Divine Affinity

56

Eiry delicately slid the diamond rings onto her ears, adding a touch of subtle elegance to her sober attire. Her outfit was a mix of elegance with her own touch of simplicity. She was wearing a black dress with a hint of lace, perfect for the memorial she was attending. On her feet though, she wore a pair black and white Adidas. As she prepared for the event, Eiry reached for her favorite perfume, but a sudden shiver ran down her spine at the familiar scent. She decided to forgo it, not wanting any distractions during the memorial, especially with the press likely to be there. Turning around in front of the mirror, Eiry assessed her appearance with a critical eye. She knew eyes would be on her, judging every move she made since she would be Eddie's date. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and schooled her features into a mask of composure when deep inside she was falling apart.

"Ok..." She gasped, taking a last look in the mirror. Eiry turned and turned and then nodded, satisfied.

Eiry quietly walked out of their bedroom and into the living room of their suite, where she found Eddie standing by the window, gazing out at the city below. She paused in the doorway, watching him intently, knowing he was lost in his own thoughts. Hands in the pockets of his black jeans, motionless, not even acknowledging her presence. She could sense the weight of the memorial lingering in his mind, along with the possibility of her pregnancy. She wondered what turmoil was brewing in his thoughts as she observed him from a distance. The night before, Eddie had insisted they stop by a pharmacy to buy a test, but she refused to do it when they came back to the hotel. The mere thought of taking that test filled her with fear, and she wasn't ready to confront the truth just yet. However, she had taken it that morning without telling him and then hid it behind the towels. Eiry tiptoed towards him, and she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, feeling his warmth against her body. Eddie turned slightly, surprised by her sudden embrace, only to be met with Eiry's soft lips pressing gentle kisses on his cheek.

"Are you ready?" She asked as she continued to kiss him.

Eddie closed his eyes, savoring the tender moment, relishing the feeling of Eiry's affection enveloping him. He let out a contented sigh, his heart brimming with warmth and gratitude for her by his side.

"I am. You?" He then asked.

As Eiry continued to shower him with light kisses. Eddie turned around, pulling her close into a warm embrace.

"How are you, boo?" She asked as he kissed her lips. Eiry looked in his eyes. "Are you sure you wanna go?"

"Yes." He nodded.

"Because if you're not, people will understand." Eiry insisted. "You barely slept..."

"I know, and I feel tired..." He scratched his eyes with the tip pf his fingers. "...but I know I need to do this. I need to be part of it." Eiry nodded, strayed and enlaced her fingers with his. "Then, I think it's time to go." As she pulled him to walk, Eiry felt some resistance and looked back.

"Are you ok?" He asked, taking a step closer. "I heard you in the bathroom."

"I feel fine." Eiry nodded.

"We should know, love." Eddie insisted. "It's worse if we're here just guessing. You didn't have much sleep either."

"I wanna wait." Eiry gazed at her feet, and he sensed her nervous. She started fidgeting with her fingers.

"Hey..." He pulled her face up, holding her under her chin seeing how her eyes were watered. "Are you afraid? Is that it?" Eiry nodded, biting her lower lip. "It's ok, love." He pecked her twice. "It's ok." Then, he pulled her for a tight embrace, and they held for a few seconds in absolute silence. Eddie kissed the top of her head again and again, and then he pulled away. "We really need to go."