Unrequited

10 - An option

"How are you feeling this morning Clara?" Bella asked, glancing up from her book when she walked into the sitting room well after breakfast time. She had sensibly decided to stay the night after an exhausting day and a late dinner at Bella's.

"A lot better than yesterday I have to say." Clara rubbed her belly and plopped herself down in an armchair next to Bella on the hearth. "I think I just needed a good sleep as the last few days have been a bit stressful.

Bella looked at her with concern. "Yes, I can imagine. I'm sure that it doesn't help to have to deal with divorce issues while you're pregnant."

"I wish Luca would just sign the damn papers," she sighed exasperatedly. "Mr. Thomas says that he's refusing to sign them unless he talks to me first and he's not happy unless we do it face-to-face."

"Oh dear, I'm not surprised you went to bed with a splitting headache last night then."

"I don't understand why he's making it so difficult. I'm handing it to him on a plate."

"You could file a contested divorce I guess?"

Clara exhaled and screwed up her face in distaste at the thought of more paperwork. "Yes, Mr. Thomas mentioned that as an alternative but, to be honest, I'm so exhausted over the whole thing. I just don't want to deal with it at all at the moment. It might have to wait until I head home. It's not causing any issues other than that it's drawn out longer than I had anticipated. Another few months won't make a difference I guess - it was just something I wanted to cross off my list."

"What will you do about Oliver?" Bella looked at her quizzically.

"That's a premature question if I understand you correctly. But if we're really considering it as a valid question, then I don't know Bella. I don't actually know that I can do anything or if there's anything I should do about Oliver. He lives here and understands my situation. I haven't promised him that it would go anywhere and we've not really defined what we're doing - plus it's only been three weeks. It's not even something we should even be considering yet - hardly enough time to make life-changing relationship decisions."

"I know Clara but I believe that he has real feelings for you. Also, you've spent a lot of time together since you arrived so it's not surprising that his feelings have progressed quickly. Just be careful." Bella warned.

"He's not said anything to me. How do you know how he feels? Has he told you?"

"He doesn't need to tell me. I can see it in the way he looks at you and how he is around you. I've known Oliver all my life so I know how he behaves. He's different with you."

"I really like him too but I need time to reorganise my life and getting into a deep long-distance relationship is not going to work for me. We've broached the subject but only conversationally -  I'll have a proper talk with him at some point soon. I don't want to hurt him. He's been amazing to me - you both have, and I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have both of your support. And thanks for putting up with a grumpy, moody pregnant woman." She smiled gratefully at Bella.

"Anytime girlfriend. You know you only ever have to ask."

"Thanks, Bella. You have no idea what a lifesaver you've been. The plus side to my moodiness is that my boobs are definitely becoming more than just handfuls."

"The only thing I can see wrong with you is that you've lost a little of your tan. You and your blessed genes." Bella sighed.

"I'm glad you think that I'm still appealing."

"Well, Oliver certainly thinks you are, along with your 'ginormous' boobs." Bella quirked her eyes.

"I think what?" Oliver interrupted as he walked into the living room and bent to kiss Clara on the cheek.