Adventures of Sinbad and Layla

What Could Have Been

(Alternate reality: Back when Layla was pregnant at 16 and if she never lost her baby.)

After Layla's scheduled appointments were complete in Estia, she and Sinbad returned to Reim. Her sickness was especially bad on the ship. She was tempted to fly back to Reim instead but Sinbad didn't want to risk her becoming weak. Then she asked for him to fly her there but he didn't want her to be uncomfortable. And so she had to suffer through the vomitting. However, it was fine since he was with her, rubbing her back and holding her hair.

Now leaving Estia, she was three months pregnant and was entering her second trimester. She was snuggled into his chest, his scent calming her nausea as he stroked his fingers through her hair.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her.
"Better," she said quietly. "But it still feels so surreal. I can't believe we're having a baby..."
"I know. It's so exciting!" he exclaimed with giddiness.
She couldn't help but smile. "It is." She moved back a little to look at him. "But, Sin, there's still so much we need to prepare before the baby comes. We can't live over the store anymore. There are things we need to buy. Clothes, a cot, diapers. It'll be here in six months. That's not a lot of time. And also-"
"Layla," he stopped her as he held her cheek. "Calm down. I've already told you that I'll sort it out. You look after the baby and I'll take care of both of you. Trust me."
She breathed out to relax. "I do trust you. I know you'll take care of everything."
He smiled. "That's my girl." He pecked her lips softly. "I have a surprise for you. We will be going to our island before we go to Reim."
"Why?"
"I just want us to take some time out before everything begins. There will be so much to do once we return and so I want to spend some undisturbed time with you before then."
"Well, I'm not going to say no to that."

He laughed and embraced her tightly. He knew everything was going to be perfect.

***

Since the island wasn't too far from Reim, Sinbad sent the ship ahead to return to Estia. He would fly Layla to Reim after they had spent some time on the island.

"Ahh, it feels so good to be off that ship," Layla said as she took in a deep breath of the fresh air.
Sinbad smiled as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "I'm glad you're feeling better." He kissed her head. "Is there anything in particular you would like to do?"
She shook her head. "All I want is to watch the sunset."
"Then that is exactly what we'll do."

He took her hand and led her to the boulder where they got the perfect view of the sunset. There was still a short while before the sun would set and so they simply sat together in silence. Sinbad leaned back against the slanted rock and held her in his arms, his legs spread either side of her so she could nestle comfortably on top of him. She had her face nuzzled into the crook of his neck, calmly breathing in his scent as he gently stroked her arm.

There was a lot going through his mind. In six months time, they would become parents. Layla would be turning 17 soon and he would be 18 in a couple of months time. Never did he imagine that he would become a father at the age of 18 but he couldn't have been happier. Even before they started dating, he knew that he wanted Layla to be the mother of his children. He always knew it. The fact that it was happening made him giddy and nervous with excitement. He was scared but it was a good scared.

As the sky began to turn orange, he slowly sat up making Layla sit up as well. She looked up at him.

"Are you okay?" she asked.
He sighed deeply, not looking at her. "We need to talk."
Her brows furrowed slightly, becoming a bit apprehensive. "About what?"
"About us," he answered seriously. "About our relationship."

There was a pang in her heart. She already went through some anxiety because she thought Sinbad wouldn't want a child so soon and therefore end up leaving her. Although Sinbad had explained to her thoroughly that he was extremely happy and loved her even more for it, the way he was speaking now frightened her.