The training room buzzed with a chaotic mix of energy and sound, the air filled with the sharp scent of sweat and determination. I had pushed myself hard over the past few days, channeling my anxieties into my training with Carlos while grappling with the growing realization that my body was changing. Each punch I threw seemed to echo the turmoil inside me, but today was different. Today, I had made up my mind—I would finally tell him.
As we squared off, Carlos's gaze was steady, unwavering, like a rock in a raging river. I felt a spark of confidence as I prepared to throw a punch aimed directly at his chest, focusing on the moment, determined to show him how strong I could be. I would tell him about the baby after this sparring session. After all, he deserved to know, especially after everything we had been through.
But just as I pulled my fist back, a sudden, sharp pain surged through my abdomen, fierce and unforgiving. It felt as if someone had lodged a knife in my gut. I staggered back, gasping for air. "Carlos..." I managed to croak out, my voice barely above a whisper.
His eyes widened in alarm. "Lilith?" he called, but the world around me began to spin, darkening at the edges. The pain washed over me like a wave, overwhelming and relentless, and just like that, everything faded into black.
When I came to, I was in my room, the familiar surroundings a stark contrast to the chaotic sensations that had engulfed me just moments ago. I blinked against the light filtering through the curtains, confusion clouding my thoughts. Where was Carlos? Panic surged through me, tightening my chest.
I tried to sit up, but the dull ache in my abdomen reminded me of the pain I had just experienced. As I moved, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, and Carlos stepped inside, his expression a mix of concern and relief.
"Lilith!" he exclaimed, rushing to my side. But as he turned toward me, I saw the anger twisting his features, and it sent a chill down my spine.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he shouted, his voice filled with a mix of fear and fury. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"
His words hit me like a physical blow, and I shrank back against the pillows, the tears spilling from my eyes before I could stop them. "I—I wanted to tell you," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I just didn't know how..."
"Just what?" he cut in, frustration boiling beneath the surface. "You thought it was a good idea to keep this from me? You could have hurt yourself—hurt the baby!"
The crushing weight of his accusations bore down on me, and I could feel the panic rising again. I couldn't handle it; I couldn't breathe. "I'm sorry," I managed to whisper, the words barely escaping my lips.
The air in the room felt thick with tension, and as I fought to regain control of my emotions, the urge to throw up suddenly overwhelmed me. "I—I need to go!" I gasped, darting from the bed toward the bathroom.
I barely made it to the toilet before I doubled over, the contents of my stomach spilling forth in violent heaves. The cold porcelain felt like a refuge as I rested my cheek against the seat, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had ruined everything—that Carlos would hate me now for what I had done.
"Lilith!" he called from outside the bathroom, his voice trembling with urgency. "Please, open the door!"
"Go away!" I shouted back, my voice cracking as I struggled to regain control. "Just leave me alone!"
"Lilith, please," Gabriel urged from the hallway. "We just want to help you."
"Help?" I spat, bitterness seeping into my voice. "You want to help? You both just saw what I am—a failure! I didn't tell him, and now he hates me."
"Lilith, that's not true," Carlos said, his voice softer now, tinged with desperation. "I'm not angry at you. I'm scared. Just come out, please."
I pressed my forehead against the cool tiles, feeling utterly lost. I didn't want to face him. Not like this.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally mustered the courage to lift my head. I could hear their voices just outside the door, low and hesitant. They were talking about me, discussing my situation as if I were some fragile object about to shatter.
"I can't lose her, Gabriel," Carlos said, his voice raw. "I won't let that happen."
"You won't," Gabriel reassured him. "But you need to give her space to breathe. She's scared, Carlos. Just like you."
Their conversation broke through the fog of my despair, and I realized that I didn't want them to worry about me. I slowly pushed myself up, the nausea subsiding slightly as I collected myself.
"Lilith?" Carlos's voice was softer now, filled with concern.
Taking a shaky breath, I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and stood, legs wobbling slightly beneath me. I approached the door, hesitating before I spoke. "I'm... I'm coming out," I said, my voice hoarse.
There was a moment of silence before I heard the sound of their footsteps rushing back. I turned the lock, and as I opened the door, the sight of Carlos and Gabriel standing there made my heart flutter with anxiety.
Carlos's expression shifted from one of terror to relief, though the anger still lingered behind his eyes. "Lilith..." he started, his voice barely a whisper.
"Carlos," I interrupted, my voice trembling. "I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you, I really did. I just... I was scared."
"I know," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "But you have to promise me—no more secrets. I can't protect you if you don't let me in."
Tears brimmed in my eyes again as I nodded. "I promise," I whispered, my heart aching at the gravity of my words. "I promise, no more secrets."
He stepped closer, his gaze intense but softened with understanding. "Good. Because I'm here for you, Lilith. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
I felt the warmth of his presence wrap around me, an anchor amidst the storm raging within. And for the first time since this whirlwind had begun, I felt a flicker of hope sparking in my chest.
As the weight of the moment settled over us, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotion wash over me. I leaned against him, the tears streaming down my cheeks as I clung to his shirt, finally allowing myself to break.
"I don't know what to do," I sobbed into his chest, the words spilling out like a dam had burst. "What if I'm not ready for this? What if I can't do it? What if—"
"Hey, hey, slow down," Carlos murmured, wrapping his arms around me tightly, grounding me in his warmth. "You're not alone. We'll figure this out together, I promise."
I breathed in his familiar scent, feeling the tension in my chest ease just a little. I could hear the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear, a reminder that I was still here, still whole, despite the chaos around me.
As I finally began to calm down, I pulled away, wiping my tears with the back of my hand, and looked up at him. I could see the worry etched on his face, the love mingled with fear, and I knew that we were both in uncharted waters.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice hoarse but full of sincerity. "For being here."
He smiled softly, his expression a mix of determination and tenderness. "Always, Lilith. We're in this together."
As I stood there, still wrapped in his embrace, I felt a flicker of hope igniting within me. Perhaps we could face this together after all.
