That Way

About 3 Months Later~

  Month 9, a couple of weeks in, and her due date was going to be in 3 days. It was a long run, for the cross-eyed pegasus. She went through abuse, economic struggles, and the many ponies that had always bullied her. Now Derpy was 9 months pregnant, and was going to have her filly any day now. Who knew? Who knew that the little, slow, grey pegasus she was, would get through having a child. Not just having a child, but doing it without a stallion, and without being pampered. Derpy worked, she went through 5 months at the post office, then in the last 3 months, Narley found it a good time to get her finances together. So Derpy had been working on paperwork, and other boring financial stuff last minute. She couldn't forget about herself either, and her condition. Now, it was hard,  it was tiring to fly at all, walking was hard, bending over was too, trotting, pulling carts, and even laying down, were all a challenge. Derpy's stomach was at its largest point, and it made her back hurt horribly. Her little unicorn was healthy though, and her mother felt her kicking, moving, and growing, everyday. It made her sad that it was over, but pregnancy was a beautiful thing she got to experience. Derpy continued the cycle with new life, like mares all around Equestria, or even the world, did every day. That is why she believed mares were a very important part of life. It made her proud to be who she was. Derpy had been grounded for days now, and was trapped in the house everyday. It was spring now, the birds sang, and leaves returned on the trees, but she was stuck inside. The doctor told her it was too chilly outside for her and the foal, and that allergies were around this part of year. Twilight even agreed, making her stay at home, and bringing her whatever groceries she needed. Narley said that being a mare, having her first child, that it would be bad to mess up anything now. After all, what Derpy was carrying was extremely fragile, and could easily be hurt. They were all right in that way, but the way things were going this late into her pregnancy, her happy attitude didn't help. Now depression, anger, and even rage took over sometimes, but other times relieved, exuberant, calming and patient moods came back. It could change in a matter of minutes, and her group of friends would often remind her when she was having mood swings. The whole hunger thing got worse to, she was always starving, and always wanted something new. The night before last she was craving a lot of ice cream. Scootaloo was sweet enough to buy her a tub, and she ate the entire thing. Other foods were chocolate, soda, and pickles, which was a really odd group of foods she ate all the time now. It was cravings, something that came with having a foal, and boy was it horrible. Derpy was always a skinny mare, how was she going to lose all the weight from this?

  So it was hard, but Derpy had to remind herself about why her body was doing this. She was pregnant, of coarse, but the outcome was a child to care for. Twilight gave her the entire run down on everything she had to do once her little one was born:

"When she is born Ditzy, you are going to have a lot of work to do. Doctors will show you how to feed her, change her, burp her, clean her, and doing everything you will need to know. Everything on her will be sensitive, and she will get sick very easily. So keeping her and yourself in the house for a good two weeks is a good idea. I would like you to bring her over my house, but if you are going to travel, you need to use that stroller I got you at Pinkie's shower. It will protect her eyes, and skin. She will also need check-ups with her grade of doctor, and any vaccines she didn't get at the hospital, she will be given. I am sure you will be fine, but if you ever need anything, I am always here. Just remember a clean, fed, burped, and changed foal, is a happy playful one. It all depends on her personality. But Ditzy, don't forget about yourself... you will need a lot of rest to produce for her. I will be happy to watch her, you may not get much at night, because there is a good chance she will wake up and cry multiple times in the middle of it."

  Derpy hated it when she went on and on, but it was very informative. The part that worried her was not even the foal, but herself. She would be exhausted, and without Jet, it was going to be a thousand times harder. Nobody she could hope would get up so she wouldn't have to. It was all her now, and like everyone informed her, she was going to be a good mother. Her room was going to be finished today, and her mother was totally prepared from all the gifts she received from her friends during her shower. Many friends showed up for that, including all her friends from the mail office, from town, and her main 6 friends. Even Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle showed up, and they were all sweet enough to gather enough bits to buy body carrier together. Applebloom made a very beautiful mobile that was made of smooth, polished wood, Sweetie Belle sang a lullaby (That was more a really loud song), and Scootaloo gave Derpy her old Scooter as separate gifts. It was kind of small, and she said she wanted it to be used by her someday. It was really a great party that made it much easier on her with the supplies situation.

  This morning was like no other. A lot of fatigue, and morning sickness. Derpy walked slowly into the bathroom, brushed her teeth, combed her coat, and then her mane. After a long yawn, she walked back into her room, made her bed, and began her morning by walking downstairs. Pinkie was nice enough to order more of those muffins, and that was her gift at the shower. Derpy now had a supply of 6 of the large muffins, all individually wrapped in plastic, with a big "DINKY MUFFIN BRAND: Manehatten, Dominic's Bakery, on 8th" sticker on them. They came in chocolate chip, blueberry, and banana. Chocolate chip was her favorite, the sugar did help her run a little better. Narley was going to come any minute, and she totally forgot. It was already 11 and Derpy noticed she slept in again today. So her large muffin was unwrapped, and eaten quickly, so that she could could greet her friend. Today was the final piece of the bedroom, which was the crib. He did a excellent job, although it took him so long due to work. Narley ordered the crib, and was going to assemble it today. No problems at all, and he paid for the entire thing, did the whole thing, and did it without question. Derpy still felt that she should repay him somehow. He did seem happy, and not so depressed when he did help, so he probably wanted to do it and was having fun. That is what Narley said in the beginning of the entire project. The totally expected knock on the door came, and Derpy went over and opened up.

"Morning Ditzy" His cart was backed up, with the large box in it.

"Hi Narley... how are you going to get that box in...? I guess it is the crib"

"Yup, I have a hand truck, I'm good. I am sure I can also carry it upstairs" They gave each other a hug, as Narley pulled it out of his cart, and wheeled it inside. Derpy followed along, feeling a little sick still. The muffin did not sit so well, but it definitely solved any cravings she was having. The both of them went upstairs and Derpy looked in the room. It was beautiful, and now that the crib was here, it was going to be complete. It still had the fresh smell of paint, and had its light oak colored dresser, and changing table inside. The crib was the center piece, where it would go in between the large space in between two windows on the back wall. They were two windows that showed a great view of the front yard. Narley even planted flowers in the bed outside them. She smiled, it was a very sweet and simple room she would know her filly would love. "I just wanted to ask you Ditzy... have you come up with a name?"

"Y-yes" Derpy said, kind of nervous.

"Ditzy...."

"No.... I don't know yet, it has to come to me. I can't think of anything I like, and I want it to be perfect" She sighed.

"Find somepony you admire, or names you have always liked. Just think about it, you have a lot of time on your hooves. and it is really important you have a name. The doctors and nurses need a name to put on their paperwork. Just tell me some later, and I will help you" He said, opening the large box with a box knife. He then pulled out the materials.

"I guess... I will find something"

"That foal is coming any day now, it could come in the next hour. Be prepared, and just know that when you go into labor, I will be there." Narley walked out "I am going to get me tools..."

"Thanks Narley, lets just hope she comes on time, I didn't have a surprise so far, and I sure don't want one now" She followed him out. "I'm scared..."

"Oh come on Ditzy" He replied walking down the stairs "You are a very brave mare... I am sure you will be fine. They give you medicine, and they are very calming. Then it will be all over, and you will be a proud mother"

"What if she is.... special"

"What? You mean unique, and extremely friendly like you are? That is what makes you special, not your eyes. I thought Twilight already explained to you that it was a birth defect and not genes. Honestly, I don't think that it is anything else but crossed eyes... Be positive, please... you are being negative, and that is not who you are" Narley rolled his eyes, trotting out to his cart.

"Thank you" The pegasus said, walking back over to the table.

  Cleaning her table, and dusting other things, Derpy hummed as she left Narley to work and she did her house chores. Nothing much, since bending over hurt, and she got tired quickly. It was probably a good time to think of a name, but she was too distracted. Instead she took care of her small kitchen. Although it did smell like burnt toast, she kept it clean, since someday she would have to be cooking in it every night. Sometimes when she worked, she found herself talking to herself, but mostly to her filly. When she was positive, she would mention all the things they would do together, how much they would love each other, how beautiful her room was, and her feelings about some things. Too bad she wouldn't get a response for a good 3 years, but it was still comforting. Someone that would absolutely, always understand her, and would give her hugs when she was sad. At least that is what Derpy wanted her to do. For now, the only time the foal would interact, was the few times she would move around or kick. She continued cleaning the kitchen, but this time just humming. Being quiet and looking for something to do.

  Narley did provide comfort, but Derpy did fear giving birth. What would happen if she woke up in the middle of the night, and her water broke? She would be all alone, and have nobody to help her. Twilight had to have thought about this, who would take her to the hospital? There was no chance she would do it without the small amount of help the pain killers given. Derpy would probably go out cold from the pain it was suppose to have. Narley was right in the way when he said she had to stay positive. How much she wished for the moment to come, when she looked into her daughters eyes for the first time, straight, or crossed, it didn't matter. Derpy would love that filly more then anything.

  Her work in the kitchen ended, as another knock on the door came. Narley was upstairs banging around, so who could it be? They probably noticed all the things that were outside. Derpy trotted to the door, picking up some laundry on the way, and throwing it in a basket at the bottom of the stairs. The door opened and it was Twilight, but with her owl on her shoulder.

"Hello Ditzy. I just came by, I wanted to talk to you about something quickly"

"Okay... why did you bring your pet?" Derpy rubbed his head, he let out a little "Who"

"I'm going to tell you" She said as she came inside. Twilight shut the door. "Now before I do, let me just ask you, have you been feeling okay? No contractions or anything right?" Twilight looked over at her as she petted her friends head.

"I don't think so... everything is normal really. I was kinda sick this morning though"

"Okay good... well it has come to my concern, that the foal is coming really soon. We have been worried, that since we aren't around, and neither is Jet, that when the time comes, you won't have anyone to help you" Derpy cut her off.

"Yeah! That is what I was thinking earlier!"

"Yes... So I thought it would be a good idea that you kept my friend here for the next week. This way, he can help you when the time comes. He will follow you around, maybe even help clean up, but if you collapse, or he can tell something is wrong, he will fly straight back to the library, really fast, and tell me" The idea of this happening made her a bit frightened, leaning back a little.

"That sounds good... I think" She moaned.

"Well good... is there anything else you want to talk about? Or do you want to hang out?"

"Narley is upstairs putting in the crib" Twilight's ears perked up

"Oh, it is finally here? I love that room, it is finally finished. Maybe I can check it out later, but before I go do you have any questions?" She smiled as Derpy thought of a question.

"How do I feed her Twilight?" Twilight's ears went right back down. She bit her hoof trying to think of how to explain it. Although she thought she already knew, she probably was confused.

"Heh... not- hmm, well, it is a bit of a... well, awkward topic Ditzy. She kinda just..." Twilight sighed. "It has to do with your mare parts, and it something I really don't want to explain. The doctor will show you, and I am sure you will understand. Just notice that hundreds of mares have done this before, many that are not as smart as you. It will be easy, I promise" She threw out quickly, to avoid a conversation about it.

"Okay... I guess that is it. I know mostly everything from our last visit... but one more thing" Twilight nodded.

"Yes Ditzy?"

"Will you come visit me in the hospital... the only one who will be there is Narley, and it is kinda boring to sit in there. I know Rainbow Dash broke her wing and was stuck in there forever. You said yourself that my foal will be taken away from me a few times to get shots and such. It will be nice to have a few familiar faces to have around, and for the little one to meet some very nice friends" Derpy looked at her, hoping she would say yes.

"Of coarse! Why wouldn't we? I was going to actually ask you that eventually. We will all come, I just thought that our group can be kinda loud, and you know... I did not want to disrupt anything. We will definitely come, and wait to meet her" She smiled.

"Well thank you... you are a great friend. All of you are... for getting me all that nice stuff last week"

"Just make sure you use that stroller. I know the CMC got you a carrier, but you cannot use that for a newborn. You will also have to use it for bringing her home. It has a very nice visor to keep the sunlight out, but allow her a lot of room and air."

"Do you have anything to recommend on the crib?" Twilight nodded again.

"Don't put anything in it. Mattress, sheets, and that is it. Anything else is dangerous" Derpy sighed, all the stuff she had wouldn't work now. But listening to Twilight was important, and she did not want to hurt her daughter.

"I understand. I will see you later Twilight, thanks for stopping by"

"Bye Ditzy..." She said, her owl swooped off and landed by Ditzy "Take care of him, he doesn't need much. He finds his own food, but usually quickly while you are sleeping. He is your best friend now" He looked up at her "Who who" and Twilight walked out, and Ditzy shut the door.

  It did not take long to get bored again. Her owl flew and sat at the counter. Derpy rolled her eyes and chuckled at him. He would "Who" every once in awhile, but other then that, he just sat still, as his eyes stared into space. Derpy wonder how this owl could possibly be qualified for the job Twilight gave him, but she didn't mind. She trotted upstairs, and looked into the foal room to see how Narley was doing. He said he wouldn't take long, and he was right. The light colored crib was already assembled, and only need its mattress, sheets, and mobile. The project was over, and Derpy was glad, as she watched her stallion step back and look at his hard work. The scent of new furniture, and paint was in the room. It also had that faint smell of a fresh diaper and powder, since both of those things were on the changing table on the other side of the room. He still did not notice she was there, and she admired with him. They both made this room together, and they both did a good job. Although it was mostly Narley who did the work. Derpy just helped him pick out things. The closet was filled with dresses that would not fit her for a couple of months, and with warm clothes, stuffed animals and small blankets to give to her at night. Although Twilight said not to, Derpy did plan to give the stuffed animals and things in her crib when she was older. That was sure not to be a problem then. But Twilight knew her stuff so she listened...

"How do you like it" Narley did not even need to turn around to notice Derpy was there. but his head still turned, waiting for a response. It was her opinion that mattered.

"I can't thank you anymore Narley. I love it, and I am sure she will too"

"I am going to go now.... I am exhausted. Any questions or anything?" He replied.

"No, not really. Twilight stopped by, and she dropped off her owl. That way when it happens, the owl will inform Twilight and she can quickly come over."

"Wow, that is cool. I guess because Jet isn't around. I don't know if you should trust a owl though. Maybe you can just come over my house. You can sleep there for the next couple of nights, so you aren't lonely. Also, when that time does come, my home is closer to the hospital, and I can pull you in my cart" Derpy's head went up.

"Really? That sounds awesome"

"Yeah" He smiled "You can pack your stuff, and I you can come over whenever. I would love the company, and I can cook you some nice things. I always had cooking as a hobby, and I have a really nice kitchen for it. I may have to make you a nice dinner we can have together" Derpy blushed. It was almost like....

"So... it's kinda like a date?" Her face became redder. Narley's lit up a little too.

"Hmm... I didn't think of it that way, but it sure can be. I would be delighted" Narley said. The way his tone was, he knew it was a date to start with. They both looked at each other, and both their faces became red. It was awkward for two friends to do this, but they both did have feelings. Derpy knew he would treat her right.

"Well then its set... I guess we can have the owl around to make Twilight happy... but I don't think that was planned out very well" He rolled his eyes.

"Twilight is really smart, but I would rather do this. I have to tell her though, or he will fly to her house, tell Twilight to come here, when I am actually over at your house"

"Well... you can do that. I am going to go home and take a nap. Just pack, and I will meet you there whenever." Derpy knew she should wait before randomly arriving 15 minutes into his nap.

"Then its a date.... I will see you there"

"I will too... See you later Ditzy" Narley gathered his tools and trotted off, as Derpy blushed.