'I... but doctor, how is that possible?'
'Are you asking me the basics Ms. Anderson?', he asked playfully.
'What? Of course not. What I mean is... doctor it's... it's actually only been a month since I entered a relationship. You see what I'm getting at?', I asked hopefully with my cheeks blushing red, hinting at a probable malfunction in the scanning report.
'My dear, if I can be blunt, all it takes is only one time done at the right moment. And you are six weeks pregnant from what I can see in the reports'
'But... how? Six weeks?'
Please ask again, I want to have a nice laugh, my inner d said sarcastically.
'Well, many new would-be mothers' get confused the first time. The counting starts from your last period, not from the date the sperm enters your body'.
'Oh...ok', I mentally cringed, visualizing the scientific side.
Ahh...nothing like a total stranger telling you how your body works, said my inner diva.
You know, I was kidnaped, beaten, almost got killed... yet in all that drama, I never missed you. I wonder why?
Whatever makes you sleep babe... whatever makes you sleep; my inner diva said this time in a hipster disguise.
Before I could increase my stress levels a knock interrupted me. Could it be? Oh no, I'm not ready yet. I need time after this latest bomb.
Yes, check the mirror, how do we look? Asked my inner diva, not at all concerned with the severity of the situation.
I wonder what the lifespan of is my alter ego?
The door opened and... in came Richard accompanied by Claire of course.
'Oh Erica, I'm so sorry. I wished I was there when it all happened. I could have done something. I feel partly responsible for what happened to you, for not being there', said Claire apologetically.
Don't. Please don't feel guilty on my account. It was my fault Richard ended up in danger. I just wish this doesn't scare him away. All that romantic nonsense he wrapped himself in... yet inside he is just a kid. I wished it didn't do any lasting damage', I said feeling guilty for almost dragging Richard in this. I shudder to think what would have happened if that biker doesn't agree to leave him alone.
'Well... he has something to tell you', she looked pointedly at Richard, who for once doesn't look happy seeing me.
I turned to him and said, 'hey. How are you feeling?'
Richard being Richard, cooled my frantic heart from dangerous thoughts like withdrawal, nightmares, depression, etc., by doing his dramatics. 'Oh, my love, how I worried for thee!'
'Richard, English please'
'Very well. My dear love', he started, at least he didn't read a poem this time. There's that. With a deep sigh, he said, 'It's all my fault. You sacrificed yourself for me! Oh, my heart, I was not strong enough to defend you. Your devotion to me...oh, my love, if only I have known it sooner'
'Richard-'
'No. Don't speak. Let me engulf myself with this moment. Oh, my dearest, I prayed for thee. I was worried sick about what I shall do! Finally, I came to this conclusion. My love, even though your love touches every corner in my heart, we have to part ways. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me again. My poor heart can't bear it. Alas, I have to manage my life with a broken heart. I wish you all the happiness in the world. '
'Richard, it's not necessary- '
'No. I won't hear it. Try to find love again, for my sake, my heart. On second thought, please don't find someone as good as me.'
'After waiting for a minute to confirm indeed his pre-prepared speech is over, I said, 'Oh Richard, you will always have a piece of my heart. But, yes, I agree it's time to part ways', I said with a straight face. But behind Richard, Claire failed to support me. She burst out laughing at the scene being played out.
'Ok Romeo, I think 'My love' needs her beauty sleep now. Let's go', she turned him towards the door.
I mouthed thank you to her for everything.
'Bye Erica. Will see you when you return home. Take care'
'Sure. See ya'
Once they were gone, I was left alone with my thoughts. A baby... shit! With my thirst for vengeance, I almost put its life in danger. How couldn't I figure it out sooner? All that sobbing, mood swings... it must be the red flags. Instead, I thought it was because of finally finding out the truth behind Sophie's murder.
Some tiny information flickered in my mind. Rose said something about their plan involving a baby. Hell! Was Sophie pregnant when she got killed? I never get to find out.
A baby... strange! How quickly it changes one's perspective. I need to be stress-free from now on. That means no thinking about you-know-who.
Was it that bad what he did? His reasons were valid to hide his knowledge. The only thing that hurts you is, he started this relationship in pretence. Well, news flash for you, you were not expecting roses and poems from him when you entered this, my inner diva ranted at her frustration.
Are you saying, I should have expected his betrayal?
No... but you elevated him to god-like status. He could do no wrong in your eyes. You say, he never tried to learn more about you. Well honey, you too never asked. You assumed...always, my alter ego said.
When worded like that...
And don't get me started on how he rescued you. He killed his half-brother for you. That must count for something, my inner diva full-on rallies her cause.
He didn't know he was killing his brother; I pitched my lame excuse.
Didn't he? Would it have made any difference? In the end, he saved the day, my inner d prattled on.
So, where is your gallant hero then? I didn't see him wasting away in the hospital corridors.