POV: Jay (The "Very Round" Dr. Watson)
The drive to the Peralta Hospital was like a presidential motorcade. Keifer was driving the lead SUV as if he were transporting nuclear glass, taking corners at two kilometers per hour. In the back, Keigan and Keiran were squished between bags of snacks and my "emergency" pillows.
"Hubby," I groaned, clutching my stomach as Alexander decided to use my ribs as a speed bag. "If you drive any slower, the twins will be born, graduate high school, and get married before we reach the parking lot."
"Safety first, honey," Keifer said, his eyes scanning the road for even the tiniest pebble. "And Keigan, stop breathing so loudly. You're distracting me."
I can't help it! I'm nervous for the babies!" Keigan squeaked, while Keiran just rolled his eyes, holding my hand from the backseat. "Don't worry, Mumma, if the car stalls, I'll carry you the rest of the way."
The Peralta Reception
As we pulled into the VIP bay, C in Peralta was already waiting at the entrance in her white lab coat, looking sharp and professional. The whole Section E crew—Felix, Mica, Calix, Freya, Erdix, David, Rory, Emman, Rakki, Mayo, and Kit—were already there, taking up the entire waiting lounge.
The Watsons have arrived!" Felix announced, as Keifer practically hovered over me while I stepped out.
"C in, tell me the VIP suite is ready," Keifer demanded. "And I want a private elevator. No germs."
"It's a hospital, Keifer, not a biohazard zone," C in laughed, giving me a careful side-hug. "Come on, Jay. Let's get you weighed in before Kit tries to critique the interior design of my ultrasound room."
The Ultrasound Chaos
Inside the room, it was a squeeze. Keifer stood at my head, gripping my hand like it was his only anchor to reality. Keigan and Keiran stood at the foot of the bed, peering over the equipment.
C in squirted the cold gel on my bump, and Keifer immediately hissed, "Is that gel chilled? Why isn't it body temperature?"
"Keifer, hush," I laughed, though I was holding my breath.
C in moved the transducer. Suddenly, the room was filled with the most beautiful sound in the world—two distinct, rapid-fire heartbeats. Thump-thump-thump-thump.
"There they are," C in whispered, her professional mask softening. "Alexander is looking huge—definitely has the Watson frame. And Aurora... well, she's currently kicking her brother in the head."
"That's my girl!" Keiran cheered, high-fiving Keigan.
Wait," Keifer said, leaning closer to the monitor. "Why is Alexander's hand balled into a fist? Is he upset? Is he stressed?"
"He's probably just ready to fight anyone who looks at his sister, just like you," C in joked, snapping a few photos of the twins
The Bed-Rest Bombshell
After checking my vitals, C in sat back and sighed. "Jay, your blood pressure is creeping up, and carrying twins is taking a toll on your back. As your doctor—and your friend—I'm putting you on total bed rest until the delivery."
The room went silent. I felt a surge of 8th-month hormonal rage.
"Bed rest?!" I shrieked. "C in, I have patients! I have a life! I am a surgeon, not a decorative pillow!"
"You're a pregnant potato," Felix piped up from the doorway, earning him a death glare from Keifer that should have turned him to stone.
"I AM NOT A POTATO!" I sobbed, the tears coming out of nowhere. "I'm a giant, useless, BBQ-smelling beach ball!
Keifer immediately gathered me into his arms, ignoring the ultrasound gel that was getting all over his expensive shirt. "You are not a beach ball, weify. You are my Queen. And if C in says bed rest, then the Black Box is officially under lockdown. I'll move my office into our bedroom."
"Nooo!" I wailed. "You'll just watch me sleep and count my breaths!"
"Exactly," Keifer said firmly.
The Great Exit
As we left the Peralta Hospital, Keifer refused to let me walk. He swept me up in a bridal carry, marching through the lobby while the Section E boys whistled and cheered.
"Put me down, hubby! This is so embarrassing!" I hidden my face in his neck.
Let them look," Keifer muttered. "They're just jealous they aren't Watsons."
Keigan and Keiran followed behind like royal guards, carrying my medical files and a bag of "victory donuts" they'd managed to snag from the cafeteria.
As we reached the car, my mood flipped again. I stopped crying and looked at C in, who was waving from the steps.
"C in!" I yelled. "Tell Rakki to bring me those spicy chips when she visits! Keifer won't let me have them!"
"Don't you dare, Rakki!" Keifer shouted back as he tucked me into the passenger seat.
The Watson family drove away, a chaotic, loving, and very protective unit, heading back to Tagaytay for the final countdown.