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Show Woodworth/144 touch it. Was afraid that she'd drop it, or hurt it when she held it. Or afraid that they would see that she didn't like it, didn't even want it. Between the spasms that ground away at her stomach, she cried and, once, fleetingly, hoped the baby would be born dead. Tired as she was, her stomach set in knots when they told her they would bring the baby in. Ned sat on the bed next to her, stroking her neck and scalp. "What was it like? What did it feel Like?" he wanted to know. But she wouldn't answer, couldn't remember anything except that she knew the minute she had her first :ontraction that she hated that baby for ruining her life. When they first handed him to her, she couldn't believe it was her baby. Wouldn't believe that the kicking, churning mound in her stomach had worked its way out to look like something. Like a baby- Ned ran a complete inspection on Jake's body. Checking for missing parts, and then exclaiming over the perfection of each knee, jach elbow, every toe. Jake lay placidly against her chest luring the examination. He looked at her, forming a silent agreement that it was worth it, probably, to humor this madman in his silly Inspection. She smiled at him, and he moved his head slowly 'rom side to side. He was so wise, so understanding. "He looks lore like you than like me," Ned stated after completing his inspection, 'he realized then that she could never have been a great painter. Jut she had created this baby. And she could be great at that, it continuing to form him. She turns and looks at the clock. 2:15. She shouldn't look it clocks, it makes the day go slower. But it's such a good feeling rhen she looks at it, and itfs later than she thought it was. [arty wasn't home. Megan wasn't home. Until five, when she will lave to start getting ready to go over to the Grayson's, there is lothing tha^jaaeds tn V rf-m~ Nothing, in fact, to do. And, really, |
