Renewing our Vows

Chapter 9: I love you

Norma's POV

***

For a moment, I can't think of a way to respond. I feel so selfish because as happy as I am for them, I still can't resist the jealousy that washes over me. Alex tenses up beside me, but he is much quicker with his response. Much better at covering up what he's feeling.

"Oh you guys, that's incredible news!" he says, standing up and hugging Emma before patting Dylan on the shoulder. 

I sit for a second longer, frozen before I realize it's my turn to say something. Alex turns back to me, raising an eyebrow and asking, "Isn't that wonderful news, Norma?" 

I recover before they notice my hesitation. 

"Wow! I'm so happy for you two!" I say, standing up to hug them both.

***

Later that evening, when I finally get a moment to myself while Alex finishes cleaning up downstairs, I sit at my vanity, brushing my hair absentmindedly and trying to sort through my racing thoughts. When I meet my gaze in the mirror, I notice that they glisten slightly with unshed tears.

I lay my head down on my arms and let just a few tears escape when I hear a gentle tap on the doorframe, although the door is already open. I assume it's Alex so when I hear a softer voice, I startle slightly and lift my head.

"Norma?" Emma says. I wipe my eyes quickly and turn to face her, smiling.

"Hi sweetie, what's up?" I ask.

Her concern is immediately evident and she walks towards me, sitting on the edge of the bed across from my chair and asks, "What's wrong?"

"Oh it's really nothing, Emma. Please don't worry," I say and take her hand in both of mine.

"Please tell me, Norma. You've been acting strange all night and now you're crying, so I know something's wrong."

I consider lying but quickly decide against it. She'll find out eventually.

"It's just that Alex and I want to have a baby but when we got tested, the doctor said our chances were slim. And please don't get me wrong, I am so incredibly happy for you and Dylan. But when you said you were pregnant... I don't know.. It was just hard to hear, I guess."

She moves to sit next to me on the bench, wrapping her arm around me and rubbing my shoulder. "Oh Norma, I'm so sorry. I had no idea," she says quietly.

"It's fine, sweetie. It's not your fault. And we decided that we're still going to try, so it's not like it's impossible."

"Oh that's so exciting!" she says, pulling back to smile at me. "I know it will happen for you guys."

I take her tiny face in my hands and kiss her forehead before hugging her tightly.

"Thank you, honey," I whisper.

"Am I interrupting something?" Alex asks after clearing his throat from where he's standing in the doorway.

I pull back to find him leaning against the frame, watching us and my heart skips a beat. His smile lights up his face and he looks absolutely beautiful.

"No, hun, come on in," I say.

Emma stands up and heads towards the door. "Well, I'll leave you to it," she says, turning around to wink at me before patting Alex on the shoulder.

"Night, Em," Alex says, watching me as he steps further into the room. "Are you alright?" he asks, walking over to stand in from of me, taking my face in his hands.