Can You Hear Your Heart

Chapter Twenty Two

I can't find sleep tonight. My usual companion. But I decide to stay on my left side as Doctor Aaron suggested and silently feel her wobbles and strong kicks. I guess she's training me for sleepless nights in the next few months to come.

But I sigh and get my car keys. I find myself driving to the facility as I enter through the back door of the self defense building and walking through the large welcoming room.

Well. I know Shaun isn't here because he texted me about his job tonight. I had a wonderful weekend with him at the various giggles and laughs I had as we watched my belly twitch and move like waves. But even if she still does this, my mother nudges my mind.

I look around at the busy place even at night. There are people still training and soldiers keeping a look out at night. Anything can happen at any given moment. I see Josh nearby and smile at him. His eyes grow wide and says, "Dang! It's huge!"

"Welcome to not being able to tie your shoes," I say playfully.

Josh chuckles and then says, "Shaun's not here if you're wondering where he is."

"I know," I say. I stay quiet before deciding on saying, "Have you seen Kitty?"

"I think she's in her room. 201."

"Thanks," I say with a last smile. I walk towards the rooms for refugees and wonder why my feet are taking me to my old friend. I guess I'll just use the excuse that I need an all nighter buddy.

I gently knock on her door and she answers. Her expression is at surprise when she sees me standing at her doorway and smiles. "Oh! I thought you'd be sleeping. A-are you okay?"

"Better than ever," I say with a smile. "Um...I couldn't sleep. She likes to train at her new ninja skills at night."

Kitty smiles warmly at my belly and then at me. "I can see that," she says as she gestures at my belly. I look down and chuckle at the visible movements she's giving Kitty. She then opens the door wider for me to come in and I give her a thankful nod.

I walk in and I'm brought back to when I first arrived here as a refugee. The gray walls aren't at all visible as they create a home-like atmosphere. It's small enough for one person and Kitty has put a few decorations of Christmas to it. She starts to warm up water as she says, "Viv. Do you want some tea?"

"Sure. Thanks, Kitty." She nods at my response and gets to work. I slowly walk towards her sofa and take a seat as my back aches at the heaviness of my belly. Her jabs are more powerful and hurt this time as I squeeze her space, so I lean back a little and she happily continues on with her karate kicks.

"You know. I was longing for a good all-nighter. I can't wait to compete with your little one. Let's see who ends up winning in the end."

I laugh at this as she sits next to me on the couch and say, "Well. Trust me. She's had a lot of practice in that, too."

Kitty smiles and then stays quiet. There's still this unfamiliar tension in between us and Kitty quickly pushes it aside as she says, "So I've found out a way to continue on with my mechanical engineering major."

I give an impressed look. "That's great, Kitty! Will you continue your studies?"

"I actually just decided to work here. I mean...most of NASA geniuses work here already and they're recruiting those that have potential to put to use in the facility."

"Then you should go for it," I say softly. "You're super smart, Kitty. I don't know why you doubt yourself so much if you're amazing."

"But I'm not. I keep making mistakes and I feel so stupid all the time. There's a difference."