Sketchpads and Guitars

Chapter 15

Mary has been lying on the couch for half an hour as she counts the movement of her baby in her belly. It won't be long now before she delivers her child and she couldn't be more excited and afraid at the same time. She watches the snow fall from the window as she feels another wriggling of her baby, a little while later she can see a protruding little foot that is making itself visible on the upper side of her belly. She gives it a gentle tap as it retreats but reappears seconds later, Mary lets out a giggle.

"hey there little darling" she said, amusement emanating from her voice

She's 8 months pregnant now and her baby is still as lively as ever, she's been told to expect less movement as the baby grows larger allowing minimal movements in her cramped uterus but it doesn't stop her baby from making its presence known. A few months ago, they found out that they're going to have a baby girl and her and Francis could not get any happier, not to mention the soon to be grandmothers; Marie de Guise and Catherine demanded that they be updated weekly of the baby's development. Mary of course, could not help but oblige, she's more than happy to tell them about the baby especially when they have been more than helpful to her, giving her advises here and there and Catherine visits twice or thrice a month to ensure her and the baby's well-being. Francis on the other hand, has been so supportive and caring about her pregnancy. There's been at least a dozen times when Francis went to the store—often during ungodly hours—just to satisfy Mary's odd cravings, he has missed class just so he can accompany Mary for her appointments and check-ups with the doctor his mother has recommended. He's always there when Mary needs him, even when she gets all grumpy and moody because of her pregnancy. And even when he's tired from both work and school, he still manages to make time for her and their child, oftentimes, he massages Mary's hands and feet when they swell, and cook for Mary when she can't. Just like today, Francis has went to the mall to buy Christmas presents for their friends and family and though she insisted on coming with him, Francis suggested that it'd be better if she'll stay at home especially now when she feels breathless more often than not.

It's been almost 4 hours when Francis left and Mary is already becoming impatient in their flat, she glances at the clock and opted to continue counting her baby's movements instead, the babe has moved ten times for the past hour causing Mary to be wide awake even when the cold weather lulls her to sleep. Several minutes passed and she hears a car approaching their driveway, she gets up slowly as she rubs her belly to calm the babe.

"your dad's here!" she said to her daughter, a smile showing on her face

Mary can see Francis emerging from the car and carrying some things he brought from the store. He immediately beams as he sees Mary on the window, his smile never failing to make her heart skip a beat.

"got the presents!" Francis says as Mary opens the door for him

"took you long enough" Mary teased as she placed a soft kiss on his lips, she can feel him smile as she captured his lips on hers

"I hope you didn't get too bored, there were so many people at the mall doing there last minute Christmas shopping, the cue was too long" Francis said, faking annoyance in his voice while still smiling at Mary

"sounds awful" Mary says almost sympathizing with her fiancé

"hmmm" Francis hums as he places another tender kiss on Mary's lips

"how about you, what did you do for the past hours?" Francis said after they pulled apart, he placed the gifts under the Christmas tree that is almost taller than him.

"well, the usual; I counted our baby's movements" Mary said, sounding amused

"and?" Francis said picking up the amusement in her voice