Hollow

Forty Eight | Hope

The aroma of freshly baked pastries and food fills the house while slow music plays in the background. The dining table is filled with different foods and wide arrays of desserts. I think it's safe to say Sofia went all out. I look around to see Kyriel sitting next to Derek at the table while Kaia and Kurenai happily dance to the slow tune in the background.

I let out a laugh when I see a tired Xenia walking inside with Sofia behind her. I turn to ask if she's alright as everyone proceeds to their seats. She nods, telling us about how she fell asleep while feeding Luna.

In the little time I spent, I've managed to gather that Kurenai and Derek are both lawyers who apparently, had a little rivalry but ended falling for each other. Remi is a neurosurgeon and Sofia, a chef at her own restaurant —which I promised to visit. Kyriel owns an investment firm and Xenia is a model; they've been married for a little over two years and had Luna three months ago.

"So tell us more about you Zahra." Kurenai asks turning her head towards me.

"Well, I'm an entrepreneur and I just graduated with a degree in Aerodynamics Engineering." I answer, ending with a small smile.

"What do you like to do outside of work?" Kaia asks.

"Traveling. I don't really get to truly visit places when I'm on business trips sometimes so whenever I get the chance, I tour around."

"What place would you love to go next?"

"Mykonos."

Killian squeezes my hand and I give him a reassuring smile. "Maybe we should stop bombarding my girlfriend with questions, sí?"

"You're too humble; they've already googled you." Derek chuckles, placing his wine glass down. "They had a whole questionnaire the second you told Remi you were bringing Zahra." Everyone laughs, Remi's laugh overpowering the rest.

"Did you at least remember it was supposed to be a surprise, papí?"

"Sí, sí." Remi replies with a firm nod.

Sofia shakes her head in disapproval and turns to me. "Talking about kids, when am I getting another grandbaby?"

"Sofia!"

"Anya!"

"What? She's glowing so I figured I'd ask."

"It's alright." I wave them off with a smile, before sipping on my glass of water nervously. "I don't really know, Killian and I haven't talked about it yet."

"You two don't look very convinced." Remi says with a chuckle, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Kyriel snorts. "Don't let him use his doctor tricks on you. He did the same thing with Xenia."

"And I was right, wasn't I?"

I choke on the piece of pie in my mouth, all the blood in my face draining. Still struggling to breathe correctly, I feel a light tap on my back and I raise my head to find Remi staring down at me with a worried look. He instructs me to breathe in and out slowly before handing me a glass of water. I slowly regain control of my breathing and thank him with a smile. I wipe my mouth and excuse myself to go to the bathroom; pulling Killian with me as we walk to the nearest bathroom.

"That was intense."

"Your family must think I'm crazy." I blurt out on the verge of tears.

"No, they love you." Killian says, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Although, I have to ask. Do you want kids?"

"I don't have a fucking clue on how to raise kids."

He grabs my hand, kissing it before intertwining our hands. "I've seen you around kids, baby. You'll be an amazing mom."