CLOSE TO YOU • jp + sb [1]

02.04 | A BABY?

CHAPTER FOUR

     OCTOBER had wrapped itself around the world with a crisp chill and a vibrant display of autumn leaves. Inside their cozy apartment, Selyna had been struggling with an unsettling discomfort. Mornings were particularly harsh, often starting with a queasy stomach that sent her rushing to the bathroom. Certain foods, once her favourites, now held a nauseating appeal that she couldn't quite shake off. Though she had suspected the cause of her ailments for some time, she found herself hesitating to confirm her worries or share them with James.

Every day seemed to present a new challenge as she tried to navigate the changes in her body and emotions. The idea of a baby, while heartwarming and exciting, also felt overwhelming. The thought of a new life, a tiny person who would be a blend of her and James, brought both a thrill and an anxiety that she struggled to reconcile.

This particular morning, after another bout of vomiting, Selyna emerged from the bathroom feeling weak and emotionally drained. James, who had been anxiously pacing outside the door, followed her movements into the kitchen. His face was etched with worry, his concern palpable.

"What's going on, Selyna?" James asked, his voice a mix of frustration and fear. "You've been sick for weeks. You're clearly hiding something from me."

Selyna leaned against the sink, her hands trembling as she looked up at him. She had hoped to avoid this conversation, but the time had come. Her heart raced, and her eyes filled with tears as she met his concerned gaze.

"I—I think I know what's wrong," she said, her voice cracking. "James, I believe I'm pregnant."

The words hung in the air, a declaration that brought both relief and trepidation. James's eyes widened in shock, then quickly transformed into a look of unbridled joy. He took a step closer to her, his hands reaching out as if he couldn't quite believe what he had just heard.

"We're having a baby?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he were afraid to speak the words out loud.

"Yes," Selyna replied, her voice breaking with emotion. "James, we're having a baby."

The joy in James's eyes was unmistakable. Without a word, he swept Selyna into his arms, lifting her off the ground in a joyous embrace. The gesture was full of love and celebration, a physical manifestation of the happiness that was radiating from him. He spun her around in the small bathroom, their laughter mingling with tears.

James set her down gently and cupped her face in his hands. "I can't believe it," he said, his eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. "This is the best news ever. I can't wait to tell everyone!"

Selyna laughed through her tears, the relief of finally sharing her news with James washing over her. His excitement was contagious, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The future seemed a little less daunting now that she had shared it with the person she loved most.

James leaned in and kissed her deeply, a passionate affirmation of their shared joy. "We're going to be parents," he said, his voice filled with awe and excitement. "I can't wait to start this new chapter with you."

Selyna nodded, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the certainty of their commitment to each other and their future. "Me neither," she said softly, her heart swelling with love and anticipation.

The couple stood in the kitchen, holding each other tightly, their worries fading in the light of their shared joy. The journey ahead was sure to be challenging, but they faced it together, ready to welcome the new life they had created.