Cedric sets everything up and calls Alessandra over Skype. He waits patiently but nervously.
Alessandra, holding Cedric's latest letter in her hand, nearly cries with delight when she sees Cedric's picture pop up on her laptop as a Skype call. She sets the laptop on the coffee table, sits down on the floor, and presses 'ACCEPT.' A split second passes before she can see her husband on the screen.
When the video comes up, a grin spreads across his lips. Finally, he really gets to see Alessandra again. "Baby," he mumbles happily.
Alessandra covers her mouth as she starts to cry with joy. She wipes her eyes. "Hey babe!"
Cedric leans closer to the camera, still grinning. "I missed you so much. It's so good to see you."
"I missed you too, babe," Alessandra says, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Jasper perks up and pads over to the laptop. He sniffs the camera.
"Hey buddy," Cedric says. He longs to reach in and wipe Alessandra's tears and pet Jasper.
Buttercup pads over and looks at the screen curiously.
Alessandra moves Jasper from in front of her laptop and laughs a little. "The kitties miss you."
Jasper meows in protest. He climbs on top of Alessandra's baby bump and lies down. He watches Cedric on the screen.
Buttercup mews, as if confused.
Cedric smiles even more. He looks at her bump. "That's our baby," he mutters in amazement.
Alessandra moves Jasper again and sits up on her knees so he can see her bump better. "I'm almost seven months, babe. I actually have an appointment later today for another sonogram. Baby Belmon is getting big."
Cedric puts his hand on the screen, as if touching the bump. "Seven... wow. I can't believe it's been so long. Our baby is so close to being here. I just hope I can be there but I don't think I can."
Alessandra rubs her bump. "You never told me... do you want to know the sex?"
Cedric rubs the back of his neck. "I've been thinking about it, a lot... yeah. Do we have boy or a girl to care for?"
"A boy. Little Nicholas."
Cedric's smile grows. He looks at her bump. "Our son... our baby boy."
"I've been getting stuff to decorate the spare room in the house for the baby. It's been a nice project to clear my mind. Anna has a friend who's been coming over to paint things for the room. She's really sweet." Alessandra sits back down.
Jasper meows softly. He hops on the table and paws at the screen.
"I can't wait to see his room. I'm so excited for it all. ...Hey Jasper. How're you doing buddy? You too, Buttercup."
Buttercup mews at him and rubs against Alessandra.
Jasper meows in response.
"How much longer do we have?" Alessandra asks softly.
Cedric looks at his watch. "Five more minutes baby. It's so short but it's worth it."
"I love you, Cedric. I love you so much. I can't wait for you to get home so I can show you how much I love you."
Cedric grins a little. "I can't wait for that either baby. I love you so much too. Don't forget to write back. Twenty minutes per week is great but I can't live without the letters too."
"I'll write to you as soon as I get home from my appointment," Alessandra swears, "I'll include a sonogram and everything."
"Thank you baby. I have to go now. I love you so much. I can't wait for your letter."
Alessandra wipes her eyes as she starts to cry again. "Please be safe, babe. I love you so much."
Cedric feels his heart squeeze. "I will be. I love you so much too. Bye baby."
"Bye Cedric," Alessandra says. She wipes her eyes and blows a kiss to the camera.
Cedric catches and smiles sadly before the feed ends. He closes the laptop and exhales slowly.
Alessandra closes her laptop and wipes her eyes, the image of Cedric catching her kiss burned into her memory.
YOU ARE READING
A War of Soil and Body
General FictionCedric Belmon joined the army when tensions rose in another part of the world. Letters are the only connection he has to his wife, Alessandra, in this war-torn country. Each day in the country drives him harder to find resolution, especially when sh...
