ꨄThe Debutanteꨄ

133.

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Nine Months Pregnant

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The ninth month. The last month that Anika would be experiencing her pregnancy. She was beyond ecstatic, but her heart was also filled with so much nervousness as she anticipated the day that her daughters would tell her that they were ready to come into the world.

But, in all honesty she was also anticipating the day because it would mean that would mean getting rid of the constant kicking between the girls from fighting for their own space, back pain, waddling around, the swollen feet, the swollen face, the exhaustion, struggle to stand, and food rejection.

Lori however, was still mildly on edge. She was calm for a while after the gender reveal, but her caution picked up again the closer the due date came. Although, Anika was happy to see how much fun she was having at the baby shower and decorating the nursery. Sometimes, she would stand behind her and lift up her stomach for a little while so that she could get some relief.

This morning, she helped her out of the bed as usual and eased her down the stairs to the kitchen. "Take it step by step...you can't see your feet anymore.." Lori joked, helping Anika slowly down each stair while holding her hand tightly.

"I got it, I got it..." She said, and once she reached the sink she immediately started to prepare herself a glass of water. While she stood there drinking from the glass, she felt Lori place her hands onto her stomach.

"You know, when I drink water and they're asleep, they move a little after feeling it. I think it surprises them." Said Anika. Lori stared at her stomach. "That always happened to me when I was pregnant with Jamal. I had to start drinking warm water because if it was anything below room temperature he acted like he was in the North Pole." Lori said, and Anika laughed.

"They really liked you reading to them last night." Anika said. "You mean the contract we made for us and Andre?" Lori asked. "It's still reading..." Anika said, shrugging. "You know, I'm really glad that you had a new feeling towards the idea of us working alongside Andre. I'm glad you agreed." Lori said.

"As long as we step foot into Empire as little as possible, I'm good. Plus, I think it might be a pretty good idea to have something of our own. I like the idea of being my own boss." Anika explained. "See...? Exactly." Lori replied. "I also can't stop thinking about how you're due in three days." Lori said.

"I can. Because I can't wait. My body can't take them beating each other up anymore." Anika laughed. Lori stared into her eyes for a few moments before grabbing her hand and kissing her lips.

"And I also can't wait to have your body back." She whispered. "You freaky woman...!" Anika said. "Oh, wait I just remembered something. I need you to go to the store and get those shelves for the nursery. I completely forgot...!" Said Anika.

"You mean those shelves from that store we visited last month? Anika that's in the other side of town...!" Lori asked. "Yes." Anika replied. "If you're sure you want them, then I'll go. I don't know how long it'll take for me to get back, though." Said Lori.

"It's fine, I'll be sleeping practically the entire day. I'm tired, still." Complained Anika. "Alright, alright. I'll go. It's no problem. Hopefully I can get done putting it together tonight." Lori said.

...

About 30 minutes later, Lori was almost at her destination. Meanwhile, Anika was eating some chocolate and waddling around the house. She turned on some TV, staring at a fitness channel. "I definitely need to do that..." She said, watching the coach do a Zumba style dance. Anika started to try to match the movements.