Our Bodyguard|18+

Sixty-three

Mia

“How is everyone treating you?” Sophie Diaz pries over the phone.

“Better than I expected.” I slip my feet into a pair of white flip flops laying on the rug. “Red is on my side, William is a darling, so… all is well.”

“William… the abuelo?” Mom asks.

“Yeah. And he’s so sweet, Mom! I wish I had a grandfather too.” I push my lazy ass away from the bed after the long eventful night with Red who got up so early today.

I wonder what he's up to. Could he be working out over a jog or something? It's been a while since he had his normal routine, the same as yours truly. In fact, I feel a little inspired since I arrived here for some reason, artistic-wise, and maybe I can try to scribble some designs for fun since I'm not sure if I still have it in me with everything going on.

Sophie mutters some incoherent Spanish sarcasm about the grandfather speech before saying, “I'm glad to hear that, but if you think you are not happy, mija, just come back home. Your family misses you and we wish you were here for the holidays.”

My heart wilts at the sound of her lovelorn voice. I miss them too, so much it hurts me right now, and the New Orleans holiday traditions like the tea parties, the christmas parade, the jazz music, and my favorite réveillon feast. I’m missing a lot.

“I'll be there for the New Year festivities,” I tell her, the thought unplanned as I haven't even discussed it with Red. “I miss you all too but I need to be with my child's father right now and I hope you understand, Mom.” I yawn tiredly and it’s only the start of the day.

“Of course, I do. Say hi to Red for me,” Mom acquises.

“I will.” I stretch the window curtains apart and gentle sunlight pools in. And there I see my man, wearing black shorts, a white T-shirt and running shoes, but he's not alone. Into the phone I utter, “Is it okay if I call you later, Mom?” 

“Si. Take care, honey. Te quiero mucho.”

“Gracias. I love you too, Mom,” I reply absentmindedly, watching Red hugging a woman who seems overjoyed to see him.

Who is she, though? I’m utterly curious.

She seems to be my age, more or less, and Red is smiling brighter than the sun which makes me wonder how they're related. Before I jump into any conclusion, however, I stride away and dispose of my phone on the bed. Sluggishly, I whip off my night dress and force myself into the bathroom for a shower. Surprise hits me each time I see my belly getting harder and bloated and it’s as though I’m changing every other day.

But I love it.

I smile all the way through the bathroom mirror and whisper, “Buenos dias, little bean,” while patting my little belly.

Laughter echoes through the walls as soon as I make it out of the bedroom. A few knocks at the door stops me wholeheartedly in my tracks, follwed by a rather ceremonious woman's voice asking if she can come in. I don't answer right away, but eventually I do it warily because I also hear Red tell whoever it is that I'm probably still asleep and I shouldn't be bothered.

“Hold on a second,” I say loudly.

“See? She's awake,” the woman speaks up behind the door. “Hey, sis-in-law. Sorry to bother you but I really, really, really need to see you or else I'm gonna faint from all the excitement,” she adds, talking to me I assume.

With my bathrobe on, I reach for the door and swing it open. A curly, raven haired woman, bubbly from the very first glance of her fair-skinned face with a touch of soft goth makeup, stands tall beside Red and grins giddily at me. Unsure of how to react, I just smile while sweeping my gaze between her and my man who's wearing an apologetic look of I-had-no-choice-baby.