CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN - IT’S DELIVERY TIME

"You've got to be kidding me!" Marie's shrill voice cut through the dimly lit bedroom, shattering the tranquil morning atmosphere. Karina cracked open one bleary eye to see her best friend silhouetted in the doorway, hands planted firmly on her hips. "Up and at 'em, mama! Did you forget what today is?" Karina groaned and tried to burrow deeper under the covers, away from Marie's insistent prodding. From beside her, John merely grunted and rolled over, stubbornly clinging to the last shreds of sleep. With a dramatic huff, Marie marched over and flung open the curtains, allowing bright sunlight to pour mercilessly into the room. Both Karina and John recoiled with synchronous growls of complaint. "Jesus, Marie! Let a pregnant woman get her rest," Karina protested, trying in vain to shield her eyes from the glare. "Oh no you don't!" Marie was having none of it. "This is your due date, missy! Which means that little rugrat could decide to make an appearance any minute now." She fixed