Chapter One
Parking Lot Birth

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tatianaarenas In my Motha Era 🌊🐚🧜🏼‍♀️
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I had always envisioned my pregnancy as a beautiful journey, marked by tender moments and the thrill of anticipation. But here I was, eight months along, feeling the weight of my growing belly and the uncertainty of what was to come. It was supposed to be a routine shopping trip, just me, my list of baby essentials, and a few hours of light-hearted distraction from the impending reality of motherhood. Little did I know, the day would take a sharp turn into the unexpected.

As I shuffled through the aisles, my cart filled with diapers, onesies, and all the cute little things I couldn't resist, I felt a twinge in my belly. I brushed it off, attributing it to the baby kicking in her usual spirited fashion. "Just another reminder that she's in there," I muttered to myself, a smile creeping onto my face. I checked out, the cashier smiling as she scanned the colorful items. I felt a rush of excitement mixed with anxiety; soon, I wouldn't just be buying baby things, but actually using them.

It wasn't until I reached the parking lot that things took a dramatic turn. I had just placed my bags in the trunk when I felt another wave of discomfort wash over me. This one was sharper, more insistent. I leaned against my car, breathing deeply, thinking that maybe I had overdone it. "Just a little more rest, and I'll be fine," I whispered to myself.

But then it hit me-a cramp that made my breath hitch. Panic washed over me as I realized this wasn't just a mild discomfort; this felt like labor. "No, no, not now," I whispered, glancing around the nearly empty lot. I wasn't due for at least three more weeks. I quickly fished my phone out of my bag, fingers trembling as I tried to dial my sister, Tanya, who lived just a short drive away. But my focus was shattered as another contraction gripped me.

"Hey! Are you okay?" a voice called out. I looked up to see a man approaching. He had an air of confidence about him, with a reassuring smile that somehow eased the panic bubbling inside me.

"I-I think I'm in labor," I managed to say, clutching my belly.

"Okay, let's get you to the hospital," he said, moving closer. "I'm Joe. What's your name?"

"Tatiana," I replied, feeling oddly comforted by his presence.

"Tatiana, we can't wait for an ambulance. I'll help you deliver the baby right here, right now if we have to," he said, his tone calm and steady.

I blinked, a mix of disbelief and desperation flooding my mind. "What? No, I can't-"

"You can, and you will. Just focus on breathing. Let's do this together."

Somehow, the thought of delivering my baby in a parking lot was less terrifying with him there. I leaned against the car, feeling the pressure build. With every contraction, I gripped the edge of the trunk, my breath coming in quick bursts.

"I think the baby doesn't care about the due date," Joe said, a hint of humor in his voice, despite the gravity of the situation. I shot him a glare that quickly softened as another wave rolled over me.

"I need to push," I gasped, and his eyes widened.

"Okay, let's do this. I'm right here." He moved into position, ready to catch my baby.

The next few minutes felt like a blur-raw emotion, pain, and instinct took over. With Joe's encouraging words, I found strength I didn't know I had. In what felt like a heartbeat later, I heard a cry-a loud, fierce wail that pierced the chaos.

"It's a girl!" Joe announced, cradling her gently in his hands. I felt tears streaming down my face, a mix of relief and overwhelming love.

He placed her on my chest, and in that moment, everything faded away except for us. "Welcome to the world, Ocean," I whispered, marveling at the tiny being before me.

Soon, sirens wailed in the distance, and the reality of the situation set in. After the paramedics checked both me and Ocean, they transported us to the hospital, and Joe insisted on coming along.

"Are you sure?" I asked, still in disbelief over how the day had unfolded.

"Absolutely. You shouldn't be alone after something like that," he said simply.

In the hospital, the staff rushed to help us, checking my vitals and ensuring Ocean was healthy. A nurse approached Joe, asking for his ID. Confused, he handed it over while I did the same.

"Do you know this lady?" the nurse asked him, glancing back at me.

Joe looked at me, a hint of recognition sparking in his eyes. "Yeah."

As they checked me and the baby, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me for this stranger who had been my lifeline. He stayed nearby, occasionally offering a reassuring smile.

Then my sister, Tanya, burst into the room, her eyes wide. "Tatiana! Oh my God, you had the baby!"

"Yeah, surprise!" I said, still grinning, despite the exhaustion.

Tanya's gaze shifted to Joe, who was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "Have I seen you before?" she asked, a mixture of curiosity and surprise in her voice.

"I'm a professional wrestler for WWE," Joe replied, his voice casual.

Tanya's eyes lit up. "Nah, I don't watch that but...You went to Georgia Tech, didn't you?"

"Yeah," Joe said, a smile forming on his lips.

"Tatiana, he was a senior when you were a junior and I was a freshman!" Tanya exclaimed.

"Wait, you were Galina's boyfriend, right? I had classes with her," I said, the realization hitting me like a freight train.

"Uh, I'm her husband... well, ex-husband, now," Joe said, his tone shifting slightly, but still warm.

"Damn, what happened?" Tanya asked, her curiosity as bold as ever.

"Tanya!" I exclaimed, shocked at her straightforwardness.

"What? I don't think before I speak," she shot back, unrepentant.

Joe chuckled, waving it off. "It's fine. Life happened, that's all. We're still friends."

"Anyways, thank you so much for everything you did today, Joe," I said, my voice sincere.

"Of course. You and Ocean be safe now," he replied, his gaze lingering on us for a moment longer.

As he turned to leave, Tanya smirked. "That man is still fine."

I shook my head, still a bit dazed. "I can't believe I didn't recognize him."

Tanya waved her hand dismissively. "You were in labor! I'm pretty sure the only thing on your mind was safely delivering your baby in a parking lot."

"Now let me hold my beautiful niece, Ocean," Tanya said, moving closer.

As I handed the baby to her, a thought crossed my mind. "You think that's the last time we'll ever see him?"

"I hope not. I still gotta ask him about that cousin of his," Tanya replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I groaned. "You are so boy crazy."

"And you're baby crazy. Maybe next time when you see Joe, you can ask him for his sperm," Tanya teased, a playful grin spreading across her face.

"Why would I do that?" I asked, incredulous.

"He's Samoan, remember? They are known for their large families. You can get at least six kids from his sperm!" she explained, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a laugh despite my fatigue. "You're ridiculous."

"Just looking out for you, sis," she shot back, her voice light, as she cradled Ocean in her arms.