- Why do not you come in?
- I tried - she shakes the old keys in front of my face.
I forgot I had not sent the new apartment keys to Lola. I wanted to deliver personally when he went to visit them, but just stalling this time.
- But what happened? - Julienne stares at me intently - You look radiant, but those red eyes and crying?
Hold your hand and pull her to the couch. The test is on the coffee table, but Julienne even look at him. Life is really ironic. If I wanted to hide, surely she would have found.
- I have something to say...
I can not continue. A big lump forms in my throat. Not one of us sore that hurt so much to the point to make us stop breathing. It is a node caused by the immense joy that overflows from my heart.
- Is sick?
- Yeah, I feel sick sometimes - river to remember the morning sickness - but have never been so good.
- Has something happened to your parents?
- I hope not.
My parents. How would face the arrival of grandson? My father certainly be furious.
- Look at this.
Caught the answer to your questions and give her expectantly.
- Who's pregnant?
Julienne stares at me puzzled when I put the object in his hands. No wonder that it is hard to grasp that the outcome of pregnancy is mine. I was always the perfect girl, who followed all the rules.
- I - I play my still flat belly and imagine how it will be in a few months - I'm pregnant.
- Do not play!
Julienne jumps from the sofa as if he were on fire.
- There are other tests in the bathroom that prove so.
- Ah!
The shriek that followed, it did not leave me deaf, probably nothing else in the world will.
We laughed, jumped and hugged spin until I get dizzy.
- You told Adam? - Julienne question so fell on the couch.
- What makes you believe it's him?
Look away at the door.
- If not him, then you are the incarnation of the Virgin Mary.
- Julienne! Do not play with these things.
Although it is not very religious, of my way, I am.
- So tell or not to him?
I take a deep breath and look at my hands.
- Not yet. I just found out.
- So call and tell.
Levanto and start walking around the room, nervousness starting to shake me.
- Do not give this news by phone.
- Then go to them and tell.
- I can not!
Set me on the couch and hide my face in my hands.
- How well can not you?
- It's complicated.
I tell her about Dubai. About the cameras, and this time my relationship with Adam had just definitely.
- I think I had every right to feel hurt. Sure, he was a little crazy, liar. But the situation now is different. Have a child involved. Forget all that and give him another chance. For you and the baby.
I will not say that what he had done not hurt me. I still cause a slight revolt, but on something so special growing inside me, everything loses importance.
Adam was a real son of a bitch, but also gave me what is now the most precious in my life - our son. I will be grateful forever. Julienne is right; he has the right to know, but on the other hand, I do not feel ready to talk.
- I need to be sure.
- You did more than one test. I thought they were reliable.
- And they are. I just need to go to the doctor and make sure that all is well. You know the last Adam.
- All right - she mumbles - promises that account later?
I make an oath with fingers crossed and came back laughing.
I will mark an appointment the next day. If the medical reports are those who wonder, I know when I'll tell him.
- Now tell me, what are you doing here?
- I left home.
- He escaped again, Julienne?
- I'm twenty-one - it raises, exalted - No need to run away.
I know it irritates deeply, but, like the brothers of Julienne, I can not see it and a little girl.
- Okay - I decide to be cautious - What happened?
I see her chin trembling and eyes get teary. Seldom seen Julienne cry, and it breaks my heart. I love her like my sister.
- My father is a liar, and my brothers are just alike to him.
Hardly she's not mad at them for some reason. In this case, it seems deeply hurt.
- What happened dear?
He pulled her into my arms and hold her tightly, resting my chin on the top of his head.
- Paula's my sister - she whispers in tearful tone.
Thanks for Julienne not be able to look at my face. It is pure shock.
- Did you know that Charlotte and Dad were in love since adolescence? It seems that each one went his way but never forgot each other.
I hear parallel conversations between my parents, but never had the courage to ask my aunt. She was always very reserved about the past.
- They met a few times, was when she became pregnant. Dad was going to file for divorce my mother, but she sought Lola and said she was also pregnant. The rest you know.
Julienne sobbing, and I do not know what to tell her.
- Paula was not for the farm because her husband. It was because of my father. To know him and be near him. Everyone knew it but me.
She gets up, and as I did earlier, begins to walk without direction.
- Dad had an affair with Charlotte when they were still married! He is a big liar. I never loved my mother as I believed. You know why he never remarried?
His face is full of pain and sorrow.
- Why he never forgot Charlotte and had hoped to return to her. I always believed that he loved my mother deeply. Now he has one daughter and the woman he loves.
- It is unfortunate that he lied about the past or that there are other women in his life?
The look directed at me is angry.
- I'm not jealous, Penelope. I'm disappointed, hurt. Everyone knew but me. You know how I found out?
I shake my head in response.
- I heard a conversation between Austin and Dallas in the barn. They would tell me after Christmas because Dad and Charlotte set a date to get married. Will be after the New Year. They wanted to prepare.
In a way, I know what goes on inside it. No one deserves to be cheated. The truth, however hard it may be, it is even better.
- I can stay here with you? Only for a while. Until you get a job and a place to stay.
- Is not it better to talk to them before taking any hasty decision?
- I will not go back to the farm - she walks to the suitcase left at the door - All right, I turn around. You have much more to worry about now.
- You can stay where you are.
Snorting, I go to her and shot the trunk of his hands.
- Not going anywhere. You will be with me as long as you want. I just think you should talk to them.
- They did not talk to me when they had the chance. I do not care now.
- All right - Aliso his shoulder and give a gentle smile - Why not take a bath while I prepare something for both of us eat?
- I'll do it. I'm pretty tired.
As she settles in the guest room and listen to the sound of the shower, I go back to the room.
Even feeling a traitor, I have to do what my heart tells.
- Hello.
- Dallas?
- Penelope! Julienne with you?
The urgency in his voice tells me I made the right attitude. For more than Julienne feel hurt both my uncle and her brothers are crazy for this girl.
- Yes, it is - whisper to him - should be concerned. I know what happened.
- In fact, I imagine she was with you. Austin is way to the airport.
- I'd rather he did not come. At least for now. Give her a break. Julienne need to digest everything that happened.
-
Dad is devastated, and Charlotte wants to cancel the wedding.
For me it is a great sadness to see them as well. I have always admired, and, in a way, I envied the affection between them.
- Listen, it's me. I promise I'll take care of it. Julienne love you all. Once it is ready, will return home. Give only one time.
I hear the sigh resignedly and feel sorrow for him. Of the three brothers, is the most attached to her because of the proximity of age. When Julienne was born, Dallas was four.
- Ok I'll convince Austin to come back..
Well, this will be more difficult to bend. It is the oldest and sheriff brother in the small Texas town. I wonder how Dallas will convince you to leave your sister here.
I say farewell to him and go to the kitchen. Luckily, the night the baby is quiet. Only now I notice how I'm hungry.
I make cheese sandwiches, fruit salad and fresh orange juice. I realize that now need to take better care of the food.
We ate almost in silence. Once finished, Julienne goes to her room and I go to the room to see a bit of TV, where I end up sleeping.
The next day, I leave a comment for Julienne, saying feel free and call me if you need.
I arrive at work early. The baby, as every morning, signs of life. After almost twenty minutes in the bathroom, finally occupy my desk.
Missing a few minutes to Aline and other employees begin to emerge. I take the little peace I have and try to schedule that Charlotte gave me when I arrived.
I got all the phones I need to Mr. Durant, both professional and personal.
The phone Anne pediatrician is just outstanding at the beginning. Obviously it is very expensive, but I wish she indicated me someone trustworthy and within my limits.
After a brief conversation, the doctor indicates the office of a midwife friend. I turn away and I schedule an appointment for the next day.
Soon the day begins. To my amazement, Aline was sweet and helpful all the time. At no time he touched the baby's subject or was poisonous. Not even when I fled to the bathroom during the day.
It seems that my little is as demanding as the father. Now that I have already sure he is present every hour. What can be a problem. I can not get out of an important meeting with my boss to go throw up. Anyway, I'll talk to the doctor, who will probably have something to make these feeling sick pass.
I scared me with Neil standing in front of my desk. He had a smile the envy of a lottery winner.
- I will be a father - pride in his voice made my eyes marejarem - Is not it amazing? I will be a father again.
- Congratulations, sir! Jenny must be radiant.
- We are. Anne is happy. I'm very happy. I've never been so happy in my life.
The statement is excited. For a long time he was a lonely and embittered man. Jenny changed his life completely.
Still holding the silly smile, he went to his room.
- I'm going to be a mother - I whispered to the camera - Oh, and his friend's father.
I wish I could share with him my happiness. Good. That will have to wait a bit.
****
When I go home, I find Julienne in the kitchen. The soup smell fills the house. My stomach rolls lightly, but this time is hunger.
- Glad you came - Julienne shakes his spoon in the air and greets me with a huge smile - Dinner's ready. I'm not as good a cook as you, but I figured that would get tired. Also there was nothing to do here all day, and watch TV and surf the internet.
- I promise that I will be quick in the bath. And the smell is great.
Just as promised, I took a shower and put on pajamas.
Reporting to Julienne about my day. On sickness and consultation the next day. She insists on going with me, and thank you for that.
- I'll buy a map and walk around the city - it tells drop the spoon on empty plate - There must be something I can do.
- I can see something on the DET for you.
- That's very kind, but I want to try alone, if you please.
I shake my shoulders. It was my speech to Lola when I arrived. Well, I will always be ready to help her.
I'm exhausted, so as soon as I lie down, sleep gets me. I could not even talk to the baby as I did the night before.
****
"Louder, Dad."
The child screams rejoice in his swing, while strong hands pushing the balance up.
I recognize your hands, but I can not see the face or the child or the man behind her.
However, they seem happy. I feel happy.
But despite the good dream, according to tears.
The child would be my child? The man was Adam? This is some kind of sign or just my mind playing tricks?
I have no time for such conjectures. Levanto quickly and lean over on the vessel. Evidence of Julienne soup color water. When I feel I'm better, I discharge and take my bath, asking God that this does not last for the entire pregnancy.
- Think you can find the office? - I ask Julienne before kissing his forehead - I left money for the taxi.
- I have money - she smiles shyly - I broke Ron.
Ron is a pig of money that gave her when she made ten years. We were going to raise money to buy a house and morarmos together. Initially, that was the plan.
- Poor Ron. Well, we're together now.
- And are three.
delighted smile.
- See you in the office. And then we go out to lunch - I suggest to get my purse - If this boy leave.
- You think it's a boy?
A girl would be a most entertaining companion. Beauty salon at home, pajama nights ... But whenever I think about the baby, I imagine a boy.
- I think it's maternal instinct.
- A little Adam. Jesus, that future girls protect the poor hearts.
I walk out smiling. Long time do not smile much.
Impulsively picked up my phone. This is not news to the phone, but ...
After hearing the message in the mailbox, I'll call the office.
- Crighton law.
- Hello, Veronica. Dr. Crighton has arrived?
- Traveled to a conference.
- Oh, right - try to hide the disappointment in my voice - Okay, thank you.
I turn off and follow my destiny. A slight sadness beats within me. Somehow, it seemed sure to have it with me today. It's my first doctor's appointment. It would be amazing if Adam was with me.
****
The early morning was not different from previous ones. Feeling sick and I trying to disguise my uneasiness of all people, putting the blame on a virus, like every liar does.
- Excuse me, dear - I support my head on the cold cover of the vessel and caress my belly - Mama just need a little more time. I'm not ashamed of you. I never have, no matter what.
When I return to my desk, meeting Aline waiting with a cup in his hands.
- I brought some tea for you - she hands me the cup - I had a pregnant girlfriend. I told her what's going on with you and she told me that this tea always helped.
- Thanks. very kind of you.
I am, in a way, surprised. Aline really changed me. Maybe she had just been hurt and I've been too hard on her.
- You have to take everything - instructs her, so take the sweet liquid to the mouth - Take every day a little bit, and feel good.
It has a good taste, and heat is good for my stomach destroyed. After taking all, thank you again and back to work. My query is at three. Since it is not too far from work, I close the two. Step by day the rest of the agenda for Aline and out.
I feel a little dizzy when getting off the elevator, but believe it is another sign of pregnancy, and ignore them.
Julienne is already waiting for me at the clinic. As soon as I fill in the form, talk to the doctor and she tells me what I need to do exams.
The blood takes a little longer, so I decided Julienne and eat in a restaurant beside the clinic.
I choose salad, and my cousin pasta with white sauce. I tell her I called Adam, about the pregnancy of
Jenny and the Aline behavior change.
- I do not like her.
Since the feast of Peter that my cousin does not hide his dislike for Aline.
- You sure are making her friend to steal his job on maternity leave.
Enrugo nose to think about it. While it is logical not believe.
- I do not think so. Aline had the opportunity when it came out and Lola would not.
- Because she wanted Adam. Now you know you can not have. So your job is the most you will get.
I think about it when we returned to the office. Does Julienne right?
I can not think about it for long. The tests are ready and I'm looking forward.
As I was sure, the doctor confirms the pregnancy. And by date, I'm sure I got pregnant in Dubai.
It's very important to me. The baby was made with love. It is the fruit of my love for his father.
I ask about the sickness, and she warns that lasts the first quarter, but in some cases can last nine months. Revenue a remedy to help control and some vitamins.
Remarco the new query and I'm relieved when she says I can call if you have any questions.
Before leaving, I ask about tea Aline gave me. She orders me to avoid some herbs, and says those who can take without fear. Tea and toast would help ease the stomach.
Then ask what Aline had given me. It not occurred to me that a simple tea could harm the baby. Anyway, he gave nothing in exams, so I feel quiet.
I'll buy my own now showers on.
- Then? How it feels?
Julienne sits next to me on the subway seat. I'm still walking on clouds.
- Completely pregnant.
- Go tell Adam now?
- When he returned from the trip.
Will he be happy as Neil? Something gives me this certainty.
- Have a mother who loves you very much - speak softly, just for him to hear - Soon your father will fill you with love.
Something inside me says yes.
Chapter 23
Adam
Who said no one dies of love, he lied. I am like a pale shadow of myself, moving without a certain direction which follow. I had lost my compass. My north. I'm lost and alone again.
- We missed the Thanksgiving Day - mutters Katty, so I stand beside you in church.
Two of Hearts Page 19
