Ch. 12: Loss

Chapter Twelve: Loss

It has been two years since the day Abrielle found out she was pregnant. Two years since Ryan left her life and Kyler truly entered it. So much has changed in those two years; it’s hard to decide where to begin…

Shortly after Abrielle found out she was expecting, her and Kyler made the decision to move in together. She packed up all her things and she and Kyler bought a house perfect for them and a baby.

She left her previous house to Jenesis and Eric, who are planning a wedding!

The two couples are still very close and spend many nights a week together. But the biggest change perhaps, is the fact that Abrielle and Kyler are now parents. Together they are raising a beautiful boy named Charlie and they couldn't be more thrilled to finally be labeled Mommy and Daddy.

Charlie was born premature, and gave Abrielle and Kyler quite a scare, but he got healthy and strong and is now living the normal life of a 15 month old baby.

This brings us to the present. Abrielle, no longer on her much extended maternity leave, spends most of her time at work, since she finally received the position of Division Manager. And while Abrielle and Kyler are at work Jenesis watches their little munchkin, earning the title of the best Godmother ever.

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“Look who’s home! Mommy’s home!” Jenesis walked towards the door with a giggling toddler in hand and greeted Abrielle with a warm smile.

 “Hello monster! Were you good today?”

“Well yeah, I wasn't too bad, but the little one here got a little fussy and didn't want to take a nap.”

Abrielle laughed and rolled her eyes while she took Charlie from Jenesis.

“Thanks so much Jen for always looking after him. Are you sure I can’t pay you?”

Jenesis waved off her friend, “Nah, you and Kyler have done so much for Eric and me, it’s the least we can do.” Jenesis smiled and started walking towards her car.

“It means a lot!” Abrielle smiled and gave Jenesis a little wave before turning to Charlie. “Your daddy should be home soon, should we get you some dinner?” she tickled her son and then kissed his forehead.

“I love you little one, you've truly changed my life.”

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That night Abrielle woke up startled out of a sound sleep. Her hair stuck to her sweaty face and her heart was pounding. Her eyes adjusted to the dark and she took in her surroundings. Her bedroom was normal. Kyler was sleeping soundly beside her. Nothing was out of place. But she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that something was wrong.

Calm down she thought to herself. Nothing’s wrong, it was just a bad dream.

She leaned over Kyler and placed a gentle kiss on the top of his head. “I love you.” She whispered. Then she slowly made her way to Charlie’s nursery. Abrielle paused in the doorway and smiled at her precious baby.

She couldn’t help smiling. Every second with Charlie was a gift, a blessing, and nothing could replace the miraculous feeling of being a mother.

Slowly and quietly she tiptoed to her baby’s crib, before she was halfway there she stopped. That panicky feeling that had woken her settled itself into her gut again.

Charlie wasn't breathing.

She covered the gap between her and her baby in less than a second.

“No. God, no!” She scooped up the lifeless miniature body and screamed Kyler’s name. “No no no! Please breathe, please!” Abrielle began a crude version of CPR but she was crying and shaking so violently that the attempts were futile.

Kyler rushed through the door but stopped dead in his tracks as he took in the scene before him. His face lost every trace of color as he took another step toward Abrielle and Charlie.

“NO!” Abrielle screamed. “GOD, GO CALL 911! DO SOMETHING!”

Kyler was frozen once more.

“KYLER PLEASE! FOR GOD SAKE! GO!”

He looked at Abrielle once more before turning towards the door and running out of the room.

Abrielle turned back towards Charlie and continued CPR. After a while she finally realized it wasn't helping.

She hung her head and pulled her baby close, tears streaming down her face. Sobbing she started rocking back and forth. Back and forth. Until the paramedics arrived.

Abrielle’s child was pronounced dead at the scene. The determined cause of death was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The doctors tried to reassure Abrielle and Kyler that they did everything right and sometimes, sadly, this happens to infants. But nothing could ease the pain they were feeling, or mend the tremendous break in their hearts.

Abrielle spent the rest of the night sitting in the chair in the nursery holding on to Charlie’s stuffed animal.