The Antidote [A Short Story]

Chapter 6.

One year later - Christmas Eve.

Harry blinks at the arrangement of juice, cheese, crackers, smoked meat, grapes and condiments. He's not sure if this is what he was going for but Maya was kind enough to forward the prep video beforehand. He likes to believe he followed everything in a neat fashion.

Niall bombards him with back to back images from their sunshine Christmas holiday all the way in Cape Town and he's a tad jealous. When the heavy door gently opens, he quickly turns around and a smile instantly forms on his face.

Watching her waddle in her baggy sweatpants will never get old. Those crazy curls are packed in a sleek ponytail and she's tucking her bright pink mat just under her shoulder.

Mona looks irritated but refreshed. She walks over to him and drops the mat right by the couch.

She studies the somewhat romantic set-up and stands in akimbo, already judging whatever he thinks is happening here. Harry takes her in her full eight and a half months glory.

His t-shirt attempts to swallow her but the belly is very proud to show itself. He stretches out his hand to her and she lightly takes his hand. Harry leads her to settle down right next to him and she reaches for a cheese smeared cracker.

"What are you doing?" she hums.

"It's literally the night before Christmas," he kisses her t-shirt covered shoulder.

"I know that. The whole of England is aware of that," Mona shoves the snack into her mouth.

"What were we doing this time last year?" he raises an eyebrow.

Mona slowly chews her snack and feels herself flush at that question. It was supposed to be a simple meal together before she left for Holmes Chapel but it evolved into a passionate declaration of love from Harry.

In fact he was ready to propose marriage but she stopped him right there. They decided to try a proper romantic relationship for a year and see where it goes. Now, here they are.

"We had sex right after you asked what was next for us," she smiles.

"Ever thirsty for me," Harry is smug.

Mona lightly pats her bump. "You're lucky my hormones are good today,"

Harry laughs and leans to tenderly caress the massive bump with his ringed fingers. In there holds his beautiful child.

The pregnancy was probably the most unplanned thing in history but they decided to view it as a second chance for them. Mona kept Harry involved from the first hint to the finally taking the test in her bathroom. He was more involved than she planned and it has made the whole process easy.

Some days are rough with the heartburns and dizzy spells, but Mona believes this to be a smooth pregnancy, so far. She would know best.

"How's my favourite child doing?" he asks.

"Which one?" she rolls her eyes, reaching for more snacks.

"Well, clearly the one eating all my food. How is she?" he bops her nose.

Mona stretches out her legs and yawns.

"I hate online Mummy and Me yoga sessions," she confesses.

Harry tries not to laugh.

"Wait! I swear you sang praises of this thing weeks ago," he says.

"Yeah, not when my baby is dropping down," she sighs.

"You know you don't 'ave to do all of this, you're a fit mummy," he gently touches her arm.

"Oi, no lies before Christmas," she warns.