by Risk, Mona
Leila’s scowl smoothed and Roxanne handed her the phone. “Hello Greg, any friend of Roxanne is a friend of mine.” She smiled and nodded at something Greg said. “Absolutely... I’ll make sure she’s careful... Yes, I’ll remember the number... Oh yes, I’ll let you know. Bye Greg, nice talking to you.”
She turned to Roxanne with a satisfied smirk. “He made me promise to keep an eye on you.”
“No kidding. Greg is always too worried.”
“You are lucky to have such a nice man caring about you. I wish I could find one.” The corners of her mouth fell. “I was engaged once. He was wonderful.” Tears shone in her eyes. “He’s gone like so many and we are left with sadness around us.”
“Oh Leila.” Roxanne hugged her friend.
“But who knows? God has his way,” Leila added with typically local resignation, although a hopeful gleam brightened her eyes and a hint of a smile hovered on her lips.
“I have to go now. I’ll be back in a few days, after I finish my work.” Roxanne pulled her phone and called Steve.
With a determined stance, Leila walked her to the door. “I will go downstairs with you to wait for your friends.”
“Sure.” Roxanne didn’t add that Steve would probably be delighted to see Leila again.
****
Four days later, Roxanne wrapped up a final report on her laptop and called Greg from her hotel room.
His cheerful voice greeted her. “Hi, how are you doing, sweetheart?”
“Great. I’m done with work. I’m done with my mission. Couldn’t be better. The interviews are finished. I even managed to get permission from two colonels to question soldiers from various factions. Wait till you see my report,” she added with satisfaction.
“Wow, you sound so pleased with the results. Congratulations. We’ll watch your interviews together when they air.”
“I’d love that.”
Roxanne closed her eyes, picturing herself in the Florida condo living room. Snuggled in Greg’s arms, she’d explain the behind-the-scene details and he’d congratulate her with a scorching kiss. Her pulse accelerated. She clutched her phone and forced herself to breathe slowly.
“What’s going on with your friends?”
“Leila talked to her parents about the baby. She said her mother couldn’t stop crying from joy and blessing God. Uncle Elias is getting better after four days on his medicines. He received a medical visa for France as a patient in need of urgent care and his wife is going with him as a traveling companion. His local doctor came to check his heart and is pleased with the improvement. They should leave today or tomorrow. Unfortunately, the French embassy refused to give Leila and her nephew a companionship visa. We have to find a different solution for them.”
“Can they come to the States as tourists?”
“Probably. I’ll ask one of the high-ranking colonels if he can drop a good word to expedite their visas for the U.S.”
At the other end of the line, Greg huffed. “Another headache for you. But I hope you’ll be leaving in a couple of days as planned.”
“I hope so too. My ticket is for the twelfth. Don’t worry we’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day together.” She crossed her fingers, hoping that things went smoothly for the senior Diabs and for Leila and the little boy.
“Roxanne, you’ve been running around too much. Don’t exhaust yourself, please. And stop worrying about others. You have a long trip ahead of you.” His concern enveloped her with warmth.
“I’m done with work, Greg. I will take it easy until I leave and...Aw...” Her hand flew to her stomach and she froze.
“What? What’s going on? Roxanne? Darling, talk to me.”
“I think I felt the baby move. A light flutter. And a second one.”
“You’re three months along. Starting the fourth. Too early yet. You shouldn’t... Lie down for a moment. Go ahead and put a flat hand on the place where you’re feeling the spasm.”
“Okay, I’m on my bed.”
“Do you feel anything?”
“No, it’s gone.”
“Listen to me Roxanne. Don’t do anything strenuous today. Take it easy. If you feel anything again, call me right away.”
“I’m fine, Greg. I’m really good. Stop worrying.” She checked her watch. “I have to go. Uncle Elias wants to see me before they leave.”
“Call me from there, please. I’m eager to hear the latest news. And Roxanne...”
“Yes?”
“You can’t believe how much I miss you, darling.”
“I miss you, too, Greg. More than you can imagine. I’ll see you in a few days.”
“I won’t let you out of my arms.” His voice vibrated with so much passion. Happy tingles spread all over her body.
“Yes, yes. Bye, Greg.” I love you, Greg. She couldn’t wait to see him and say the words loud and clear.
Her phone chimed. It was Steve announcing her escort team was here. She joined him in the lobby and they sauntered to the Jeep where Brian and Joe waited for her. Half an hour later, Steve followed her up the stairs to her friends’ apartment. Remembering Greg’s advice to take it easy today, she climbed the steps slowly, pausing to rest on every landing.
“Hurry up,” Steve urged. “We don’t have all day.”
“Why are you coming all the way upstairs, if you’re in a rush?” He was really taking his protector’s role too seriously. He could have gone with the two others and come back when she called him. Unless...
Steve knocked three times, two fast raps followed by a pause, and then a third louder bang. Was it a signal? The door opened and Leila threw her arms around his neck.
Good God, what was going on here?
Her jaws sagging, Roxanne stared at the most blazing kiss she’d ever witnessed. “You sure don’t waste time, you jerk. Are you crazy? Playing with my friend’s feelings.”
“Not playing, Roxanne. Never.” He finally released a beaming Leila.
“Well, what do you call that kiss? I just introduced you to Leila four days ago. And now—”
“Don’t be shocked, Roxy,” the young woman said. “Steve came for supper every night after he finished his work.”
“No kidding, Steve. You dumped me at the hotel and came here?”
“It’s not like that,” he protested. “Just come inside and we’ll explain.” The man acted as if he were part of the household, inviting her in.
Roxanne felt like a big sister, trying to protect a naive girl from an unscrupulous womanizer. But this was her colleague and friend, and Leila was no naive girl. At twenty-three, she’d already seen her share of miseries.
“Baba is in the living room. Don’t let him wait. We will explain later.” Leila tugged at her hand, but Roxanne kept turning and scowling at Steve who didn’t seem to care.
“Hello Roxanne.” Elegant in a gray suit and black shirt adorned with a pearl necklace, Marie Diab opened her arms. “Come in, ya benty. Come in, daughter.” Aunt Marie hugged her. And then hugged Steve.
“How are you doing, Aunt Marie? Ready for the big trip?” Steve held the older woman’s hand and offered her his biggest smile. “My friends are waiting downstairs. We’ll leave for the airport in an hour.”
“Ya habiby, my dear Steve, I don’t know how to thank you.” She turned toward Roxanne. “After the men drove you to the hotel four days ago, Steve called to inquire about Elias’ health and ask if we needed anything. He returned the same night with bread and milk for Michael. Of course, I kept him for dinner. The dear boy loves my cooking. He’s been here every evening.”
The dear boy winked at Roxanne. “Don’t have bad thoughts, Roxy.” He raised both hands. “It’s all innocent and honest between Leila and me.” He wrapped an arm around their friend’s waist. “She’s the most wonderful girl I’ve ever met.”
“Whatever.” Roxanne shrugged and smiled. “It seems I missed a lot.” She turned to Marie. “Do you need help with the suitcases?”
“Oh no. Our luggage is ready. Steve
and Leila filled four big suitcases last night. The winter is harsh in France and we have no idea if we will be back home soon or stay there for some time. So we packed a lot of heavy clothes and some valuables.”
“I see.” She didn’t really see anything, but gave up trying to understand how Leila had managed to twist the confirmed bachelor around her little finger in a few days. Maybe she should ask her for some advice. Roxanne left them and sauntered into the living room to see Leila’s father.
“Good evening, Uncle Elias.” She walked straight to the armchair where the old man sat.
Dressed in a dark suit, too loose on him, Elias Diab stood. “Roxanne, habibty. God bless you.” He kissed her on the forehead and slumped back into his chair. “Have a seat, my dear child.” Roxanne settled on the sofa next to Marie. “Thank you for this big joy. A child of Nabil is the most precious gift for us.” He sniffled, fighting to rein in his emotion. “You are such a beautiful woman. Of course, my poor son couldn’t resist his passion. He was a virile man. It was normal.” The old man’s voice oozed with pride and a weary smile trembled on his lips.
A weight lifted from Roxanne’s shoulders. Uncle Elias didn’t resent her or his son. A heavy sigh escaped her. She shoved her hand into the pocket of her pants ready to call Greg and announce the good news. Finally, she was free. Free from her guilt. Free to live and love.
“But now we have a big problem,” Elias said.
“Huh?” No, no more problems, please. She frantically shook her head.
“My son left you with child. We have to make up for his moment of craziness.”
She raised a palm to prevent Elias from saying more. “It was my mistake as much as his. My responsibility too. And I’ll take care of my baby.”
“But, daughter, it’s not fair for you and for the baby. A child needs to have a father at his birth. A man who will give him his surname and protect him.” Roxanne had trouble digesting their Middle Eastern logic.
“I don’t need—”
“Unfortunately, my nephews are all married,” Elias continued without paying attention to her interruption. “But Marie thought about her cousin’s son, Samir. A nice young man in his late twenties. I am sure he would be delighted to marry you right away.”
“I... I... Aw.” A strange needle-like sensation pricked her side. Sharp, almost painful. She flattened her hand on the area and gritted her teeth. “I have no intention of getting married.” Her voice came in a hiss.
“Excuse me?” Uncle Elias shouted and his face turned purple. “My grandson cannot be born a bastard.”
“Elias, don’t get upset. Think of your heart,” Marie rushed to her husband. “Steve, Leila, get him a glass of water and his pill.”
This was turning into a nightmare. Roxanne inhaled and counted to ten. The pain in her side subsided. Thank God. She’d better calm down if she didn’t want to have the old man’s death on her conscience too.
“Dear Uncle Elias, I meant to say, I can’t marry a man I don’t know just to save appearances. I’m going back to my country where people are not as strict about propriety rules as they are in the Middle East.”
“Roxanne is too shy to admit she has someone in mind,” Leila said from the door, with a big smile. “A very nice man. Her own doctor.”
“Really?” Marie answered with relief. “Why didn’t you say so, ya habibty, my dear.”
“She met him at her sister’s wedding,” Leila recited at double speed before anyone could interrupt her. “He’s a colleague of her brother-in-law. He helped her when she was crying after receiving the sad news. He knows about the baby. Right, Roxy?”
“Yes, but—”
“I talked to Greg on the phone,” Leila cut in. “And he asked me to make sure Roxanne doesn’t exhaust herself. He even gave me his phone number.”
“Oh, but—”
“So everything is settled for the baby. Roxy told me that if it’s a boy, his first name will be her father’s name and his middle name will be Nabil. Right, Roxy?”
Huh, when had she ever mentioned baby names? “Yes, yes.” Roxanne gave up on a useless discussion. Leila was determined to save her from a crazy match with a cousin and protect her father’s health at the same time.
“Roxy told me,” Steve added with a crooked smile, “that she and Greg plan to announce their engagement as soon as she returns home.” He burst out laughing. “Right, Roxy?”
She darted a killing look at Steve. “You, my man, wait until—” She clenched her hands at her sides to avoid punching his devilish grin.
“We better leave for the airport now,” Marie suggested. “Roxy dear, please take Leila and Michael with you to the hotel. It’s too dangerous for a young girl and a child to be alone in an apartment.”
“I’ll take them with me tonight. I’m sure Steve will be happy to come back and escort us.”
“Definitely,” the wily man said.
“And Roxanne,” Elias added. “We count on you to wait for their visas to be ready and take Leila and Michael with you to the States. I will send money to Leila as soon as you arrive there.” The man stood. His wife and daughter held his arms to help him walk.
“Money is not an issue, but I have to be there before February 14th.”
“Ah Valentine’s Day.” Steve smirked. “Didn’t I tell you this young woman is in love?”
“Dear Steve, you better move heaven and earth to get these visas ready. Otherwise I won’t give you permission to see Leila. I’m responsible for her now. Propriety and all that. Understand?” She squinted at him
Steve’s grin faded. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me. If I’m not leaving on time, I don’t see why I’ll care about your feelings.”
“Okay, I’ll call Lou. And I’ll ask a colonel to visit our embassy with me. Now we have to leave.” He punched a number on his phone. “Hey, Brian. Both of you, come upstairs.”
Roxanne watched the three hunks carry the heavy luggage down the stairs.
Marie sobbed as she hugged her daughter and overwhelmed her with recommendations. “I never thought I would leave you behind, ya habibty. Take care of yourself and Michael. Don’t go out alone. Both of you stay with Roxy and Steve.” She kissed the little boy and squeezed him against her until he cried too.
“Uncle Elias should not go down the stairs. It’s too tiring for him,” Steve declared.
Bemused, the old man looked at them. “But I have to go to the airport.”
Steve brought a chair from the living room. “Sit here, Uncle Elias. These big men will carry your chair.”
“You are amazing, Steve.” Elias chuckled. “I know you will take good care of my daughter. Stop crying, Marie. Trust these children and let’s go.”
Steve held Marie’s arm and ordered, “Leila, lock the door behind us and don’t open to anyone. We’ll be back soon.”
As soon as Leila turned the lock and lowered a metal bar to secure the door, Roxanne punched Greg’s number into her phone. She had so many things to tell him, but for nothing in the world would she relate the part about Elias asking her to marry before delivering her baby.
Greg’s recorded voice answered. “Leave a message, please, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” He must be in Delivery.
“I’ll make coffee if you can hold Michael and comfort him.”
Roxanne sat on the sofa and opened her arms. “Come, buddy, come to Aunt Roxy. We’ll play with your train.” Still sobbing, the little boy climbed onto her lap. She turned on the switch of the toy and the train chugged on the cocktail table.
Michael clapped hands and repeated, “Tchouk, tchouk...” She hugged the little boy and pictured her own son playing with a similar train.
Her heart pinched and Elias’ words echoed in her mind.
A child needs to have a father at his birth. A man who will give him his surname and protect him.
“Leila,” Roxanne said, when the young woman returned with a tray laden with two cups of Arabic coffee and cook
ies. “What will become of Michael? Who will raise him?”
“Michael is mine.” Leila caressed the chubby boy’s hair. “I promised Tarek that I will raise his son. Whoever wants to marry me will have to love us both, Michael and me.”
“Did you tell Steve that?” She sat the toddler on the floor in front of his train and sipped the local coffee she’d grown accustomed to.
“He hasn’t proposed yet. Too early. We met only four days ago.”
“I know.” Roxanne chuckled. “But seeing the way you two carried on.”
“He promised my parents he’ll protect me and Michael until we leave. After that who knows... Life can change so quickly.” Her lips tightened. Sadness shadowed her big brown eyes. “I have learned to live hour by hour and appreciate what God gives me.” She raised a fatalistic hand. “Rabbena kebeer, the Lord is great and has his way. His will be done,” she repeated her mother’s favorite invocation.
“But,” she added with a bright smile, “Steve loves to play with Michael. He carries him over his shoulders and runs around the apartment. Michael adores him.”
Roxanne averted her eyes. Emotion overwhelmed her. Her pulse raced and her heart drummed against her ribs.
Would Greg be able to love her baby as if he was his own?
Pain squeezed her inside like an iron band. The cup slipped from her shaking fingers. Brown residue sloshed on the wooden floor as the cup shattered.
“Roxanne, what’s going on?” Leila snapped.
Roxanne’s eyes widened in fear. Was this emotion or real trouble in her belly?
Chapter Eight
“My baby,” Roxanne mumbled, her hands cradling her belly. “Contractions.”
Remembering Greg’s instructions, she lay on the sofa and remained perfectly immobile.
“You feel contractions? Oh my God. Should I call Dr. Homsy, our neighbor? He’s a general practitioner, but he’s delivered many babies.”
Trying to control her breathing, Roxanne uttered, “No, call Greg. My phone, pocket. Push 2.” She closed her eyes, hoping Greg would be out of Delivery.
Leila withdrew the phone and called Greg. “Dr. Greg, it’s Leila from Baghdad. Roxy has contractions and pain. Should I call our doctor? Or take her to the nearest clinic? Okay, here she is.” Leila held the phone against Roxanne’s ear.