In the Beginning-

Lucy:

            This is definitely labor pains.

            Ever since learning she was pregnant, Lucy had been asking how she’d know she was in labor. Dr. Kinnear told her she’d just know. At the time, the answer frustrated her. Now she knew what the doctor meant. There was no mistaking the feeling of a contraction, but something was wrong.

            It was too early for her to be in labor. This child wasn’t due for another two months. Fear shot through her. Not fear for what would happen to her child but fear of what this day meant. If this child was born today, she would die today unless she took Simeon’s deal.

            No! I’m not going to be weak, Lucy scolded herself. God, if you’re listening to me, please tell Eden the day is here. And please don’t let me do this alone. And if it’s possible, make my death painless. Please, God, please.

            Another contraction seized her. Lucy gritted her teeth. It took almost thirty seconds for the pain to subside. When it did, Lucy exhaled.

            It seemed she’d just collapsed against her pillows when another one hit her. This one was stronger than the last one. With as close and hard as they came, she knew it wouldn’t be long before this child was born, and she was scared.

            Suddenly she wanted Simeon. As wrong as she knew it was, she wanted to have him at her side. Simeon, with his calm unflappable demeanor, would make her feel better. When it was all over, she’d ask God to forgive her for what she was about to do.

            “Simeon!”

            That was all it took for him to appear at her bedside.

            “What’s wrong, Lucy?”

            Lucy mashed her lips together. “It’s time,” she said and grabbed his arm as another contraction hit her.

            Simeon’s eyes flew open. “You mean the baby’s coming?”

            “Yes, and it hurts. Please, Sim, please make the pain stop.”

            “I can’t my love.” 

            “Why not? You’re the devil. You’re supposed to be all powerful.”

            Simeon placed a hand on her cheek. “The child is destroying your womb as he moves closer to birth. An exchange of our souls is all that can stop it.”

            Lucy rested her hand atop his. “Your hand is so warm,” she murmured, and he started to pull away from her. “Don’t, it’s the only thing that feels good right now.”

            Tears glistened in his eyes. “Lucy, please don’t let this be it for us. I’m begging you with all my heart to share your soul with me.”

            Before she could answer, another wave of pain ripped her apart. Lucy gripped his hand and stared into his dark eyes as she tried to get through it.

            “Can we go to the hospital now?” Lucy begged as she waited for another contraction to take hold.

            As though she weighed nothing, he scooped her into his arms. Lucy wrapped her arms around his shoulders and nestled her head into the warmth of his neck. So long, it’d been so long since she’d allowed him to hold her this way. It felt so good it tested her resolve.