My Flower

𝐓 𝐖 𝐄 𝐍 𝐓 𝐘 𝐒 𝐈 𝐗

Two weeks later

"Thank you so much," I spoke, opening the door for the movers, I handed them the money and closed the door behind them. I leaned on the door, closed my eyes and took a deep breath, sliding down until my butt touched the floor.

My heart, beating out of control with each second that passed. Its been like this since I escaped, I'm constantly feeling like I'm being watched and it's impossible for me to talk to people how I used to.

I open my eyes and observe my apartment, the color scheme is dark, unlike my preferences of whites and pale yellows. I figured since I'd be raising kids here then there needed to be as little white as possible and I'd find a way to make the place feel like home regardless of the color pallet.

"This is to stressful," I muttered to myself.

I stood up when I heard the door bell ring, taking a deep breath before opening the door. When I opened the door I was greeted by the sight of my new neighbor, Joel.

"Oh! Hi...Joel," I spoke, awkwardly.

"Hi...sorry am I intruding? I can go if you'd—"

"No! Everything's fine Joel, I'm sorry it's just...an adjustment."

I cleared my throat and faked a smile, "Anyways, is there something you need?"

"I just wanted to see if you were settling in well...and if you'd maybe want to grab a bite to eat one day..."

"You can say no, of course!"

I let out a soft chuckle at his awkwardness, "No, I'd love to."

My words caused his eyes to widen and for him to let out a awkward laugh, "Great! So I'll um...go now..." he spoke, before running into his apartment; leaving me completely dumbfound.

I closed the door the moment Joel left my sight and walked into the bathroom to observe myself in the mirror. Letting out a sigh I grabbed the edges of the counter and stared at my reflection. Even though I wore light green contract's and bleached my hair, I was still recognizable. Too recognizable.

"Its fine, Catherine...you're free," I muttered to myself.

Oh god...I'm such a idiot why'd I agree to get dinner with Joel? I'm supposed to lay low.

You idiot...do you want to get caught?

I continued mentally cursing myself out until my stomach growled loudly and I began to fill sick with hunger. I headed into the kitchen and opened my fridge only to be met with the sight of it being completely empty. I let out a sigh then grabbed my keys, wallet and jacket then headed out.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"I can rest, finally..." I sighed, placing the last bag of groceries on the counter. I began unpacking everything and ordered the assortment of foods in my pantry and fridge, leaving out the items I'd use.

When I finished putting the items away, I coated two slices of bread with butter and placed that side face down on the pan, while the cooked I began shredding a piece of cheddar cheese.

I placed the shredded cheese onto a piece off bread and watched as it melted slightly. I lowered the heat on the stove and placed the other slice of bread onto the other, then flipped the grilled cheese over. I waited a minute before taking the sandwich off the pan and placing it onto a plate.

I grab a knife and cut the sandwich into four pieces. I can feel the warmth radiating through my fingers as I pick up a piece and take a bite. The melted cheese and the crunchy bread is the perfect combination, and I savor every bite.

"This is good," I spoke, looking down at my baby bump, softly smiling.

I let out a soft sigh and carried my plate to the living room, I turned the tv on and was about to change the channel until I heard the reporter say something that gained my attention.

"Andrew Saratoga, the eldest of the affluent family's death, was a ransom deal gone wrong according to his parents."

"Holy shit...so thats how he covered it up," I muttered to myself grabbing the remote to turn the tv off. Since day one I knew that this was a dangerous game but seeing how with the snap of his fingers Enzo can cover up the worst cases of meaningless torture. I can't help but wonder what he'd do to me, if he was to find me.

"God...dont think like that," I muttered to myself running my hands through my hair.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Two days later

The past two days have been amazingly calm, Joel and I have been talking a lot. I know I shouldn't build close relationships but it's impossible to avoid my neighbor and as much as I hate to admit it he makes everything less lonely and is fun to be around.

He'd even went out of his way to buy me a sewing machine and fabrics after I mentioned that I had a fashion degree and made some of my clothes.

I walked to my desk and sat at my sewing machine, carefully threading the needle. I pick up the small piece of fabric in my hands – it's a pale yellow cotton, perfect for making a baby onesie. I carefully cut the fabric, then pin it together and begin to sew.

The material moves smoothly through the machine, and I'm focused on creating perfect, tiny stitches. I take my time, making sure that each stitch is just right. I'm almost finished when I hear a soft coo coming from the corner of the room. I turn to find my little niece, watching me with wide eyes. I smile and pick her up, letting her play with the scraps of fabric while I finish the last few stitches.

I continued sewing until my phone ring, I grabbed my phone and answered the call.

"Hello?" I said.

"Hello, is this Aria Whelan?"

"This is her."

"Hi, Miss Whelan, I'm calling to remind you that you have an appointment with Dr. Li in an hour."

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Oh god! I've completely forgot about it that!

"Oh, okay," I said. "Thank you for the reminder. I'll be there in an hour."

"Great," the nurse said. "We'll see you then."

I hung up the phone and quickly began to get ready. I grabbed my purse and keys and rushed out the door.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

I nervously fidgeted in the waiting room, this is my first ultrasound. It felt like I had been waiting forever, but finally the nurse called my name and greeted me warmly then led me to the exam room. She told me to hop up onto the cold metal table and wrap the paper blanket around my waist. Then covered me with a sheet as she prepares the sonogram machine.

Minutes later the doctor entered the room and flashed me a warm smile, "Good evening, Miss Whelan," She spoke, heading to the sink to wash her hands.

"Good evening, Dr. Li," I responded, reciprocating a smile.

I laid on my back while the doctor explained the procedure. Moments later, she put a cold gel on my belly and moves the transducer around to get the image. I close my eyes and take in the sound of the beating of my heart, before the sound of Doctor Li gasping filled my ears, gaining my attention.

I turn to face her and saw her beaming with a smile, "What is it..." I asked. Doctor Li pointed at the screen and I cluelessly looked at it until I saw two heads instead of one.

I let out a gasp, "Is that—"

Doctor Li nodded smiling, "It is, you're having twins."

A/N: I'm so sorry for how long it took for me to update <3