jade-escobar - Tumblr blog

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Road to Delivery | Jadrigo

Featuring: Rodrigo & Jade Escobar w/ mentions of others. Location: CPMC Van Ness Hospital; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Nighttime to early morning, Aug. 5, 2024 Notes: They're heeeeere!

JADE

Since arriving to the hospital and getting admitted to an L&D room, Jade had been examined by Dr. Ellison, who had been working an overnight shift, much to Jade's relief. She'd been deemed 4 centimeters dilated so far. The doctor let her know that she could receive an epidural if she was ready to. Jade wanted to walk around a little to see if it would help her get to another centimeter or 2 first. She had come down from her earlier panic spike from a nurse asking her and Rodrigo if they were ready. She, of course, did not fully feel ready but was doing her best to get there as her labor progressed.

One of the nurses came by to adjust her IV and monitors to a mobile carrier. With Rodrigo's help, she got up from the bed and held his hand. "Ready?" And then, with a small frown, followed up by asking, "Are you sure you don't mind me holding your hand through this? I read stories of people spraining and seriously hurting their birthing partner's hand and I don't want to hurt you."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had been mindful about asking all the necessary questions and probably some unnecessary ones as well. This being his first time doing this, he wanted to make sure that Jade had everything she needed and that their babies were in good hands. He found it admirable that Jade advocated for herself and knew what she wanted and was relieved that they still had a little bit of time. It's not that he wasn't ready, he just wanted some time between arriving at the hospital and the babies arriving into the world.

He helped Jade off the bed and smiled at her question, his eyes on the IV and everything the nurse had come to adjust. "Yes, I'm ready and I don't mind, honey. There is nothing else that I'd rather be doing, I promise you. Besides, what's a little sprain?" He winked at her and snaked an arm around her waist so that he could walk beside her. "How are you feeling?"

JADE

Taking in her husband's response, she gave him a weak smile while hoping she wouldn't be strong enough cause him any injury. With one hand in Rodrigo's and the other holding the metal pole of the IV and monitor carrier, Jade walked to the door and out to the hallway, taking a quick glance back to remember their room number. "I'm okay right now, pain-wise. But I'm still pretty scared about the giving birth part. And it does still feel early, but I know you're right that the babies will be okay to be born now. It just... I thought we had a little bit more time, you know?"

The two of them had gotten about halfway down the hallway before Jade began feeling a steady stream running down her leg. She stopped, rapidly growing horrified and then foolishly looked down--as if she could suddenly see her legs and feet again. Her face was growing very, very red as she looked to Rodrigo, still frozen in her spot, and said, "Either I just peed myself, or my water broke..." She bit down on her lip as the liquid continued running down, soaking the floor-gripping socks the nurse put on her feet.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo walked beside Jade, listening to his wife discuss her fears and concerns. "I completely understand. I'm glad we did a lot of preparation but I guess you could never be too ready. We'll be okay though. I understand its coming as a shock but we're as ready as we can be, the nursery is all prepped for them, we've taken classes and you're strong. Your vitals are strong and we've got our friends and family here." He heard his phone buzzing and smiled at the text from his mom letting him know she was in the waiting room with Fletcher and Xavier. "Mom is right outside too cheering you on."

When Jade stopped, he did too, a look of concern replacing his steady one. "What's wrong?" He noticed the change in Jade's expression and the color in her cheeks and he stood before her to gauge a reaction. When he looked down and saw the puddle, he called for the nurse. "Nurse! I think my wife's water just broke!" In an instant, two nurses ran jogged toward them and helped guide Jade back into the room to help her clean up and feel comfortable.

"Okay, Jade. You're entering the second phase of labor which means your contractions will be a bit more painful. We're going to page the doctor so she could come by and discuss more of that with you." The nurse reassured the both of them and helped Jade out of her socks and into new ones after cleaning her up.

JADE

"I'm glad we did too. It helps to ease my mind whenever a question comes up. And I love the way the nursery turned out for bringing our babies home. It's just the actual act of delivering the babies that has me anxious. It has for some time, but, it has to happen." She smiled a little weakly and then more genuinely when Rodrigo shared the text from his mom. "I'm glad she made it here."

After telling Rodrigo that her water might have broken, she was finding that she strongly hoped that that was what was happening, as the alternative would have been far more embarrassing than that. Still, her cheeks burned when Rodrigo called out for a nurse in the otherwise quiet hallway. She squeezed her eyes shut for about 2 seconds and then opened them again as the nurses aided them with the situation. "Thank you," Jade whispered, still feeling a little embarrassed as the amniotic fluid continued running down her leg the entire short trip back to the room, and then some.

She was thankful for the help with getting dried off and her socks exchanged, and as she listened to the nurse, as though on cue, a contraction was beginning again. It was silently reflected on one of the monitors but Jade hadn't been looking at it. Her eyes were shut tight and her fingers were curled into impenetrable fists. One hand was balled into itself while the other caught some of Rodrigo's shirt with an iron grip. The nurse had been right; it was a new kind of pain and Jade was having a hard time remembering to breathe through it. Regardless if her dilation had changed at all, the moment she could speak again, she was going to ask for the epidural to be administered as soon as humanly possible.

RODRIGO

He had mentally prepared a little speech about delivering the babies but things had shifted so quickly that Rodrigo’s focus was no on making sure Jade was brought back to her room and as comfortable as possible. He could understand her anxiety and wasn’t going to pretend he knew what she was going through so the best he could do for his wife is be there for her and validate every feeling she had. He stayed close as the nurses helped change Jade and kept his eyes on the monitor.

When the next contraction came, he could tell it was painful by Jade’s grip and he practiced breathing along with her to show his continuous support, giving her the time to come down from it and dropping a gentle kiss at the top of her braids. “That’s it, honey.” Rodrigo looked up at the nurse.

“Jade, sweetie, remember to rest between contractions. The doctor should be here soon. What can I do for you?” The nurse offered Jade a smile and then began to record the vitals into the computer.

JADE

When Jade opened her eyes again, she saw Rodrigo emphasizing his breathing which reminded her not to hold her breath. She exhaled and and did her best to imitate him through the pain. And initially, she hadn't answered the nurse, with all of her focus being on breathing and getting through the contraction. But once the pain subsided enough for her to speak, she answered the nurse, "Have the babies for me?" She was sitting on one side of the bed with her legs dangling over the edge and, thanks to the height of the bed, was able to rest her head on her husband's chest. Her grip on his shirt finally loosened as she asked, "Can I have the epidural?" She'd read on how movement was important and helpful during labor, even after getting an epidural. And as much as Jade had wanted to do the walking around, she was unsure of doing so now that her water had broken.

"Honey, can you massage my lower back?"

RODRIGO

"There we go. I'm so proud of you, honey." Rodrigo continued encouraging Jade even though he could tell she was in pain. He wished he could take it all away and take the pain for himself if possible. He laughed softly at Jade's request and the nurse did as well. "Heck, if I could I'd have the babies for you." Rodrigo massaged Jade's back as she requested the epidural. Again, he felt proud of his wife for advocating for herself and knowing to ask for the epidural when she thought she needed it. The nurse nodded, checking her vitals one more time before putting in an order through the computer.

"You got it, Jade. I requested the epidural so my team should be here shortly just a minute or so. I'll be right back!" The nurse rushed out of the room to prepare for Jade's medication and Rodrigo followed his wife's request to massage her lower back.

"How's this?" He massaged her gently, using both his hands against her sides and lower back. "You're doing great."

JADE

Jade felt Rodrigo reach around her to massage her back and while her contraction was subsiding, she continued to inhale intentionally slow breaths. His response about having the babies for her made her smile. "I know you would, honey. But you're doing the next best thing." She nodded upon hearing the nurse and bid her a "Thank you," as the woman left the room behind her.

Jade kept her chin tucked to her chest and her body bent slightly forward where she say while Rodrigo massaged her. "That's..." She let out a content sigh in response, letting him know that his kneading hands were exactly what she needed right then.

After the nurse returned along with Dr. Ellison, Jade was examined again and leanred she'd dilated 1 more centimeter. They were all soon joined by the anesthesiologist who would be administering the epidural for her. They had Jade sit in the same position she'd been in and talked her through the process. As that took place, she held her hands in Rodrigo's larger ones and did her best to focus on anything but the pain that would come with the needle going into her back. She half-sang, half-hummed through it and once everything was finished, the nurse helped lie down in the hospital bed.

During the hours that passed, Jade was in considerably less pain thanks to the numbing medication. She rotated her body from time to time but mostly had been able to get through the contractions with far more tolerance than before. She encouraged Rodrigo to let Emiliana, Fletcher and Xavier come through for brief visits, and after they'd each left for the waiting room again, she tried to get some sleep. With the equipment, IV in the back of her hand and the catheter in her back, and the frequent pop-ins from the nurse, it hadn't been a restful sleep. She'd drifted in and out of consciousness, sometimes just to press the button to boost the pain medicine.

On her last rotation, she had her back to the wall where the room's clock hung so she couldn't see the time, but she was facing her husband, as well as the room's only window. It was still dark outside so she was sure it was already the next day, sometime in the middle of the night. Jade gave a small smile to Rodrigo and softly spoke, "I don't know if I'm going to get anymore sleep tonight, honey. I keep feeling this pressure that's not letting me get back to sleep. So, would you mind playing my Hospital playlist on Spotify?" Jade being as hyper-organized as she was had a playlist for several occasions and moods. She'd had 3 different ones for cooking, 2 for her runs, 1 that was hours of her favorite jazz songs, a few for different ballroom dance styles, 1 that was titled 'Rodrigo' and was filled with songs that reminded her of him and their relationship; the mock-up of their wedding playlist was there too, and had been very similar. 1 playlist was a calming, meditative playlist and her 2 most recent playlists had been titled 'Hospital' and 'Ciel & Felix'. The latter was a work-in-progress but the Hospital playlist had a combination of meditation tracks and uplifting songs for while they were in the hospital.

Not long after making this request did Dr. Ellison knock and then come in to check on Jade's dilation. She helped her to rotate onto her back again and after completing the exam, said, "Good news you two. Jade? You're nine centimeters which means you're almost ready to push. Since it's almost time, I'm going to have the nurses get things ready in here for your babies to make their arrival, okay?" She peeled off and tossed her gloves while standing from her stool and heading for the door, "See you both again soon."

Now somewhat reclined on her back, Jade turned her head to look at Rodrigo again, her eyes slightly widened. "Oh my-" a nervous smile appeared on her face. "Did you hear that? It's almost time..." The pressure she'd mentioned feeling only seemed to be growing more prevalent. If asked to describe it, Jade would say it was encouraging a desire to push that, despite not showing it, she was trying very hard not to do yet.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had been doing everything possible to keep Jade peaceful. He helped her through her contractions, made a couple of jokes, sang to her, read her a few poems, and continued their breathing exercises together. He had learned a lot from reading the labor book his mother had gifted him and from attending most of Jade's appointments. When the epidural was administered, he felt his heart feeling like it was broken into tiny pieces when he saw Jade in pain. His focus was on her comfort and getting through this together.

Glad that Xavier, Fletcher and his mother were there to pop in, he watched as they each provided some encouragement and good-humored jokes. When he had a few moments, Rodrigo made sure he updated both Emma and Frankie as well. After his friends had left and they were both alone again, Rodrigo searched for Jade's Spotify lists and played the one she had requested.

The music was nice. It helped keep Jade centered and he knew that Jade eeling like she had some control over the situation would help with her feeling more at ease. Dr. Ellison had returned to check Jade once more and when it was announced that she'd be ready to push soon, he felt the anxiousness build in his chest. He wouldn't show any of it and would continue focusing on his wife and whatever she needed. "I did hear that. You can do this, I know it. You're so strong and so amazing. And I'm going to be here the entire time right by your side. We can do anything together."

The nurse returned with a giant smile on her face. "Dr. Ellison told me the news! Jade, how are we doing, hun? Do you feel like you're ready to push?"

JADE

Jade reached over for Rodrigo's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you, Rodrigo. You really are the best." She was largely eased through everything thanks to Rodrigo up to this point and she knew he would be right by her side. "No passing out on me, okay?" Jade whispered, looking up into his eyes, her hand still in his.

With the nurse returning and 2 other nurses entering the room shortly behind her, Jade knew that they were getting even closer. "I'm as ready as I can be, I think." She knew she didn't sound very confident but she tried. "I do feel like I need to push though. It's not...too, too painful but it's like this uncomfortable urge that's hard to control." The other 2 nurses had put giant, square pads down at the foot of Jade's bed, locked a pair of stirrups in place there, prepared 2 hospital bassinets and further adjusted Jade's bed for delivery. With the nurses buzzing about and Dr. Ellison soon returning and joining them with medical jargon dominating their dialogue, Jade felt a bit dizzy and her heart beating a little bit faster.

Soon, 2 of the nurses guided Jade's sock-clad feet into the stirrups while the third nurse adjusted some sort of flood light above the end of the bed where Dr. Ellison was taking a seat and letting Jade and Rodrigo know that she was going to check Jade again. Less than a minute later, she said, "Okay, Jade, you're fully dilated and we're ready to help you bring these little ones into the world. We've got the upper half of the bed raised to support you in more of a seated position. We're going to follow your contractions for when you push." She then proceeded to explain to Jade how to push, assured her that she would guide her through when to push and when to take a break, and reminded her that she had Rodrigo next to her to help coach her through this.

Jade nodded and squeezed Rodrigo's hand again, not having let it go this entire time. The more her self-confidence wavered, the more she felt she needed him. The 2 additional nurses stood by the bassinets, waiting to receive the babies after birth to clean and swaddle them at the right time while the original nurse seemed to continue being more directly involved with Jade's labor. But Jade was doing her best to focus on Dr. Ellison's instructions and Rodrigo's unfailing support. She dropped her chin to her chest and bore down when she was told, and she rested and breathed when she was told to.

Thoughts were sprinting in her mind amidst the counting from the doctor and her repeated efforts to push the first baby out. It felt like she had been pushing for hours. She kept hearing that she was almost there from Dr. Ellison but with the pain she could feel, along with the frequent pushing, she felt like she wasn't getting anywhere. Tears were welling in her eyes and by the next break, Jade let her head fall back against her pillow as she looked to Rodrigo and whispered, "I can't do it."

RODRIGO

"No passing out." He wouldn't make a giant promise out of it just in case he did end up falling over like he did at the doctor's office upon learning they were expecting twins. Truth be told, he wasn't sure if that would ever happen again but he hoped that for Jade's sake, his body would cooperate. That and the fact that his best friend would just LOVE it if he did pass out. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles before rubbing it with his own hand.

Watching everyone prepare for the birth of his babies was surreal to Rodrigo. He tried to take in every detail because he wanted to tell the twins someday what this day was like from the pictionary game to the ride to the hospital to Jade's water breaking in the hallway to how diligently the nurses and doctor worked to make sure they came into the world happily and healthy. "Fully dilated." He whispered after Dr. Ellison as if he was reassuring himself that this was it. They were going to be parents. Jade was going to squeeze his hand until he lost his blood flow and he was going home with two car seats. That's when he felt his sugar drop. The color must have escaped his face because Rodrigo was pretty sure he was going to fall over. And as he felt the moment nearing, he swore it would end in Jade yelling at him for missing the birth of their babies until Jade whispered and looked up at him. Those words, her words brought him back to Earth and it was as if something activated inside of him.

"What do you mean? Of course, you can. This is all you've been dreaming about. You can't wait to meet the babies and you're strong. You're so strong and so prepared and you're going to be the best mommy. I know it hurts and I'm so sorry, honey but you're going to do it. I believe in you. The babies believe in you. Push really hard, Jade. Come on, honey."

JADE

Jade hadn't been fully aware of Rodrigo's pale complexion when she'd looked up at him. Her eyes were too teary to tell and her focus had been heavily drawn to her labor. She listened to Rodrigo as her tears spilled down her cheek. She was nodding along with his encouraging words, knowing deep down that he was right, even if she had let her fear get the better of her. Taking as deep a breath as she could, Jade sniffed and dropped her chin to her chest again, bearing down and pushing as much as she possibly could. She let out a fierce groan as Dr. Ellison counted to 10 again and instructed her to rest. It took another 2 counts of 10 before the first baby was out and immediately placed on Jade where one of the nurses who was previously standing advanced and rubbed the baby's back with a towel while clearing the airways to urge on that first cry. Jade sobbed as the tiniest voice in the room cried out--eyes squeezed shut, tiny plump lips quivering.

"Congratulations, Mom and Dad! Your little girl is here," Dr. Ellison praised, assisting the nurse by placing a clamp on thr umbilical cord. "Dad, do you want to cut the cord?"

Jade's birth plan was for her and Rodrigo to do skin-to-skin as soon as possible but both babies had to enter the world first. She was wiping her eyes to get a clearer look at her daughter--her daughter. Ciel. She was here, on the outside. Jade kept thinking about how she was so incredibly small and precious. "Hii, my little love. Happy birthday," she crooned with a wobbly smile. And once Ciel had been cut free, the nurse carried her over to one of the bassinets to continue cleaning her off.

Dr. Ellison then helped Jade through the afterbirth of the first baby, and then felt around Jade's rounded stomach for the position of the second baby. After a few minutes of an external and internal exam, the doctor told her and Rodrigo, "Okay, both of your waters did break before which is good, and your son is exactly the position we need him in which is the best outcome we can ask for. Jade, we're gonna get you ready to bring him in, alright? You're gonna do exactly what you did for your daughter, okay?"

Still trying to get her fearful-turned-joyous tears under control, Jade nodded, "Okay," and sniffed again, wiping her eyes and bracing the side rail to her hospital bed. She followed her doctor's coaching again, pushing through the counts of 10 and taking a break to breathe when she was supposed to. It hadn't been easy, but eventually, she had birthed their son, who had been placed on her stomach just like his sister had been before.

While the other nurse began rubbing his back and clearing his airways, the nurse who'd remained beside her bed announced the time, like she had when Ciel had been born, and let Rodrigo and Jade know, "They're twelve minutes apart."

Jade had fallen back against the bed, exhausted and overjoyed, pained and adrenaline feuled all at once. She kept wiping her eyes and blinking away tears as a scrunched up Felix cried. "Oh, mon petit ange, hello," Jade murmured, looking down her body at the tiny boy.

RODRIGO

He let out a soft chuckle as he watched Ciel come into the world first. Their little girl is here The words were beautiful and he couldn't believe it. Rodrigo made sure that she looked okay and when asked if he wanted to cut the cord, he nodded through tears. Rodrigo cut the cord as instructed and bawled as the nurses took the baby to clean her up. He couldn't wait for Felix to arrive so that they could snuggle both their babies and when Dr. Ellison gave her instructions for the next birth, Rodrigo, took Jade's hand and gently moved away her damp hair away from her face. "You can do this."

It really was a miracle watching Jade overcome her anxiety and fears. She was one of the strongest women he knew. Hands down. When he heard that the twins were twelve minutes apart, Rodrigo smiled and let out another tear-filled laugh. "They're perfect. Oh my God, they're the most beautiful babies." He looked down at Jade and pressed a kiss against her forehead. "I love you so much. You did it, honey. Thank you for bringing our babies into the world."

JADE

With one baby birthed and seemingly healthy, Jade felt encouraged to successfully bring their son into the world. Having Rodrigo by her side the entire time helped her tremendously and after Felix was out, she'd heard Rodrigo's amazed laugh. It made her smile; they were parents and their babies were here. She shut her eyes for a moment and then looked up to Rodrigo. "I love you, honey. This would have been so much harder without you. Thank you.'

Dr. Ellison assisted Jade through the afterbirth, all the while the twins could be heard from their respective bassinets, crying and cooing. The doctor congratulated the couple again and after helping the third nurse with cleaning up, she let Jade and Rodrigo know that if, after a brief exam on both twins and they were both presenting healthy signs, they would prepare for the family to be moved to a recovery room. "If there's any concern regarding their weight, pulse or breathing, we'll move you to a recovery room and take the twins to the NICU for closer monitoring."

Jade nodded and fervently hoped both babies were okay. She wanted to hold them, to see them properly but she knew it was more important that they were okay first. While waiting, Jade did her best to relax her body. Adrenaline continued to pump through her and the anesthesia from the epidural was wearing off. She looked to her husband again and then over to where the babies were, waiting.

She didn't know how much time passed but eventually, the 2 nurses were bringing the newborns over to her and Rodrigo. Both babies were swaddled and wearing caps on their head, and both were initially handed to Jade. In an instant, she felt her hear swell inside her chest. She dropped a kiss on the top of each baby's head and quietly told them that she loved them. And then she looked back up to Rodrigo, "Do you want to hold them, honey?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was in complete awe at the entire process. While he wanted to hold his babies, he also knew that making sure they were healthy was important. He waited patiently, staying beside Jade and helping the nurses with anything they needed. He must have thanked them and Dr. Ellison over thirty times by the time they were left alone. He couldn't help it. They were all amazing. "I have to get them something. Wine baskets maybe." It was a whisper meant to be a mental note for himself but Rodrigo would remain grateful to all these women for the rest of his life.

After helping Jade relax, when the two nurses returned with the newborns, Rodrigo stood up with a giant smile on his face. Their sweet little baby noises made his heart melt and he craved to have them in his arms so he could snuggle them and take in that new baby smell he remembered from meeting Phoebe. He watched as his wife held Ciel and Felix and quickly wiped his tears when she kissed the top of their heads. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Rodrigo reached for his phone and took a few videos and photos, sighing happily as he witnessed perfection.

"Yeah..." He placed his phone on the table near Jade and gently scooped them into his arms, already knowing what to do. He couldn't believe how well they fit with him. "They're so tiny." He whispered to Jade and slowly swayed back and forth as he watched them. "Hi, little honeybees. Welcome to the world. We have been waiting for you, yeah! Ciel, you have 12-minute bragging rights but I have a feeling you, Felix will use the younger sibling card to your advantage too." He sniffled, fighting back his tears. "Oh, you're both so beautiful. I could stare at you both forever. Thank you, mommy. Thank you for working so hard. We love you so much." And then he couldn't fight the tears anymore. Rodrigo held them close and began to cry.

JADE

"I wanted to talk to you about some sort of 'thank you' for the staff who'd help us with the twins, but since the two decided to come early, I didn't get to it." Jade smiled a bit, overhearing Rodrigo. "I was gonna make some cookies but wine might be nice too." She, too, was deeply grateful for her doctor all of the helpful nurses who had a hand in the twins' birth.

Jade felt a whole new layer of bliss upon holding hers and Rodrigo's children for the first time. She couldn't imagine ever forgetting this moment and the way it made her feel. She'd dreamt about it and had been looking forward to it for months; even before she knew that they were expecting, she was excited about becoming a mother and starting a family with Rodrigo. After kissing the tops of their capped heads and whispering greetings and that she loved them, she was happy to share the glow of the moment with her husband. She looked his way just in time to see his phone held in a photo-taking position. Smiling and shaking her head a bit, she was sure she looked a mess but was glad she at least planned ahead with her hair in braids.

Seeing the emotions in Rodrigo's eyes touched her. She helped ease Felix and then Ciel into Rodrigo's cradled arms, both of whom Jade already thought were small but looked even tinier in Rodrigo's strong and sturdy arms. Rodrigo spoke exactly what she'd been thinking and smiled. "We'll have to get their recorded weight from the nurses but they're probably just over five pounds each." She'd only guessed from estimates she'd read about while tracking the babies' growth. Hearing the way Rodrigo greeted their kids as honeybees made her grin. Spotting his phone within reach, Jade quietly reached for it and opened his camera app. She took a few pictures right before the tears spilled from his eyes. Setting the phone back down, Jade lightly brushed her fingers along the length of Rodrigo's forearm. If she could, she would have reached up to dry his eyes. "Eres el mejor papi."

Jade enjoyed the moment she was witnessing between Rodrigo and the twins. Her heart melted when Ciel yawned, stretching her tiny lips in the smallest oval she'd ever seen. Almost immediately after, Felix had done the same; Jade could have cried from the cuteness of it. She truly couldn't wait until she, Rodrigo and the twins were taken up to the recovery room so they could have their skin-to-skin.

And almost on cue, there were a few light knocks followed by one of the nurses coming in to escort them to their new room. Another nurse had come in to help soon after. "Dad, are you okay with carrying the babies up to the room?" one of the nurses asked while picking up the family's bag and setting it at the foot of Jade's bed. While the second nurse prepared to wheel both bassinets, the first nurse adjusted Jade's monitors and undid the locks on the bed. She easily guided the bed out of the room and to the elevator.

After getting Jade's bed situated and locked in at the recovery room, the nurse assured them more time to themselves and that she or another staff member would be back to check in on Jade and the babies, and to see about a first feeding. Jade thanked the nurses and once they were alone with the babies again, she said to her husband, "Do you want me to hold them so you can get ready for skin-to-skin?" Her gown was loose enough for her to easily do so; she was prepared to hold them both for Rodrigo to prepare himself and then each of them could hold a baby and work on that bond. "I hope someone told our family downstairs about our new room. And I'm sure they'll want to know that the babies are here too, if they don't know already." Jade had no idea where her phone was but she mostly hadn't minded the disconnect while the exhaust was swiftly competing with the excitement surging through her.

RODRIGO

He agreed to get the staff some gifts and would work on that once they were more settled. Rodrigo was taking in this time with his children and wife. Even though he was a crying mess, he felt like nothing could top this feeling. He was already so in love with his babies and somehow, he had fallen more in love with Jade. "Gracias, mami." He smiled at Jade when she spoke to him in Spanish, gently swaying with the newborns in his arms and humming a soft tune. When the nurses came in, he nodded at whether he could take the babies up to the room. "Yes, definitely." He watched as the staff took care of Jade and followed to the next room.

Once they arrived, Rodrigo handed both Ciel and Feliz to Jade to prepare for skin-to-skin. He began unbuttoning his shirt and after he removed it, he folded it gently over the chair's armrest at Jade's beside. "I'm sure they'll be told. If not, once we've got some time with the babies, I'll be sure to get them. I'll text them in a moment. He gave Jade some time first to spend with both newborns and watched with a tender smile. He took a couple of photos and kissed the top of Jade's head. "How do you feel? Are you in any pain? Do you need anything now that we're up here? I can tell the guys to get some food for you." He's heard stories of moms being hungry after giving birth and while there was always hospital food, maybe Jade wanted something special.

JADE

Jade smiled at Rodrigo, thankful for them having some time to themselves. She happily accepted both newborns, quick to get used to holding two babies at once and grinned widely at the two of them. Both babies seemed like they were settling into sleep already while Rodrigo held them and neither were bothered during the transfer into her arms. She glanced up to Rodrigo and watched him unbutton his shirt for a moment, and then joked as she returned her gaze to their children. "Just know that if you go out there shirtless, you're going to cause a riot at the nurse's station." She grinned a bit, and then watched all of the tiny movements in Ciel and Felix's faces, committing their newborn features to memory.

Rodrigo's affection to her warmed her heart again. At his questions, she answered, "I'm still really numb, but I can feel that it's starting to wear off so there's some pain, but it's bearable right now. I'm more thirsty than hungry right now but I know I should eat something too. I don't mind waiting for whatever the hospital provides us, but maybe a fruit smoothie would be good once somewhere is open." She hadn't looked at the time recently but could tell from the window in her room that the sun was only just coming up. For a moment, Jade tried to think about how long she'd been in labor, including the time before they'd gone to the hospital. She wasn't exactly sure at the moment but would likely figure it out later.

"I think I'll try to feed them, one at a time." The baby in her arms who was nearest to Rodrigo had been Felix, so she suggested, "Do you want to start your skin-to-skin with our sweet son while I try feeding our sky princess?" She waited until she only had one baby in her arms before adjusting her gown and positioning her breast near Ciel's little lips so that she could latch. She gently stroked the back of a finger next to the corner of their daughter's mouth to coax her into latching on and when Ciel did and began nursing, Jade felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. While Ciel fed, Jade carefully undid the swaddle on her and draped the blanket over Ciel to help keep her warm while preparing for the ease of skin-to-skin.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo chuckled at his wife's words, looking over his shoulder to make sure that the door was closed. "Don't want to start a riot today." He smiled, his attention back on the babies in Jade's arms. He couldn't believe how tiny they were and his wife looked so blissful. "Look at you, you're a natural with them. Not like I had any doubts." Rodrigo knew that Jade would be an amazing mommy and seeing her with their children made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. There was no better feeling than this and while he couldn't wait to show them off to his family and friends, he was grateful that he and Jade had some time with them alone.

"Let me know if it wears off completely and you need something. I'll ask the nurse to bring you whatever you need." He didn't want Jade to feel uncomfortable or have to struggle when she was enjoying the babies so much. "Alright, I'll ask Xavier and Fletcher to grab some smoothies for us once everything starts to open up." He knew that his friends would be happy to do them that favor. When Jade asked him if he wanted to hold Felix while she tried to get Ciel to latch, Rodrigo was delighted to and gently picked him up and into his arms, a soft smile pulling at his lips. "Hola, bebesito lindo." He chuckled softly at Felix scrunching up against him and Rodrigo took a step back to slide into the chair at Jade's bedside. He positioned Felx on his chest and began to massage the back of his head ever so gently. He couldn't believe he finally had his son in his arms. "How's that, hijito?" Rodrigo made sure that the newborn was wrapped well before dropping a gentle kiss against the top of his dark hair. "You're so beautiful, Felix. Te quiero mucho, mucho, muchisimo."

JADE

"No, not today. Maybe tomorrow," Jade joked, her tone gentle and easygoing. She smiled and began to blush a bit from Rodrigo's compliment. "Thank you, honey. I'm really excited to see more of you with our children." It really was something that she had been looking forward to, whenever she saw Rodrigo with Phoene and as her pregnancy progressed.

While preparing to feed Ciel, she promised that she would let Rodrigo know if she needed anything once the epidural wore off. She held her daughter securely in her arms while the newborn girl suckled and started to doze off again. As Jade adjusted the thin cap on Ciel's dark head of hair, she heard Rodrigo greeting Felix in Spanish and smiled. Turning her head, Jadee looked over to see Felix curled up at Rodrigo's chest. The sight had Jade melting all over again. She knew she would still ne hormonal for a little while and this moment between father and son was one that had her tearing up. She could only imagine what this time of bonding with his son meant to Rodrigo. On top of that, Jade loved listening to the Spanish flow so beautifully from her husband's mouth, speaking over their son like poetry. "You're a natural too," Jade whispered to her husband, wiping her eye with a grin on her face. She then looked back to Ciel who had fallen asleep nursing. Jade remembered reading about trying to get a baby to burp after feeding, so she repositioned her tiny daughter to rest against the middle of her chest and began patting and rubbing her back. She was conscious of keeping the blanket on Ciel's back but was happy that she and Rodrigo were having the private moment and skin-to-skin with their children.

RODRIGO

"Tomorrow feels like a better day for a riot. I don't know, I just have this feeling." He smiled right back at Jade, happy to see her this way. There was a part of him that was a little scared to mess things up in that moment. His therapist had warned him about his imposter syndrome creeping up when the babies are born and he already had the tools in his mind to work with. He just knew that he'd give the three of them the entire world if he could.

He was relishing in the time he was bonding with his son and would also steal glances at Jade with Ciel. He was relieved that his daughter had latched just fine and that she had already dozed off. It was an incredible sight. Meanwhile, Felix had found what seemed to be his favorite sleeping position scrunched up on Rodrigo's chest. When he noticed that Jade had teared up, he felt his eyes well up as well. "Stop. I'm going to start and then there's going to be waterworks and it'll just be rough." He smirked but whispered I love you to Jade. "I love you three so very much. Forever. And ever, and eva eva...so that's what Jay-Z meant..."

JADE

"I can't help it," she gently protested with a smile still on her lips. She told herself that as soon as she had the chance, she was going to get pictures of Rodrigo with each of the babies while they were still in the hospital. "I love you," Jade replied with equal quietness back to her husband. And she softly giggled at his next statement. "Silly," she replied, enjoying the sight of Felix and Rodrigo. Even with the caps on, Jade could tell that both Ciel and Felix had the same dark hair. It was incredibly straight but Jade suspected that their hair might become wavy as they got older, similar to hers and Rodrigo's. She peeked under Ciel's cap and said to Rodrigo, "Her hair is so thick, my goodness. I wonder if she'll keep it. We'll have to make sure we wash their hair each time we give them baths so that they don't get cradle cap. I remember reading about it and then I made the mistake of Googling it." At that, Jade made a face from what she remembered seeing and how much she didn't want that for their children.

"I don't want to take away from your time with Felix but when you're ready to switch so I can try to feed him too, let me know, okay?"

RODRIGO

"I know. I'm doing great over here too." In truth, before Jade and the babies, Rodrigo didn't really cry much or often. It wasn't a machismo thing. He just didn't do it. There are a few pivotal moments in which Rodrigo could remember tearing up for something but now he's done it many times. A lot of the time, they've been tears of pure joy especially right now. It was overwhelming how much his heart seemed to swell having little Felix on his chest and watching Jade give birth to their twins had changed him forever. "I heard about cradle cap and that is a bit nope. I'll help you with all of that, of course. They have good hair genes these two." Rodrigo looked down at Felix and then over to Ciel and he chuckled softly.

"Oh, no don't worry. I want to cuddle up with the two of them and Felix is probably hungry. Let's get you to mommy, okay?" He stood up with Felix in his arms and with ease silently wondering how long that'd last. It's not that he wanted to think about his twins someday growing up it's just that he couldn't help but wonder. He would take advantage of them being so tiny for as long as he could. He gently placed Felix in Jade's arms and reached for his daughter before he got comfortable in his position once again. "Ah yes, there we go, hijita. Are you nice and full? was that delicious?" He delicately massaged her tiny back and smiled. "Oh boy, I love you so much."

JADE

Jade smiled lovingly about Rodrigo and how he'd been expressing his emotions. There had only been a small handful of times in their relationship thus far that she had seen tears in his eyes. Their wedding ceremony, her telling him that they were expecting; the two of them learning that they were having twins, and now, this very early morning with their birth and the reality sinking in that they were here. While she'd been largely conditioned to either hold in her tears or cry privately, her relationship with Rodrigo had been helping her feel like it was okay to openly weep. The small life in her arms and the fact that Ciel and Felix had grown inside of her and were now here had certainly been overwhelming emotions for her. And as she listened to Rodrigo agree about cradle cap, her fingers were gently stroking Ciel's back, feeling the tiny ridges of her spine and being subtly reminded of how fragile she and her brother were. "Mmhm, I think they' both have your hair texture and thickness, which I love."

Jade was so overjoyed witnessing Rodrigo be a father. She loved each time she watched and listened to him talk, sing and read to the twins while they were in her belly, but seeing him get to physically hold and bond with them was a different kind of joy for her. She and Rodrigo carefully switched babies and after greeting her son with a soft-spoken, "Hello, my son. Is your papá right? Are you hungry?" She adjusted her gown and held Felix to her other breast, gingerly stroking a finger near his mouth as she'd done with Ciel. When he hadn't stirred or opened his mouth, she moved her hand to one of his feet and made a gickling motion with her finger. Jade figured he had been in a deeper sleep than his sister because it had taken a little longer to rouse him before he finally latched and began nursing. Relieved and a bit amused, Jade grinned a little at Felix. "Are you gonna give your daddy and me trouble whenever it's time for you to eat, cariño?"

She loved talking to their children and loved listening to Rodrigo do the same. While Felix fed, Jade was coming down from the adrenaline that shot through her during delivery. She was exhaust but she also had been so happy to be finally meeting and bonding with her children. "I know they've barely been here but... I just can't get over these two." She'd been speaking softly ever since the twins were born and couldn't see that changing anytime soon.

By the time Felix fell back asleep while feeding, Jade did the same for him that she'd done with Ciel and tried to encourage him to burp while resting him on her chest with his tiny head laying underneath her chin. "Honey, if I fall asleep, will you take him?" Generally, Jade wasn't a restless sleeper but she wasn't comfortable with the idea of sleeping with either of twins in her arms while in the hospital or while they were this young. She closed her eyes and softly hummed to him, much like she did when he and Ciel were in the womb.

RODRIGO

"Yeah, you really think so?" Rodrigo looked from Felix's hair to Ciel's at what little he could see from under their cap. "I love that. Some people would say it was too early to see the twins' resemblance to him and Jade, but Rodrigo could already see Jade's mouth on Felix and her forehead on Ciel. He was already able to see how much they resembled their parents and while he loved them this small, the excitement of them growing so that he could see how accurate he is was incredible.

Before he sat back down with Ciel now in his arms, Rodrigo swayed with her a little as he watched Jade take Felix with great ease. He smiled as she adjusted him and spoke to him, getting him to nurse as if this was something she'd been doing forever. "He'd rather sleep, I guess." He chuckled softly and pressed a gentle kiss against his daughter's tiny capped head. "Right, bebesita? And are you going to be nom nom all day long? Yes! Like your daddy." He grinned and once Felix latched, he sat with the baby in his arms.

Like Felix, Ciel crinkled up on his chest causing Rodrigo to chuckle softly. "Oh my God, I love that they both do that like little inchworms. I can't either. They're so perfect. Just like their mommy." He nodded at Jade's request. "Sleep when you're ready. I'll make sure to take him, honey." Rodrigo caressed Ciel's back with his finger and started singing to her softly in Spanish. The two different melodies made the room peaceful and Rodrigo felt incredibly lucky.

JADE

"I do," Jade replied her husband, smiling at their children while continuing to be in awe of the tiny lives she and Rodrigo were currently holding. She gave Felix's cap a gentle adjusting tug and then dropped a kiss on the top of his head.

She grinned at Rodrigo's comment about Felix preferring to sleep, "Mhm it seems like he would, but I need him to wake up for just a little while." Jade then whispered to Felix, "We've got to get these important nutrients in you, petit ange." As she overheard Rodrigo's comments to Ciel, she grinned as well, only to soften her expression with relief once Felix began nursing. She glanced over at Rodrigo and Ciel and, still speaking low, said, "The newborn scrunch! I've teared up over several videos online from seeing babies do this. I'm trying not to do it over our little ones with their scrunches but..." Sure enough, her eyes were glistening as she watched Rodrigo and Ciel. She wiped her eyes and then continued holding Felix to her with both hands supporting his head and butt. She agreed with Rodrigo that their babies were perfect but she shook her head a little, "Their mommy is definitely not perfect." Jade certainly had perfectionist tendencies that were lifelong and ingrained but she still hated it and the term when it came to herself.

Jade was grateful for Rodrigo and how attentive he'd been, before during and now after her pregnancy. While she was still awake, Jade kept checking on Felix's body to make sure he was staying warmed by her body and the blanket. When Rodrigo began singing to Ciel, Jade stopped humming and let both babies take in his singing voice. It wasn't often that she'd heard him sing so she'd been enjoying it too. And if she'd had her phone, she would have taken some pictures and video of Rodrigo and Ciel. For the time being though, she would just have to keep the memory in her mind and make up for the photos and video later.

As Jade got into a rhythm of gliding her ring and pinky fingers high along Felix's back--her other digits supporting his head--her eyes fell shut. She didn't want to miss anything but she was exhausted and knew it was going to be important to sleep. She would eat something after getting some rest and thought about asking for something else in addition to the smoothie, mixed fruit maybe, but she didn't want to interrupt Rodrigo's serenade to their children. Eventually though, Jade drifted off to sleep to the feel of Felix's quick expanding and contracting chest, and the sound of his and Ciel's occasional coos amidst Rodrigo's singing.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo knew that Jade would be drifting off soon as she was getting quieter. He was happy to see how overjoyed she looked caring for their two babies and he'd never forget this day for as long as he lived. As he sang, he noticed that Jade had fallen asleep so he sat up and kissed the top of Ciel's head before standing and walking her to the bassinet with her name on it. "Alright, my love. I just want to get your brother over here with you too so mommy can sleep. Don't worry, I'll hold you both soon." He wanted to safely secure Felix in his arms without waking Ciel. Once his daughter was down, he tip-toed, still humming toward Jade and Felix. For a few seconds, he admired the sight and his gaze bounced from them to his baby girl. He couldn't believe how perfect this sight was. "Alright, little man. Time to join your sister for a few and let mommy rest."

He gently took Felix into his arms and sighed happily upon seeing his little face. Once he placed his son down, Rodrigo walked back to Jade's bedside and pulled the light sheet at the foot of her hospital bed up and over her. "Sleep, honey. Get your rest. I've got this." He knew she had fallen into deep sleep and couldn't hear him but he said it anyway and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Te amo," He whispered and then pulled both bassinets toward him so that he could sit and admire his children. Rodrigo pulled out his phone and took a photo of the twins to send to his friends and family and then text Fletcher to see if he was up for getting them some smoothies. Once he had messaged everyone, Rodrigo sat at the very edge of his seat and rested his elbows on both bassinets, letting his chin sit on his joined hands. "Did I ever tell you guys the story of how your mom and I met?" He whispered and then smiled. "Okay, this is a long one so it all started out with Hamilton...oh and I hope you guys like cats and birds. But that's a side story. Another chapter if you will..."

#Rodrigo #Road to Delivery para #Jadrigo things

3 notes · View notes

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Game Night | Jadrigo+

Featuring: Rodrigo & Jade Escobar with Xavier Mitchell & Fletcher Van Hall; mentions of Emiliana Escobar and others. @rodrigo-esc Location: The Escobar home + CPMC Van Ness; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Nighttime, August 4, 2024 Notes: A little game night/belated b-day fun takes an unexpected turn for Jadrigo and Flavier

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade stood at the kitchen counter, putting the final touches to the charcuterie board she prepared for Rodrigo, Fletcher and Xavier. She popped a grape into her mouth and arranged the final cheese cubes for them before lifting the board and bringing it to the living room where the boys were. Her back had been aching over the few days, on and off more so than usual. She'd also been less patient than usual but was doing her best not to bite heads off. The game night sounded like a good idea for spending time with some lived ones without having to do a lot of physical activity. She'd already been doing some light workouts in the mornings at Dr. Ellison's suggestion, and her previous routine of running or jogging had long turned into brisk walks a little more than halfway through her pregnancy. They has grown shorter during the tail end if her pregnancy but she'd been consistent. The past few days though, it felt like both the twins and her body was retaliating against so much movement.

Setting the board down on the coffee table with the drinks that were already there, she massaged both sides of her lower back a bit before taking a seat on the couch. "Okay," she huffed out with a light smile. "What game is up next?"

Fletcher was shuffling half a deck of Uno cards as he said, "Well, I think it's either Uno, Charades or Pictionary but Rodrigo went upstairs to get something. Said it's to up the ante for whoever loses." He looked to Xavier questioningly in that he might know what Rodrigo went to get since he didn't get a hint before. But in the meanwhile, Fletcher had taken to shuffling the Uno deck in preparation, and then set it aside to grab some salami slices and cheese cubes to snack on.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier had been feeling so much better the last week or so. He had left his cane behind at Fletcher's house and was finally feeling like himself. A game night with his and Fletcher's friends sounded like a great way to spend the night. He had learned through Rodrigo that it was best if they stayed local now that Jade was in the tail end of her pregnancy. He didn't mind that at all especially with wanting to be a homebody as much as possible before he was back at work. He was making room on the table for the snacks that Jade was preparing when Rodrigo excused himself. After cleaning up, he sat next to Fletcher and smiled when Jade returned, noticing how much she was struggling to sit.

"I'm down for whatever but your husband might have other ideas." He caught Fletcher's expression and shrugged. "I promise you both I have no idea what that man is up to." He reached for a cheese cube and tossed it in his mouth as his attention went to the man in question who was now strutting down the stairs smiling. "Well, well, well. Mr. Sneaky has come to grace us."

"It is I. Mr. Sneaky in the flesh." Rodrigo hurried down the steps and presented to the audience what he had gone upstairs for. "This right here is a sympathy belly and what the loser of the next round will be wearing until the following round ends. Am I a genius or what?"

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher could only imagine what his best friend was doing upstairs. He half expected him to come back downstairs with half of Jade's makeup pilfered for makeovers as a condition for losers to the games. But when he turned in his seat upon Rodrigo's announced return and saw what he now had, Fletcher stated honestly, "I...did not see that coming."

Jade glanced up, mid-sip and ended up coughing some of her water back into her glass, quickly covering her mouth. "Oh my God, honey." Her hand was still over her mouth as she laughed a bit. "Let it be known right now that I will not be wearing that if I lose. I'm already carrying plenty and can't take these two off." She rubbed her large belly to indicate the twins, and then glanced to her bump, "You two are in for a treat when you learn how silly your daddy can be." Her due date was still another week away and she knew her doctor wouldn't want her to go on for too long before inducing labor. And while the labor itself still scared her, it was also something she ess.looking forward to more and more as she and Rodrigo got closer to meeting their children.

Fletcher chuckled and shook his head before looking to Xavier, "Still game to play tonight?" And then he looked to Rodrigo, "Since you picked the loser prize, I'm choosing the next game." He reached for the Pictionary box and gave it a little wiggle before adding, "But we better not let this master shuffling job I did on the Uno cards go to waste."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier pressed his lips together, stifling his laughter but when Jade laughed, he lost it and did the same. "No, girl you are not wearing that." He smiled at the interaction between Jade and Rodrigo and then shifted his gaze to Fletcher, nodding in response to his question. "Still game to play. Don't mean to trash talk, Rodri but the only lad that'll be wearing that tonight will be him." He listened to his fiance and smirked.

"Two trash talkers. You're perfect for each other." Rodrigo laughed and jogged over to his wife to kiss the top of her head. "I don't know, it's had to beat the dynamic duo that is us. Right, honey?" He slid beside her and placed the sympathy pillow down. "Pictionary first and then Uno? Does that sound fair? I know Uno is your game, Fletcher."

"It's alright. I'm pretty good at Pictionary so we've got this." Xavier nudged Fletcher with his shoulder.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade gave Xavier an appreciative smile as she settled down from her amusement seeing the empathy belly. She sipped some more water while listening to Fletcher, Xavier and her husband. Competitive as she certainly could be, she knew she didn't hold a candle to the men in the room for games, especially Fletcher and Rodrigo in her experience. Still, she couldn't help pointing out Fletcher's strategic movements already as she said, "I'm guessing that Pictionary is his game too? With him being a tattoo artist, he's probably really good at the drawing part..."

Fletcher's lips formed a devious grin, "Jade, you're being way too observant right now. That said... good luck." He gave Xavier's thigh an affectionate squeeze while holding unspoken confidence that the 2 of them would ultimately win this game while Uno leaned more on luck of the card draw than this game did. He handed over a tablet of paper and a couple pencils to Rodrigo, and then said, "You guys can go first."

Jade arched her brows a bit and then leaned over a little to ask Rodrigo, "Is this a trap? Us going first?"

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Xavier was about to do a handshake with Fletcher when Jade had figured Fletcher's strategy out. He chuckled and chose to reach for another cheese cube instead before wiping his fingers onto the napkin sitting on his knee. "Oh, you're good, love." He enjoyed a little competition but that was no match for the two best friends in the room which meant this game was going to get interesting quick. He grinned when Fletcher squeezed his thigh knowing that it shouldn't be too hard to beat Jade and Rodrigo and then rubbed his hands together. "Good luck."

Rodrigo was watching Fletcher and Xavier, eyes narrowing as he did. "I don't trust them." He whispered even though he knew his friends could hear him. He leaned into his wife to listen to her observations and then huffed. "It's always a trap with Fletcher. But that's okay. We've got this"

Xavier tried to match Rodrigo and leaned into Fletcher. "I'm only doing this because he is."

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher was chuckling at Jade and Xavier. He was more than ready to get started on the game and he enjoyed showing his competitive side from time to time. Game night was one of those times. He cocked a brow at Rodrigo and Jade, and then looked to Xavier, snorting at his comment. "It’s a contagious vibe, babe," he assured. "Alright, Escobars, start us off."

Jade heard Rodrigo's whispered comment and poker faced her amusement. "Now if the tables were turned, should he trust you?" She started letting her smile show but the aches in her back were flaring up. Deciding to go first with drawing, she scooted to the edge of the couch and after setting her water down, she massaged one side of her lower back while drawing a card. She rolled the dice and moved the game piece, landing on the "difficult" color square. Looking over the word with a stern, concentrated expression, she decided, "Okay, I'm ready." And after setting the card down so Rodrigo couldn't see, she held her hand out for the paper tablet and readied to draw.

Fletcher picked up the hourglass and after a, "Ready, set....go!" He flipped it over on the table and watched Jade start drawing on the pad of paper. While reaching for some more snacks, he picked up the card to see what the word was and then showed it to Xavier as well, his thumb nail sitting right below the word "juice". He then smirked a little as he quietly told his fiancé, "When Rodrigo and I are on opposite teams for this, I usually shout out random guesses to throw him off. Watch this." He looked to his brother and started calling out, "Telephone! Alarm clock! Headlight! Sign! Radio!"

RODRIGO/XAVIER

"Oh is it?" He grinned knowing that tonight would be memorable. He kept an eye on Jade and Rodrigo but his ears peeled for anything Fletcher had to add.

Rodrigo didn't even hesitate when the question was turned on him. "Hell no!" He had known Fletcher for years now and when it came to board games and such, they both played dirty. When Jade was up, Rodrigo readied himself to answer. He knew Fletcher was going to be shouting out random things eventually so he already had a plan to tune him out. As Jade began, he already started with random words. "Lampost, uh, stop sign! um...hmm..." He looked over to Fletcher and shot him daggers before tossing a few popcorn kernels at him.

Xavier couldn't help but chuckle at the antics coming from the two men. He had looked at the card and wondered how long it'd take Rodrigo to get it. Before the hourglass was done, the teacher then shouted and snapped his fingers, getting Xavier to sit at the edge of his seat.

"Traffic light!!" Rodrigo stood up and yelled. "Am I right?"!

JADE / FLETCHER

"You'll see," Fletcher assured, sticking a cracker and some rolled up salami into his mouth at one time.

Jade laughed at her husband's quick response to her hypothetical and said, "I didn't think so. We'll be on our guard then." And when the timer began, she tried to draw a juice box to symbolize the word 'juice' but briefly glanced up at Rodrigo with a puzzled and disbelieving look when he went from guessing a lamppost to a stop sign. Still, she didn't want to waste time and kept on drawing.

"Car fob! Photograph! Ironing board!" Fletcher continued, only pausing when popcorn was thrown his way and landed on the couch next to Xavier. "Damn, man. With twins on the way, I thought you'd have better aim than that." He grinned, reaching for the popcorn kernals on the couch and flinging them back with aim at Rodrigo's thigh so not to accidentally felt Jade.

She tried to scribble in a straw to her juice box which now had an apple drawn on the center of the elongated cube and urgently tapped on her drawing in hopes her husband would say the word. But she shook her head quickly and circled the whole drawing just as Fletcher called out to the group.

"Time's up!"

Jade groaned, "It was juice!"

Fletcher laughed, "A for effort, Jade," and then reached for the dice, followed by a card for his and Xavier's turn. He cackled when he'd drawn a card and saw the word on the coordinating color with his spot on the board. "Okay, babe, don't overthink this one." It was as close to a hint as he could give as he readied himself on the drawing pad for either Rodrigo or Jade to turn the hourglass. As soon as they let him know he could start, Fletcher drew a circle with a smaller circle in the center, and a few tiny dash marks facing different directions in the space between the 2 circles.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Watching Jade and Rodrigo play did make Xavier feel incredibly competitive. "Come on, man!" he threw his hands up when Rodrigo ultimately failed at guessing and shook his head. "Traffic light..." He shook his head again in faux disappointment, a grin slowly forming on his face. He took a cracker and bit into it, leaning into Fletcher once more. "Ok, I see it now."

When it was their turn, Xavier smirked as Rodrigo prepped the hourglass. "Oh don't worry, mate. I won't need that much time." He shifted his complete focus on Fletcher.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo stared at the drawing that Jade has just made and sighed. "Okay. huge oversight." He whispered and then let his gaze fall on his best friend's drawning. "He's literally an artist! And where'd you go to school? Oxford?" He looked at Xavier who didn't give him any mind. "You're like two sides of a brain."

Xavier rubbed his chin with confidence and then smiled at Fletcher. "Donut!" With plenty of time left on the timer, he hoped he got it on the first try.

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher was quietly snickering as he noticed Xavier get into the game and his competitive side emerge. It wasn't until Xavier acknowledged it that he chuckled out loud. And then he cackled once at Xavier getting cheeky about the timer. "Damn right you won't."

While Jade was modeling prime resting bitch face at Rodrigo for just a few more seconds, she also felt more those aching flare ups spreading around to her hips. She leaned forward from the edge of the couch and used the armrest to heave herself to her feet, deciding to walk a little bit around the living room, hands pressing into her lower back.She made her way over to Fletcher's other side, looking over his shoulder to see what he was draw and rolled her eyes at the exact moment Xavier correctly guessed "donut".

Fletcher dropped the pencil and raised both hands in victory, "That's that Oxford brain half doing the work of a winner, baby!" He grinned and victory pecked Xavier's lips.

Fletcher loved to do some trash talk with game night especially. He could be that way about football and the 9ers too, which he entirely credited Drew for him being that way. And while he and Xavier didn't get through all of Pictionary that night on a complete winning streak, they ultimately beat Jade and Rodrigo at the game. "Get that belly on, Escobar! I think your wife could use some empathy right now anyway," Fletcher teased, gathering up the pencils and paper tablets to help clean up the game. While getting the cards and the game board back in the box, he asked, "What are we playing next? Uno? Charades? Cards Against Humanity?" They had more games than that to choose from but Fletcher figured those ones were the easiest to play with the 4 of them and without complex rules.

"Let's do a card game. I don't think I can handle Charades tonight unless I'm just guessing," Jade requested, having already gone to the bathroom twice and sitting back down on the couch by now.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo had noticed the uneasiness in Jade's body language. He had even followed her to the bathroom to wait around for her and walk back to the game night with her. "Doing ok?" He whispered, gently massaging her back. He knew the babies wouldn't come now but it didn't make him any less concerned. "I agree on the card game. Uno?" Rodrigo, while still worried about his wife, knew that Uno would be as competitive as it came especially when the rules changed constantly depending on who you were playing with.

Xavier had settled against Fletcher's side, snuggling there, having wrapped an arm around his waist. He let his chin sit on the older man's shoulder as he curiously observed Jade. "Hey, let me help. I do yoga and don't worry, I'm not going to make you pose but I can help relieve some of that pain. It's your lower back, right?" Xavier walked over to Jade. "Baby, deal the cards. I'll just massage here for a bit to make her a little more comfortable. Is that okay? I just need your back to me and I'll do the rest quickly." He had spent some time with Jade before but it felt like they were really bonding while the boys agreed on a set of rules. "If you agree, I'm going to rest my knuckles against your ribs and squeeze your lower back just a little to release that pain, yeah?"

JADE / FLETCHER

When Jade emerged from the bathroom a second time, she was only mildly surprised to find Rodrigo waiting there for her. At his question, she quietly answered back, "I have never been more grateful for a downstairs bathroom before becoming pregnant," while her cheeks took on a reddish undertone. His massage to her back felt really good though as she added, "I'm okay, just uncomfortable."

When Rodrigo decided on Uno, Fletcher smirked, "Good." And while he'd looked to Jade and wondered if she was alright, he'd been momentarily distracted by Rodrigo wearing the empathy belly. He'd picked up half of the Uno deck again and started shuffling again while enjoying Xavier's closeness but understood his offering to help Jade. He could only imagine what it must have been like to carry 2 babies for months and to try and find relief in a comfortable way of sitting, standing or laying down. He agreed, "Alright, babe," to Xavier and began dealing four sets of cards for everyone.

Jade nodded to Xavier, not having sat back down just yet. "Yes, that's okay." She turned her back to the men, facing the television and moved her hands to cradle her bump. "That works, and thank you in advance, Xavier." She shut her eyes and just thought about taking slow, deep breaths and when Xavier finished, she did feel the pain lessen.

"That's a lot better, thank you," she said, turning to Xavier with a grateful smile and then accepting her Uno cards before sitting down. "Alright, guys. Let's get this game going."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo did not like that Jade felt uncomfortable but was still confident this was all normal for her at this point in her pregnancy. He tightened the pregnancy belly and sat beside his wife, happy to start Uno because that was another thing he was confident about. “These guys are good.” He leaned in and whispered as if this was the first time meeting Fletcher and Xavier.

Meanwhile, Xavier went to work when Jade gave him consent and he kneaded her lower back to release some of the pain and pressure there. “They taught us this in yoga. When the babies arrive and you’re up to it,you can join me sometime,love.” Xavier nodded at her gratitude when he had finished and then sat up to take his Uno cards and sit beside Fletcher. “Let’s do this.” He grinned, ready to win yet another round and he caught Rodrigo’s playful stare down before laughing. “Lord.”

The game was going well for team Fletcher and Xavier and Xavier was pretty sure Rodrigo would end up wearing the belly all night until he drew 2 and Rodrigo drew the same on top of his. He realized then that he had lost and instead of arguing the rules, Xavier had already reached for the belly that Rodrigo had given up immediately. “Babe help me with this?” He didn’t notice Fletcher’s look of concern until their eyes met. “What? It’s fine, I promise.” He whispered to his fiancé even though he knew the two best friends were about to quibble.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade chuckled mildly at Rodrigo and said, "Well then you and I will have to be better," in the same hushed voice as her husband. But she was grateful for Xavier's help to try and relieve some of the pain she was having across her lower back and hips. It really had felt better through the brief increase of pain and she almost missed it a bit when he'd stopped but the pain seemed to also be lessening at that time. "I usually run or jog pretty regularly but I might have to take you up on that." She picked up her cards and was looking at what she had, but Xavier's laugh and comment made her lift her gaze and then land on her husband. "Now that's a game face if I ever saw one."

Fletcher rolled his eyes. "All that mean mugging's not gonna get you a win, Escobar." Since he dealt the cards, he let Jade start them off and they they went around clockwise allowing each half of the two couples to alternate on turns. Fletcher had been feeling confident during the game but noticed that Rodrigo's cards were dwindling down. He was looking amongst his few remaining cards to see if he could reverse the direction of play again when Rodrigo called out 'Uno'. A bit disbelieving, he rifled through the most recently played cards. "Hold up, that's not a win. You can't play a 'Draw 2' on top of another one like that!" Fletcher insisted, staring down his brother. He vaguely heard Xavier but when he realized his fiancé was holding that damn empathy belly, hime did a double-take and hardened his gaze. Xavier clearly knew why and Fletcher was determined not to let him declare himself the loser for this. More than that, he was still wary of Xavier wearing the weight when his ribs were still healing. "You're cheating for a win, Escobar," he accused, picking up the offending card to hand back to Rodrigo. "Xavier's still in the game."

Jade also knew where this was going and let out a small sigh, "I'll help you, Xavier, if you're sure you're okay to wear it?" She doubted either Rodrigo or Fletcher was paying them any attention right now. Using the armrest again, she got to her feet and waved Xavier over so that she could fit it properly on him with the straps and buckles. "You know you really don't have to wear this either. They're probably going to have some one-on-one showdown from here and insist on some other game." When she finished securing the empathy belly, she suggested, "But if you're going to wear it until the next loss happens, why not take a look in the bathroom and make sure it looks like it's sitting evenly on you?"

The pain was creeping back up for a second, or maybe a third time since they'd begun Uno. Jade wasn't exactly sure which but she drew in a slow, quiet breath while buckling the empathy belly on Xavier's sides, being mindful of his ribcage when it came time to adjusting the straps. But as she finished with the second one, something about the pain she'd been experiencing made her think on it more. It had come and gone a bit throughout the afternoon earlier that day, but tonight, it was happening more frequently and the pain had been growing. She wasn't entirely sure if she was in labor but she knew that this was not Braxton Hicks. Those felt differently according to everything she'd read and been told about. She steadied a hand on the armrest with her body slightly bent forward and drew in a slow, deep breath, finding it difficult to speak through this bout of pain. More and more, she was convinced that she was experiencing contractions all along and now that they were intensifying, it would be a good idea to go get checked out at the hospital.

"Rodrigo? Honey?" She managed to exhale through clenched teeth. Her grip on the armrest was firm while her other hand held her large belly. "Rodrigo?" She spoke a bit louder, aware that he and Fletcher were engrossed in their argument.

"Bullshit!" Fletcher barked. "You know damn well you can't do that!

Jade's brows furrowed and her grip on the couch fabric tightened. Irritation was clawing through the contraction that seemed to be going on for forever. Unable to wait for Rodrigo and Fletcher to quit their squabble, she snapped, "Fuck the stupid game, dammit!" She was outright glaring as she heavily breathed, "Rodrigo. Emiliano. Escobar. It's time. We need to get to the hospital. Now." Saying this aloud made some panic bloom inside her. It was early. Maybe not dangerously so but still earlier than the twins' due date.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo stood up when Fletcher did and held up his card. "Read it and weep, Van Hall. That was a fair play! Rules don't change just because we're grown now!" He knew he sounded a bit childish but he was so glad to get rid of the belly and practically handed it off to Xavier. "See? he's a good sport! Xavier is out. Sorry, X." Rodrigo looked over to the comedian who had already shaken his head and chuckled when Jade called him over. He continued his argument, face to face with his best friend.

Xavier was thankful for Jade, feeling comfortable with the empathy belly as she had adjusted it. "Yeah, I'm okay with it, I promise. If it gets annoying, I'll take it off but for camaraderie, I'll try to avoid that. Thanks, love. I'm going to check myself out, take a few selfies, etcetera until the boys are ready for us again." He made his way to the bathroom to make sure the belly was sitting against his frame properly and without pain. "I've said it once and I'll say it again, Women have all my respect." He whispered to himself and exited the bathroom so that he could join the game again. He came out, holding his back and strutting when he realized Jade didn't look so good so he rushed to her side. "Hey...you alright?"

Rodrigo rolled his eyes at Fletcher. "That didn't apply when we used to play. As a matter of fact, you taught me that move! I can do whatever I want!"

"Hey, guys..." Xavier held on to Jade, trying to get their attention as well and was about to whistle when Jade cursed and his eyes widened. once Rodrigo had snapped out of it and placed his entire attention on Jade, he slid back over to his fiance.

Rodrigo's focus was now on his wife and he immediately grabbed hold of her. "What? Now? NOW? Oh my god! oh My God! What do we do? What do you need me to do?"

"Rodrigo, tell me where her bag is and just get her outside ready and out the door. We can take my car. Baby, can you drive? My keys are by my wallet on the table." Xavier pointed to the keys.

"The bag is by the door. Jade, honey, let's go. We've got this. Just breathe in and out like they taught us!" Rodrigo was trying to be as supportive as possible as he helped his wife out the door, grabbing a sweater from one of the hooks.

JADE / FLETCHER

"The hell I did, I told you that stacking reverse cards was just like playing a skip!" Fletcher argued and then narrowed his eyes at Rodrigo. "You are chaos personified, you know that? You can't do whatever the hell you want, it's Uno!"

Their arguing continued and while Fletcher heard Xavier, he just assumed he was trying to placate his and Rodrigo's argument. It wasn't until Jade's outburst that he stopped and whipped his head in hers and Xavier's direction. He would've uttered a low, impressed, "Damn," if it wasn't for the fact that she was in labor. He'd seen this kind of posture in-person from a heavily pregnant woman only once before but he wasn't going to draw himself back into that particular memory. Right now, he, Rodrigo and Xavier had to get Jade to the hospital. And thank fuck for his fiancé being level-headed because he was about to stride over and shake Rodrigo for all of his questions.

"Got it," he said, swiping up Xavier's wallet.

"I need my purse," Jade groaned through clenched teeth. And Fletcher's head went on swivel until he spotted a tote-like bag and went over to pick it up. He held it up and Jade nodded, affirming that it was the right bag. Thankfully she had some slip-on shoes near the door. She walked with her husband, stopped long enough to slide her feet in, and then went out. "Lock the door, honey," she reminded, breathing a little harder than usual. She waited for him, hands pressed into the back of her hips, and then continued waddling to the car. She saw Fletcher open one of the rear passenger doors and then the other before getting inside the driver's seat to start up the car.

Once everybody was in and Fletcher noted everyone was buckled up, he pulled away from the curb, "Which hospital are we going to, Rodrigo?" He knew his way around the city and could get them where they needed to go as quiclly and safely as possible. And then he said to his fiancé, "You might wanna call home and let 'em know we're gonna be late getting back."

Jade meanwhile was rubbing slow circles on her stomach while trying to remember the deep breaths taught in lamaze. She was trying her best to stay calm but the panic was still lingering. "They're not supposed to come yet," she whispered worriedly, head turning to her husband. "It's too early, isn't it? And the car seats are set up in the van."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

"Uh..." Rodrigo knew the answer to Fletcher's question but he was currently stunned. He was trying to breathe with Jade and make sure that they hadn't forgotten anything but it seemed like they probably forgot everything and his mind was beginning to spiral. "Van Ness!" He answered and then turned his focus back onto his wife. He made sure she was watching his face and following the breathing exercises. At his wife's concerns, he reached over to place his hand over her belly. "It's going to be okay, honey. Twins tend to come early, remember? We have a great team and are in good hands, you're in good hands. Rodrigo tried his best to reassure Jade, leaving his worries behind.

Xavier had been looking over his shoulder and extended his hand to reach for Jade's hand to give it a gentle and quick squeeze. "Fletcher's an amazing driver. He's going to get you there in no time and Rodrigo is a Lamaze pro, I see. Right, mate?" Rodrigo nodded and Xavier let go of Jade's hand to pat Rodrigo's arm before he turned so that he could call the family. He dialed Drew to let him know what was happening. "Right, yeah. Thanks, Drew. Winter will help if anything. Alright, I'll tell 'em. You got it." Xavier ended the call and glanced over to Fletcher. "The baby is down for the night. Winter is hanging with her in the nursery. Emiliana will meet us at St. Francis. Winter will help Drew and so will Henry."

"Oh, good. Mom will meet us there, honey." Rodrigo let Jaed squeeze his hands as much as she needed to. "Don't worry about the car seats. We won't need them until they get discharged and someone'll drive the van to us."

JADE / FLETCHER

Fletcher glanced at Rodrigo from the rear view mirror and then back to the road again. Once heard the hospital, he nodded, "Got it," and set his mental road map for getting them to Van Ness Hospital quickly but safely.

Jade fixed her eyes on Rodrigo and focused on her breathing while the contraction pain subsided again. She listened to Rodrigo’s reminder and nodded, trying her best to be assured. He was right, and she had to remember that. Her free hand kept circling her stomach while she slowly exhaled--lips forming a small "o" shape. When Xavier turned around in the passenger's seat she glimpsed his direction and then met his hand with her free one. Her other hand was holding Rodrigo’s and she gave a brief smile. "Thank you, Xavier." She was in good hands.

While driving the not-too-lengthy distance, Fletcher was glad that Xavier got a hold of the family and that he'd been a comfort to Rodrigo and Jade. He listened to Xavier's half of the phone call and then when the call ended, he listened more intently to Xavier. "Okay, good. We can check in a little but later." He wanted to be there for Rodrigo and Jade, especially until Emiliana showed up; overhearing his brother and his sister-in-law talk about their car and car seats for the kids took him back again but before he could get sucked into his own past, he spoke up, "We can get the van to you guys in the morning, Jade."

Jade nodded from the back seat from Rodrigo and Fletcher's words. Her hand remained in Rodrigo’s the entire ride to the hospital. All in all, it had been about a 10 minute drive, during which Jade had another swell of contractions. Once Fletcher pulled up to the hospital, Jade had been okay enough for getting out of the car. "Thank you both for getting us here," she said, looking ahead to Fletcher and Xavier.

Fletcher parked the car and hit the hazard light button. "X, you wanna help get their stuff from the back? I'll park the car and meet you guys inside."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo was finally feeling confident as they approached the hospital. He was glad that he was in a car with his brother and Xavier. They definitely knew how to help his nerves. He kept walking Jade through her breathing, letting her squeeze his hand when a contraction would come on. “That’s it, honey. You’re doing amazing. Hang in there babies, we are almost there.” Xavier looked ahead and placed his hand on Fletcher’s thigh to give it a little squeeze and then smiled. He felt so honored being a part of this.

Once they arrived, Xavier nodded at Jade’s gratitude and then quickly gathered all their belongings. He shouldered Jade’s maternity bag and completely forgetting the belly he was wearing, he rushed inside the hospital, looking over his shoulder to make sure Rodrigo and Jade were behind him. “Excuse me! Hello! Yes, I need a wheelchair!”

The nurse that had spotted Xavier and recognized him, smiled wondering if this was some sort of live skit. “Let me guess, you’re expecting?”

“What?” Xavier’s puzzled expression fell over his features. “No. My friend. She’s expecting twins oh there they are!” He pulled a nearby wheelchair and wheeled it to Rodrigo.

“Thanks, X.” Rodrigo helped Jade into the chair and the nurse shook off her initial amusement to help them by taking the wheelchair and directing them to Labor and Delivery. Rodrigo explained that the babies were early and when a Jade began to feel like she was going in labor.

“Dad, I’m going to need you to take care of registration while we get Jade ready. Jade, how far along are your contractions?”

“Can I handle that later? I don’t want to leave her now…” Rodrigo protested to which the nurse nodded and agreed.

Xavier took a couple of steps back after giving the nurse Jade and Rodrigo’s things and was glad to see Fletcher come inside. “They’re just triaging her.” He updated his fiancé and then rested his hands on his fake belly.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade just nodded to acknowledge Rodrigo through the contraction, and once they arrived at the hospital and she was out of the car, the reality of it all was sinking in even further. There was no doubt in her mind that she was in labor, which meant that when she left the hospital, it would be with hers and Rodrigo's children.

Spotting the wheelchair Xavier was bringing over, Jade cast him a grateful smile and took a seat. "Here I can take the bag. Or the pillow," she offered, reaching to Xavier to relieve him of the items he'd brought in for them. She looked up at the nurse, her expression turning to a bit of worry as she thought about the question posed to her. "Um... I'm not really sure. I think they've been happening for a while now but they only seemed to become really intense over the last couple of hours or so?" Prior to now, she'd told herself that she was going to document this but of course, in the actual moment, she completely forgot.

Reaching back, she gave Rodrigo's hand a squeeze when he asked the nurse about not leaving; she didn't want him to leave her either and was glad that the nurse hadn't pushed back on the paperwork. They were then wheeled away to a triage room, sure that once they confirmed she was in labor, that she would be taken upstairs to a Labor and Delivery room.

Not long after she and Rodrigo left with the nurse, Fletcher strode in with purposeful strides, pocketing the car keys. He nodded at Xavier's update and then followed his fiancé's hands. "Alright... did you wanna leave that in the car or are you feeling some kinda added closeness to Jade by having it on?" He asked this while pointing his index to the empathy belly, a single brow raised.

RODRIGO/XAVIER

Rodrigo made sure to stay close to Jade, remembering from his reading that they might be sent home if her contractions were too far apart or they’d be forced to wait until she’s closer. He knew that wouldn’t be the case as Jade’s contractions seemed closer. He waited patiently, watching the nurse place a band on Jade’s wrist and take her vitals. “Okay, Jade. You are definitely in Labor.” She smiled at the two of them. They’re going to get a room ready upstairs so that we can monitor the babies heart rate along with yours. Dad, you can stay in the room and one more person. Is there someone else that will be joining us? And we will make sure your friends get bands too so they can wait in the waiting room upstairs.” Rodrigo looked down at Jade and kissed the top of her head.

“Oh my God they’re really coming…”

Xavier looked down at the empathy belly and then shook his head. “Oh lord. I forgot. Come on, I look cute.” He chuckled and began removing the belly. “I know exactly when the little nugget was conceived too.” He winked at Fletcher and removed the belly, sliding his hand into his fiancé’s pocket to fetch the car keys. “Be right back.” Xavier jogged to the parking lot to drop off the empathy belly, laughing at the onlookers that looked somewhere between confused and amused before he had run out.

JADE / FLETCHER

Jade was cooperative with the nurse while items were placed on her and monitoring was done to help determine that she was, in fact, in labor. She felt like her heart leapt a little in her chest once the nurse spoke the words but outwardly, she smiled back a little weakly. The contractions had grown painful and she knew the were only going to worsen from here until the babies were born. Her hand reached up and she brushed Rodrigo's arm as he kissed the top of her head.

"They're really coming," Jade echoed and then followed the nurse's instructions while they prepared to get them upstairs to a room. "Oh, um, my mother-in-law, Rodrigo's mom is on her way. But for the birth, I'd like it to just be he and I in the room. So if there's special access needed for our family to be in the waiting room upstairs, or for them to come in and visit in the room before the delivery, please let them have that." Jade then asked Rodrigo if he could contact Jasper and her dad once they were settled upstairs, not wanting them to be left out from the news.

After pointing out the fake belly to Xavier, Fletcher laughed a bit with his fiancé, "Should I be worried that you forgot?" And then he snorted, "Oh Jesus, do I wanna know what story you concocted? You know what? Tell me later." He helped Xavier take the empathy belly off and then stuck out his hip a little when Xavier reached for the car keys. He waited for him and as he did, Rodrigo and Jade passed by to the elevator, accompanied by a nurse. The nurse paused long enough to hand him three wristbands and inform him that they were going upstairs to Labor and Delivery, and that they'd need those in order to wait upstairs. Fletcher put one on and then explained to Xavier when he returned, pocketing the third one for Emiliana. "Let's go wait upstairs. Maybe there's a vending machine up there too and we can a snack while we wait. Might be a long night here."

RODRIGO/XAVIER

The nurse listened to Jade's requests and nodded as she memorized what the patient told her. "Of course. We will ensure your family is in the waiting room for visiting. Regarding the labor, only you and Mr. Escobar will be allowed inside." She smiled at the young couple and then took the wheelchair from Rodrigo to push Jade. Rodrigo thumbed through his phone for Jasper's contact information so that he could easily text him when they were settled upstairs. Once they were upstairs, he texted his brother-in-law and advised him to let their father know about Jade being in labor as well.

He followed everything the nurse was preparing him for and gowned up as well, readying himself to help his wife through this. Rodrigo hoped his stomach was better today than when he first discovered they were expecting twins. He watched as Jade was comforted and hooked up to a monitor and immediately took his spot beside her when it became available.

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Escobar! Are we ready?" The nurse smiled brightly at them before excusing herself to get a doctor and team ready.

"Probably a little worried, not gonna lie," Xavier smirked and after returning to join Fletcher again, he was glad to hear that Jade was in labor and that she'd be taken upstairs with Rodrigo. "Okay, good idea. I love a good snack. Do you think they'll have Doritos or something? I'm starving, love." he grinned as they followed others into the elevator bank. "Are you alright? Excited?" Xavier nudged Fletcher and then took his arm, cuddling up beside him as they rode the elevator up.

JADE / FLETCHER

"Thank you," Jade said to the nurse and after being given a gown, she changed in the bathroom in the room, moving as quickly as she could in order to avoid bring caught up in a contraction amidst changing clothes. Once she was settled on the hospital bed, she worked with the nurse who got her hooked up to an IV and monitors. She experienced another contraction during this and was grateful that the nurse didn't try to finish with the monitors until the worst of it had passed. She was also relieved to have a moment's rest on the hospital bed, shutting her eyes, only to snap them back open, "Ready? Wait, it's not time already, is it?" Jade asked, a little panicked again.

Fletcher walked with Xavier to the elevator and pushed the elevator's "up" button and then the 2nd floor button once inside. "I hope so. If it's a good vending machine, it'll have Doritos. We should've brought that charcuterie board Jade made. But if the vending machine snacks don't hold us over, I don't mind going to get something or we can Doordash something." He was fully prepared to be there as long as possible but also didn't want to leave Drew and the kids alone impromptu through the night and the next day.

[to be continued!]

#Rodrigo #Game Night para #Jadrigo things

3 notes · View notes

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

When Moods Swing

who: Rodrigo and Jade (@jade-escobar ) what: Jade is not having the best time. where: Jadrigo home when: 7/20/2024 afternoon

JADE

Jade was struggling. Coming on the tail end of her pregnancy, she'd been having a harder time dealing with, well, just about everything. She couldn't see her feet but knew they were swollen. Heartburn had been responding to nearly all of the food cravings she'd been having the past week, and her mood swings were about as steady as a tetherball on an elementary school playground. Back and forth, she'd gone from weepy to elated, from horny to irked, and *always tired*. Today, one minute she was content in washing all of the twins' new clothes in Dreft and hanging them in the closet or folding them neatly in the nursery dresser. The next minute, she was sobbing her way through an Adele song that randomly came on her Spotify playlist. Rather than changing the song, she cried into a once clean burp cloth. And the next moment, she was upset that none of her maternity clothes that still fit her were clean. She'd sworn that the laundry had been done just a couple days ago. Pregnancy brain was real but she was sure it had been done.

She'd been standing in hers and Rodrigo's bedroom with her robe hanging open. Her pajama gown hung over her swollen belly and stopped at her knees. After triple checking the drawers and the closet, and then waddling downstairs to the laundry nook, she confirmed that the clothes were sitting in the washing machine. The washing machine that was fully loaded, had detergent in it and hadn't been started. Letting out a frustrated groan that bordered on a growl, Jade jammed her finger on the machine's 'start' button and stomped away, back up the stairs. She was a little breathless and on the verge of angry tears at this point. Pulling her robe off, she'd accidentally dropped it on the bedroom floor, only to kick it in frustration and then return to bed, glaring at the walls.

RODRIGO

"Are you saying this is a one size fits all?" Rodrigo stared at the dress in question and then at the saleswoman. "I don't know. I feel like there is no such thing in maternity. My wife is carrying twins and--" The saleswoman stopped him, shaking her head.

"Are you saying your wife is too *big*? Because that would be a big no-no." She rubbed her own belly and Rodrigo sighed.

"I'm just saying she's in her last trimester and she's carrying two and sometimes we both joke there's four in there because she gets these insane cravings and--you don't think this is funny."

"Insulting more like it." The saleswoman grabbed the dress off the hanger and brought it with her to the register.

Rodrigo followed, pulling out his wallet. "I'm not trying to be insulting. We joke about it all the time and I think she is as beautiful as the day I met her."

"So her value lies in her beauty?" The other very pregnant saleswoman chimed in and Rodrigo sighed, paying for the dress and leaving the store before he gets his head chopped off.

Jade had been eyeing the maternity dress for weeks no but had decided to wait a little longer. Rodrigo could tell she wasn't having the best week and wanted to surprise her with something nice. He picked up her favorite chocolates and some berries along the way as he made his way home and when he arrived, he poked his head into their home to make sure she wasn't around to spot him yet. Rodrigo hurriedly placed the dress into the gift box that had been provided and set the chocolates on a dish with the berries as decor. "Honey? Are you home? Sorry I'm late. Work was a mess." He grinned as he fibbed. He had gotten off work earlier so that he could get Jade's surprise together. "I ordered us some BBQ. It should be here any minute!"

JADE

At this point, Jade just wanted to go to sleep. There wasn’t any point in trying to get dressed at this time of the day and she wasn't going to have anything to wear anyway. So she remained laid on her side in bed, even after hearing Rodrigo's return home. Her lips were clamped together and her nostrils were flared as she huffed through them. "Yes I'm home," Jade called back with little effort to be heard and then muttered, "Where else would I be? It's not like I have clothes to wear out." Her brows dropped low over her eyes as she heard him say work was a mess. "You're still on summer break!" Jade called out louder than before. "What are you up to, Rodrigo?!" She called sharply, arms still folded tightly across her chest. A part of her wished she was in the mood to go back downstairs but she didn't want to go back up the stairs again. Not now anyway, while she was thinking about how much she huffed and puffed mere moments ago, and had to listen to her own heavy breathing after-the-fact.

RODRIGO

When he heard his wife's voice, Rodrigo smiled a bit even though he knew she was struggling with a lot at the moment. "I had to go in for a bit and make sure all my salary requirement paperwork went through and one thing led to another, we started talking about the fall and my sub. They finally hired someone!" He hoped the conversation would at least calm Jade a bit. When she asked him what he was up to, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself even if Jade sounded dead serious. He wished he could just wrap his arms around her and help with the way she was feeling but his therapist had advised him that it was best to let her go through the motions. "I'll come to you!" He called up the stairs and made his way to his wife with the goodies and the boxed dress. "When he got to their bedroom, Rodrigo tried his best not to frown at the image before him. "Hey, honey. I've got presents to cheer you up?"

JADE

Jade sighed when she heard what brought Rodrigo into work. She hadn't replied aloud beyond that as her mind slid back to the laundry and her discomfort. It would have been so easy to have gone to sleep--take a long nap and hope she'd be in a better mood closer to dinnertime. But her irritation lingered. She heard Rodrigo coming up the stairs and when he came into the bedroom, she hadn't looked at him. Her eyes were still staring at the wall trying to will the frustration away so she could nap. "I don't want presents," she grumbled. "I want clean clothes that fit me, and a nap." She lowered her gaze past the foot of their bed towards the door to look at Rodrigo, "If the present is a nap, I'll thank you and take it." Eyeing what he had in his hands, she grimaced and labored to get into a sitting position, "You didn't bring food, did you?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo moved to sit at the foot of the bed, saddened by the fact that his wife was not in the best of moods. She had been up and down the last couple of weeks and he figured it had something to do with this being her last trimester. He knew Jade was going through a rough patch with the pregnancy so he tried his best to not be in her way or make things worse. "Well, you can take a nap and I'll just heat up your food when you wake up. Or you could eat first and then take a nap afterward. When she sat up, he offered her a small smile. "It's just a little snack until dinner gets here. I got you some chocolates and berries and a little present from your favorite maternity store." He placed the box between them so that she could see it and then placed the tiny dish of goodies right on top for Jade.

JADE

"I'm not hungry," Jade said. Her eyes went from Rodrigo to the box, and then the dish of chocolate a s berries. She picked it up and set it on her nightstand and then, brows furrowed, she opened the box. Jade lifted the dress out and stood from the bed with it, holding it to her front. "Thank you," she said, unable to see the dress past her bump. But her expression softened as she set the dress down on the bed and began taking her pajama gown off to get dressed in the new dress. As she waddled around the room to put her bra and underwear on first, she told Rodrigo, "Your timings great because I don't have anything clean to wear besides pajamas. And I swear I started the washing machine this morning but the 'start' button must have glitched or something because it never started." She refused to admit it was because she'd forgotten to start the machine. As she gathered the dress to put on over her head, "You know, for the most part, I've liked being pregnant but some parts of pregnancy are just so..." Her words trailed off after she pulled the dress down over her head and went to put her arms through the sleeves. But she felt some tightness in the fabric at the bust and slowed down, her face growing stony as she held the bunched up fabric, knowing that if she pulled it any further down her chest, she would likely get stuck in the dress. And she hadn't gotten it past her bump yet, but she wasn't going to try with it already fitting snuggly across her back and chest.

Jade's upset bubbled up again but appeared first in the form of brimming tears. She'd been so relieved in the moment when first seeing the new garment that she hadn't even checked the size. She pulled the dress back up over her head and intended to throw it back into the box. But due to the length of the dress, them caught whipped the dish, sending a few chocolates and berries to the floor. Giving a sharp, "Dammit!" followed by a wet sniff, Jade snatched up her pajama gown and waddled to their bathroom, throwing the door shut behind her. From the other side, she sobbed, "I hate this week! And I hate today! Whoever made maternity clothes is *un imbécile inconsidéré* and I *told* you I wasn't hungry!"

RODRIGO

The gratitude gave Rodrigo hope that maybe Jade was going to come out of this funk sooner rather than later. "Oh no, honey. I'll be sure to keep up with the laundry so you don't have to worry about it right now. I can also take a look at the machine and make sure it's okay and there isn't anything else going on?" Rodrigo watched his wife as she spoke, nodding in agreement to her words. He could only imagine how hard it all was and carrying twins would make it all that much harder. He was happy to do anything to make things easier for Jade. "You don't even have to tell me. I've read a few things and I can't even imagine, honey." He stopped mid-sentence when he realized Jade's words had trailed off and he felt the lump forming in his throat. He should have gone with his instinct. He knew it wasn't going to fit. There was no way that dress was one size fits all. He already regretted all his decisions. Rodrigo was about to help his wife out of the dress when she whipped it off and knocked down the chocolates. "hey, it's okay. Let me get it." He crouched down to pick up the dish and everything that had bounced off when he realized that Jade had gone to the bathroom and shut the door. "Shit." He placed the dish on their bed and then walked over to the door. "I'm sorry you're having a bad week. I'll go return it. It's going to be okay. Hey, how can I help? What do you need me to do?"

JADE

After shutting herself into their bathroom, Jade dropped onto the toilet seat and pitifully sobbed. She'd only half-heard Rodrigo on the other side of the door in between the uneven inhale and the cries she'd exhaled. Her reaction wasn't rational but her self-control was flimsy at best these days. She hated that fact which only worsened everything. "I'm *not* having a b-bad week!" Jade bitterly insisted. "I j-just want a nap and-" Shd hiccuped halfway through her response, "clean clothes *that fit me*." She pulled and tugged off some toilet paper to use like tissue and wiped her cheeks and nose. "No surprises. No food." Jade tossed the used makeshift tissue in the trash and sniffed. "I need you to go away and let me sleep! *You* eat the barbecue you ordered. *You* eat the chocolate and berries. And you can strap on a ten-pound watermelon to yourself while you're doing all of that and fixing that stupid washing machine and returning that dress and whatever else you can think of!" She wiped her eyes, smearing the last of her tear stains across her cheeks. "And you can sleep with that watermelon too!" Of course Jade hadn't meant it the way it sounded but she hadn't entirely thought it through when she spoke the words and was too wound up to correct herself.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo bit his lip as he pressed his ear against the bathroom door. He didn't want to make it worse for Jade and he could tell that she didn't even want to see him at this point. He was struggling with figuring out whether he should let her be or stay to comfort her especially when the latter didn't seem like something his wife wanted. He could tell she was crying and his heart ached. Rodrigo hated that Jade was uncomfortable and so distressed. All he wanted to do was to make her feel better and he was coming up empty. "Okay. no food. No surprises." He listened to Jade's list of things she wanted from him or rather, what she *didn't* want from him and pulled away from the door, placing his hands on his hips. What should he do? His mother always advised him that in situations like this, he just needed to give it to Jade. She was having a tough time reaching the tail end of the pregnancy, everything was stressful and unnecessarily so but he couldn't help but feel off-guard and sad at Jade's words. "I'm sorry, honey. About all of it. I'll let you sleep, okay? Just let me take care of a few things around the house and I'll be out of your hair for a bit. I promise." Maybe his mom was right. Maybe Jade needed some time away from him and that was perfectly fine. "I'm going to go back downstairs and check on the machine." while he was at it, he'd wait for the food to arrive and leave it in the fridge in case Jade's appetite came back later which he knew it would.

JADE

Jade was still so frustrated from being extremely hormonal and sensitive these days. She was sure she was driving Rodrigo crazy. She felt like she was driving *herself* crazy. It was so uncommon for her to cuss, and while she had moments of frustration before, she hadn't had an outburst like that in front of Rodrigo before. She didn't answer him and instead just letting herself cry as she sat on the toilet, watery eyes downcast.

She had no idea how much time had passed before she'd stopped crying and wiped her nose and bloodshit eyes clean for the dozenth time. But Jade exited the bathroom and looked around their bedroom with a deep frown on her face. The berries and chocolates were gone, as was the box and the dress. Her robe was neatly draped at the foot of their bed and Rodrigo was nowhere in sight. Ashamed of her behavior, Jade hadn't bothered putting her pajamas back on. Yes, she was still tired and not hungry, but she was wracked with guilt for how she behaved. She picked up her robe to wear, covering her underwear and large bump, and slowly waddled out of the bedroom and down the hall for the stairs. She held the rail each time she went up and down the stairs ever since she could no longer see her feet, and when she reached the downstairs landing, Jade cleared her throat and called out, "Rodrigo?" hoping he was still in the house.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had greeted the Uber Eats delivery driver outside after taking a moment to get some fresh air. He was trying to figure out how he could talk to Jade without it ending in a fight. He wanted her to be calm and stress-free, especially in the upcoming weeks. They were the most important after all. After accepting the food delivery, he went back inside their home and placed Jade's food inside the fridge, leaving his out to munch on as he tried to figure out what was going on with the washing machine. He was ready to get to work when he realized the machine wasn't broken, it just wasn't on. Rodrigo added soap to the load and turned on the machine, smiling at the fact that Jade probably forgot not once but twice to turn on the washing machine. While the load washed, he finished all the dishes left in the sink, ate his food, and went online to talk to a chatbot about the purchase he had made at that high-end maternity store. By the time he brushed off that annoyance, he threw the load into the dryer. Rodrigo hoped that in this time, Jade got to nap a little at least. He closed his laptop and massaged the bridge of his nose, sitting back onto one of the dining room chairs. When he heard Jade's voice, he looked up and quickly rubbed his eyes before calling out, "I'm in here!"

JADE

Jade had her weary eyes on the living room when she reached the first floor of their home but when Rodrigo spoke up, she brought her attention right to their dinner table where she heard him. Jade waddled over and when Rodrigo came into view, she immediately frowned. "Hi," she said, pulling the chair out next to him and sitting down sideways in it so that she was facing him. Her hands were resting on the top of her bump as she drew in a deep breath and sighed most of it back out. Still frowning, Jade said, "I've been ridiculous lately. And don't deny it because we both know it's true. And I know it's the pregnancy--the hormones and moodiness, the heartburn and hot flashes, back aches and swollen ankles. I feel like all I'm doing these days is peeing, sleeping, eating and being a-...a jerk."

It was an oversimplification of what all Jade had been doing of late but she was focused on the not-so-great things at the moment. For the majority of her pregnancy, she'd enjoyed it but nearing the end was full of mood swings. "I'm sorry that you've been on the receiving end of my, well... everything. You're the best and I've been awful." Her bottom lip wobbled and as much as she wanted to sit in his lap, wrap her arms around him and hug him as close as her belly would allow, she didn't feel comfortable with sitting in his lap these days. Instead, as she fought some fresh tears springing in her eyes, she held a hand out for him and said, "I'm so sorry and I hope you'll forgive me."

RODRIGO

"Hey." Rodrigo kept his tone soft for Jade. He wanted her to know that he wasn't upset with her. If anything, he was hoping he'd find ways to navigate through all of this effectively. He didn't want her stressed because he knew it'd be bad for her and their babies. And he also didn't want her to be upset but he was also well aware of how sometimes, you can't help that and that it's okay to have time to feel all the emotions. He offered her a small smile. "I wouldn't say ridiculous but you're going through a lot. Your body is going through a lot and you have to littles who like it in there very much so they're making themselves comfortable and their lease is almost up!" He was tired too but it was different for Rodrigo. He had to get things together for school at work and finish the nursery at home. Rodrigo wanted to make sure Jade had all she needed and was prepared for the birth. "I feel like those are all valid reasons to be a little jerky." He chuckled and reached for his wife's arm to rub it.

"Hey, look. We all have our moments and I know I've been annoying too with wanting to fix everything and probably helicoptering you too much, checkin in and hovering and I get wanting or needing time to decompress without me doing that. I probably could have checked the machine before leaving too. We're a team after all. I'm sorry you're going through so much and your body is screaming at you. You're doing great though." She took her hand and then kissed the top of it. "Of course. no damage done here, honey."

JADE

Jade listened to Rodrigo and protested, "I know you wouldn't say I've been ridiculous but *I* would, and I did." She knew he was right though--her body had been changing to accommodate and prepare for bringing two new lives into the world, and soon. She knew it was the reason for her mood swings and how out of the ordinary she had been lately. Jade stood a little, long enough to move her chair closer to Rodrigo, taking in a slow, deep breath as he soothed her with his touch.

With a few slow shakes of her head, Jade told him, "You're being your same, loving, caring and attentive self. I've been annoyed sometimes but it doesn't mean you were being annoying." She leaned into him with her head on his shoulder and for the first time in a while, smiled when Rodrigo kissed her hand. With a free hand, she covered her yawn and then idly rubbed her large and round stomach. "I haven't minded pregnancy for the most part. But I'll be a lot happier when my hormones even out and I'm not biting my husband's head off for being exactly who I've always loved." She shut her eyes as she continued to lean on him and said, "I'm sorry. I know I've said it already and I'll probably say it again sometime before and shortly after Ciel and Felix are born, but I *am* sorry."

RODRIGO

He offered Jade a small smile and chuckled softly at her words. He knew better than to argue with a pregnant woman and he wanted Jade to feel validated even in her apology to him. There wasn't an ounce of frustration in him. If anything, Rodrigo felt useless when he didn't know how to navigate Jade's changing emotions. He wanted to be there for her without overwhelming her and that's where he felt stuck but he was glad that she seemed okay now and was open to talking things out.

"Well, thank you for telling me that." When Jade leaned into him, he placed his head on her head. He listened to her go on, a softened expression pouring over his face. Rodrigo took his wife's hand in his and his thumb grazed every line, her knuckles, and her fingertips. He noticed the swelling in her fingers and he once again brought her hand up to his lips so he could kiss every single one "Of course. I'm sure that'll make you feel so much better. It's almost time. They'll be here, Earthside and things will even out. I don't mind any of this right now because I know it's typical and I know you don't mean it. I love you and I promised to take care of you no matter what. It's okay, honey. I just want you and the babies to be healthy. That's all."

JADE

"I can't believe they're gonna be here soon. And at the same time," Jade pouted a bit and feebly chuckled, "I am ready for them to get here already." She'd been moody, easily exhausted, and continued to feel huge and swollen despite the reminders that she was carrying twins or compliments that she was beautiful or glowing. Still, she was simultaneously anxious and excited about meeting their kids, holding them, seeing what features they inherited from Rodrigo and which ones they inherited from her. When she was alone, she would talk to the twins to tell them she loved them and her hopes for them. She would tell them that they have the best daddy and an abuela ready to spoil them for life. She sometimes told them about their uncles Fletcher, Jasper and Jett, their aunts Jewel and Emma, and their titi Frankie who were all excited to meet them.

Jade let out a tired sigh and said, "You're so good to me. I love you too, and I'm so grateful to you. I read that your hormones are still all over the place a little while after giving birth. I'm really hoping it won't be too bad." Opening her eyes, she said, "I'm also still really tired, but if I go back upstairs, I'm not coming back down until tomorrow." That had been another adjustment she hadn't quite made. She'd gone from jogging and running most mornings to getting winded just from going up the stairs in their home. Jade sat up and looked Rodrigo in his eyes. "I'm tempted to sleep on the couch in case I get hungry during one of my middle of the night bathroom trips."

RODRIGO

"I know, it's wild, right? We're going to have two little ones to hold and spoil and let others spoil. I still can't believe it when I think about it. And they're going to have Jewel and Jett to help them navigate the twin connection." He couldn't help but smile at the thought. He knew that Jade's siblings were over the moon about the twins and their arrival. It also thrilled him knowing that Phoebe would have playmates her age and that they'd be growing up together. While he had only met Fletcher in his older years, they were so close that he felt they had been in each other's lives much longer. Their children would be able to enjoy such a relationship. Ciel and Felix were going to be incredibly loved but all the people around them.

"I'm good to you, you're good to me. That's how these things work." Or *should* work. He knew early on that if he had the privilege of finding someone as amazing as his mother he'd do anything for them and never let them feel alone. His mom had been abandoned by the one person that was supposed to be by her side and Rodrigo made a promise he'd never do that. "We can do that! I'll sleep on the other side with you. I'll get some blankets and pillows, put the news on and bring my laptop so I can get some writing done while you try to rest. If I fall asleep too, even better." Rodrigo's writer's block had disappeared as of late and he was taking full advantage. "How does that sound?"

JADE

"It is. It's all a roller coaster of feelings," Jade confessed. But she smiled softly when Rodrigo brought up the twin connection that Ciel and Felix would have like Jett and Jewel did. The thought of their kids already having a potential bond with her younger siblings made Jade happy. And she knew that Jasper, Ziggy, Fletcher, Emma, Frankie and all their other family ans friends were going to be excited about the newborns arriving soon too. She was also anxious and a little bit scared about the birthing part, knowing there was going to be pain but hoping it would all go well where she and the twins were all ultimately healthy and safe.

Jade blew out a sigh, "Yes, that's how we usually work. But I haven't been that good to you lately and you've been a good to me regardless. So I want to recognize that." She tilted her chin up and kissed Rodrigo on his stubble-riddled cheek, and then moved to get up, heaving herself from her chair. With a hand cradling her belly, she listened to Rodrigo. "That sounds fine. I'm glad we have comfortable furniture upstairs and downstairs." Their couches were deep and it wasn't the first time Jade slept downstairs while pregnant. She'd taken a number of unintended naps on the couches with no real discomfort when she woke up. With her already back in her pajamas, Jade waddled over to one of the couches and sat down with the remote control. She turned on the TV and watched Miranda rise up from her perch and leap down. While Jade put the news on for Rodrigo and turned the volume down a bit, she yawned again and set the remote aside to lie down. Miranda jumped onto the same couch and curled up in one corner near Jade's feet, who was laying on her side facing the TV. She'd used one of the couch pillows for the time being and shut her eyes, not interested in the news or any of the commercials playing in between segments. One hand rested protectively over her stomach as she gladly gave in to her fatigue.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo watched as his wife made her way to the living room and chose to quickly throw their laundry into the dryer so that it wouldn't sit in the machine. He'd fold as soon as Jade fell asleep and before he got too distracted with his writing. After he loaded the dryer, Rodrigo walked into the living room to join Jade. He placed his laptop on the couch and when he saw that Jade her fallen asleep, he smiled, standing before her, watching her lovingly. Rodrigo pulled one of their throws off the back of the couch she was lying on and then draped it over Jade, gently tucking her in before planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "Good night, beautiful. Sweet dreams. Te amo." Today was rough but tomorrow would be better. He'd make sure of that. She'd have clean clothes and some leftovers for lunch he'd do what it takes to make her smile. Rodrigo took a seat on the other side and yawned, resting his head against the cushions as he watched the news and waited for their clothes to dry. Even with their tiny misunderstandings, he loved their life together.

#Rodrigo #When Moods Swing para

2 notes · View notes

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Jade stood in front of one of the brunch buffets, adding various items to her plate. As she selected several pieces of fruit next to the mini stack of silver dollar pancakes, sh spoke to the person next to her. "You know, I am extremely grateful to all of the love and support Rodrigo and I have received from everyone here today. It's a little overwhelming but in a good way." She smiled, setting the plastic tongs down and picking up a blueberry from her plate. "I'm also really glad that we had the shower close to our home, because the number of gifts on and around the gift table is unbelievable."

#swstarter

0 notes

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

[jumping to the present]

Jade: Thank you again for everything, Emma! The shower was wonderful and I appreciate all of your help.

Emma: As you should! Gotta relax a bit more before the babies get here. Tuesday works for me. Perks of being off for the summer.

Emma: Your nursery is going to be so cute! Awww.. yes, that would be a cute tie-in. I'll send you more ideas on Pinterest ❤️

#Emma text

10 notes · View notes

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Outfit for: Baby Shower

#wardrobe #Jadrigo things

1 note · View note

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Jadrigo Baby Shower: Activities (continued), Favors & Food/refreshments

Activities (continued):

Baby food feeding partners race

Relay race--changing a diaper, dressing a "baby" drinking a bottle (apple juice), strapping "baby" into a stroller and a race around the community center building.

Food/Refreshments:

2 Brunch buffets

Mimosa bar (champagne & mocktail-friendly)

Chilled bottled water

Favors:

Burt's Bees chapstick & jars of honey

#swevent #Jadrigo things

1 note · View note

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Jadrigo's Baby Shower: Twice the honey, twice the love!

Location: Parkmerced Clubhouse (at the townhome/apartment complex where Jadrigo live); San Francisco, CA

Decor & Activities:

Photobooth with bee-themed text props

"Guess the number" jar of honeycomb cereal

"Guess who said it: Mommy or Daddy?" game

#swevent #Jadrigo things

1 note · View note

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

[sent to everybody!]

#swevent #Jadrigo things

2 notes · View notes

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

@rodrigo-esc

#gifts to #Rodrigo

1 note · View note

jade-escobar · 1 year ago

Text

Names & Nudges Who: Rodrigo and Jade ( @jade-escobar ) What: Jade and Rodrigo have a nice talk and get a pleasant surprise!! Where: Rodrigo and Jade's casita When: 6/19/2024; evening.

JADE

Jade was sitting on one of the living room couches, having just finished checking on Pip and Kiwi. She had some unexpected sobbing moments when learning that it wasn't necessarily safe for her to handle her birds while she was pregnant. The most she could do was pass them long treats through the bars of their cage and talk to them from said cage. Miranda seemed to sense her melancholy and hopped onto the couch, nestling next to her thigh. She pressed her face to the side of Jade's growing belly, and then settled like she was preparing for a nice nap.

With a small sigh, Jade turned on the TV but hadn't found anything that was holding her interest. She took out her phone, letting a rerun of *Chopped* serve as background noise while she scrolled through her phone and idly pet Miranda behind her ears. She'd pulled up one of her more frequently visited websites of late and began scrolling where she left off, a small pout unintentionally formed on her bottom lip. Her eyes were on the phone screen though as she slid her thumb up and down the page, momentarily fixed on it more than her surroundings.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had gone out to get a few things. He wanted to cheer his wife up a bit considering she seemed very upsent upon learning she wouldn't be able to handle their birds while pregnant. He picked up a few muffins and some other goodies that Jade liked along with necessities for the house. Rodrigo was planning on cooking them both dinner tonight. He has already learned so much from Jade and had gotten some recipes from his mother. Once he arrived at their home, he hung his keys on the hooks beside the door and left the mail he picked up there as well. "Hey, honey!" Rodrigo placed the groceries on their table.

He noticed that she still looked a little down so he kicked off his sneakers and then plopped himself right next to her, chuckling when Miranda began to nudge his leg with her head. "Hey....awww. Come here..." He let Miranda climb onto his lap but was referring to Jade and so he wrapped his arm aroud her and brought her close to him. "I got a bunch of goodies and I'm going to make dinner tonight. I was thinking tacos!" He kissed the top of her head. "Aaaannnddd I got two baby name books for us to look at." Hopefully looking at names would help.

JADE

Jade had heard Rodrigo come in and briefly looked up from her phone when he called out to her. "Hey," she called out, not meaning to sound so deflated in that one-word greeting. But she was wearing her disappointment on her face too apparently because of her husband's instant attention to her. Jade leaned into him as much as her rounded belly would allow and set her phone on her thigh so she could wrap her arms around him too. "I'm okay, really," Jade assured even though she *was* comforted by Rodrigo. "Tacos are fine for dinner. Can you make some of tortillas flat for tostadas?" She lowered a hand from around her husband to rest her hand on her bump and looked up to his face as she asked, "Are any of the groceries frozen? Do you need any help putting it away?" She smiled a little and reached for her phone to show him the screen--more specifically, the website she'd been on. "I've been looking at some names online, so it looks like we're thinking the same thing."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo hoped she was okay and massaged Jade's hair for a bit. "It's okay to be disappointed though. Just remember, it's not a permanent thing." He cuddled up next to her and gently placed a hand on her growing belly. Rodrigo leaned in to kiss here there and smiled. "Hi, littles. It's your daddy. I just got mommy some yummy treats so you're both going to be so excited." He nodded at Jade's question about the tostadas. "Anything my wife wants. I'll be sure to make a few for you." He looked over to the groceries and the one insulated bag. "I do have a few perishable things. Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it and you yell out what names have been popping at you." Rodrigo kissed her cheek a few times before standing up to jog toward the table to grab the insulated bag. "Okay, give it to me straight..." He grinned and walked toward the fridge to put away some veggies, fruits, milk and other perishable items he had purchased.

JADE

"You're right and I'm trying to make sure I remember that. It's an adjustment, even if it's only temporary," Jade said, rubbing the side of her bump. She watched Rodrigo talk to their babies and smiled. Rodrigo talking to the babies from inside her belly was one of her favorite things while being pregnant. And when he agreed to tostadas, she ran a set of fingers through his hair and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, honey. Let me know if I can do anything to help, okay?" She had been napping on and off when trips to the bathroom weren't a necessity and was feeling a desire to be productive. When he asked about names, Jade turned her phone to herself and said, "Well, I still really love Ciel and Felix. Those are still my top choices." She scrolled a little on her screen, "I also like Mateo, Miles, and Nico for a boy. And for a girl? Renata, Marilyn and Zora." Sticking her phone in her pocket, Jade picked up Miranda to hold her while scooting off of the couch and getting to her feet. She cradled the young cat and gently rubber her head and back. "And I'd still love to include your mom as a namesake for a girl. Have you thought about names that you love?" Carefully, she set Miranda to the floor and lightly waddled to the sink to wash her hands. "Did you get a chance to look through the book before you bought it?"

RODRIGO

"That's it! I think if you keep repeating that, you'll be okay, honey. As hard as it is." He smiled when she rubbed his hair. He affectionally tapped her belly and whispered a few things to the twins before sitting up again. "Of course. But right now, you're going to be a big help by telling me the names that have caught your interest." He chuckled and once in front of the fridge, he began to put things away. He washed the fruit before transferring them to their protective tupperwares and then put away any frozen items he had gotten like pregnancy pops to help Jade with her nausea and some ice cream. He had also purchased two frozen pizzas for lazy days when they both wanted to veg out. He listened to the names as he did this, a smile forming on his face that never left. "Well, I really like all of those choices. It's funny because I had my heart set on Felix too! Look at US twinning." He looked over his shoulder to blos her a kiss and then smiled when he saw Jade waddling to him. "Yeah, so as soon my eyes zeroed in on Felix, it was on the top of my list too. And I like Ciel. That's pretty and different. It's like Cielo. The other names you mentioned are nice. I've always liked Miles too. Renata is very pretty. I like Theodore too and Aurelia too!"

JADE

Jade lightly rolled her eyes at how she could be helpful and said, "Well thank you for putting all of the groceries away, honey. I promise I can be more helpful than that though. I'm feeling pretty good today. I could chop tomatoes or shred the lettuce or something." As she finished sharing the names she liked the most, she smiled at him saying that he was fond of Felix as well. "Does this mean we have a first name for our baby boy?" She washed her hands while listening to her husband and then took a seat on one of the bar stools near the kitchen. "Their meanings are similar. Ciel is French for 'Heaven'. And it just sounds so beautiful and less common than Heaven or Nevaeh. And Felix means 'happy' or 'lucky'. Both have really nice meanings and I can't stop going back to them for names." She watched Rodrigo and glanced at some of the groceries he'd put away, all theile listening to them. Theodore and Aurelia are nice. Aurelia is pretty, and you don't hear Theodore that often anymore." Idly rubbing her rounded stomach, she asked, "Were you wanting to do middle names? Or namesakes?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo grinned, looking over to Jade as she rolled her eyes and then pressed a kiss against her forehead. "okay, let's get some veggies cut up, chop chop, Escobar!" He teased as he pulled their cutting board from one of the drawers and passed it to his wife. "I think we do! Felix is perfect! Ahh, I love it, honey." Rodrigo smiled as Jade explained the name Ciel and it's meaning. "I do love that. Ciel sounds so pretty and original. It fits our babies!" He nodded at the comment about Theodore. "You're right and I love the name Theo for short but I keep returning to Felix too," Rodrigo smirked at the middle name question. "You're not Mexican if you don't have a million names so yes to the middle names. "Maybe we can honor some important people in our life? Orrrr use one of the names we were considering. Wait, we just decided on two names, babe!" He beamed and turned to face Jade. "This is amazing! Felix and Ciel!"

JADE

When Rodrigo agreed tonher helping out, she smiled sincerely and picked out a knife to use. "You must be referring to yourself witj that hasty talk, *Escobar*," she teased right back. It made her even happier to hear that her husband really liked the two names. Jade chuckled at Rodrigo's middle names comment. "Don't forget, beloved, you're talking to someone who recently dropped one of her *three* middle names." She set the knife with the cutting board and decided to start with the lettuce, rinsing it off in the sink first. His idea of honoring important people in their lives had her thinking but she smiled while tearing off a paper towel to dry the lettuce leaves a bit. She grinned while sitting on the stool again. "Really? Thise are the names you want to give our babies too?" She was a bit giddy thinking about it, knowing that it could have taken them much longer to decide on what to name their children. Smiling still, she began rolling the lettuce leaves and thought aloud as she began chopping. "What do you think about honoring your mother? Ciel Emiliana? And we could go with Felix Theodore, maybe? Or include Theodore as a second middle name?" Outside of her siblings and Frankie, there wasn't anyone whom she knew before Rodrigo whom she would want to make a namesake to their children. "Ciel Emiliana Aurelia Escobar?" she posed, expertly chopping the last of the lettuce.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo laughed at Jade's teasing and then nodded at her response about the middle names. "Oh Lord, how can I forget?" He chuckled some more and pulled out the steak from the fridge along with the radishes, onions, and limes. He enjoyed cooking with Jade now that he's gotten into it. He was thankful for her and his mom who had taught him a lot over the last couple of months. He was able to fend for himself but being able to cook some cuisines made him happy. He'd be able to help his wife when she needed to rest both pre- and postpartum. "Yes! I love the names and I think it fits us and our future kids. I love the meanings of the names. They're perfect." Rodrigo began chopping up the radishes and smiled at the mention of honoring his mother. He listened intently, chopping away and when Jade said Ciel's future full name out loud, he paused. His smile was wide as ever. "That sounds beautiful. Felix Theordore sounds like he's going to be the best gentleman. Sounds like a Bridgerton character honestly. I love it. And Ciel Emiliana Aurelia Escobar? Are you kidding me? Our kids will be royalty. As they should be." He pointed at Jade with the knife and grinner. "I think we've got ourselves baby names!"

JADE

"I'm sure you'll end up saying all of them to me sometime when I'm in trouble with you, huh?" Jade teased. She watched Rodrigo take out various ingredients and smiled proudly at him and his culinary prowess. Her smile lingered and even brightened from him loving the names for their babies. "You like them both? You don't think that Felix should have a second middle name like his sister, do you?" She wasn't sure if Fletcher would be a namesake that Rodrigo would want, or if his own name would be one he would want. "He could be Felix Theodore Fletcher, or Felix Theodore Rodrigo Escobar?" She mulled them both over in her mind while waiting to hear her husband's thoughts. And after she finished chopping the lettuces into shredded strips, she got off of the stool to get a bowl for it and then move on to the tomatoes. "I do love Ciel's name, completely. And I would love Felix's if he had one middle name or two."

RODRIGO

"You know me too well." He chuckled as he looked for their frying pan to sit to the side. Rodrigo put some seasonings on the side and reached for the Adobo and Sazon. He listened to his wife and began to season the steak. "I do like them both. Rodrigo mused over Jade's question for a bit and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense to give Felix another middle name like Ciel. When Fletcher's name was mentioned it made Rodrigo smile as he imagined the look on his best friend's face when finds out he named his first son after him. Felix Theodore Fletcher does sound very strong, right?" He smiled even wider as he poured some olive oil onto the pan. "Fletcher is going to freak out...Felix...do you hear that mijo? What do you think about that?" He let the steak simmer for a bit before washing his hands thoroughly and turning around to face Jade. "I love their names, honey."

JADE

"I hope so, beloved husband," Jade smiled. She'd then given a second middle name possibility for their son and mused a couple of ideas aloud, even adding a third, "Would it feel unoriginal to make Emiliano a contender? Felix Theodore Emiliano Escobar?" She was adding the last bits of lettuce to the bowl and walked over to the sink to rinse the cutting board off while listening to her husband. "Felix Theodore Fletcher Escobar does sound strong." Standing at the counter for a while as she lined up the tomatoes, she chuckled at herself and gave him a guilty smile, "I'm sorry I'm being so indecisive. It's just... it's our babies' *names*." Her cheeks were warm as she said, "Okay! Felix Theodore Fletcher Escobar." She smiled, lowering a hand to her belly as Rodrigo spoke to their son. "How long do you think we can keep their full names a surpr--" Jade cut herself off abruptly and went still. She wasn't sure if she imagined it or if, for the first time, she was feeling kicks on the outside and not just movement from within. "Rodrigo, come here!" she whispered for no sensible reason, setting the knife down and stepping back from the counter. "Let me see your hand," she said, not wanting to move her one hand from the spot where she was feeling one of the babies moving around until she could replace it with Rodrigo's.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was all smiles as he listened to Jade’s suggestions for names. There was a peace about her that he couldn’t quite convey into words. After everything his wife’s has been through, to see her this happy and full of love made Rodrigo feel like at that moment, there was no better feeling. It was like he wished he could stop time to properly take it all in. “Don’t apologize for that. It’s a big deal …” he watched her with love in his gaze and when she began to pose the next question, Rodrigo already knew his answer but Jade had stopped mid-question. “Hey, are you alright?” He immediately pushed himself off the counter and walked to his wife. At her request, Rodrigo gave her his hand and then placed it over hers. Arching a brow, he positioned himself so that he replaced Jade’s hand and then with his free hand, he held on to the other side of Jade’s belly. He was looking down at first but the moment he felt the little flutter against Jade’s stomach, Rodrigo gasped and looked up at her with a giant smile. “Is that? Is that them??” His voice practically cracked before he let a soft chuckle fall from his lips. “Oh my God…”

JADE

"It is, but.." She chuckled again, "I guess I'm just so used to being more decisive than this." It was one of the conditioned behaviors of hers, but talking about their son's name had her tossing a few ideas her husband's way. Still, she had felt an abundance of happiness while talking about names with Rodrigo and helping him with dinner. Her question about sharing the names was interrupted by the persistent nudges low on her rounded bump. She was surprised to feel it from the outside, and immediately eager for Rodrigo to feel it too. Nodding quickly to assure him she was alright, she let his hand replace hers and she grinned at his reaction. "Yes! I don't know if it's a hand or a foot...or if it's Felix or Ciel but it's definitely one of them." She laughed a little, looking up to Rodrigo’s face. "Maybe they're celebrating them having names now."

RODRIGO

“I know but it’s cute and endearing and I love how excited you are and how much you’re glowing. You’re already the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You just keep getting more beautiful.” He wasn’t over exaggerating. Rodrigo had instantly felt gravitated towards Jade and it only had grown over time. Seeing her like this, carrying their children, ignited something else in him. Rodrigo was on the brink of tears as he felt the nudges become stronger. “Oh my God!” He couldn’t believe it. They were told they’d feel kicks soon but to actually experience them was a whole other level of amazing. “Maybe that’s Felix’s way of responding to liking his name. You guys… hiiii it’s your daddy. The annoying voice you hear everyday because we all know mommy’s voice is top tier.” Rodrigo smiled at his wife and pressed a kiss against her lips. When he felt yet another kick, his eyes widened like a child in a toy store and he felt his tears fall as he laughed from the excitement. “Oh I love you guys so much. The three of you.” Rodrigo smiled. “You guys having a party in there or something?”

JADE

Jade blushed under Rodrigo's compliments and observations of her. "I've been saying it a lot lately, but I'm so happy. I'm happily married to the best man in the universe, and we have healthy babies growing and getting more and more ready to meet us with each day." Jade had never known love like this or any degree of what love had been expressed to her before Rodrigo. He was her friend, her lover, her advocate, her partner and her husband. And now, he was going to be the father to the two little ones growing inside of her. How could she *not* be radiant when she had someone so amazing by her side? Even as he was feeling the kicks and taking in the moment, she was feeling new waves of love for him wash over her. She tilted her chin up to meet his lips and smiled at him again, and then looked down as Rodrigo spoke to the twins. Shaking her head, she chimed in, "That's not true. We love to hear Daddy's voice, don't we?" Shd rested her hands along the back of her hips until she felt some movement higher up on her bump. Placing one hand there, it felt as though the other baby was stretching from the slow push under her palm. "I think one of them woke the other one up." She grinned and guided Rodrigo's free hand to the second spot on her bump so that he could catch the less active but still obvious pushes from within her womb. And with his hands occupied, Jade reached up to wipe his eyes. "We love you too, honey. Always, always, always."

RODRIGO

"I can tell..." He couldn't help but feel touched by his wife's words. Even if he'd heard the same ones before, it was always nice hearing how happy she was to marry him and think he was the best man in the universe. It gave him a purpose, it gave him something to live up to. He always wanted to be the best man for her. And now they had so much to live for, so much to feel happy about, and to see Jade feeling all of those positive feelings made him even happier. It only continued to solidify the fact that they belonged together and Rodrigo knew that the moment she walked into his life. Somehow, he knew that Jade would be his future wife. "Ehhh..." He grinned and then his eyes widened some more as Jade explained that there was more movement. " He followed her hand to the second spot and he grinned along with Jade. "I can't believe it. Are you guys telling us you love your names? I bet that's what it is." He smiled at Jade's gesture of wiping his eyes and still keeping his hands on her belly, he pressed another kiss against her lips. "Thank you for keeping them healthy and happy in there and for all that you do. You're already an incredible mommy."

JADE

Jade was thoroughly jubilant, beaming at Rodrigo. Even when his gave an "Ehhh" reply about her and their children loving his voice, she was still smiling as she lovingly swatted his arm. "It’s true!" she insisted. And while Rodrigo had his hands positioned to feel both babies kicking, she wiped his eyes and then rested her hands along the back of her hips, eyes looking up at her husband's face. "So, we're decided then? Ciel Emiliana Aurelia and Felix Theodore... Fletcher or Emiliano?" She met his lips when he bent to kiss hers, and then she was back to smiling again. "Thank *you* for all of your help with our babies being happy and healthy." She'd traded her runs and jogs for brisk walks, managed to eat more than she normally would during the day while still keeping things healthy (except when cravings took over), rested when she was truly tired, took it easy when her nausea got the better of her, and overall was listening to her body more. Not only was Jade touched by Rodrigo's gratitude but being called 'mommy' very nearly had her tear up a little. "I love you," she told Rodrigo, gazing up into his eyes.

RODRIGO

He chuckled at the swat on his arm. "That's three since the wedding! Keeping count." He grinned teasingly and then kissed Jade again. "We're decided. The babies have said the final word. And..Fletcher. I have a feeling he's going to be a menace just like his uncle anyway." Rodrigo didn't know that but he figured if Felix would grow up to be anything like his brother, he'd be lucky as hell. "I'm doing the bare minimum my love. You're doing all the work and I'm so proud of you. But you are so welcome." He couldn't believe everything that had happened over the last couple of minutes. Rodrigo then gasped softly, remembering the steak and laughing. "This is why you're the chef." he skipped back to the stove and flipped the meat over. "Well done is better anyway for you." he chuckled and waited for the other side to cook before he could cut it up for their tacos and Jade's tostadas. "Felix and Ciel are going to be so loved. I'm going to make sure they know how wanted they are. I promise."

JADE

"And how many before then?" She asked teasingly. She returned Rodrigo's kisses and listened as he finalized their babies' names. His comments about Fletcher made her smile all over again. But she shook her head, "I'm still grateful no matter how little you think you're doing. She couldn't imagine doing it all alone and knew Rodrigo would never put her in that position. But she watched him hurry back to the steak and pulled a face, "Well done is..." She knew he was right so she trailed off but it didn't stop her from showing her displeasure on her face for a moment, returning to the tomatoes to dice. But talking about their babies with names, identities made her grimace dissolve into another smile. "I know you will, honey. We both will make sure they never go a day in their lives without knowing how much we love them, and that they have more family who love them than they'll know what to do with." She picked up the ends of the tomatoes and threw them on the food waste bin, and then took out another bowl for what she had diced up. "Is there anything else I can help with?"

RODRIGO

"Who knows!" He chuckled, teasing his wife because he enjoyed when she played with him like this. "He'll probably go and have another kid just so he can name it after me." Rodrigo smirked at the thought. "Thank you, my love. You deserve it all more and all the good things coming your way." Rodrigo grinned when Jade commented on the steak. "I know, I know. After the babies I'll make sure to give you all the steak." He watched the steak and then used tongs to pull it onto a plate to cut up into strips for their meal. He continued smiling as he listened to his wife agreeing with everything she was saying. "Hmm, Can you cut up some limes?" He added the cut up radishes and onions to the counter and then moves to heat up the tortillas, mindful to keep a couple on longer to make tostadas for Jade. "We should be ready to eat in a couple of minutes! Did you want something else? I can make some rice if you want?"

JADE

Jade giggled at her husband's response and then some more at what he said Fletcher might do. She loved the relationship between Rodrigo and Fletcher, knowing it was truly special. And she blushed from her husband's continued kind acknowledgements to her. Her thoughts on well done steak weren't lost on him, clearly but she chuckled, "You don't have to do that. It's not like I eat steak all the time. But I *would* be very happy to have sushi for my first post-pregnancy meal." While he cut the steak for them, Jade went to get the limes and rinsed them off before settling herself in front of the cutting board again. She eyed the radishes and onions and asked, "Can you sautée the radishes a bit for me, honey? I read online that raw radish isn't good for the babies." Between the books and online articles, there had been an overwhelming amount of information out there, but whether conscious or not, she ended up a little hyperfocused on the content around foods. She quartered the limes into wedges and then moved to get a small bowl to put them in, setting them next to the bowls she'd set the lettuce and tomatoes in, and then took the cutting board and knife to the sink for rinsing off. "Hmm... no, thank you. Rice sounds tempting but you don't have to make some if you're going to make it for me. I know I'll fill up on it."

After putting the items in the dishwasher and dampening the dish cloth to wipe down the unoccupied counter space, she rinsed the cloth, wrang it out and returned it folded and draped between the 2 halves of the sink. "Okay," she blew out with a slightly sheepish smile and touched her husband's shoulder affectionately passing. "Since one of both of our children decided to settle down right on my bladder, I'm going to use the bathroom and then go sit down."

RODRIGO

"I will absolutely remember that. I'll make sure I order it and everything, get you a little platter of all your faves." He smirked and he knew that Jade knew he wasn't lying about that. Rodrigo would be ready with a platter of sushi for his wife once she's settled after giving birth. It's the least he could do for going through it all. He nodded at her request to sautee the onions and grabbed a small frying pan to do so. "You got it." Once they were flipped over and cooked, he had everything in separate bowls and plates. He figured it would be easier to for them to pick and choose their toppings. Rodrigo enjoyed an onions and radishes with lime taco just as much as a fully loaded. "Um, excuse me? Your husband is a genius. I got some quick rice too. It's really good. I've got cilantro lime and plain white. Which one? it'll be done in like 10 minutes top." He then placed the plates and bowls in front of Jade and kissed her temple.

He chuckled at Jade's words and kissed her quickly again as she waddled toward the bathroom. "Okay, honey! When you return, your tostadas will be ready, nice and crispy." He flipped the now hardened tortilla and waited until his wife returned."

JADE

"Thank you," she said, already looking forward to it even though she still had plenty of time before she could enjoy sushi. She watched Rodrigo sautee the onions and opened her mouth to say something but closed it, deciding not to worry about the radishes since everything was being kept in separate containers. It would also make for easy cleanup later, which she was happy about. She raised both brows at him only to settle her features and smile at him, "You, my love, are brilliant. Cilantro lime then, please? And thank you." She kissed his shoulder after he kissed her temple, already looking forward to the flavorful rice.

"Thank you, we'll be back soon." She made her way to the downstairs half-bath and after using the toilet, washing her hands and pumping some lotion in her hands, she walked back out, rubbing it into her hands and a bit on her wrists too. "My skin has been so dry lately." She walked over to the kitchen again and said, "It smells great in here by the way. Should I fix my plate or go sit down?" she asked, reaching to take a couple of dinner plates out of the cabinet for the two of them.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo smiled at the gratitude. He would be sure to do anything and everything so that Jade could have a smooth pregnancy and delivery. He wanted to spoil her as much as possible post pregnancy too. "Cilantro lime it is." He smiled as Jade went off to the bathroom, remembering to also sautee the radishes. He added a couple to the now clean pan and cooked them for his wife.

When she was back, everything was ready. "Oh yeah? Is that because of the pregnancy? do you need me to pick up some CeraVe? And thank you! Like I said before, I've had an incredible mentor AKA beautiful wife. " He shook his head. "I'll bring everything over and we can make our tacos and tostadas." What do you want to drink?" Rodrigo started to bring the sides to the table as well as the newly cooked rice. He made sure he got everything they needed and took a seat. "Provecho." It was the Spanish version of Bon Appetit. "Enjoy! You too Ciel and Felix."

JADE

"I think so. But no, no. There's lotion in all of the bathrooms, and my toiletry bag, and my purses. And I have some Vaseline in my toiletry bag and our bathroom. I just..." She bit her lip a little and admitted, "I might need help with my feet soon." It was getting harder to put on socks and shoes as her belly continued to expand. She had already switched fully to wearing crocks at work and wore house slippers with a grip on the soles whenever she wasn't barefoot at home. Rodrigo's compliment to her cooking skills and teaching had her smiling all over again. "You're a natural in the kitchen. Look at all this delicious food that you prepared for us!" Hearing his suggestion, Jade nodded, "That sounds like a great idea. And do we still have some Gatorade?" She set their plates down and then took a seat across from her husband. "*Gracias mi amor*," she replied, smiling and going for the rice first. Hearing the twins' names from Rodrigo some more just made her smile all over again. "Tell us how your day was," she requested, setting the serving spoon back into the rice and then picking up two of the crispy tostadas to prepare for herself.

RODRIGO

"Of course! I'll help with your feet and anything else you need. You don't have to ever worry about any of that, okay?" Rodrigo flashed Jade a smile as he finished bringing all the bowls and plates. He stopped at her compliment and kissed the top of her head. "Thank you! Gatorade. Got it." Rodrigo reached for two glasses, filled them with ice in case Jade wanted her Gatorade cold, and brought their beverages. He opted for a root beer he had in the fridge. He placed them on the table and then sat beside his wife. "De nada, querida." He grinned at her Spanish and reached for some steak pieces to build his taco. "Today wasn't so bad. I can't believe how quickly time is going. I'll probably be working two weeks of Summer camp to make some extra money and then take the rest of the summer off into my paternity leave. The babies coming at the tail end of summer couldn't be more perfect. I'll end up missing the first quarter or at least most of it but that's not bad. The school wants me to start working with the sub so that they know how to pick right up. How about your day?" Rodrigo felt satisfied with his bulky taco and took a generous bite.

JADE

"Thank you," Jade told him. She knew Rodrigo would help her if asked or needed it but Jade was still adjusting along the way with the pregnancy and needing help with simple or everyday tasks that she normally had no problem with. But she had absolute gratitude to her husband. While she finished making the tostadas for herself, she thanked Rodrigo for the Gatorade and ice, and listened to him share about his day. "Oh is it a summer day camp at the school or another location?" she wondered while also liking the sound of his plan. "Can you believe Leo, Henry and the twins will be eighth graders? They're sure to miss you in the classroom at the start of the year if they still have you for a teacher. Do you know whomyour students will be yet?" She spooned some rice from her plate and ate it while thinking about how her day had gone. Once her mouth was clear, she answered him. "Mine was good! With things getting set up in our new shop space, it's still a bit challenging to fulfill orders from the old space at the same time. Melissa has been managing a lot there while I've been overseeing things at our new location."

RODRIGO

"Mm..." He wiped his mouth and nodded. "Yep, we're doing summer camp on site but they're going to offer some sleepaway options too as they did in the Spring. So that'll be nice to have the choice." Rodrigo would be able to get some extra pay out of that which would be helpful for all the upcoming life events he and Jade had. "And nope. Don't get me started. I met Leo so young and no he's going to be in 8th grade. The twins have been amazing in middle school and Henry too. They're such a cute group of friends. The good thing is if their parents enroll them in our high school after they graduate next year, the campus is across from ours so I'll still see them and Winter can keep an eye on them all. I'll still be their English teacher so I'll see them after paternity leave is up. Also, the headmistress wants to talk to me about taking up that Dean position. It's great money and I'll still get to teach and help the kids as well." He smiled. "I got a look at my roster for my 1st and 3rd period class and most of the same, some new kids. Enrollment ends in the summer so I'm sure it'll multiply." Rodrigo then took another bite of his taco, smiling as he watched Jade build her tostada. It was nice watching her eat. He nodded as she spoke and glanced over at her. "Do you need help with anything? I'd be happy to help."

JADE

Jade continued to eat the rice as she listened to Rodrigo. She always liked hearing him talk about his career and his students. The way he talked about them and showed how much he cared for them had been a big sign for Jade that he would make a great father someday. As she set her spoon down and broke off a piece of her tortilla to munch on, she asked him, "Do you want to take the dean position? I know you love to teach, but it sounds like she sees this opportunity as being fitting for you." She ate a little more and took her Gatorade to open, pouring some in the glass of ice. "It also sounds like you're more interested in it now. Is that true?" She smiled a bit, hearing that he would have a lot of the same kids to teach for the upcoming school year, and after a few sips of her drink, she told him, "I hope you don't get any kids who are too challenging. You're well-liked but I know there are some kids who like to push buttons just for the sake of testing boundaries, or getting attention they don't get at home." She had seen it herself back when she was in school, and doubted that much had changed in that regard now. When talking about her own day and Rodrigo asking to help, she hummed a little around the bite of steak in her mouth and then swallowed before answering. "I think we're okay right now but I would like some help with my office when the time comes, which should be in the next week. For right now, I just have the computer and printer set up so that orders and contracts can still be handled. But now that I have a more permanent and official office, I'd like to customize it some more."

RODRIGO

He nodded as he finished off the last of his second taco. "I do. It's a great opportunity. I'll be able to do more outreach to the kids and still get the chance to teach. And the salary is pretty good which would be great for our family." He smiled as he began building another taco. "Yeah, me too. I've had a couple here and there that were not easy but ended up being great kids. A lot of these children are just looking for attention and someone to speak to. They don't get a lot of that at home. Sadly, we don't get too many involved parents since they're all busy with work or their lives. It bothers me a lot. Maybe I can help with parent engagement if I take up the dean position. *when* I take up the dean position." He grinned at the thought. " What do you think? Should I do it?" He nodded as he listened. "Hey, I'd be glad to help but also, you should consider hiring an intern. Maybe a teenager who wants something to do over the summer and want the office experience. It would be a great opportunity for the right kid!" He remembered how taking up the groundskeeping assistant's job had helped him in high school. "Something to consider! And with customization, what are some ideas you have so far?"

JADE

Jade continued to listen and slowly eat her food as she did so. When he echoed what she'd said about some students looking for attention that they didn't get at home, she just nodded and broke off another piece of crispy tortilla. She'd tried that once and never did it again, due to the repercussions that came her way after her mother had been notified and they were back home. And when he asked her what her thoughts were, Jade smiled a little. "I think you already know that I wholeheartedly support you. If you remained a full time teacher, you would still be amazing, but I believe that you could do some great things in a new capacity as a dean. Parent and family engagement is a perfect example of that." Jade then sipped some more Gatorade and took a break from eating and casually rubbed a hand across her rounded stomach. "An intern might not be a bad idea. Or maybe just a summer hire to help on and off while everything is still in transition. My office alone wouldn't be all that labor-intensive--not enough to hire more help. But having someone to help Melissa with boxing and labeling equipment in the old location and unpacking at our new location would be great. And promoting the grand re-opening around town would be great once we're ready for it..." Her mind was turning over other potential tasks while she went to pick up another spoonful of rice to eat. "Thank you for this idea. But for my office, I want to keep the color light and simple. There's a filing cabinet that I need to finish putting together and installed, a desk and two guest chairs that I ordered need to be assembled, and I'd like to make it inviting for any consultations."

RODRIGO

He finished off his third taco, deciding to take a small break and leaned back into his chair. Rodrigo smiled at Jade’s words, glad that she was supportive of him taking on a new role at the school. There were so many benefits that made it a no brainer and having his wife on board made the decision that much easier. “I’ll let you know how my meeting with the headmistress goes. Dean Escobar does have a nice ring to it. Now I just have to make sure that whoever subs for me for September is good for the class.” He was sure they would be but Rodrigo had a tendency of being protective when it came to his classmates. He was glad that Jade liked the idea of an intern. “At whatever capacity an intern can help, it would be good to have that set up for everyone’s benefit. You, Melissa, etc. and it’ll be one less thing to worry about. You’re welcome, honey.” Rodrigo kissed Jade’s temple and then gathered some rice on his bowl as he continued listening to Jade. “That all sounds nice and I can help you set those things up once they’ve all arrived so don’t worry about that. Are you full, my love?”

JADE

Jade was slowly eating the toppings/fillings of her tostadas with her spoon and breaking off pieces of the tortilla in between. She smiled at Rodrigo saying 'Dean Escobar' aloud and said, "They'll have to give you a name plate for your desk, or your office door." She knew Rodrigo worked hard and was passionate about his work, which was what made her happy--seeing him happy from merely talking about his career. "You know, I haven't heard you talk about your book in a while. How is it coming along?" She finished the bit of rice that she'd originally put on her plate and then drank some more Gatorade. "I've no doubt that whoever substitutes your classes will be very prepared thanks to you." She smiled and broke off another bit of tortilla, making it her last bit of dinner while listening to her husband. "You're right. It wasn't something I'd considered before since it's just been my team and me. But the added help and providing someone with early work experience really does sound like a great idea. And I always appreciate your help, honey." Her eyes shut while he kissed her temple and when he asked her if she was full, Jade placed a hand across her bump and said, "I think so. It was a really nice dinner, thank you." She looked at her mostly finished plate while thinking about how earlier in her pregnancy, she couldn't always eat much even when she wanted to eat something. But as time went on, her appetite returned and was increasing, even with the occasional bouts of nausea or heartburn. As she scooted her chair back and made to stand, she said, "I'm just going to finish my Gatorade, but I'll get some containers to store the leftovers in." She didn't want Rodrigo to feel rushed and figured she could help out with getting the container and loading the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Jade found smaller containers for the lettuce, tomatoes and radishes, and a slightly bigger one for the rice, steak and onions to go into. She then began loading the dishwasher.

RODRIGO

He sat up with his chest slightly puffed and a smile on his face. "A name plate? Like a gold one? Oh, that's fancy." The thought made him smiled even more. The question about his book did make him sigh a bit. "It's...met some sort of dead end," He admitted and frowned a bit. "I mean, it's not that I'm putting it off completely but I'm missing something. Can't figure out what it is yet. I'll revisit soon, I promise." Rodrigo had to fit it into his schedule. The book meant a lot to him and to his mother. And it would be something nice to have for his children and wife. He smiled when she mentioned the help it would be to have an intern. He looked over his shoulder as Jade stood to get some leftovers into containers and he finished off his last taco. "Do you want to watch a movie tonight? Or catch up on a show maybe?" He was glad it was the weekend and they'd both get some downtime with one another. "Maybe Felix and Ciel will give us a few more hellos before bed." He was hopeful, standing up with his plate and whatever was left over on the table so he could help Jade clean the kitchen. He the placed his hands on her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her left one. "Your turn to pick something to watch."

JADE

"Yes, like a gold one with your name and title engraved on it. If they don't give you one, I would certainly like to." Jade was smiling until she saw Rodrigo frown, which in turn made her own face fall. She reached across the table to lovingly hold his wrist. "You don't have to promise that to me. I'm sorry to hear that it's at a halt right now. When you figure out what's missing, I know that you'll have something great to keep you going." When she got up from the table, she kissed the side of his head in passing. "Hmm, a movie sounds nice. I could watch a good historical drama or a biopic." She smiled at Rodrigo again at the mention of their babies kicking around enough for him to feel some more. "I bet they will, especially after their daddy made us such a great dinner tonight." She rinsed off the dishes that were used for cooking and loaded them one-by-one into the dishwasher. His kiss to her shoulder warmer her from the inside. "Hmmm, how about *Belle*? It's a historical drama and a biopic? And has a bit of a love story included."

RODRIGO

“That sounds amazing and you’re the best wife for even thinking about doing that for me.” Rodrigo looked down at Jade holding his wrist and placed one of his hands over hers. Her support meant the world to him. “Thanks, honey. I know the block will lift at some point.” He smiled at her kiss as he helped clean up. Hearing that the twins may give Jade a little nudge again made him incredibly overjoyed. Rodrigo wiped down the counters all the while listening to Jade and nodded as she spoke. “That sounds like a great choice. I love a good historical drama.” After he cleaned the table, he moved to their living room to prep the firestick and search for the movie. “Don’t worry about anything else ,my love. Come and sit. “ Miranda circled his ankles and he chuckled before picking her up into her arms. “Want to watch a movie with mom and dad?”

JADE

"Well, I love you and I think you should be recognized for your accomplishments--small and big." Jade was happy that Rodrigo wasn't giving up on his book altogether and had faith in him completing it someday. She finished loading the dishes from prep and then went to the table to put the leftovers in containers and add the bowls and plates to the dishwasher too. After putting the leftovers in the fridge and picking up her Gatorade, she guiltily admitted, "I couldn't help it. I didn't want to leave everything out or for you to put away when you cooked for us." She joined him in the living room, holding the plastic bottle in one hand and her bump in another as she eased herself beside Rodrigo and Miranda. Letting out a content sigh from being off her feet, she leaned in to rest against Rodrigo's shoulder. "Have you seen this before?" Jade asked and then casually reached for Rodrigo's hand to place at the front of her bump where one of the babies was stretching a limb against the area.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was the luckiest man in the world and he knew it to be true. Having the chance to be married to the loveliest, most nurturing and supportive woman made him so happy. "Thank you, my love. And I feel the same way about you." The way they held each other up in their professional life was important to him. He wanted to support her in her business and her future plans and was proud of how much she has already accomplished especially now without Jeanette getting in the way. He smiled at her admission and shook his head. "Well, thank you for that." He was happy to have his wife join his side and he placed his arm around her shoulder when she rested against his. "I haven't actually so don't spoil it!" He teased and grinned when Jade placed his hand over her belly. "There they are again...incredible." Rodrigo kept his hand there, a giant smile appearing on his face. He looked over to Jade. "This has been one of the best days." He then looked down at her bump. "You guys better let mommy sleep tonight and not party all night." He chuckled softly. "streeetchhh!" Rodrigo was so incredibly happy.

JADE

"You've always been wonderful at supporting me. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with you in the first place." Whether it was her job, her turmoil with her family--her parents in particular--her eating disorder and relationship with food, her conditioned tendencies around perfection and organization, or any small day-to-day decisions, Rodrigo was always supporting her. She could count on 1 hand the number of people who were in her corner to that degree, and that included her husband. Settled on the couch, she smiled and chuckled, "I won't spoil it, I promise! But I'm excited to see what you end up thinking of it." She glanced up at her husband's face and grinned when he did. "There they are," she echoed and then glanced back down at his hand on her stomach. "I'm trying to keep a journal of my pregnancy. I've definitely got to write about tonight in it." She then softly giggled, "I have a feeling that they're going to be pretty rebellious towards you already. Theyre bound to have several late night parties in there until they're here." She craned her neck and tilted her chin to kiss Rodrigo's jaw, and then she situated herself to watch the movie once he got it started. "I love you," she happily sighed.

RODRIGO

"I love the idea of a journal. Will I be able to take a look someday?" Rodrigo kept his wife close and started the movie for them to enjoy. "I can't believe these two are already plotting against me. Curfew is midnight, kids. That's as far as I go. Don't turn me into a pushover." He smiled at Jade's kiss and then leaned in quickly to kiss her belly before leaving more kisses against her cheek. "I love you more. shhh can't argue with me, the movie is starting." He smirked, rubbing Jade's shoulder as he focused on the movie. In the back of his head, all Rodrigo could really think about was how they had figured out their twin's names and he had felt them move for the first time. Rodrigo loved his life with Jade and now, with the addition of their two children, he couldn't have asked for anything better.

#Rodrigo #Names and Nudges para

4 notes · View notes