Project: Karma

57 | Don't Jinx It.

<Kaede>
I-I knew it, yet it still this baffles me! I'm pregnant! Sugino will faint if he hears this! Hahaha, I can't wait to tell him when he comes home tonight!

I swung my legs as I sat on the closed toilet seat and waved the pregnancy test in the air. I can't wait to tell Nagisa too! Just imagine our kids playing together and such! Picnics and family vacations.

I'm glad though. I didn't give up on Sugino and my love for him. If I had left it all back then, this wouldn't have happened. I'm lucky that I was able to grab Sugino's heart completely. It wasn't until the time I was hospitalized that the stars finally to align altogether. Other than that, our relationship beforehand was just average. Dates, hand holding, and all that lovey-dovey stuff.

"Ah! I have to get changed!" As I stumbled upon my own two feet, I leapt into my walk-in closet. I couldn't control how overwhelmed I was. I want Nagisa to be the first one I tell!
••••••
<Nagisa>
For first time in so long, Shizuka had visited me. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked like he lost a little weight. I have not seen her since that day.

"Nagisa, look at you." She almost lost her composure over the fact that she saw my baby bump. "I'm sorry I couldn't have come sooner..." She began to weep silently.

"Shi, please don't say that." I gestured my arms and she inched closer and hugged me. "Shi you've lost weight. Are you sure that you're fine?" I asked.

Shi wiped her eyes with her hand and shook her head. I don't know what she's been through but, maybe there's a reason why she didn't visit me before.

"Nagisa, there's something that I've been meaning to tell you." She held my hands and sat on the hospital bed. Without any pauses or hesitations she confessed, "I was the one who unlocked Death's lab restraints. He escaped from his dome because of me."

"W-what?"

Something weird and strange wanted me to let go of Shi's hands right away but, I can't do that. She'll misunderstand me, no...I've misunderstood her. I strengthen my grip and looked directly into her eyes. I hated it for a second that I was going to reject her.

"C-can you tell me why?" I was still afraid for an answer however, I needed to give her a chance to explain herself. From there that will determine everything.

"I was supposed to go hand documents over to Koro-sensei about the shut down of Project Death. I went there and noticed that he was in a meeting by the note on his desk. As I was about to leave, Death caught my attention and spoke to me. He looked weak but I was terribly wrong." Shi didn't look like she was able to speak further, there was suffering in her eyes.

"Shi, it's okay. You're safe now." I assured, "Death is gone."

"Yeah." Shi sighed and continued, "he managed to hack into the laboratory settings and lock me in. He held my family hostage and threatened to kill them if I didn't release him." She explained.

"H-huh? How did he get to them?!"

"My house had security cameras and he tapped into it. They were all confined in the basement and he said he was going to blow them up. I'm sorry Nagisa I didn't know he was going after you and Karma." Her head hung in self disappointment and apologized. "I'm really sorry Nagisa it's all my fault." She crossed her arms and bit her lip, trying to retain her emotions.

"You didn't know and I can't blame you for protecting your family." I tried to console her, "I'm not dead am I?" I reached for her arm and she finally gazed into my eyes.

"You're too kind Nagisa, you're too kind." Shi leaned in and embraced me, "I'm sorry..."

I patted her head and couldn't find a reason to despise her. People make mistakes, no ones perfect. Including me, I should know that.
••••••
Not long after Shi had left, Kaede had come bringing pastry treats. Kaede wore an orange sundress where the sleeves had frilled out. The bright aura she possessed lifted me from the conversation I had with Shi earlier.

"Nagisa, I have big news." She clung to me.

"Tell me." I giggled.

"I'm pregnant." She stuck her arms in the air and laughed, "I'm pregnant with Sugino's child!"

"Whaa?!" I don't know what kind of expression I made but, I was booming with cheerfulness. "That's great! Better than great! Kaede, I'm so happy for you!" She hugged me with delight and satisfaction.

"Does Sugino know?" I brought up.

She shook her head.
"Not yet, I wanted to tell you first." She pinched my cheeks.
"Awe, Kaede..." I got emotional over the fact that Kaede still had put me first. She really is an amazing woman.

"When he comes home tonight, I'll surprise him. I wonder what kind of face he'll make?" Kaede plopped over the bed and laid on my legs, her hair scattering around the white sheets.

"Speechless..." I thought.

"Yeah, he'll faint I bet." Kaede teased.

Both Kaede and I sat their silently as time went by. There was no need for words and it didn't make anything awkward. We both shared the implied bliss that illuminated us completely.
•••••••
<Koro-sensei>
The tapping of the computer keys happened to wake up Aguri who was sleeping in our bedroom. She proposed that I would finish up my work in the room, rather than in the study an hour beforehand.

"Sorry, I'm almost done Aguri."

"No, it's alright." She sat up and rubbed her eyes, "still working on that, aren't you?"

"Yeah, it will take me awhile. I'm not sure when this will be completed." I sighed.

"You need to rest, it's not good for your health." She thoughtfully nagged me, "come to bed."

I ended up yielding to her words, turned off the computer and lamp. I crawled into bed and sat beside Aguri and she kissed my cheek.

"Even if it takes years, just remember that it'll be worth it. You'll make her happy."

She was right and I've known that too but, time changes people. Would it be wrong to think that feelings change, after many years?