Silent Eyes

26, Unexpected Doubts

The lights in the room were uncomfortably bright, almost blinding Monica as she lay on the hospital bed, shivering from the cold. Occasionally, she would glance over at Andreas, her face contorted in a frown. She despised being in hospitals; they held no appeal for her. It was frustrating how even a minor scratch could lead to hours of confinement, a mere band-aid serving as the resolution. They would charge exorbitant fees, and you would receive a bill amounting to thousands of dollars. However, Andreas had laughed, assuring her that they were in Greece now, where healthcare was free. There was nothing for her to worry about.

"Let's play a game," Monica said, crossing her arms. Andreas, who had been engrossed in his phone, lowered the screen and raised an eyebrow. "Alright, what would you like to play?" he smiled. "Let's guess how long it will take for the doctor to return," Monica replied. She then glanced at her watch, feigning surprise. "Oh, wow, it's already been an hour, hun!" Andreas rolled his eyes, exhaling as he reclined back. "Darling, just be patient."

Monica couldn't resist needling Andreas. She felt perfectly fine and had suggested postponing their visit to the hospital until she felt unwell. But Andreas was persistent, and now they sat in this sterile hospital room, waiting for a tardy doctor. Monica couldn't summon even a hint of a smile.

"I bet it was just a stomach bug," she said, turning towards Andreas. "Food poisoning usually takes several days to subside. And when Dr. Pappas returns with the test results, he will confirm that. Oh, the look on your face will be priceless." Finally, a smile crept onto Monica's face as she imagined Andreas' surprised expression upon hearing the doctor's diagnosis. Meanwhile, Andreas smiled, shaking his head slowly. "You've been acting rather unusual," he remarked.

She paused, frowning at him. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you're not usually this snappy," Andreas smirked. "I mean, did you forget what happened with Emil a few days back?" He continued, and Monica fell silent, perplexed. Andreas pressed on, chuckling. "You practically kicked out that poor waitress for simply talking to the man. I'm the one known for being rude, not you. Things are certainly taking an interesting turn." Finally, Monica grimaced at his words and spoke up. "First of all, I asked that woman to leave because she was openly flirting with Emil right in front of Irene. Emil is a jerk, and I won't tolerate any man treating my best friend like garbage," she retorted.

Andreas continued to chuckle, which increasingly grated on Monica's nerves. She shot him a harsh glare, and he raised his hands, still smiling unapologetically. "Okay, okay," he teased. "I'll back off." With that, they retreated to their respective spaces. Andreas returned to his phone, and Monica stubbornly stared at the wall. Finally, the door swung open, and Dr. Pappas entered, holding a clipboard in hand. "I apologize for the delay," he politely smiled.

Monica sat up, forcing a grin. "Ah, that's alright. So, what's wrong with me? I've been telling Andreas it was food poisoning. Was I right?" She playfully glanced over at her husband but was taken aback when the doctor responded, "No, it wasn't quite that." Confusion clouded her and Andreas as they turned their attention back to the doctor. Andreas beat her to the chase, asking, "Will she be alright?"

Dr. Pappas' smile widened, his joy evident. "She'll be more than alright." Andreas, now wearing a frown, stood up, his eyes becoming intense. Monica reached out to calm him, and at that moment, the doctor delivered the shocking news. "Mrs. Samaras is two weeks pregnant, sir." The words hit them like a whirlwind, leaving little time for reaction. Monica blinked, stammering, "T-Two weeks?" The doctor nodded slowly with a happy expression, and Monica released a long breath filled with disbelief. Gradually, a smile formed on her lips, and she whispered, "Wow. So, it turns out all this time, I was pregnant."

A wave of happiness washed over her, and Monica glanced down at her stomach. But her joy was cut short when she noticed Andreas' silence. Worried, she looked up at him, only to find his face devoid of a smile. Instead, it remained impassive, raising her concern. "Babe?" she said, her voice laced with anxiety. Dr. Pappas sensed the awkwardness and cringed, lowering his head. "I'll give you guys some space," he said, excusing himself from the room. Soon, it was just Monica and Andreas.

Monica reached out, gripping Andreas' hand, trying to bridge the growing distance between them. Finally, she broke the silence, her voice soft. "Is everything okay?" she anxiously asked, attempting to maintain her composure. However, beneath the surface, fear gripped her-fear that Andreas might not want the baby and that their relationship was now hanging in the balance. But she pushed those thoughts aside, speaking calmly. "Talk to me," she urged.

Andreas exhaled heavily, covering his face with his hands. Then he sat down, his blue eyes filled with sadness as he dropped his hands. "I'm happy," he said. Monica wasn't convinced, her fear gnawing at her. Swallowing hard, she shook, "No, you're not. Tell me what's on your mind." Running a hand through his hair, Andreas eventually opened up. "I am happy," he confessed. "I just... I don't know if I'll be a great dad."

He looked vulnerable, his gaze fixed on the floor, and Monica felt her tears welling up. With a quivering voice, she asked, "And why do you say that?" His eyes flickered up to meet hers. "I don't feel ready. What if I handle things wrong? What if I lose control and hurt them? Do you even see me as father material, Monica? Me playing with toys or dropping them off at school. Hell, I struggle with expressing my own emotions. How would I help them with something like that? Just look at me! I would be the worst father imaginable!"

Andreas ended his outburst by flailing his hands, only to let them drop, his shoulders slumping as he looked pitiful. Monica understood that he wasn't considering abandoning their child; he was simply overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. She smiled softly and reached out to him. "Baby, hold my hand," she said gently. Andreas hesitated but eventually clasped her hand, and she squeezed his tenderly. "Don't say that. You would be an amazing dad. That's why I'm here-to support you and help you through any challenges. Together, we can raise a healthy and happy baby, Andreas. So please, don't beat yourself up."

He continued to gaze at the floor, but she tugged at him, drawing his attention. "Andreas, look at me." His eyes returned to meet hers, and she smiled sweetly, tilting her head slightly. In her mind, she could already see Daddy Andreas bouncing their baby in his strong arms, showering them with little gifts, and FaceTiming them during his business trips. Maybe he wasn't the type to play with toys or speak in a sentimental way, but she wanted him to understand that he would be a protector, and that meant everything.

"You take such good care of me," she reassured him. "You always watch out for my well-being, and you know what's best for my safety. Do you think you can't do the same for our child?" She chuckled, gradually seeing the tension in Andreas' gaze ease. "Andreas, you would be an incredible father because you already possess that instinct to protect. And you have the financial stability to provide for them. I know you would love them, and they would love you, just like I do."

A small smile formed on Andreas' face, perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed by his earlier doubts. Leaning forward, they kissed, and his blue eyes focused on Monica's. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have..." But Monica silenced him with another kiss, shaking her head as she giggled. "It's fine, you're just worried. But baby, you've got this, and so do I. Together, we're going to be extraordinary parents."

Andreas relaxed, comforted by Monica's words, and he exhaled deeply. "You're right. We'll be the best parents, my queen."

"So," Monica smirked, pulling away playfully. "Want to bet it's a princess?" Andreas joined in her little game, a grimace crossing his face. "Nope, a prince." The two began to playfully bicker about the gender of their baby as they made their way out of the hospital. Andreas' fear had vanished and he now felt ready to embrace the future as a newfound father.