllah. The anticipation is overwhelming, but it's also so beautiful. I can't wait to meet him, to see his little face, and to feel his tiny fingers wrap around mine. The thought alone fills my heart with joy, and I find myself smiling even in the quietest moments.

It's incredible to think that soon, we'll be a family of three.

"Aidah," I heard someone call my name, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I turned to meet Mairam's gaze. We were outside the store, loading bags into the car's trunk. The summer heat of July wrapped around us, and I could feel the weight of my growing belly more than ever. It was exactly two weeks before my due date, and I couldn't help but feel a swirl of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a tiny bit of fear.

Yesterday's doctor's appointment had been reassuring but nerve-wracking at the same time. The doctor told me I was 1cm dilated, which, according to her, was nothing to get excited about just yet. She explained how I'd need to be at least 4cm dilated and experiencing continuous contractions before being admitted to the hospital. Her words echoed in my head as we packed up: "It's still early. Be patient, but stay prepared."

I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions for weeks now—the infamous "false contractions." They hurt enough to make me pause sometimes, but they're nothing compared to the real ones, or so I've been told. I shuddered at the thought of the pain to come. How bad would it get? Could I handle it? The anxiety gnawed at the edges of my mind.

"Do you feel okay?" Sayyid asked, his voice laced with concern as he suddenly appeared beside me.

I nodded slowly, my hands instinctively resting on my belly. "I'm sorry," I murmured, forcing a nervous laugh. "I'm just getting a little... nervous."

Sayyid didn't look convinced. His brows furrowed as he placed his arm gently around my shoulders, guiding me to sit down on the edge of the car seat. I leaned back against it, tilting my head as I tried to steady my breathing. My chest felt tight, and each breath seemed like it took twice the effort.

"It's getting harder to breathe," I admitted quietly, my voice trembling slightly.

Sayyid crouched down in front of me, his face soft with worry. "Take a deep breath," he said softly, his tone calm but firm.

I closed my eyes and tried to follow his instructions, inhaling deeply through my nose and slowly letting the air out through my mouth. He mirrored my breathing, demonstrating each step, his calm energy helping to slow my racing thoughts.

"That's it, just like that," he said, his hand gently rubbing my arm in reassurance.

After a few moments, the tightness in my chest eased, and I opened my eyes to meet his. There was a flicker of relief in his expression, but the concern hadn't entirely disappeared.

"Better?" he asked.

I nodded again, this time with a small, genuine smile. "Yeah, better. Thank you."

"You don't need to apologize for feeling nervous," he said, his voice soft but firm. "It's a big deal, Aidah. You're about to become a mother, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. I'm here, okay? You're not doing this alone."

His words struck a chord, and a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with the July heat. I placed my hand over his and squeezed lightly. "I know. Thank you, Sayyid. I'm really grateful for you."

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Always, baby. Now, let's get you home and resting. We need you strong and ready for when our little guy decides it's time to make his entrance."

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. Sayyid helped me into the car, his hand never leaving mine until we were ready to leave. As nervous as I felt, I knew I wasn't in this alone, and that made all the difference.

"God, I'm not even in labor yet, and I'm already freaking out," I said, letting out a nervous chuckle.

"Just take a deep breath, okay? It's all going to be alright," Adda Meera reassured me, standing beside Mairam. Her calm demeanor was like a balm to my frazzled nerves.

"Feeling better?" Sayyid asked, his voice tinged with worry as he crouched beside me.

I nodded, managing a small smile. "Yes, thank you."

He reached for my hand, his warmth grounding me. "I'm here for you," he said softly. Then, leaning closer, he pressed a tender kiss on my forehead.

I smiled, a genuine one this time, feeling a little more at ease.

"Ehem, big sisters are still here, you know," Adda Meera teased, clearing her throat dramatically.

We all burst into laughter, the tension lifting slightly. It felt good to have this moment of levity amidst my nerves. Soon after, we loaded ourselves into the car and drove home.

Once home, the bustling energy of everyone helping to arrange the baby's things filled the house. Adda Meera, Mairam, Mami, Yassine, and I worked together, folding tiny clothes, organizing diapers, and setting up the crib.

I didn't even realize how tired I was until my body decided for me. At some point, I'd curled up on the couch amidst the activity, and before I knew it, I had drifted off.

A sudden, sharp pain jolted me awake. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up so quickly I almost toppled off the couch.

I clutched my belly, my breath coming in short, rapid gasps as I tried to process the sensation.

"Aidah, are you okay?" Sayyid's voice was the first to reach me, full of alarm as he rushed over to my side.

The pain eased slightly, but my heart was racing. "I... I don't know," I stammered, looking around at the concerned faces of my family.

"Is it happening?" Mairam asked, her voice tinged with excitement and worry.

"I don't think so," I replied, my voice shaky. "It's probably just those false contractions again."

Adda Meera placed a hand on my shoulder. "Let's time them, just in case. If they're consistent, we'll know it's time."

Sayyid knelt beside me, his hand covering mine. "We've got this, Aidah. You've got this," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm myself. This was it—whether real or false, it felt like I was on the brink of something monumental. And with everyone around me, I knew I wasn't alone.

"Would you like me to take you to bed? I told them not to wake you up," Sayyid asked softly, his concern evident in his tone.

"No, what time is it?" I asked, scanning the living room for a clock.

"Seven," he said, glancing at his watch.

"Ina so naje walk," I said, pushing myself up to stand.

"Are you sure?" Sayyid asked, instinctively placing an arm around me for support.

"Yes, let me go and change," I replied, making my way upstairs.

"Do you want me to get Mami? I know you enjoy her company more on your walks," he added with a teasing smile.

I smiled back at him. "Don't bother Mami, please. I want you to walk with me today," I said and began climbing the stairs. I could feel his gaze following me, likely just in case I tripped or needed help. My belly was so big now that I couldn't even see my feet.

When I came back downstairs, Sayyid was waiting for me, wearing a navy blue shirt and jeans. He held my jacket in his hands, ready for me.

"It's not even cold, Sayyid," I said, amused.

"I'm not taking any chances," he replied, draping the jacket over my shoulders before leaning in to kiss me.

He grabbed my hand, and together, we walked out of the house.

As we strolled through the quiet neighborhood, we talked about random things, enjoying each other's company. After a while, Sayyid glanced at my belly with a tender expression.

"I can't believe the day is almost here," he said, his voice full of wonder.

"I know," I said, pressing my palm gently against my belly.

"I can't wait to see who he looks like," he added, his eyes lighting up.

I smiled up at him. "I hope he looks like you."

He chuckled. "Well, I hope he looks like you."

I really did hope our baby had Sayyid's beautiful brown eyes. But no matter who he resembled, I knew I would love him deeply—I already did.

"I know it may seem unfair since the baby isn't coming out of any hole in my body, but... I'm a little nervous," Sayyid admitted with a sheepish grin.

"A little?" I laughed, raising an eyebrow.

"Okay, a lot," he confessed, grinning.

I squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Me too, babe."

"When is Ammi getting here again?" he asked.

"On Tuesday, inshallah," I replied, my excitement bubbling up.

"Allah ya kaimu," he said. Then, his expression softened. "You know, I'm really scared. I don't know what to do..." His voice trailed off as we came to a stop. He turned to face me, his worry written all over his face.

I smiled up at him. "Just being by my side is enough," I said softly.

He half-smiled, his eyes glistening. "You can count on it then," he said before leaning down to kiss me gently.

We continued our walk in comfortable silence, the streetlights casting a warm glow around us. By the time we returned to the house, I was completely exhausted, but my heart felt lighter.

*****

Ammi arrived that Tuesday, accompanied by Mummy, my stepmom. Their presence brought some comfort, but in truth, it only made everything feel more real. I could no longer hide the overwhelming fear creeping inside me. I wanted the baby out already. The days seemed to drag on, each one more agonizing than the last. My stomach would drop at the slightest sensation, a constant reminder that the baby was getting ready to make his entrance.

It was two days before my due date when the contractions woke me up in the dead of night. I lay there in the dark, trying to hold back tears as the pain surged through my body. It was unbearable.

The pain radiated from my back to my lower abdomen, every wave intensifying, and I clutched the blanket beneath me as I sat up. I had been having contractions every night for days, but this was different. I knew this wasn't just another false alarm. I had been dilating slowly, the doctor telling me I was 3cm just yesterday, but now the ache felt real.

I reached for my phone, my hands shaking as I checked the time. The contractions, at first, were short and scattered, but with each passing minute, they stretched longer and came faster.

"Sayyid," I stuttered in the dark, my hand fumbling to find him in the bed.

"Sayyid!" I called again, my voice trembling, and that time, I could feel him stir beside me.

"Aidah?" His voice was laced with confusion and concern. His eyes shot open, wide in the darkness, and I watched as his expression shifted from sleepiness to alarm. He jumped out of bed, flipping the light on.

"Aidah!" he exclaimed, his panic apparent.

I took a deep breath, though it did nothing to ease the rising tide of fear in my chest. "I'm... Fine. We need to go. Now," I managed to say, my voice shaking with the weight of the moment.

He nodded, moving quickly. In seconds, he had pulled on a pair of black sweatpants, thrown a sweater over his head, and was reaching for his shoes. His hands were hurried but gentle as he came to me, his face filled with worry.

"Wait," I said, closing my eyes as a new wave of pain struck me. I was scared to stand. I didn't want to move, but I had to. "Go wake Ammi, or Mami... or Mummy." I whispered, my words barely making it out as I clutched my belly, the cramps intensifying.

Sayyid paused for a moment, his eyes softening with understanding. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead, then rushed out of the room to get help.

I sighed deeply, trying to steady myself. I could do this. Slowly, I swung my legs off the bed, my body trembling with each movement. And just as the pain surged again, I realized I needed to use the bathroom. But as I walked, the inevitable happened—I didn't make it in time. Embarrassed and overwhelmed, I rushed into the shower, letting the hot water pour over me, trying to soothe the panic in my mind.

The water felt like a comfort, like something to anchor me as my body betrayed me in the worst way. And it was there, in the shower, that I felt it.

My water broke.

I stood frozen in shock, the warm water mingling with the realization that it was happening.

"Baby, are you okay?" Sayyid's voice called from the other side of the curtain, full of concern.

"I'm... Y-yeah." My voice trembled, and I didn't know if I was lying to him or to myself.

After a few more moments, I turned off the water and wrapped myself in a bathrobe, trying to steady my nerves.

"Are you okay?" Sayyid asked again, his voice filled with worry as he saw me walk back to the room.

"Sayyid," I warned, opening the drawer to pull out some underwear and a sports bra. "If you ask me that one more time..."

He said nothing in return, but his actions were all the reassurance I needed. He gently took the underwear from my hands, bending down to help me as I steadied myself. He helped me with everything, his touch soft and caring, his eyes never leaving me.

"Please be good to Mommy," he whispered, his hand resting on my swollen belly as he pressed a soft kiss to it. I smiled weakly at him. His tenderness was the only thing keeping me grounded in that moment.

I dressed quickly—an oversized shirt, sweatpants, maternity bra, and socks—and slipped into my soft slippers, the weight of my swollen feet making me wince.

"Should I carry you?" Sayyid asked, his voice full of concern as we walked to the stairs.

"No, with your mother and mine probably lurking around... No thanks," I replied, managing a small smile as I made my way down the stairs, each step slower than the last.

I could see them—Mami, Yassine, waiting at the front door, their faces a mix of concern and encouragement. Sayyid rushed down the stairs to meet them, but I took my time, gripping my abdomen with every step.

It felt like forever before I finally reached the living room, my feet dragging.

"Sannu, Aidah," they all greeted me, their voices a blend of love and support, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. I simply nodded.

"You're going to be fine, inshallah," Mami said, rubbing my back as I stood there, trying to steady my breathing. "You're being so brave... so brave."

But inside, I wasn't brave. I was terrified.

The time had come. I felt it deep in my bones.

It was happening.

The baby was coming.

And I didn't know if I was ready.