Margaret's just sitting in the living room, reading a book, when she suddenly feels contractions. She drops her book and cries out in pain. And of course, Jacob's not here. He's at work. Her hand trembles as she reaches for the phone. She grabs it and shakily puts in Jacob's phone number. She breathes shakily, hoping he answers the phone. After the third ring, ringtone comes on. She moans and collapses to the floor. Suddenly, she feels her water break. She moans again and dials Jacob's number again. He doesn't answer. She decides to call the police instead. She dials 911 and listens to the phone ring. After the second ring, someone answers.
"Derry Police Department. May I help you?"
"Help, please. I'm in labor and my husband is at work. He won't answer the phone. Please."
"Where do you live?"
"I live on Neibolt Street. Right across from the well house."
"Alright. Stay there. Don't go anywhere. Help is on the way."
"Okay. Thank--" She passes out.
"Hello? Ma'am? Can you hear me? Hello?"
************
Margaret wakes up in a hospital bed. She looks around the room and moans. "Jacob? Hello?"
"It's alright. I'm right here, honey."
"Have I given birth yet?"
"Yes. You gave birth while you were unconscious."
"Where's the baby?"
"They're cleaning it up."
"Can I see it?"
"I'm not sure."
"Can you hold my hand so I know you're here?"
"Of course, dear. I'd do anything for you."
Suddenly, the door opens and a doctor comes in. He looks at Margaret and Jacob with a sympathetic look. He sighs.
"What is it?" Margaret squeezes Jacob's hand.
"It is a girl."
"Oh my gosh." Margaret looks at Jacob. "Oh, Jacob. It's a miracle."
"But there is bad news."
"What? What do you mean? I don't--"
"She's smaller than she should be. Is she supposed to be born today?"
Margaret nods. "Yes. We've been expecting all month."
"She also doesn't have either of your hair. For some reason, she has orange hair instead of black or brown. Her eyes also aren't normal. For some reason they're red with yellow and white specks. We don't know what it is. She can barely breathe on her own, too."
"Can we see her?"
The doctor nods and a nurse walks in. The nurse hands Margaret the baby and steps away. The baby immediately starts crying.
"Shh," Margaret says softly. "Shh. It's okay. Shh." She strokes the baby's head. "Look at her, Jacob. Isn't she beautiful?"
"She's gorgeous."
"What should we name her?"
"How about Penny?"
"Lovely." Margaret smiles. "Penny Rose Phillipson."
"Perfect." Jacob smiles.
Suddenly, Penny starts crying and screaming. The nurse rushes over and takes her. The nurse rushes out of the room as Margaret climbs out of the bed. She manages to get to the doorway before the doctor stops her.
"My baby! Please! What's wrong with her? Please!"
"Margaret, calm down." Jacob gently grabs Margaret by the arm.
Margaret turns toward him and shoves her face on his chest as tears stream down her face, smearing her makeup.
"I want my baby," she sobs.
"Shh, it's alright. It'll be fine. The doctors will take care of her and make sure she gets better. You need some rest." Jacob helps Margaret over to the bathroom so she can get dressed. They leave the hospital and are quiet the whole way home.
As soon as they get in the house, Margaret goes to the bedroom and grabs a pillow.
"Honey, what are you doing?"
"I'm sleeping in the guest room. I need some time to myself."
"Okay. Alright. I love you." Jacob kisses her forehead. "Good night."
Margaret just smiles with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes and goes to the guest room. She shuts the door and climbs onto the pillow-less bed. She just lies there, thinking of her baby. It felt like someone ripped a piece of her heart off. She sighs as a tear rolls down her cheek and onto the pillow.
"I'll get you back, Penny," she whispers and falls asleep.
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