~After Four Months~
Stephanie stepped out of the house to water the little garden in front of the house, carrying her protruded stomach with her.
As she watered the plants, she noticed someone was staring at her. She looked at her right side and saw her neighbor, a woman, looking at her.
“Hi.” The woman greeted, waving at her.
“Hi, Good morning, Ma’am,” Stephanie responded, smiling politely.
“Can I come to you?” She asked, and Stephanie bounced her head.
“Sure.”
Stephanie watched the woman walk out of her compound and head to her compound. She hadn’t seen the woman for about three months.
“You’re back, right?” Stephanie asked when she got closer.
“Yes, I am. I had to travel out for business.”
Stephanie bounced her head and chuckled. “I could guess. I haven’t seen you for three months. I thought you relocated already.”
“Nah… What's your name?” She asked.
“I’m Stephanie. And you? What’s your name?”
“I’m Fiona. It’s nice to meet you.” She stretched her hand to Stephanie, and Stephanie shook her hand.
“The last time I saw you, your belly wasn’t as big as this. Can I touch it?” She further asked, and Stephanie bounced her head.
“Yes, I can.”
Fiona reached for Stephanie’s big belly that hid under a Cotton fabric and gave it a slight rub.
“I’m happy for you,” Fiona mumbled, and Stephanie smiled and looked at her.
“Thank you, Fiona.”
Fiona withdrew her hand and bounced her head. “I have seen only you here. Are you living alone?”
“Yes, I am living alone.”
“Wow. What of her father?” She asked, pointing to Stephanie’s belly.
“Erm. He isn’t here.”
“Really? I’m so sorry about that,” Fiona responded with a very sad tone.
“Oh… no, it’s not what you think. I mean he isn’t here in Italy. He is in California. I didn’t tell him where I am and that I am carrying his baby.”
“What? Why would you do that? He isn’t a good person?” Fiona asked, and Stephanie shook her head.
“It’s not about him. It’s about me. I just need some time alone. I will tell him soon.”
“Wow. Aren’t you worried he would be looking for you everywhere?”
“I don’t think so. It’s been four months. I believe he is happy with his son and ex-girlfriend now.”
“What? I’m confused.” Fiona said and knotted her brows.
“Don’t worry about it, Fiona. I’m fine though. Thank you for your concern.”
Fiona nodded and collected the watering can from her. “I should help you with this too. You look tired to do this yourself.”
She walked to the garden and began to water the plants.
“Thank you, Fiona. You are a very nice person. Can I ask you something too?”
Stephanie walked closer to Fiona and watched her water the plants.
“You can ask me anything.” Fiona responded with a hearty smile.
“What about your family? I haven’t seen them at all. Do you live alone too?”
“Yes, I live alone. I was once married, but we divorced because I couldn’t conceive.”
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry, Fiona.”
“No, it’s fine. You weren’t aware. But, I’m worried about you. You can’t do this on your own, Stephanie. No matter what he did to you, he deserves to know you are carrying his baby. I want what you have badly, but I can’t have it. Don’t lose the opportunity of having a happy family.”
Stephanie smiled faintly and bounced her head. She had been missing him so much lately, and she couldn’t deny she wanted to see him.
But she was scared that if she called him and told him about her pregnancy, she could find out that he has something with Rosabella again.
“So, are you going to tell him about it? It’s better to know the truth and assume things. I’d be very happy if you told him about it. Who knows, this baby could be the one to bring you two together again.”
“Errm. I guess I’ll think about it.”
Fiona raised her head and looked at Stephanie. “Thank you. I believe he loves you.”
Stephanie bounced her head slowly. ‘But how does she know he loves me? This is weird.’
After watering the plants, Fiona headed back to her house, while Stephanie headed into the house.
She picked her phone and scrolled through her contacts. She clicked on Sebastian’s number and stared at it for minutes.
“Should I do this?” She muttered.
She slowly unblocked him and put a call across to him. She bit her fingers nervously, waiting for him to answer the phone.
*
Sebastian took a peek at his phone and when he saw it was Stephanie calling, he sprang to his feet.
He answered the phone and placed it on his ear.
“Stephanie? Is that you? Is it really you?!”
“Hi, Sebastian.”
“Oh my God! Stephanie. Where are you?! I have been looking for you all over.” Sebastian’s voice turned shaky as he spoke.
“I… I am in Italy, Sebastian.”
“What?! Italy? What are you doing in Italy? Are you okay?”
“I am fine, Sebastian. I have to come here to think.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, Stephanie. I was so worried about you. I didn’t stop looking for you.”
“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I just needed answers.”
Sebastian exhaled loudly and wiped his face with his hand.
“And have you gotten the answers now?” He asked.
“I think so. I want to tell you something, Sebastian.”
“What? I missed you so much, you know?”
“I know. Sebastian, I am… errrm. I’m pregnant.”
“What?! What did you say?”
“I am pregnant, Sebastian.”
“Are you serious, right now?! You are carrying my baby?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Oh My… Thank you so much! Thank you for this, Stephanie. I’ll be taking the next flight to Italy. I’ll see you soon, my love. Thank you!” He said with great excitement.
“Hey, what about work? You don’t have to rush here. I am doing fine.”
“No, Stephanie! I will see you today. I promise. I love you so much!”
He hung up the call and threw the phone in his pocket. He picked his car keys and headed out of the office.
He opened the door and as he was about to step out, Rosabella stood in front of him.
“Where are you going?” She asked after seeing him in a hurry.
“I’m leaving for Italy. Please tell Liam I won’t be able to take him out for dinner tonight. I’ll make it up to him when I return.”
He locked his door and hurried to the elevator.
“Wait! When will you be back?!” She asked, but she got no reply.
After he was gone, Rosabella clenched her jaw and fist very hard.
She eavesdropped on his conversation and knew it was Stephanie he was going to meet.
‘So she is pregnant too?’
“Do you think you can just walk back into his life and ruin my plans? I won’t let you. Sebastian is mine and mine alone!”