The Hard Decisions

The last two months had passed uneventfully on the demon front. I would have thought my pregnancy would have been a hot topic of discussion in the Underworld, plotting to take us by surprise because of my condition. I wasn't complaining, but it was just a little strange. Presently I was sitting in a hospital bed. Piper and Phoebe had gone to get something to eat with Andy sthat left just me and Grams.

"What's bothering you?" Grams asked, breaking the silence between us.

"Huh?" I responded.

"You seem upset," she noted.

"I guess I'm just nervous. I mean what if the baby does something magical when she's born?" I asked.

"I wouldn't worry. There's nothing for the baby to do, dear," Grams assured me.

"Did...we do anything weird when we were born?" I questioned.

"Not really, no. Phoebe was a little unexpected so we didn't have time to get to the hospital but you and Piper were just fine," she told me.

"Besides, Piper can always freeze the room," she said with a chuckle just as the door opened and the doctor walked in.

"Where's your entourage?" he asked with a smirk.

"Being very disloyal by leaving me here to go in search of disgusting hospital food," I said with a smirk.

"We're going to have to talk to those subjects of yours," he snickered. I had to admit, he was making this process a lot easier.

"So how are you feeling? Any pressure yet?" he asked, his tone turning serious.

"Not really. I mean I'm uncomfortable but nothing really new has happened," I replied. I had been in the hospital since yesterday.

"Well we'll keep monitoring you. Hopefully your water will break relatively soon and we can start working on bringing this baby into the world," he told me. I just nodded and watched him leave. Moments later, Piper, Phoebe and Andy returned.

"How are you feeling?" Andy asked.

"Ok. I wish it would just happen though. I'm getting tired fo lying here," I answered.

"She'll be here soon enough," he reminded me. I just sighed. I never realized how hard it was to keep this secret from him, especially since other people knew the truth. I had to say I was very proud of Phoebe. She had managed to keep it to herself this entire time. As we all sat in silence, I thought crossed my mind. I really wanted Mom to be here. I knew the talk wouldn't weird Andy out but I felt like I needed to voice this with just my sisters and Grams.

"Andy, could you give us a minute?" I asked quietly. He looked at me in concern but I just shook my head.

"Witch stuff," I murmured and he stood up. I caught my family watch him go.

"Is something wrong?" Piper asked.

"I really wish Mom could be here right now. I know it's impossible since she's dead and all but I don't know. I just felt like I couldn't say it in front of him," I mumbled.

"I can summon her if you really want her," Grams offered.

"And how exactly would we explain her being here?" I asked.

"Well that's simple. You leave it up to me," she said and stood up.

"Wait...where are you going?" I called after her.

"You just rest and relax," she answered and let the door shut.

"What do you think she is going to do" Phoebe asked.

"I think she's going to summon Mom," Piper answered in awe. I hadn't told my sisters about my semi-frequent visits with Mom in the last few months. Phoebe beamed though. She didn't really remember Mom at all. I think a part of me wanted for her to be with Mom during this time. She'd been unfairly yanked out of all of our lives. Andy returned and we played a game of cards for a while and still Grams hadn't returned. Around three I felt a very strange sensation and suddenly the sheet beneath me was wet.

"Can someone call the nurse?" I asked, trying to stay calm. Andy bolted from his chair and went running from the room. Before he got back the door opened and Grams walked in, Mom following. I would have jumped up but I couldn't.

"How?" I finally got out.

"I told you dear, it wasn't that hard. We just told them that she is your Godmother," Grams answered with a wink. Mom sat on the edge of the bed and hugged me.

"Mom," Piper breathed, wrapping her arms around us too.

"Hello my beautiful girls," she breathed. Phoebe kept a little distance.

"Phoebe, come here," Mom stated and Phoebe inched her way closer.

"My baby. You've grown up so much," she gushed.

"It's really you," Phoebe gasped.

"Of course it is. I'm here for all of you. Besides, I couldn't miss this," she said with a smile.

"I'm glad you're here," I sniffed. She gave my shoulder a squeeze just as a nurse and my doctor came in.

"Who is this?" he asked, indicating Mom. Grams fixed me with a look.

"This is my Godmother. She lives sort of far away so she just got here," I lied as he helped me up so the nurse could change the sheets. Once I was back on the bed he began to examine me.

"Well this is a good sign, Prue. You're water broke so we're on our way to having a baby," he told me.

"How long will it take?" I asked.

"It all depends on the person," he answered as he pulled off his gloves.

"I'll be back to check on you in an hour ok. If something drastically changes before then, you let me know," he explained. Andy looked at me after the nurse had left.

"You don't have a Godmother," he whispered.

"I know...but how else would I explain how my dead mother got here," I hissed back. He blinked a few times.

"It's a bit scary seeing a ghost for the first time. You'll get used it," she told Andy and he just nodded.

"Mom, you don't have to scare him," I shot.

"Sorry honey. Not intentional," she apologized, noticing Phoebe sitting quietly by herself in one of the chairs. She went and sat down and I watched as they talked in low voices. I was glad I could do something for Phoebe. She needed Mom now more than I did.

A couple hours later I was in excruciating pain. I was only a couple centimeters dilated but I was ready to get this kid out of me. I finally relaxed after a contraction, breathing like I'd run a marathon.

"You're doing great, sweetie," Mom coached, one of hands wrapped around hers. Hopefully ghosts didn't lose circulation in their hands.

"When is it going to be over?" I whined.

"Soon, baby," she promised. I knew she didn't know the answer but her telling me that anyways put my mind at ease.

Another couple hours and I was finally ready to push. The doctor was squatting at the end of the bed, looking as if he was ready to catch a football.

"Ok, Prue. Just whenever you feel the need to push, just go for it. Remember chin to your chest," he instructed me. I looked to my right to see Piper sitting with Phoebe of them, cringing when I did. I figured Phoebe was feeling the pain. Poor kid with her new empathy power having to kick in right now. She looked exhausted.

"Grams, why don't you take Phoebe for a walk or something. She doesn't want to see this," I got out right before I pushed again. Grams nodded and they left after the contraction ended.

"I see a head," the doctor announced. He reached up to take my hand and I felt between my legs. Sure enough there was a head.

"Oh my God," I rasped out. It was really happening.

"Another few good pushes and this baby will be out," he coaxed and I pushed with all the energy I could muster. I don't know how but it only took one push to get her out.

"Happy Birthday baby girl," the doctor said, holding her up so I could see her. She was crying loudly and wiggling around in his hands. I looked at Mom.

"Can you find Phoebe and Grams?" I asked. She nodded and disappeared out the door. She returned just as they were laying the baby in my arms.

"Prue she's beautiful," Phoebe gushed, touching the baby's soft cheek.

"Yeah...she is," I agreed. This was such a strange feeling. I had carried this tiny life inside of me for nine months and now she was really here. It was all so surreal.

"You were great," Andy whispered in my ear, giving me a kiss. I just stared down at the little girl in my arms and I couldn't help but cry. She gave a squeak and I leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"Happy Birthday Brianna," I whispered.