Snow fell; soft little flakes blanketing the ground, a small town with many lit cottages filled the morning.
“Dear, oh Dear. The contractions are becoming closer together..” The young-looking woman began to pant, fingertips massaged over her large pregnant belly.
“Alright Ilphukiir hon, I’ll get the doctor.” The toned, young-looking man spoke as he rang the bell just outside their little shabby cottage, alerting the doctor just down the lane of his assistance.
“I don’t know how long I’m going to last.. Unnnggggh!” Ilphukiir groaned in pain.
“Andre, please, ring the doctor again!” She groaned once more, tilting her head back against the pile of pillows.
“Alright, alright. Just try to calm down love.” Andre spoke as his hand rose to ring the bell once more, just as the doctor of the village arrived at the front step, almost bumping into one another.
“Ah, is Ilphukiir having the baby Andre?” Questioned the doctor, looking inquisitively past Andre and setting upon Ilphukiir, slowly refocusing his glasses upon his stubby nose.
“Interesting, interesting. This boy is three months early..” Spoke the doctor curiously, moving past Andre and beside the couch where Ilphukiir lay, sifting through his long white beard.
“Is.. Something wrong.. Doctor..? Asked Andre, closing the door and bringing another warm rag from the kettle above the mantle place. He quickly placed himself beside both Ilphukiir and the Doctor, rag being placed upon her head.
“Andre Des fi Dezeldas.. You’re going to have.. A strangely, perfectly healthy son I think.. It’s curious though, three months early and doing this.. It defies my knowledge..” Spoke the doctor, tone of curiosity within his voice, and intrigue.
“Just.. Hurry.. Damn it.. I can feel him coming..” She groaned, an almost ecstatic scream. Gripping tightly upon the sides of the bed to which she was on, breathing quick and heavy.
“Oh my, oh my indeed. Alright, now my dear, just push, and push hard unless I tell you otherwise!” The Doctor spoke, getting between Ilphukiir’s legs with a blanket both beneath her and atop her knees; Doctor’s hands down and ready for the baby’s head or feet to show.
“You’re doing good love, just keep in there.” Andre coached her on, groaning becoming more rapid as she squeezed and pushed with all her might.
“I see his head, keep pushing, that’s it!” The Doctor now, too, coaching Ilphukiir on, and she did just as she was told. The baby’s head became clearly visible, Doctor gently holding upon it and just lightly pulling to help in her pushing.
A bit more dear, and it’ll be over.” Spoke Andre, softly, brushing a hand through her hair as it matted Ilphukiir’s forehead and cheeks. Little by little the baby inched his way out with the help of pushing and pulling, one arm, a second, then quickly he came out with his legs kicking and cries fit for an incredibly healthy baby.
“Ilphukiir.. Andre.. You have a perfectly healthy baby boy.” The Doc. Smiled as he handed the newborn baby boy, quickly cleaned up and wrapped within a gray blanket to match his skin-tone, to his mother.
“What should we name him..? Asked Andre, smiling in joy down upon his newborn son.
“Thank you Doctor..” Sobbed Ilphukiir, not of sadness but pure happiness.
“Oh no, thank you. Best patient I’ve had, and most interesting too. And please, call me Dean.” He coughed a laugh and smiled, picking his things up and readying to leave.
“Wait Doctor.. I mean, Dean. Please stay for the naming, we’d be honored.” Pleaded Andre, staring at Dean.
“Oh why not? I’d be happy to witness it” Chuckled Dean, setting his things down for a moment longer.
“I know what to name him.” Giggled Ilphukiir, looking at Dean and then Andre.
“What?” Asked Andre, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and gently brushing the cheek of the baby’s face.
“Deszeld Des.. Closely after his father, since he looks so much like him.” She smiled, placing a loving kiss upon his lips before staring down upon her son, Deszeld Des.
“Beautiful name, and quite fitting. Time of birth.. 6:06 am.. On the day of February 14th, year 999.” Dean inquired, taking out a small parchment and writing down the specifics upon it; Name, birth date..
“Now, before I forget, to weight and collect data upon that, then height.” He chuckled, doing so quickly and writing such down upon the parchment, before handing it to the couple.
“Thank you again, Dean.” Both Andre and Ilp said, simultaneously.
“And thank you both, as well, get plenty of rest and I’ll be back later.” Dean smiled, giving a wave and then setting off out the door, back to his own little cottage.
“He’s handsome, just like his Father. He’ll become hopefully, just as great a man as you, too.” Mused Ilp, pecking Andre upon the cheek with a small laugh, snuggling into his warm embrace as she held their son Des within her own embrace, humming a soothing melody as he fussed.
“I’m sure he will, and even better..” Spoke Andre, resting his eyes, head rested against Ilp’s own with a smile. Des too calmed quite fast, falling asleep listening to the hummed melody. The small child’s breathing was quiet and relaxed, curled into the small ball within his parents loving arms.
