Silent Emily

New Girl

The weeks flew by and I found my belly growing bigger as the baby flourished inside of me.

Little kicks dotted my stretched skin and for once since I arrived I felt genuine happiness.

Axel was soft with me, sweet.

I was attracted to him. I knew that.

Those kind green eyes and the smell of his skin were intoxicating.

I hoped our child had those eyes like Axel and the twins.

Atticus turned 11 and Felix turned 12.

I was thankful Axel didn't think birthdays were special but I knew Valentine's day was around the corner.

Ethan, Felix and Axel worked on the farm during the day. After the breakfast dishes I would sit on the couch in the living room and read the stories that Axel brought home from his weekly trip to the town. The younger three sat on the ground around me as they looked at the images drawn in the stories and listened to my words.

Ivy and Cora was especially excited for another sibling and they always told me they hoped it would be a girl.

I secretly did too.

Ivy and Cora were kept away from the mess of the meat and everything else that went on outside the house walls. I wanted my child to have that same protection.

Later that evening Axel came in with some pork and made dinner. It was fairly tasty and we all sat around the table eating and talking.

After dinner Axel and I washed the dishes before heading up to our bedroom. We cuddled again, his hand sitting on my belly as our unborn kicked at his hand. We laughed together for awhile before Axel sat up and looked at me. One of his hands flicked a piece of my hair behind my ear and he kissed my forehead.

"I love you Emily."

His words dripped over my like honey and I felt my heart clench.
I swallowed as I put a hand on his face.

"I love you too Axel."

He stopped, his mouth hung open as he stammered on his words.

"Do you mean it?"

"Yes."

He kissed me again, this time on the lips. Our mouths moved against one another before he pulled away.

"Can I talk to you about something important Emily?" He asked me. His hand still on my belly as the baby kicked the warmth.
I nodded.

"Okay," He trailed off. "I don't want to hurt the baby so we haven't had sex in a few weeks."

I knew that. Axel was very gentle with me the bigger my belly grew.

"I want to do it." He said. His deep green eyes peering into mine.

"Let's do it then." I said smiling.

Axel shook his head and I know he saw the confusion that glazed over my face. "I can't hurt the baby Emily."

I sat up next to him. I studied his eyes as he looked over me. His hand moved off my belly and he ran it through his hair before putting it against the mattress.

Axel was well endowed. That was certain but from the books I read the baby was safe in my womb. It was like a wall that separated my body from it's in a way.

"I want to find someone to use until after you have it." He stated. His eyes searched mine, scanning back and forth both of them landing on each of my pupils.

"Then do it."

"Are you sure Emily? I hate to say this since you just said you loved me." His voice was raw and sad.