Table for Twelve

Welcome to Sunset Valley

The smell of mold offended their nostrils as soon as they opened the door. Their jaw dropping at the amount of water on the floor. Sinks, shower, bathtub, all pipes just splashing water everywhere.

“Well, I guess that’s why the house was so cheap.” Enrico tried to break a joke while Emily still looked incredibly at him.

“Can you fix this?”

“You mean, in this life?” He looked at her, noticing her frown. “Yeah, probably.”

The doorbell rang making them both turn. Enrico walked to the door and opened it a little. A guy in a huge smile waited outside. “Yes?”

“Oh hi, I’m Jacob.” He offered his hand for a hand shake. “I’m your neighbor and saw you moving. Welcome to Sunset Valley.”

“Oh…” Enrico opened the door completely and took the man’s shake. “Enrico.”

“Nice to meet you, man. Oh…” The guy named Jacob soon noticed the conditions of the house. “I think you need some help there?”

Enrico didn’t answer right away. He was not the kind to trust strangers and he definitely didn’t want to risk a stranger in the house with Emily there when no neighbors knew they existed yet.

Jacob smiled when he saw him hesitating. “Big city guy, huh? Here.” He took his wallet from his pocket and showed a document to him. “I’m a plumber. I can help you.”

Enrico sighed. “Sorry, I just…”

“No worries, man.” He patted his arm inviting himself in. “So, where do we start?”

“Emily, this is Jacob. This is Emily, my wife.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jacob shook her hand with a charming smile. “So? Let’s party.”

Enrico and Jacob started working. It was already late night when everything was finally fixed. They sat on the couch while Emily served them some coffee and joined afterwards.  

“You’re going to like here. There’s good people here, just be careful with the Landgraabs and Altos.”

“Why?” Emily frowns.

“They’re the richest families here. The own the mansions over the hill. They’re vicious people, I’m telling you. Snobs. They always find a way to get into a fight for any reason.” Jacob shook his head, disgusted. “But the Alto’s girl is a good person. It’s sad that she has these people as parents.”

“Well, an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Jacob looked thoughtful for a second before he finally placed the empty cup on the coffee table and smiled at them. “I have to go. Long day tomorrow.”

“Thank you for your help.” Enrico said, shaking hands one more time.

“Call me if you need.”

He waved his way out. Enrico closed the door joining Emily on the couch and snuggling against her, his nose on her neck, closing his eyes.

“You shouldn’t have judged that poor girl.”

He didn’t open his eyes to answer. “But it’s true. Children are what parents make of them. We’ll have awesome kids, you’ll see.” He smiled, opening his eyes slightly and kissing her on the lips.

“They’re still important people. We should avoid any trouble.”

He scoffed. “In no time we’ll also be one of the richest families here, baby.” He faked an important voice making her laugh.

“Ok, Mr. Future President, can we go to bed have some sleep now? I’m tired…”

“You read my mind.” He said, standing up and mustering the strength to carry her to the bedroom. He was sleep and weak from a whole day fixing pipes but oh well… She was worth it.

#

The weak but warm sunlight of the following morning greeted the couple still under the cover. They looked at each other in such a complete adoration one would think the other is a painting, a master piece.

He got closer, pressing his lips against hers. “I love you.” He breathed against her mouth, mouth opening in a smile.

“Love you too.”

He kissed her deeply, rolling on the bed on top of her, giggles being heard all over the small bedroom.

#

“So?” Emily stood up, aprehension writen all over her face. They were both in the Journalism building being interviewed for a job. Emily already got it, but Enrico had just left the boss’ office.

“So…” He began, his fake worried expression giving space for a sly smile. “I guess we begin together tomorrow.”

Emily screamed in joy, jumping in his arms. Hoever, the move didn’t seem to please her body at all as she was now completely nauseated.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, worried.

She just ran to the bathroom vomiting. Enrico followed her, a puzzled look on his face.

“Emily?”

She looked at him, reflective. “I need to go to a drugstore.”

Emily bought a pregnancy test and used it right away. Enrico walked back and forth in the living room, his heands messing his hair, waiting for Emily to come out of the bathroom.

“Baby?” She called and in seconds he was there at her side.

“Look.” She handed him the small object and he looked at it quite confused.

“It’s… It’s pink. What does that mean?” He asked, anxious.

Her smile gave away the answer before she spoke. “It means our first baby is on its way.”