Destiny & Distance

96°

Chris and I decided this morning that we were going out in the afternoon. I really wanted to visit Annie but I was too lazy to do it in the morning, and if I kept pushing the day, I would eventually give birth and be fully focused on my daughter afterwards.

It's Chris and I only today. Yesterday, our parents left us at home so now it's our turn to leave them at the house.

—John's Cafeteria first or Annie's Bakery? -Chris asks as we're really close to both shops-

I hesitate, but decide. I am hungry, but I'm so eager to see Annie and her daughter again, I couldn't wait any longer.

—Let's go to Annie's first, mi amor. I truly can't wait to see her -I giggle-

He finds a place to park the SUV, thankfully, not far away from the bakery so I don't have to walk so much. As we're making our way to Annie's, some flashes went off on us.

—Of course they had to -Chris chastises, low enough not to be heard by the men following us-

Some of them are not being careful enough on us, and to point out the fact that I'm nine months pregnant...

—Guys -Chris calls them out- please, beware, my wife is pregnant. -he tries to sound as polite as possible, but I know he's annoyed-

More flashes went off, but now we're bombarded with tons of questions.

—Wife? Did you get married recently? -a man shouts-

—How was the wedding like, Chris?

—Congratulations to the bride and groom -another one adds-

Realisation hit and my brain searched through the recent memories fold. Chris called me his wife in front of paps... Which means, more headlines. Something we're not too amused by.

—We would appreciate if you let us walk alone, guys -Chris holds my hand as we walk pass the men-

—When is your baby due? -the first camera man asks-

I keep looking down trying not to stumble, Chris lightly squeezes my hand as we're in front of the place I used to work in. I look up at the sign, reviving lots of memories.

—Alright, see ya. -Chris says goodbye to the men who aren't following us into the shop, of course- I don't know why I called you my wife, it was an automatic response -he says to me as soon as we stepped in-

I just lightly chuckle and shrug. I let go of his hand as soon as I see Annie at the cashier, she hasn't seen me yet.

—Uhm, ma'am, I would like some... Brownies -I get her attention-

She looks up and widens her eyes, gasping. Her eyes scanning my body from head to toes as she realises I'm carrying a human being—she comes to me and gives me a very much needed hug.

—Gabriela!!! Such a pleasant surprise, I thought I'd never see you again. And, oh my god, to see you again pregnant is, wow. -she holds my hands-

I get teary, guess I'm just nostalgic. Or hormonal.

—This is the first time I'm back in Boston since I left, I knew I had to visit you -I say- Oh, Annie, this is my boyfriend -I point to Christopher-

She seems to recognise him rapidly by the looks on her face.

—Nice to meet you, ma'am. I've heard so many good things about you -Chris politely shakes her hand-

—My pleasure -she smiles- I see you two made another live, huh?

—Ahh, yeah -he giggles-

—Is it a boy or a girl? Oh, we have so much to talk about. Please have a seat, I'll get you some coffee and something yummy -she leaves without waiting for a response-

Chris and I do as told. We take a seat and wait for her to return.

—So crazy -I whisper to him- to think I used to work here not that long ago -I reminisce-

He doesn't answer, but simply holds my hand and caresses it with his thumb.

—And I'm back -Annie place some cookies, milk and coffee on the table, sitting beside me- so, tell me everything -she smiles-

Chris and I mumble a "thank you" before we actually answer her.

—We are having a girl -I inform her- I think it might be sooner than I think it might be

—So sweet! I'm happy for you. I wish your family the very best -she grabs a cookie of her own- and why is it that you're back in Boston? Not that I mind, I'm more than happy to see you again -she bites the cookie-

—I, uh, I'll be giving birth here -I say- that's why I came back. By the way, how's your daughter? Is she here?

I can't seem to remember Annie's daughter's name. Me and my useless pregnant woman memory.

—Ah, she's travelling, currently at Oregon -Annie pouts- but I'll definitely let her know you came!

—Please do, tell her I miss her, too -I smile- so, how's everything? I can't believe I'm seeing you again -I say excited-

—Well, you know, same as usual. Working, baking, taking care of my dog... Not so interesting, but good for an old lady like me. I am really into my pedestrian life. -she says amusingly-

—Oh, same here -Chris raises a hand- I'm too plain, pedestrian and simple. But I really enjoy those things, though.

Annie chuckles before answering him.

—Well, to be on almost every movie, TV commercial or TV show, probably travelling from country to country, isn't such a plain thing to do. -she says gracefully, causing me to laugh-

—Hmm, I must say I've been exposed -he also laughs-

—Not to defend him, but he really is into that common life kind of thing. He could be ostentatious, but he's not—he really is simple and enjoys doing things like, walking the dog, cleaning the house, cooking -I shrug-

—Ohh, so you cook...? -Annie asks him-

—Well -he chuckles- I'm not a cook, but I do be trying. Gabbie has taught me, I wasn't the best -he admits-

—We love a man who cherishes those things. You know what I always talked you about -she points her finger to me- no loser man allowed!

I remember all of our past conversations, where Annie would give me and her daughter relationship advises. She'd also tell us anecdotes of her.

—Yeah! -I look at Chris- she always told me not to accept a man who thinks that their gender excuses them for not doing any chores at a household.

—A wise woman -Chris winks at us-

—She totally is. Annie divorced her baby father because he wouldn't participate in anything. -I let Chris know-

—He wouldn't even pick his daughter up from school because it was a "women duty" -she scoffs- may the mother fucker rest in peace, but he was a useless parasite and I don't regret divorcing him.

Chris and I can't hold our laugh at her comment. She's so spontaneous, her comments would make my days back then.

We talked for about 30 minutes, or even less, but eventually, the bakery kept receiving clients—so Chris and I figured it was time to go and let Annie work. We made our way to John's Cafeteria and I ordered the same as usual—I did realise the personnel was different, besides a guy that still works there.

I had my roast beef sandwich and Jamaican tea and missed it so much, that we ended up ordering takeout, planning to have the same sandwiches as dinner.

After eating, we planned to walk around for a bit, but there was a chilly weather and I couldn't stop feeling the urge of peeing, plus, my feet were swollen. So our plan changed, and we went back to Chris' house, only to find it empty.