by Lechna Baram
“Thank you,” I said and Liam nodded before walking me to the car.
“Athena! What do you have to say to Rosemary who claims that she and Damian Spears broke up because of you?” I heard one of the paparazzi ask.
My hand was on the door handle but I still didn't open. I tried to get a look at the man who asked that question. When I caught his eye, I smiled and flicked my middle finger in his direction.
“Show her that,” I said before finally opening the door. When I got in the car, I noticed my sister laughing.
“The media is not really a fan of yours and what you did right now is not going to help.” She chuckled, starting to drive. Liam was pushing the paparazzi away from the car.
“I've decided not to worry about petty things,” I told her.
Yeah. I've decided to take life as it comes. I'm not going to worry myself about my relationship with Damian anymore. As long as we were together, even if not officially, I still had him by my side and that was enough for me.
“That's good,” Alena said. “Do you know that Rose is still mad because you left earlier?” she asked.
I sighed and nodded. Rose was mad because we left.
“Damian called her and Isaac yesterday to tell them to come over,” I told her. I noticed my sister casting side glances.
“What?” I asked. I knew when my sister was thinking about something weird.
“It feels like Damian and you are in a relationship.”
“We're not,” I told her. She could hear the disappointment in my voice.
“He cares about you though,” she stated. I nodded. I smiled when I thought about how caring he was.
“He doesn't want me going back to the apartment,” I told her.
“I don't want you going there either. Dean and I went there and this whole situation is more messed up than we thought,” she told me, shaking her head. After a few minutes, we reached the hospital’s parking lot. I groaned, not wanting to go inside.
“Do I really have to go?” I asked, sighing. Alena nodded then go out of the car.
“Get out, Athena,” she said “Because instead of feeling better, you are getting worse,” she added before closing the door. I got out, whining a little bit. “Stop being such a baby.” She joked, making me roll my eyes.
“Do you want me to stay with you?” Alena asked while we waited in the doctor's clinic.
I nodded. I was feeling sleepy. I leaned my head against my sister while waiting for the doctor to come.
“Athena Amington?” I turned my head to look at the old woman who just walked in.
“Here,” I mumbled, then settled myself properly on the seat.
“So tell me,” she said, as she sat behind her desk. She smiled at me, encouraging me to talk.
“I've been having fever for three days,” I told her.
“And she vomited today,” Alena added. I looked at the doctor’s badge and noticed that 'Dr. Geezmo' was written on it. She approached me, with her stethoscope, then listened to my heartbeat. A frown formed on her face.
“We'll have to do more tests. Follow me, Miss Athena. I'll have to ask you to wait outside,” she told Alena who nodded.
I frowned. Something must be serious. I took a deep breath and proceeded with the tests. “You may wait outside for the results,” the doctor said as she opened the door for me. I smiled and walked out to see my sister sitting in the waiting room. I walked to her and sat down.
“So?” she asked curiously.
“We have to wait for the results,” I told her. She nodded then looked at her phone.
“I kinda called Damian to tell him that we were here,” she said. I groaned.
“Why?”
“Because he tried calling you several times and you were not answering,” she deadpanned.
“I left my phone at home,” I told her. We waited several minutes until Dr. Geezmo called me back in. Alena accompanied me this time. I noticed that the doctor had a bright smile on her face. I sat on the chair and my sister sat beside me.
“Well, Miss Amington, congratulations,” she said with a smile. “You're pregnant.”
I froze.
What?
I was pregnant?
Damian's baby was growing inside of me?
Our baby was growing inside of me?
A gasp left my sister's mouth. I didn't know how to react at that moment. I was surprised. The one thing that was in my mind right now was Damian.
“You also have a cold which will be treated with the medicines that I'm going to prescribe you.” She continued, oblivious to our surprise.
“You're pregnant, Athena!” my sister exploded with happiness, after the doctor walked out.
“It's not something to be happy about, Alena,” I said in disbelief. “Damian and I aren't even a thing! Someone is trying to kill me! I don't even have my own place to stay! I don't even have proper work.” And suddenly I was crying. All these petty things that I said I shouldn't worry about, were becoming important things. “I need to get some air,” I said at the same time the doctor walked in.
“Go wait by the car. I'll take your medicines and follow,” Alena said when she realized that I badly needed some air.
I stood up and walked out. I quickly made my way to the car and sighed when I saw a bench nearby. So much was happening in my mind. I sat on the bench, trying to calm myself. I have to tell Damian. What if he rejects the baby then?
Then, you man up and you bring up your child on your own, Athena! my mind yelled at me.
Yeah, I shouldn't be dependent on Damian.
“Are you okay?” Alena asked when she reached me.
I nodded when she sat next to me.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“On whether Damian is going to reject or accept this baby,” I told her as I held my head in my hands, taking deep breaths to calm myself.
“And if he rejects it? Are you going to abort it?” Alena asked, sounding quite reluctant to talk about that subject. I scoffed then shook my head.
“It's not an 'it', Alena,” I told her as I sat properly and turned to look at her. “And abortion is not something I would ever consider. That's my baby, whether Damian rejects him or not, I'm going to take care of my baby,” I said. Alena smiled and pulled me in for a hug.
“I'm the one who got married. How come you're the one pregnant?” she asked teasingly.
I couldn't even laugh. I was so nervous about Damian's reaction.
“You're nervous.” Alena concluded. I nodded.
“Damian is not even ready for a relationship. How is he going to be ready to be a father?” I asked, shaking my head. “He might even think that I got pregnant on purpose just so he would not leave me,” I sobbed. Alena scoffed.
“You know he won't like that,” Alena said, shaking her head. “When are you thinking about telling him that?” she asked and stood up. I followed suit, walking to the car.
“Tonight.” I stared at my belly unconsciously. A smile crept on my face as my hand instinctively held it. I caressed it softly while Alena stared at me, a smile on her face. She unlocked the car and I got in. I was starting to feel the happiness.
“Do you want me to stay with you when you tell him?” Alena asked as she started driving. I shook my head. I needed to do that alone. I needed to stop relying on other people.
“I'll tell him,” I said. “I think we need to be alone when I'll tell him,” I told my sister who nodded.
“If there's any problem, just give me a call, okay?” she asked. I knew she was worried about me. I was nervous. But I was happy as well. I was pregnant with the baby of the man I love. He might not love me back, but still I was happy.
Chapter 58
Romantic
I was lying in bed. Alena was already gone. After taking my medicine, I was feeling so much better. Damian was still not home yet. I was nervous. I don't even know how many times I've been going in front of the mirror to look at my body. My phone buzzed next to me
. It was Damian.
“Hey.”
“Are you feeling better?” he asked. I could hear worry in his tone.
“Yeah, when are you coming home?”
“I'm already home,” he said.
What?
“I'm waiting for you by the pool,” he said before ending the call.
Wait what? I got off the bed and quickly walked to the balcony. The balcony had a view of the pool. My jaw dropped open at the scene in front of me. Damian was standing by the pool, a rose in his hand. He lifted his head to look at me, then motioned for me to take the stairs linked to the balcony for me to join him. I gulped as I stared at the romantic scene in front of me. Rose petals were floating on the water. A table was set. I slowly walked down the stairs, trying to assess the situation.
“What's all this?” I asked slowly while my eyes trailed on my man who was still in his suit while I was in my shorts and a top. He smiled and slowly walked to the stairs. Once I reached the bottom, he gave me the rose and took my hand in his.
“I was feeling nice today,” Damian said with a smile, making me chuckle.
“And how is that related to all this?” I asked, motioning to the beautifully decorated table.
“I wanted to spend some time with you,” he said. I smiled, then stood on my toes to lightly peck his cheek. He smiled, then kissed my forehead. He was in a good mood and I was going to ruin it with my pregnancy announcement. When we reached the table, he helped me with my seat before moving to his. I was even more nervous now. “You look worried.” He pointed out.
“I am,” I mumbled before taking a deep breath.
“Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to marry me,” he said. Well, I didn't know what to think about that. “Yet.” He added with his usual smirk. I chucked at how playful he sounded.
“There must be something going on,” I said and watched as the cook walked to us with our plates. Food was far from important right now. I was too nervous to even think about eating.
“Yeah, there is something I needed to say,” Damian said, staring at me seriously now. I took a deep breath. I had to brace myself for whatever he was going to say. This is Damian we are talking about. He was always full of surprises.
“Go ahead,” I said. But instead of talking, he motioned for me to eat.
“I'm not hungry,” I said, offering him a sheepish smile. He scoffed, then shook his head.
“We're not having that talk unless you eat something.”
“But I'm seriously not hungry!” I exclaimed.
“Athena, you're freaking sick. If you don't freaking eat, you'll get worse.” Damian finally snapped. It was then that it occurred to me that I was actually pregnant. If I wanted my baby to be in good health, I needed to feed him.
“Fine,” I said in surrender and started eating the delicious spaghetti. We both started eating, talking about casual things. It fascinated me how the man sitting in front of me, captured my attention. Or my heart. His hypnotizing gray eyes might be the reason I fell for him. His eyes were like a door straight to his soul.
“What did the doctor say?” he suddenly asked.
“I got a cold,” and I'm pregnant. But the last three words were uttered in my mind.
“You took the medicines the doctor gave you?” he asked. I nodded, getting a smile from him. “Good,” he said, making me shake my head. When we were done eating, we both decided to go for a walk in Damian's huge back garden. It was so beautiful at night. When we were near the pond, we sat on the bench just in front of it. I noticed Damian staring at me. I stared back at him. Observing his perfect self, keeping all the little details engraved in my mind in case he rejects us. In case, he rejects me and my baby.
“What?” I asked softly as I took his hand in mine.
“You're so beautiful,” he said and kissed my lips softly before pulling away. “This is exactly where my mom and my dad got married,” he said suddenly. I smiled as I studied the garden. It was so beautiful and lively. I was relaxed here. No more stressed as hell. I was nervous. Yes. But, I had to accept whatever was going to happen. I needed to tell Damian now. I turned to look at the handsome man sitting next to me.
“I need to tell you something,” I said slowly. Surprisingly, he quickly shook his head and motioned me to stop.
“I need to ask you something first,” Damian said with a smile on his face. I could see his eyes sparkling.
“It's important, Damian,” I urged, but again, he shook his head.
“What I have to say is important too,” he said. “You're the woman who had me under her spell on the very first day we met. Everything about you attracts me. You keep on impressing me every day and that's infuriating and exciting at the same time. I don't know whether it's love or not, but I need you to be mine. So, Athena, will you be my girlfriend?” he asked, making my eyes go wide. I needed to tell him.
I needed to tell him right now
“Damian,” I started, not knowing how to tell him. When he realized I had a frown instead of a smile on my face, he took a step backwards.
“What's wrong?” his voice was serious and cold.
“I have something to tell you. Then you decide whether you still want me to be yours or not,” I said. He was frowning by then.
“Go on,” he said, looking at me carefully. I felt like I was going to faint due to all the nervousness. I rolled my lips in my mouth, then stopped. It was a habit I had when I was stressed.
“I'm pregnant,” I simply blurted out. His eyes widened. “I don’t want you thinking that you're forced to stay with me because I'm pregnant,” I told him.
He didn't say anything. He seemed to be frozen until he dropped to his knees in front of me. His face was just in front of my belly.
“You mean, our baby’s in here?” he asked as he lightly touched my belly. I nodded. “You found about just today?” he asked, making me nod again. “Good,” he said as he lightly pecked my belly. Then he looked down, his hands still on my belly. He slowly stood up.
“Good?” I asked, not knowing whether it was a good sign or not. When he raised his head to look at me, I noticed that he was thinking hard about something. “Damian, I am not forcing you to look after the baby. But I'm not giving him up,” I rambled, making him focus on me.
“You thought that I was going to tell you to abort it?” he asked in disbelief. I nodded. Not wanting to look at him in the eye, I dropped my eyes to the floor.
“You were not ready for a relationship, how the hell would you be ready to be a dad?” I asked. “And you seem quite lost.” I added.
“I was only thinking about how cute a little Athena would look,” he said. I could notice his eyes becoming teary. “You have no idea how happy I am right now,” Damian said as he pulled me in for a hug. “If I were to have kids with someone, that would be you,” he said as he lightly pecked my head. “I would never reject our baby, kitten,” he reassured. “I will love her.”
“Him,” I quickly corrected. It was going to be a baby boy.
Damian quickly shook his head.
“Her,” he said.
“Why?” I asked, making him shrug.
“I want a little girl,” he simply said. I chuckled then smirked.
“You'll be ready to chase the boys who'll try to get her?” I asked teasingly. He seemed to think about it for a few seconds, then a grin spread out on his face.
“I'll keep a gun,” he stated.
I shook my head in disbelief. I was happy that he accepted me and our baby.
“You still haven't given me an answer,” he said as he snaked his hands around my waist, pulling me even closer.
“What question?” I asked as I caressed his face slowly.
“Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked again, making me chuckle at how cute he seemed.
“Yes, Damian,” I answered.
He smiled then quickly his lips met mine.
“You're mine,” he said as he pulled away.
I wrapped my arms around him, resting
my head on his shoulder. I was so happy. All my doubt about Damian were gone. I was officially his girlfriend. Suddenly he pulled away and I watched as he looked for something in his pocket. My eyes widened when I saw him taking out a chain box.
“I bought you a gift,” he said as he opened the box.
I saw a gold chain with a little heart. Damian turned the heart and I saw his initials printed on it. I smiled and motioned for him to put it on me. After he did, I took his hand, and lightly pecked it.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He smiled then took my hand in his. We walked back in the house and walked to the living room. We sat on the couch, with me sitting on his lap. I leaned my forehead against his.
“My parents are going to be really happy,” Damian said.
“They will be surprised I think,” I told him. “No one knows about us,” I said.
He chuckled then moved slightly. I watched as he brought his phone to him.
“Feisty Athena Amington addresses message to boyfriend's ex, Rosemary.” I heard Damian read.
I quickly took the phone from his hand. It was one of the several blogs. There was a picture of me, flicking my middle finger at the camera. I groaned then handed him back his phone.
“I was annoyed,” I told him.
He quickly stole a kiss from me before grinning.
“I actually laughed when I read this,” he told me. “You look quite hot with the messy hair and the red nose,” he joked.
I playfully punched his shoulder then rested my head on it.
“Thank you.”
“For?”
“Everything,” I said.
He tightened his arms around me. I could hear him take a deep breath.
“You deserve everything, Athena,” Damian told me as we went back to leaning our heads together. “Tomorrow we're inviting our family and friends over,” Damian suddenly said.
I blinked several times.
“Why?”
“To announce the good news,” he said as if I was stupid. Oh. I yawned, making him smile. Suddenly, I was being lifted off the couch. I yelped when Damian shifted my position so he was now carrying me bridal style.