Could It Be You? |✓

(30) Baby

Emma places a reassuring hand onto Tess' shoulder, who fidgets in her seat. Prospective mothers buzz all around them and most seem to be in good spirits. The waiting area is bustling with people because this is apparently one of the most reputable Woman's clinic in town. The strong scent of sterilisers lingers in the air; it makes Emma scrunch her nose. It's not that she finds it putrid or anything. She's simply not used to it. She makes a sweep around the place, realising that most have come with their partners.

Tess reads a pamphlet, aptly titled "How to Prepare for a Baby". That is probably going to be helpful since she has told Emma earlier that she is keeping the baby, a decision Emma is supportive of.

"Thanks for coming along with me, Em," Tess says. She flashes Emma a grateful smile.

"No worries at all!" Emma is truly glad that she could help. She had no qualms taking a half-day just for this appointment. She wants to be there for her friend all the way.

"Could you come with me, Ms Liu?" A nurse ushers one of the ladies beside them to the weighing scale. A new number flashes on the digital screen, and another lady, one in a floral dress, rises from the cushion seats to attend her consultation.

"Have you... talked to the baby's father?" Emma asks Tess carefully. She peers at Tess' face and examines her expression, wondering if she crossed the line or made her uncomfortable.

Tess nods but says nothing else. She sweeps a strand of her golden lock to her back and continues to read the document in her hands. Emma finds that her thick-framed spectacles make her look somewhat dorky - like a schoolgirl. She keeps that comment to herself.

"Do you mind telling me who it is?" Emma chews on her lips.

Tess looks at her in perplexity. "I thought you already knew?"

A tinge of pink rises up Emma's cheeks because well, she doesn't. "I'm afraid I don't..."

"Oh," her friend emotes. She casts a downward glance, seemingly a little embarrassed. "It's Renly. You know, the newcomer."

"Renly?"

Emma repeats the name, before things finally fall into place. Renly! He was Tess' date during the New Year's Bash. Emma widens her mouth in a moment of epiphany, just as the queue system refreshes and a new number is called. A woman, heavily pregnant, heads towards the specialist's room in her husband's company. Their adoration for each other reminds her so much of Alice and Liam and Emma's attention strays.

"Yup," Tess confirms, which draws Emma's attention back to her.

"What was his response?"

"Petrified."

Emma recoils in shock. "That's it?"

She sees the rise and fall of Tess' back as she sighs. "He said he'd take responsibility for the child. He even proposed to me. But I'm not ready! Marriage was never in the question!"

Emma's forehead crinkles. "Have you never considered marrying him? How do you find him as a person? Do you love him?"

Tess rubs a hand over her elbow in seeming discomfort. "He's okay. He's sweet, I guess. Really understanding and mature." Her expression softens as she says so. "I just never saw myself settling down at this age."

"Maybe he's the one for you. Y'know, maybe you guys are fated to be together and this baby's just the bridging link."

"I don't know..."

Emma shakes her head. "If he seriously proposes, please, for the sake of your child and for the sake of yourself, consider it."

The number 530 appears on screen, signalling for Tess' turn. With no choice, they cut short the conversation and make their way to the doctor's room.