It's So Much More Than That (A Selection Story)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32: 

After spending about a week in bed, I'm surprised by Nicoletta who visits soon after.

"America!" She bursts into my room on the fifth day of bed rest.

"Nicoletta!" I look up from my large stack of papers.

She comes over and hugs me. "Oi! What happened? Maxon said that you were on bed rest".

"I just stressed my self out, that's all."

"And you've been in here the whole week? What a drag."

"Yes, I suppose, it has been pretty dull."

"You must get out more!"

"Yes! But I can't get too stressed out, it might hurt the twins."

"Oh!" And how are my two little darlings?

Oh place my hand over my abdomen. "They're doing alright, thank you."

"Have you thought of names yet?"

"Names?" I exclaim. "Uh...we haven't really discussed it yet."

"Oh, you must tell me when you know! I can't wait to meet them!"

"I definitely will."

She comes over and sits on the bed. "You look like you are stressed right now. What are you doing with all of these papers?"

"I'm still the queen, you know."

"Nonsense! Come on, we should have a spa day! You look like you need to have some fun! We can get messages, paint our nails, get some drinks and play in the pool."

"I can't drink alcohol, I'm pregnant, remember?"

"Oh, right. Well, I'll get more then." She winked.

We spend the afternoon getting pampered while Nicoletta keeps me entertained. She tells me all of the latest gossip in Italy and says that everyone over there is happy for Maxon and I as well.

"Are they really that interested in us?" I ask while we're getting manicures or whatever Nic calls them.

"Oh yes! I think they are starting to wonder when me and Astagio are going to have some."

"And how is that lovely husband of yours?" I ask. We had attended their wedding a little over a year ago, and Nicoletta wouldn't stop talking about how charming he was.

"Wonderful, darling. He simply is the best. I know I was a little worried in the beginning, but we are starting to work out some of kinks, you could say."

"And does he want children any time soon?"

She shakes her head. "I don't think so. Astagio is the type to wait, I think."

"Well, that might be a good thing. I didn't expect it to be this sudden. It feels like I just won the selection yesterday."

"Oh, don't worry, you'll be a great mother, America."

"Let's hope so. I have my hands quite full already."

"You'll be fine."

Once we finish getting our nails and feet done, we head out to the garden to have some afternoon tea. Well, I have tea since I can't drink any of the concoctions that Nicoletta creates.

"It's quite beautiful out here, you know." She says.

"Thank you. We've put a lot of work into the gardens in recent years, you know."

She chuckles. "I still like the Italian palace better."

"Of course you do. And I know that the property is much more vast, isn't it?" I say light-heartedly.