Delivery

A young couple is in the hospital, waiting for the birth of their first child. What starts off as a warm bonding experience, with everything perfectly prepared, becomes a lot less fun as the contractions come closer together.

Comedy. 20 minutes. 1 female. 1 male. Published in “Instant Applause II” Anthology, Blizzard Publishing

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Excerpt

Delivery © Talia Pura

This excerpt may not be used for any purpose whatsoever. Rights to produce, in whole or in part, by any group, amateur or professional, are retained by the author.

Kathy is in labour with her first child. Bob is by her side.

Bob: Oh! Honey! ( checks his stopwatch ) Get ready. It’s time for
another one.

Kathy: I can do this………. Well?

Bob: It’s coming.

Kathy: I don’t think so………….Oh no. ( gasps ).

Bob: Breathe, sweetheart, breathe! Focus on the flower.
( second stage breathing- four short breaths followed by one long . repeat
for about 30 seconds as Bob encourages and holds up the flower, Kathy is
all concentration and focus until the end of the long final exhalation. Bob
clicks and resets his stopwatch )

Kathy: There, that wasn’t so bad.

Bob: You’re doing super, Honey, just super.

Kathy: Yes, but don’t you think it’s time for the nurse to check me?

Bob: She was just in a few minutes ago. I’m here for you, sweetheart.

Kathy: Oh, Bobby, I could never do this without you coaching me. I
really couldn’t.

Bob: That’s what I’m here for. To make sure my little mother is doing a-okay.

Kathy: You’re the greatest. I love you, Bobby boo.

Bob: And I love you, Kathy cutie..

Kathy: And I know that you’d do this FOR me if you could, wouldn’t you, sweetheart?

Bob: Oh, absolutely, Sweetheart, in a minute.

Kathy: Do you mean it?

Bob: Of course I mean it. Nature just picked women because you’re so special.

Kathy: Aw, you’re so sweet.

Bob: Don’t you worry, Honey, we’re in this together. You and me,
Darling, smooth sailing, right into the harbour.

Kathy: You and me and baby makes three. ( she shifts uncomfortably )

Bob: What’s wrong, Honey?

Kathy: I’m not comfortable. I want to walk.

Bob: Are you sure you should? Just try to relax.

Kathy: Remember the rules now. The mother chooses the position of comfort. Help me up.

Bob: Ah, sure, okay. Here, lean on me.

Kathy: Oh, that’s better. Oh, I feel so alive, so free, so strong.

Bob: Great………How long do you want to walk? Aren’t you getting
tired? You’ve got exactly 23 seconds until the next contraction.

Kathy: Oh no, it’s coming now.

Bob: It can’t be. It’s too soon.

Kathy: ( breathing, in control ) Oh- I- think- baby- knows- best. ( sits on
bed, rocks slightly, continues second stage breathing ).

Bob: Focus, Sweetheart, focus. ( holds up flower. Kathy turns to it, focused. )

Kathy: ( last exhale ) There. That one was a little stronger.

Bob: And a little sooner.

Kathy: Don’t worry, Honey, that’s natural, I do want to have this baby sooner, not later.

Bob: Sure, of course, Darling.

Kathy: Where are my fuzzy socks? My feet are chilly.

Bob: Right here in you’re bag, Sweetie. Let’s lift those toes up here.

Kathy: You are so good to me.

Bob: I know.

Kathy: Did you bring my lollipops?

Bob: ( whips one out ) Is you’re throat dry?

Kathy: Not yet. Just testing, I mean checking.

Bob; Ready for anything.

Kathy: This is so incredible. This is exactly as I had pictured it.

Bob: You’re doing so well, so in control.

Kathy: Here we go again.

Bob: Already? Don’t forget to breathe.

Kathy: ( second stage breathing, in control ) Of… course…not… Bobby…
boo…I…know…what…I’m…doing….( finish contraction with
final exhale ) I’m okay. I read all the books… I know that this is the
most important day of my life. Everything is going exactly as
planned. Oh-hh. I feel so, so, in control!

Bob: You bet sweetheart. Just keep listening to the voice of coach Bob
and you’ll be just fine.

Kathy: I know. You give me such strength, such comfort. You’re going
to be a daddy. It’s so exciting.

Bob: I can’t wait. Alphonz and I will do everything together.

Kathy: Ben.

Bob: Right. Ben.

Kathy: Lucy.

Bob: Whoever.

Kathy: Oh no, again, already. Oh… It hurts!

Bob: Just keep breathing. ( he demonstrates )

Kathy: I…am… breathing… Oh……..oh-hhh……….it’s not working…….oh…….
oh…………………. oh…………………. oh………………….oh, it’s over.

Bob: Yeah, it’s over.

Kathy: But I’m going to have another one!

Bob: Not yet. Now relax. Just try to relax.

Kathy: I don’t want to do this. I’ve changed my mind.