Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

The Only Way (Part III)

Maryam was now seven months pregnant and her bump had become quite noticeable. They had scans done at the hospital and things were going smoothly. The doctor had also said that it was important for Sinbad and Layla to talk to the baby so it could get used to their voices.

They were both incredibly excited and had already began preparing the nursery even though there was still a couple of months to go. They no longer slept on the floor of Maryam's room but she did still sometimes go to their in the middle of the night.

Layla still felt jealous sometimes. One time she woke up to find Maryam sitting on the bed whilst Sinbad had his hand on her bump to feel the baby moving. He didn't do it on purpose but he didn't want to disturb her sleep since she was doing physical chores all day.

However, one night, Layla had to speak to him about it before she made herself mad. Once they both got into bed for the night, she brought it up.

"Sin, I need to talk to you about Maryam."
He leaned back against the headboard. "What is it?"
"Well..." She suddenly became nervous and looked down at her lap.
He gently took hold of her hand. "You can tell me."
She gulped and looked up at him. "I... I don't like it when she comes to our room at night. I don't want her to think it's okay..." She sighed. "I mean, it's our room and it worries me the amount of times I've woken up to find her on the bed."
"Layla, I understand this worries you. But like you said, she needs our help."
"She also needs to sleep. It's not healthy for her or the baby. Besides, you're not getting any sleep either." She closed her eyes and sighed. "I just don't like it and I want it to stop."
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Okay, baby girl. I'll speak to her."
She smiled. "Thank you."

***

Sinbad did speak to Maryam the next day but he didn't mention Layla's name. He said it as if he was the one who decided it because he didn't want Maryam to hold any grudges against his wife. He could tell Layla was feeling jealous even though she didn't say it. She didn't have to say it. She was right. Maryam was pushing her boundaries.

Maryam was upset and although he didn't say it, she knew Layla was behind it. It didn't matter though, she would get her way soon enough.

A few days later, Layla went to clean Maryam's room. For some reason, Maryam didn't want an actual cleaner to clean her room and so Layla volunteered to do it. Maryam sat on the bed and ate some fruit whilst Layla swept the marble floor.

Sinbad had been in meetings all day and he was finally done. Going to his room, he saw that Layla wasn't there. He knew then that she would be in Maryam's room.

"Layla?" he called as he made the short walk to the bedroom.
Layla was still sweeping. "I'm in here."

Maryam took her chance. She climbed off the bed and just as Layla sweeped forward, Maryam walked into the broom and tripped. Layla's eyes widened as Maryam screamed and fell forward. Everything seemed to go in slow motion. As Layla reached out to try and grab her, Sinbad entered the room just in time and caught her. He was shocked to see what had just occurred and tried to process everything as he held the crying Maryam in his arms.

"What happened?" he asked quickly.
Layla breathed a sigh of relief. "I was-"
"She tripped me over," Maryam whimpered, cutting her off.
"What?!" Layla gasped, staring at the woman completely horrified by her accusation.
Sinbad looked down at her, his brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"
Maryam sniffed as she clung onto him. "I went to get something and...and she held the broom out to make me fall."
Layla was in complete and utter shock. "Sin, I... I would never..."
"Maryam, I'm sure it was an accident. Don't stress yourself," he said as he walked her to the bed before making her lay down. "Calm yourself and relax."