Divine Affinity

38

Eiry stood in the middle of the living room of their apartment, anxiously pacing back and forth. The faint sound of Eddie's voice could be heard on the other end of the phone as they embarked on a long-distance conversation. Eddie was on tour in Europe with his band, while Eiry was at home, preparing for her first appointment with the gynecologist, a significant step in her journey into motherhood. In their journey into parenthood. A baby they both wanted too much and maybe none of them thought it possible until then. Being far away was hard for both. Eddie wanted to be there with her. Be part of that journey from the get going. As she held the phone to her ear, Eiry looked around the room. The soft morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the wooden floor. Eiry's fingers instinctively traced the curved edge of the coffee table, a cherished piece of furniture they had picked together at a vintage store. She couldn't help but smile as a rush of memories flooded her mind - lazy Sunday mornings spent sipping coffee, laughter-filled dinner parties with friends, and heartfelt moments shared over a glass of wine.

Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled the branches of the trees in the park, causing a symphony of whispers that seemed to echo her thoughts. Eiry paused for a moment to admire the view, breathing in the peacefulness of the scene. The world seemed to stand still, for just a moment, as if the universe was granting her a perfect pause before the excitement and unpredictability of motherhood consumed her. With Eddie's voice as her comforting soundtrack, Eiry resumed her pace, her feet effortlessly gliding across the polished floor. She moved gracefully, almost floating, as she reached for her bag, double-checking that she had all the necessary documents for her appointment. The faint click of the zipper was drowned out by Eddie's lively anecdotes from the road, filling the room with an energy that transcended the distance between them.

"You sound so happy, boo." Eiry smiled as he laughed on the phone. "I'm so happy to hear you so light today."

"It was a great show with some stories to tell." Eddie sat on the bed. Legs crossed with the hash tray in front of him. A cigarette burning between his fingers. "I wish I was there with you..."

Every now and then, she gently cradled her still flat belly, feeling the flutter of anticipation as she imagined Eddie sharing this very moment with her. The miles that separated them were amplified by the nervousness in Eiry's eyes as she stood there, clutching her purse, ready to venture into the unknown on her own. Though he couldn't see it. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The fear she had to hear bad news was excruciating and at the same time, she felt hopeful.

"It's hard to believe that after all we've been through, I'm about to embark on this journey alone. I wish you were here with me too. I can't lie." She said softly.

"You won't be alone, love." He made a small pause to blow some smoke away. "Even though I can't physically be there with you, my heart will be right by your side. You are the strongest person I know, and I have complete faith in you." Eiry nodded as if he could see her, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I'm just so nervous, Ed. What if something goes wrong? What if I can't handle it?" Her lips trembling. Her fingers closing around the strap of her purse while the other held the phone strongly.

"We've dreamt about this for so long, love. We've imagined every scenario, every possibility. And no matter what happens, we'll face it together. Remember, you are never alone." Eiry let out a shaky laugh.

"A boy or a girl?" She giggled. Eddie smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Oh, I don't think I care..." He kept smiling. "But we always talked about Kai..."

"A little girl then." Eiry giggled. "With all the boys around her when she grows up."

"Oh, fuck no... no boys!" They laughed.