The Story of Us

Chapter 7

--not edited--

There was only one month left in the pregnancy and the doctor advised Jade to stay active and healthy. She continued on going on daily walks, and would stop at the pier to watch the afternoon sun reach its peak in the sky.

One afternoon, an elderly woman pushing a stroller came to seat by Jade. "Do you mind? My ancient legs aren't as strong as they used to be."

Jade smiled, "No, not at all." She smiled invitingly. "Boy or girl?" She mentioned towards the stroller.

"Annabelle Marie. My third grandchild." The woman answered.

At that moment, Perrie came across the pier and stopped when she heard Jade's voice.

"Wow," Jade expressed her surprised. "I'm having a girl too. And I'm so excited." She rubbed her stomach, enjoying the feel of something moving around in her stomach.

"Well, you better make sure that you and your husband enjoy this time as much as possible, because once that little baby comes out, you won't have time for anything else." The lady said in a warning tone.

Jade kept her composure and smiled, "Yeah, well, I don't think that'll be a problem for me."

"I take it that you're not married." Jade caught the woman's gaze drop down to her empty ring finger, and that's what got the brunette feeling like crawling into a ball and hiding herself. "I understand that it's a growing trend to have a baby on your own, but a child needs a father. And if you can't provide one, then maybe you shouldn't have a baby at all."

In the background, Perrie didn't like how the old woman was pestering Jade about relationships and parenthood. Reacting quickly, the blonde ran down the steps, "There you are," she said, sitting beside Jade as the lady got up. "I've been looking all over for you. Your husband called, he told me that he'll be running a little late, but he'll be here soon." Perrie said, looking down to observe Jade's left hand, "You didn't lose your ring, did you?"

Jade looked down, trying to make her brain work, not knowing where the blonde came from and how the girl knew she needed her. Aside from that, she was also trying to remember those lame excuses from soap operas she'd watched. "I, uh, I left it on the...kitchen sink." She chuckled.

"My apologies, young lady. I jumped to the wrong conclusion." The woman apologised. "Best of luck to you and your husband."

Perrie still didn't pay attention to the woman. Instead, she looked at the brunette. Jade was so beautiful, she breathed. Were her eyes always so light? And her skin -- flawless was an understatement. Pregnancy definitely made her glow. Her eyes drifted to the brunette's lips, which curved into a smile.

"Thank you," Jade said.

Smiling, the blonde said, "No problem." She stood up and took Jade's hands, helping the girl up. "Let's go for a walk."

Jade laughed. "I think that's what I've been doing."

The blonde let their hands fall into their sides, only to be reunited when she intertwined their fingers. Jade's breath caught in, looking down at the gesture. Catching the confused look plastered on the brunette's face, Perrie said, "Just in case you fall or lose balance." She shrugged as she continued on the path.

***
They were walking down the path for more than an hour when Jade stopped. "Wait a minute. Hold on." She let go on the blonde's hand to hold onto her stomach.

"What's wrong?" Perrie asked, also putting her hands on the brunette's stomach. "What is that?" She looked at Jade, surprised. "Is that the baby's heartbeat?" It felt like a little sound system booming in her body, and the only thing you could feel was the bass.