Annie knew losing her baby would happen. She prepared herself for that moment. Even after all the trouble, she couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness now. It's been a week since the passing and she was currently at her check up with Hanji.
"How are you today Annie?" She asked with a sincere face.
"Fine."
Hanji sighed. That was the best answer she was going to get from her. "Well. Zoe's birthday is tomorrow. She'll be happy if both you and Armin showed up."
Annie had a sad smile on. "Of course."
"Listen, Annie. I think of all of you as my own children at times. It hurts me to see you like this and Levi as well, even if he doesn't show it. But, things like this happen. At least you knew it was going to come unlike most mothers who are surprised by the event." Hanji hugged her and stood up to leave the house. "I'll see you tomorrow."
The door closed over an hour ago.. Annie stared at her hands for the longest time as Hanjis words got to her. She was always the one to give her some solid advice. Why be depressed? I knew this was going to happen. It just sucks when you start enjoying the feeling of your baby growing and for it to be jerked away from your hands just like that.
"I have to be strong." Annie said as she sat in the same chair. "For myself, Armin, and my family."
It must have been longer than an hour because Armin walked through the same doors Hanji just left by. "Annie I'm ho-.. Hey? Are you alright?" He placed his bag on the ground and kneeled in front of her.
"Yeah, why?"
"Annie. You're crying."
I've been crying? Was I crying this whole time without realizing it? She placed her fingers on her cheek and felt the wet tears. "But. I'm fine."
Armin held her hand. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
His instincts said that wasn't the whole story but decided to let it go for now. "Okay then.." He stood up and headed to the kitchen. "I'm going to start on supper. What are you hungry for? Because we have a lot of butter to use."
Annie giggled for the first time that whole week.
.
Both walked into the backyard of Hanji and Levi's cabin. Zoe is turning 4 today. The little girl was always serious. Sure she looked like her mom but had the attitude of a Levi. Her beautiful brown hair was in a side braid and she had the biggest frown so far.
"Hey kiddo! What's wrong?" Armin asked when he first caught a glimpse of her.
She sighed then pointed to Liam. He seemed to be having the time of his life right now. Playing with the other kids from school.
Armin stared questionably at Zoe. "..uhh.. What's wrong exactly?"
"He's annoying."
Annie smiled at the two. Armin always had a connection with kids. His gentle nature was admirable and something she loves about him. While she.. Well. Scared away the kids with her 'bitchy' face at times. Hey? It's who she is.
"Armin. I'm going to go see Mikasa." She turned to Zoe. "Happy Birthday Zoe."
Annie seen that her friend was sitting at a table with the rest of the girls. "Hello Annie." Mikasa greeted.
"Hey." She replied while taking a seat next to all of them.
Sasha was munching on bread from her bag. She never changes, no matter how old she gets. "How's your day?!"
Annie sighed and stared at the table. "It's good, so far. I'm feeling a bit old at Zoe's 4th birthday party."
"I know right?! We were only 15 when she was born!" Christa exclaimed.
Thus, the conversation and party went with a bang. Everyone had a great time with the family as they celebrated their daughters birthday.
It was late night when all the children went home and left the adults sitting outside at a table. Annie enjoyed today, no doubt but, the mere thought at the possibly that she will never experience this lingered in her mind. The feeling of spending your child's birthday with friends and family was not in her future.
"So.. Annie." Hanji leaned in to the blonde. "How are you handling the loss?" Everyone around the table got quiet. A mix in between awkwardness and curiosity was in the air.
Levi jumped in right away. "Hanji, I don't think-"
"-it's fine." Annie interrupted. "I'm doing better than okay. We all knew this was coming." She nodded at Hanji.
"Well. Your friends have your back. Every step of the way, Annie." Christa said.
Reiner then went to ruffle Annie's hair. "Yeah! And we can't wait to see you back on the field tomorrow! Instead of those boring small offices."
Armin perked his head up in defiance. "Hey now. It's not as bad as you think guys!" All of them
laughed.
"I barely lasted an hour before throwing the papers all over!" Eren chuckled. "Yeah, it's pretty boring Armin."
"Whatever.." The blonde muttered while brushing some long hairs out of his face.
Annie seen that he was pouting so she leaned over and gave his a quick peck on the cheek. He immediately felt better then held her hand underneath the table.
Mikasa stood up next and bluntly said, "Eren and I are having a child together." She sat back down and took a drink of her tea.
Everyone around the table all looked at Eren in shock, then back to Mikasa. Eren actually had the capability to conceive a kid?! The dense, anger-fueled idiot?!
"WHAT?!" They all said.
The girls got excited over the baby news. Causing Mikasa to blush over such attention. Guys were congratulating the father and often telling him not to fuck up.
Annie gave her friend a big hug. "I'm so glad you can finally experience it."
"Are you okay though? About the baby?" She asked.
Annie nodded with a slight smile. "Of course. I'm just happy that I had the chance. I'll move on."
