Chapter 19 - Allen Smith (The End)

2 1 2
                                    

A couple of months later, Clara and I have transitioned into married life. We got the occasional surprises learning new things about each other as we live together in the same house, but nothing unpleasant. On the contrary, it was both funny and entertaining. She had certain habits at home. I would find her shooting crumpled papers into trash bins while she's working on drafts and she mutters like a basketball announcer. She likes to use chopsticks when we're having noodles. She enjoys cutting up peppers to spice up the food we're eating and then exclaims about the spiciness. What I enjoy the most is when we sit side by side while reading different books. I enjoy the occasional silence and her closeness. Sometimes I get distracted that I end up distracting her, too, especially when we're on the bed.

One morning, she ran to the sink while we're having breakfast. She retched and puked. It didn't look serious, though. She was fine within minutes and we finished breakfast. When it happened again a couple of days later, I asked her to get a checkup.

"Want me to go with you?"

"What for?"

"You could be pregnant." As soon as I said it, I watched as her face paled.

I pulled her into my arms as I ask, "Clara, what's wrong? Don't you want kids?"

I frowned. We haven't talked about it yet. She shook her head with a lopsided smile.

"Isn't it too soon, though?" She looked worried. We stared for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry. I should've used protection. I already figured you weren't on the pill." I ran a hand through my hair in worry but I saw her smiling, then.

"So, you want kids?" She asked and I kissed her before answering in the affirmative.

"But aren't we too young to become parents?" I see now what she's worried about.

"We'll figure it out, sooner or later. This is just sooner than later."

She contemplated on that before lightly laughing.

"We aren't even sure yet." She relaxed after that, but I'm afraid she would get anxious again when it's confirmed.

"I'll be with you every step of the way. How hard could it be? I'll buy us some good books to read." She stared at me for three seconds before laughing openly.

"That's your solution? Read books."

"It's theoretical knowledge. It would be helpful even if just a little bit. I'm sure I wouldn't be completely calm in the face of a wailing baby." I admitted that it makes me nervous, too. But there was more excitement than fear.

"Of course, I'm sure it's different for you since you'll be carrying the baby inside you for months." I have to acknowledge that we're feeling differently about it.

"Should I schedule an appointment for Saturday?" She asked and I shook my head.

"Why don't we go now?" She rolled her eyes at my question.

"I have work to do and you have to go to the office. It can wait."

"I can't wait, though."

She playfully slapped my cheek. "What if I'm not pregnant? It could be something I ate or just nerves since I'm working on a big project. My stomach keeps churning these days."

"We'll see. But if you are not pregnant, do you want to hold off having kids?" I think we should be clear on this now.

"How about a couple of years?" She asked timidly.

"And if you are pregnant, are you sure you're fine with it?" I can't help but get worried. Her expression earlier was engraved in my head.

"You looked excited about it. I'll be happy if it makes you happy."

I guess my own expression didn't escape her notice. If this was a few years back, I would never have guessed that I'll be able to meet someone so understanding.

I captured her lips and was rewarded by hearing her moans.

"Don't get me pregnant now." She rasped against my lips. I smiled at her thought.

"I don't have condoms in the house, though." She rolled her eyes at my admission.

"Go buy some later."

"We won't need them if you're already pregnant, though."

"I can toss them in the bin and reimburse you."

I could be late going to the office. She preferred working from home and visiting the office twice a week.

"I love you." I could feel her smile at hearing it. I deepened the kiss. She moaned my name this time.

"I love you, too."

###

I Need Your Warmth (Original, English Version)Where stories live. Discover now