Chapter Twenty

Anxiety is coursing through my body as I sit beside Lina, listening to the machine's beep. Dr. Marchenko gives Lina a few injections of medication to help ensure that Malysh's (baby"s) lungs are ready for air. They said she should sleep. I would have preferred Lina to have the baby at home, as I can"t stop dwelling on the negatives of this place. But our syn (son) is impatient and is coming now.

After a knock, the nurse enters the room, making her way over to the machines and monitors, holding up the papers, and tracking heart rates and movements. "Has she been in any pain?" She asks me.

"Net (No), she has been sleeping. Is that bad? Should she be in pain?" Worry is present in my voice as I scoot my chair closer to the bed.

"Net (No)...net (no), it just might mean we have to use some medications to help move things along. Not to worry." She gives me a friendly smile and turns to the computer to type out some things. "I'll get the doctor."

I feel a wave of relief as the nurse assures me that Lina's peaceful sleep isn't a sign of a problem. However, the mention of using medication to aid the progress of labor brings a fresh wave of anxiety. I nod to the nurse before she leaves to get the doctor.

As I wait for the doctor to arrive, I glance at Lina; her face serene in sleep. I can't help but feel a mixture of awe and fear at the miracle unfolding before me. The hospital worries persist as our precious baby is on the way.

Raisa and Dmitriy are waiting anxiously in the nearby waiting area with Ilya. Their presence brings comfort and support throughout our journey.

Minutes feel like hours as I sit by Lina's side, the rhythmic beeping of the machines providing a steady backdrop to my racing thoughts. Doctor Marchenko enters the room, a calm and reassuring presence. She reviews Lina's progress and the monitoring charts with a focused gaze.

After a few moments, the doctor turns to me. "It seems like Lina's labor is progressing well, but we may need to use some medication to help things along. It's common practice and not a cause for concern. We just want to ensure a smooth delivery for both Lina and the baby." She reassures me.

Her words offer some relief, and I relax slightly. I trust the expertise of the medical team and their dedication to ensuring the well-being of Lina and our syn (son).

As the doctor makes the preparations, I reach out and cradle Lina's hand, whispering words of encouragement and love. Together, we will navigate through this moment of anxiety and uncertainty, knowing that soon our syn (son) will be in our arms, filling our lives with immeasurable joy.

Lina stirs, and the grimace on her face has me on alert. "Tsvetok (Flower)? Vam bol'no? (Are you in pain?)"

"Right here," she says, her hand on her lower back. I get up and round the bed, gently moving her hand, replacing it with mine. I used my thumb to add pressure to the area. Dr. Marchenko walks back into the room, holding an I.V. bag.

"Khorosho(Okay), let's get this malysh (baby) moving."

She sets up the new I.V. and gets it running. "We are on a strict time frame. Baby can only be inside for so long before we risk infection." The doctor turns to Lina and asks, "Can I do an internal check to see if you have progressed any?"

Lina gives a half smile, and nods. Dr. Marchenko proceeds with the internal check, carefully assessing Lina's progress. Lina's face contorts in discomfort, but she remains strong. As the doctor completes the examination, she delivers the news. "Although you"ve made progress, there"s still a way to go. To keep you and the baby safe, we must speed up the labor."

Dr. Marchenko adjusts the IV drip to a higher rate, monitoring Lina's vital signs closely. The room fills with a sense of urgency as time becomes a critical factor. Lina's contractions intensify, each wave bringing her closer to the moment of delivery.

I stay by Lina's side, providing support and encouragement through each painful contraction. Her grip tightens around my hand as she endures the increasing discomfort. I whisper soothing words, reminding her of the strength she possesses.

Hours pass, and Lina's labor progresses steadily. Tension and anticipation fill the room, creating a buzz. Dr. Marchenko's expertise shines as she guides Lina through each stage of labor, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. I watch moya zhena (my wife) exude a level of strength I never knew was possible. The sheer amount of pain she is going through makes my knees weak.

"Do you want me to get your sister, lyubov (love)?" Lina grabs ahold of my hand and squeezes.

"Net (No). I only want you. We do this together. Ahhh…" She let out a pained cry.

Moya zhena (My wife)is much stronger than I am. She has refused any pain management and I am in awe. I kiss her forehead; whispering words of encouragement as I tell her how proud of her I am, of how strong she is.

The time comes for Lina to push. I can feel her pain in the room, and I"m willing to do anything to ease it. Lina is a pillar of strength. Watching her go through the pain of bringing our child into the world is proof that I need to make this Bratva better. For her and the future of our children. Their protection is my top priority, and I"ll do whatever it takes to ensure that I do that for them.

I stand watching her birth our syn (son) into the world. Emotions I never knew I could hold come pouring out as they take our syn (son) and lay him on her chest. Moya prekrasnyy tsvetok (My beautiful wife) brought my legacy into the world. I will forever worship at her feet, for the gift of our syn (son). Tears of joy mix with the sweat adorning Lina's face as she cradles our syn (son) against her chest, kissing the top of his head.

"I did it. He is here." She says aloud. I"m uncertain if she meant for everyone to hear that.

I lean down, placing my hand over hers as it cradles our syn. "You did it, Lina. You are so fucking strong, moya lyubov (my love)."

The doctor hands me a pair of scissors and I cut his cord. Tears fall down my face as I sniffle. Nurses come and take our syn and do his checks. I stay by Lina's side as the doctor continues to deliver the afterbirth.

"Go to him, moy lev (my lion). Be with our syn (son)." She leans her head back on the pillows, her voice filled with exhaustion.

My lips find hers, leaving a tender kiss behind. I make my way towards the corner of the room where the nurses are crowded, checking him. Strong lungs. He cries, and all I want to do is scoop him up and hold him to my chest.

"Moy kroshechnyy syn. (My tiny son)" I lean over and kiss his head. His eyes open and he has the most beautiful blue eyes. Just like his mother. The nurse wraps him up and hands him to me.

"Here you go, Papa." She chuckles as I cradle him in my arms. I admire his sweet face before returning to Lina.

"Moya prekrasnaya zhena, nash syn. Vasily Igorovich Leonov. (My beautiful wife, our son.)" I place him in her waiting arms. "Healthy and perfect."

As Lina and the baby recover, Dr. Marchenko checks on them, ensuring their well-being. She smiles, satisfied with a job well done. I sprint to the waiting area to share the good news with Raisa, Dmitriy, and Ilya.

Raisa, Dmitriy, and Ilya are waiting anxiously in the hospital's waiting area. I can't contain my excitement as I approach them, my heart bursting with joy. "He is here!" I exclaim, unable to hide the pride in my voice. Their faces light up with happiness, and we exchange hugs and congratulations.

We gather in a small circle, and I share the details of the birth, describing the overwhelming emotions that flooded me as I watched our son being brought into the world. Overwhelmed with joy and relief, tears streamed down my face as I marveled at the moment"s beauty.

Back in the hospital room, Lina's recovery is going smoothly, and Dr. Marchenko assures us that both mother and baby are healthy and doing well. I introduce them to Vasily Igorovich Leonov, the newest addition to our family. His tiny face, adorned with those stunning blue eyes inherited from his mother, captivates everyone's hearts. Holding him in my arms, I feel an indescribable sense of love and protectiveness wash over me.

As night falls, Mila and Oleg along with Alexei come to see us, showering us with warm wishes and gifts for our little Vasily. Laughter and happiness fill the room, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the gift of parenthood and the support we have received.

During the joyous chaos, I steal quiet moments with Lina and our syn (son), cherishing these precious early moments as a family. We marvel at his every movement, memorizing every tiny detail of his face, and whispering words of love and adoration.

Our journey as parents has just begun, and we know it won't always be easy. But at this moment, as we hold our syn (son) close, we are filled with an overwhelming sense of love and hope for the future. Our little Vasily, my beautiful zhena (wife), and the love that binds us together make this one of the happiest moments of my life.

The next morning, Lina is exhausted. She squeezes her eyes shut, then opens them wide as if to will them to stay open. Our syn (son) has a voracious appetite and has been eating for the past twelve hours. Nonstop. I have taken over all diapering and making sure Lina stays fed and hydrated. I sit in the uncomfortable chair, rolling my neck. ‘It cracks, releasing some of the built up tension from sitting upright all night. Raisa has been helping to get Lina up and to the bathroom. She needs a shower and to get cleaned up. Even though I can do it for her, Raisa insists.

"Let her help, Lenya. Let Dmitriy help too. They want to." Lina looks over at me, exasperated. Exhaustion settled deep into her eyes.

My sister-in-law helps her out of bed while my older syn (son) takes his malen'kiy brat(baby brother) to the little changing table to swap out his diaper. This small room emanates love, filling every corner with its warm embrace. However, it doesn't stop my mind from wandering to my father. He wanted Lina dead. Vasily too. This moment could have not existed. That thought crushes me.

He needs to die. Now that Vasily is born, I will find him and he will suffer.

While I am lost in my dark thoughts, a sharp knock pangs against the door.

"I come bearing coffee and sweets." Ilya holds a box in one hand and a drink caddy in the other. "Well, I have tea for Lina…I wasn't sure if you drank coffee."

A freshly showered Lina accepts the tea from Ilya, thanking him for his thoughtfulness. As I watch her sip the warm beverage, I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the support we have received during this time. Despite feeling exhausted and betrayed by my father, a sense of unity prevails in this small room.

Ilya sets the box of sweets on the table, and we all gather around, indulging in small bites of sweetness. The atmosphere lightens as laughter fills the air, momentarily pushing aside the weight of our circumstances. It's in these moments of togetherness that I find solace and strength.

As the day progresses, Lina's energy wanes even further. We take turns holding and comforting Vasily, allowing her to rest. Raisa and Dmitriy continue to lend their help, their love and care clear in every action. Ilya sticks around to help hold Vasily, though I know he is mostly here for Raisa, I appreciate the fact that he stays to help.

Despite the darkness that looms in the form of my father, there is a fierce resolve within me to protect those I love. This family, our family.

As evening approaches, I make a silent promise to myself that we will find justice for the pain my family has endured. We will not let my father's actions define us or overshadow the love and joy we have created in this small room.

Doctor Marchenko visits us one last time before letting us know we are welcome to stay another night, or she would be happy to discharge us. Vasily is eating well and producing enough diapers to where she feels he is ready to go home.

Ilya and Dmitriy handle the car situation, and I"m thankful we went for the bigger vehicle. They bring the infant car seat back with them, and I watch them argue about how the straps are supposed to go. I am sitting back in the chair holding Vasily, whispering to him.

"That's your brat (brother), and your someday dyadya(uncle)…if your tetushka(auntie) ends up marrying him. You are so loved, moy syn (my son)."

Upon entering through the gate, the SUV comes to a stop in front of the steps. Raisa and Dmitriy get out and start carrying in bags. Ilya even lends a hand. Lina, Vasily, and I are in the backseat. He is sound asleep in his car seat. I am torn between carrying my exhausted zhena (wife) inside and my syn (son). Dmitriy walks back out and tilts his head, wondering why we"re still in the car.

"Papa?" He questions. "You okay?"

"Currently contemplating who to carry first," I say smirking, running my fingers through my hair.

"You carry Mama, I'll get Vasily." He says, reaching in to unlatch the car seat.

As I watch Dmitriy carry Vasily inside, my heart swells with love and gratitude. I have two syns (sons) to help me run this Bratva.

With a sense of tenderness, I walk around to Lina"s door, carefully unbuckle her, and then lovingly scoop her up into my arms. With my zhena (wife) in my arms, I step into our home and make sure to close the door behind me.

I have all I need right here. Moy I'vista(my lioness), moi synov'ya (my son's), my home.