Slicing Me Open

I was trying to buy some time, hoping the train would reach the next station before anything happened.

But Kyle picked up on what I was doing almost immediately. While everyone's attention was on Stella, he suddenly pressed hard against my stomach. The pain was blinding.

He seized the moment and shouted, "She's a med school graduate! How could that be fake? My wife is at her limit! Move aside and let the doctor deliver this baby!"

I couldn't let Stella near me. She stepped forward, but I shoved her back with everything I had left.

"Stay away from me!" I warned. "I'm not letting you deliver my baby! Just because you went to med school doesn't mean you're licensed! Which hospital are you working at? I'll call your director and verify it myself!"

Stella's face twisted in rage, and she bellowed, "Can you stop acting insane? The baby's life is more important! You and the baby could be in danger if we fail to get the C-section done in time!"

I didn't believe her for a second. My struggles only grew more violent.

"You won't tell me which hospital you work at because you don't even have a medical license. Isn't that right?" I yelled. "I'm not letting some fresh graduate without a license cut me open, especially not here, where nothing is sterile!

"If I die from an infection, who's going to answer for that? And I'm only eight months along! This baby isn't full-term, and a C-section isn't mandatory! I do not consent!"

Stella snorted and got to her feet. "You're not a doctor, so you don't know a thing. I can tell by looking at your belly—the cord is wrapped around the baby's neck. Wait any longer, and the baby's as good as gone.

"Since you won't believe me, then forget it! I'm done trying! Just sit tight until the next station and collect your stillborn!"

A fresh wave of cramping hit, and my vision darkened as the pain stole my breath.

Kyle acted desperate, looking as if he was just moments away from kneeling and begging Stella. He played the role of the devoted husband perfectly.

"Please, doctor! I'm begging you to do the surgery! My wife has always been difficult, and even now, she won't give in despite the unbearable pain. But as her husband, it's my duty to protect her and our child. Please, help her with the surgery!"

Only then did Stella pull out a liability waiver and say reluctantly, "Fine. Sign this. I'm not going to take the risk of her turning around and asking for compensation later."

If Kyle signed that waiver, he and Stella would wash their hands of any responsibility if things went wrong. I wasn't going to let him sign it like he did in my previous life.

By then, I was on the verge of blacking out from the repeated, subtle torment from Kyle and Stella. I could only stay conscious by biting the tip of my tongue.

"I'm not having surgery! Kyle doesn't get to speak for me!" I protested again.

But Kyle declared sternly, "I'm your husband. Our marriage is legally recognized. Even in a hospital, I'd be the one signing the consent form for a C-section. Of course, I have the right to make this decision. Stop being difficult!"

While everyone was distracted, he pressed down hard on my belly again, his expression dark with intent.

The pain was unbearable, and I could hardly breathe, my vision swimming in and out of focus. Just before I blacked out, I heard Kyle's excited cry.

"My wife's out! Do the C-section now!"