on a day like today

"Mom, wanted you to have some of these." Josie, didn't know where to start nor how to act. After all, she didn't know a thing about Rossie. Her mother of course, went to the opening Farmer's market over the weekend. "She can go kind of crazy at the farmer's market."

Josie looked at the vegetables. She didn't think any of it was grown around here. Her mother also put in loaves of fresh bread and cheese.

At least Derrick wasn't there. That was a bit of a relief. Although, she knew she could handle it, if he were.

Rossie thanked her quietly. She went to the fridge and got out some lemonade. It was homemade.

It surprised Josie. She guessed Rossie was good around the kitchen.

"How? How is everything going?" Josie wanted to know.

"I'm a little nervous." Rossie sat there, eyes wide, as her hands held on to her pregnant stomach. "I never..had a baby before." She then talked about work. She was back at work now, but she did watch a birthing DVD.

"I thought I was going to be sick."

"I hope Derrick didn't watch it with you." Josie almost winked with a squint.

"Yeah, he does get a little excited, sometimes." Rossie looked at her blankly.

"I'm sure it'll be fine." Josie did her best to be positive.

"Its just..." Rossie's face soured. "I feel like I've been pregnant forever. And then....I'm so scared."

"Yeah, well...you're going to do great-"

Suddenly, Josie knew that look. The sound, perhaps. It wasn't a scream, but not quite a sigh..either. It was no ordinary pain.

"OK. Where's Derrick?" Josie felt herself in command mode as she got to her feet.

"At the diner." She could barely say.

"OK. Do you think we should stop by the diner on the way to the hospital?" Josie started gathering Rossie's things. She pointed where the overnight bag would be.

Josie knew she had to get Rossie to the car now.

"OH F---udge!" Derrick read the text. It was from Josie. That was the last person he expected to hear from. But he jumped into action. Jerking off the apron as fast as he could. He told everyone about the baby.

His heart beat thumped. Honestly, he couldn't even hear himself think. As he searched the street for Josie's little economy car. Then he paced, remembering he should call his probation officer. Of course, it went to voice mail. He left a message to tell him exactly where he was going. TO THE HOSPITAL.

Finally, he heard the screech of the wheels and got in the back seat.

Of course, Rossie was remaining calm so was Josie, who looked as if she might be a taxi service. She hurried on, while he held Rossie's hand who gripped it so tight. And then she breathed as if she'd gotten the hang of the breathing exercises, after all.

But Derrick was shaking, hoping they got through this OK.