Athilda;s pov
stomach, took a deep breath, and paused. Am I pregnant? Morning sickness? Could this really be happening?
I washed my face and fixed myself up before stepping out of the bathroom. There was a slight smile tugging at my lips, something inside me felt different. Something might really be growing in me. I just needed to confirm it.
I decided to buy a pregnancy test later, just to be sure. If it turned out positive, I would go for a proper check-up at the lab or hospital as soon as possible. Last night, I had fallen asleep easily. I was exhausted, and since no one knocked on my door, my sleep continued without interruption.
I made my way to the living room to check on Enzo, but he was gone. The couch was already fixed. The pillows and comforter he used were neatly folded, as if no one had slept there.
He was nowhere in sight. I headed to the kitchen, hoping to at least catch a sign of him there, but instead of Enzo, I found a simple breakfast waiting on the table: a veggie salad and slices of brown bread. Right beside the plate was a small sticky note.
I picked it up and read. "I didn't wake you up because I knew you were tired. Anyway, I prepared breakfast for you. I hope you enjoy it. Eat well :>
"Wow," I muttered.
Well, that was… sweet. Note the sarcasm. But still… kinda thoughtful. I glanced at the clock- 7:00 AM.
I was supposed to be on duty at 7:30. But there was no way I was going in today. My head hurt, my stomach was off, and everything around me just felt too much. All I wanted to do was lie in bed and sleep the day away.
I walked back to my room to grab my phone. I needed to inform the hospital that I would not be coming in. Just the thought of being surrounded by people made me dizzy. I felt lightheaded even in my own house. It sounds dramatic, I know. But this was real. This is exactly how I felt.
Ring. Ring.
I called Nurse Mae- my co-worker at the hospital.
"Oh, you're calling, Ath?" she answered, her voice warm.
"Mae, I cannot come in. I am not feeling well. Please tell Ma'am Eazel for me…" I said softly.
"Have you taken any medicine? What's hurting? Should I visit you after my shift? I can check on you."
"Thank you, ma, but my family doctor will be checking on me later," I lied quickly.
"Oh, alright. I hope you feel better soon. Don't worry, I'll speak to Ma'am for you."
"Thank you, ma, Bye."
I ended the call and returned to the kitchen to eat what Enzo had prepared. The moment I took the first bite, I was hooked. It was delicious. So simple, but perfect. I finished everything on the plate faster than I expected. I wanted more, but sadly, that was it. Wow. My appetite is crazy today. This has to be a sign. I really think I'm pregnant. Oh my gosh, I'm so excited!
Since the food was all gone, I washed my plate, grabbed a carton of fresh milk from the fridge, poured it into a glass, then headed to the living room and dropped myself onto the sofa. I checked my phone and saw that I had a missed call from Mom- plus three texts:
"Sweetheart, are you okay? Your sister said you had a headache. Where are you?"
"Are you at your condo? I sent our family doctor over."
"Do you want me to come take care of you?"
I rolled my eyes and let out a tired smile. Then I typed my reply:
"No thanks, Mom. I'm fine now."
I set my phone down with a sigh. What a lazy day. I just wanted to sleep all day and do nothing else. I glanced at the clock and turned on the TV. The next thing I knew, I had drifted off again right there on the sofa.
Dingdong!
I sat up, my whole body aching. I stretched a little and looked at the time- 7:30 PM. What the heck? I slept the whole day? I didn't even have lunch. Great. What is happening to me? Is this really what being pregnant feels like? I looked down and gently touched my belly.
"Aw baby, I'm sorry. Mommy let you go hungry today," I murmured with a pout. "I'm such a bad mom."
With a deep sigh, I stretched again and walked to the door. When I opened it, I was stunned.
Enzo was standing there, looking exhausted. What the hell? What is he doing here?
"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly. I did not even know why I was annoyed. Maybe because I did not want him to find out I was pregnant.
"Visiting you, I guess," he replied calmly, locking eyes with me.
Oh no. That look in his eyes, it was intense. Almost too much.
Why is he visiting me? He is not my mother. Not my boyfriend either.
"Because I heard something. And judging by your face, your skin, and your lips…" He bit his lip, and I swear I saw a blush creep up his cheeks. "You look sick."
He stepped closer, and I instinctively moved back until he had fully stepped inside my unit.
God. My heart.
"What are you doing?" I asked nervously, backing away until I hit the wall.
He just smiled, taking another step closer.
"Hey, stop that…" I said, feeling awkward. His expression turned serious as he reached out and touched my neck.
"No fever… So where does it hurt?" he asked gently, then pulled his hand away.
"My head… and my body aches," I stammered.
"Hm. Here," he said, handing me a paper bag. "I bought some fruits and medicine."
"Thanks. But no thanks. Why are you even doing this?" I asked, eyeing him with suspicion. Does he know I'm pregnant? Is he trying to take responsibility? No way.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"Why did you come here?" I asked again, crossing my arms.
"Because you are sick. Do I need to repeat myself?" His voice rose slightly, and his irritation caught me off guard.
Wow. That attitude? Seriously?
"Excuse me? Why do you sound like you are the one who is mad?" I snapped. "You are not even obligated to visit me. I didn't ask for this!"
"I know. But I owe you," he said. "You let me stay here. You took care of me… and yes, I'm worried. I was with you last night. I just… I don't want to feel guilty."
Then his eyes slowly trailed down from my face.
My heart pounded so hard I thought I was going to collapse.
"So that's it? Fine. I'm okay now, you can leave. Don't worry, you won't be blamed if something bad happens to me," I snapped, my voice rising with every word.
I honestly thought he came because he cared. Turns out, it was just guilt.
"You need to take a pregnancy test," he said, his tone suddenly commanding.
"I know that. And you do not need to know the result!" I fired back.
He really did not. We already talked about this, he had no say if I ever got pregnant.
"I have every right to know," he growled, his jaw tightening as his eyes locked with mine. "That baby is mine too. I'm the father."
"Damn you! My baby doesn't have a father. It's mine, only mine. And you made it clear, remember? You said you would not be involved!" I yelled, feeling the heat rise in my chest.
"I never said I agreed to that," he said with that same arrogant look that always made me want to slap him.
"You're unbelievable! I'm telling you, this child is mine alone."
"We made that baby together. My sperm, your egg. That's both of us," he said, dead serious.
Ugh! This is exactly what I was afraid of. That he would suddenly change his mind and start claiming rights.
Well, my baby is not a shared project. It is mine.
"Fine. How much do you want?" I asked, desperate to end this. "Is it money you're after? I'll pay you to disappear."
"Do you think I need your damn money?" he barked, letting out a bitter laugh. "Do you really think I'd sell my baby?"
Great. Now he was offended? Talking to Enzo was exhausting. We had a clear agreement. Why was he acting like he forgot?
"Just get out. I don't need you here!"
"You may not need me, but my child does. Now take the pregnancy test and let us confirm it," he insisted again.
So bossy. I sighed and gave him a glare. Time to lie. He could not get involved, not in my life, and definitely not in my child's.
"I am not pregnant," I said under my breath. The words felt weak even to my own ears. I was just trying to convince myself. Truth was, I still had not confirmed it. But I could not let him be part of this.
Enzo clenched his jaw and rubbed his temple before closing his eyes tightly. When he opened them again, his stare was intense.
"Then prove it," he said.
"Ugh! You want proof? Fine, I'll slap you with my own blood, idiot. Wait right here!" I huffed and spun around.
How the hell was I supposed to prove I was not pregnant? Where would I get blood from, stab myself? Come on!
I was stomping off toward my room when Enzo reached out and stopped me.
"Wait."
"What now?!" I snapped, completely fed up.
"You're not pregnant," he said quietly.
I frowned. "Huh?"
Wait, did he just say I'm not?
Thank you, God. Rescue mission successful.
"So, you believe me now? Good. Now get out," I said proudly, chin lifted.
But still… why the sudden change of heart?
"Change your pad and shorts first," he said, sounding serious.
What the…why is he ordering me around again?
"Why would I?! Stop bossing me around! Just go!" I shouted, completely done with his attitude.
"Why not? Do you plan to walk around all night with that mess? It is disgusting," he said, pointing somewhere. His eyes were fixed behind me. I froze.
Oh, no.
I swallowed hard and turned around slowly, following his gaze. There it was. Blood. On the back of my shorts.
"No…" I whispered, heart sinking. I rushed into my room and checked.
"No…" I said again, my voice breaking.
I had my period. I sat down on the floor, staring blankly at nothing. This isn't good.
"No! This cannot be happening!" I cried out, clutching my stomach as the tears poured down.
"My baby...!" My hands shook. Was I never pregnant at all? Or... was there really a baby, and now it was gone?