It was a warm day in Zambia of February of 2013. I was traveling with the Hell and High Water team. I was there to help my pregnant aunt who was bursting with child. Being my sweet self; I decided to help, after all she couldn't do it alone. It was earlier the next day I was awakened by the sound of the tent being unzipped. Looking up groggily, I saw Melanie leave the tent in a black tank top and pants that showed off her pregnant belly. Her face was contorted into a look of pain and worry and her hair was in a braid to the left side of her neck. It was obvious she was in some type of labor.

"It hurts." She muttered setting out around the camp. I watched from my bed as she walked around camp. Not wanting to startle her, I got up quietly and followed her. After following her a while I saw her lean against a tree. Her hands went to her stomach and back as the pain seemed to grip her. Concerned I approached. However upon hearing her mutter something new, I stopped.

"Ow, man this bloody hurts." She muttered. Suddenly she was gripped by pain. She sunk to her knees. Falling against the tree she let out a grunt. She moaned as she rolled her head from side to side. She seemed lost in her pain.

"Ah it hurts so much I don't think I can handle much more." She muttered putting both hands on her back. She stood up and she froze for a moment. Her head was down and her eyes were shut, and her hands were on her back. Suddenly she began to sway. It was slow at first, however soon the swaying desperately. It was clear the pain was burdensome to her.

"God please let this pain go away." She muttered with her face contorted in agony. I went up to her cautiously. Worried I got next to her. With a glance I could tell she was gripped with pain. Suddenly she looked up, startled she flinched.

"Aunt Mel are you ok?" I asked.

"Yeah just a bit of false labor Angel." She said letting out a pained moan. As soon as those words left her mouth, she spasmed in pain. Then I noticed a trail of fluid leaking from her pant leg. Then I realized it, her water had broken.

"Aunt Mel we need to wake the others." I said.

"But who can deliver a baby like this?" She asked frantically.

"Aunt Mel lets get you to the tent." I said helping her to her feet.

"Good idea Angel." She replied. We walked back to the tent. On the way, she began grunting. She moaned as we got her in the tent. Now in intense pain, she fell against the tent wall. Gently I began to rub her back. After a moment she relaxed.

"C'mon you guys relax, it's just false." Said her one of her team mates Chelsee.

"I don't think so Chelsee." I replied.

"Why not?" She asked.

"It's not Chelsee, my water broke." Melanie replied. With that I began my preparation. I know a water birth would be dangerous. I grabbed the 1st aid kit and helped her out of the tent. Now I had to wake the guys. She couldn't do this alone.

"Hey guys wake up!! Aunt Mel's in labor." I said.

"Are you serious?" Dara asked. Soon she was doubled over in pain. She sank to her knees. Dara caught her just before she hit the ground. She was in pain, it was obvious that a contraction had hit.

"Mel you alright?" Jack asked.

"Yeah it just burns." She replied.

"Here try to relax. I'll get some hot water." I said.

"No, don't leave Angel, I need you." She replied. After a brief rest, the pain hit again. Her face was contorted into a pained expression. She let out a scream and grabbed my hand as the pain peaked. Then the pain let go. She was stable.

"The contraction are getting stronger aren't they Aunt Mel?" I asked.

"Yes. Maybe she'll be out soon." She replied.