Chapter 14

I move my restless legs on the chair, unable to stay still. My hands are ringing and I feel that my heart is beating so hard that it comes out of my mouth. Thamur's hand covers mine, giving me comfort, and smiles warmly. I hear the door open and my gaze goes to Charlotte, who enters the room holding a paper in her hand. She sits on the other side of the table, and sighs.

—Here's the result. Do you want me to open it or do you prefer ...

—Charlotte, tell me the result.

Thamur, scold the same. Her voice sounds impatient. She shrugs and unfolds the paper. I notice her eyes widen and her expression lights up.

—Positive!

She says cheerfully, handing the paper over to Thamur. I feel my heart skip a beat, my mind goes totally blank. Involuntarily I put a hand on my stomach and touch the spot, I feel my eyes sting but I don't let a single tear fall.

I look at Thamur, who looks around the paper with a neutral expression. I wonder if he is happy, angry or sad. His expression does not help me to decipher.

—This is amazing! We have to celebrate. I'll call now ...

—No need, I'll take care of that myself. Let's go!

Thamur responds by standing up grabbing my hand, I do the same and let him guide me to the door. I give Charlotte a quick nod, who holds a sad expression. He continues to hold my hand as we leave the building until we reach the car. Without questioning, I get in the car and get out of there.

The same does not say a word, I do not question it. I'm busy thinking about the fact that I'm going to be a mother. But I can't help not thinking about him. Thamur, always talked about what to do if I was pregnant, but now that we really know I am. He doesn't say a word.

I was so thoughtful along the way, that I realize only now that the car has stopped. I look outside the window and see that we are facing his apartment.

—When I come back from the company I stop by, I pick up my things and go to your house. The password is 2503.

He speaks so suddenly that I can barely understand what he says.

—You got it? E 2503.

—Humrum got it, 2503.

I repeat the numbers. I get out of the car, watch it move forward and disappear around a corner. Your silence hurts me, but not your coldness. I look around the streets with teary eyes distorting my vision, I let a single tear fall down my face. And the glowing lights of Subway catch my eye on the corner, I walk to the pedestrian strip and wait for the light to open. I cross the street with a crowd and enter the establishment. I wait for my turn in the small queue, which doesn't take long to reach mine. I place my order.

I sit at a distant table and bite my snack, watching the outside through the wide window. I watch some clouds form in the sky. Excellent! What else needs to happen today. I think to myself taking another bite.

—Bellinda Foggs?

I hear a male voice speak my name, capturing my attention. I turn my head and feel my heart beat. What the hell! Xingo watching Luke, come down and look up at me.

—And yourself!

He confirms it with a wide smile on his face, I swallow with difficulty.

—Luke!

I speak his name demonstrating a happiness that I do not feel.

—I can?

Question pointing to the seat in front of me.

—of course.

What not! I speak the second part internally.

—What are you doing here?

Question watching me closely, I wipe my mouth with the paper napkin before answering.

—I eat.

I speak playfully, raising my eyebrows. He laughs with his white teeth.

—As always in a good mood. But seriously now, what are you doing here? In this town?

—I live here.

I answer leaving the snack aside, my hunger disappeared like a magic wand.

—So you really left home.

—I needed!

I answer vaguely, I notice his smile gradually fade.

—Bellinda about what happened ...

—Mrs. Garson? Mr. Thamur wishes to speak with you.

A tall man in a suit interrupts Luke, standing in front of our table.

—What? Who are you?

—My name is James, I was hired by Mr. Garson to protect you.

—Protect me?

I ask confusedly for the same one who nods.

—That's right!

—When did he hire you?

—I cannot provide this information, please follow me now.

He speaks, taking a step back, extending an arm toward the door. My eyes go to Luke, who stares at me in bewilderment.

—Ahh I'm sorry about that.

I speak for the same thing that returns to the previous posture.

—No. Okay, you can go, I understand.

—I am really sorry.

I speak rising from my seat, it repeats my gesture.

—Bellinda, I really enjoyed seeing you. If you have time we can see you again.

He talks about taking something out of his pocket, and then handing me a card.

—My number, you can call me whenever you want.

—of course!

—It was good to see you Bellinda, bye.

—Bye Luke.

I answer and watch the same man leave the Subway and get in the car across the street, and start. I twist the card between my fingers and toss it into the bag. This James, is still in the same place watching me. I roll my eyes and pick up the snack I wrapped. The same walks behind me until we enter the apartment.

I leave my bag on the couch and unwrap Subway to continue eating. James comes over to me and hands me a cell phone, leaving the room leaving me alone in the room. In seconds I get scared by the ring of the cell phone.

—Hello?

—I thought you had to stay in the apartment.

Thamur's voice sounds irritated on the other end of the line.

—You didn't say so.

I hear the same outburst of irritated air.

—Who was that guy?

How does he know about Luke? I ask myself confused.

—Are you spying on me?

I ask annoyedly, leaving the subway aside, rising from the couch.

—No! James saw it and informed me.

—Did you inform? And since when does he work for you?

—Two days ago, Bellinda.

—You hired him to follow me?

—To protect you! I'm an important man, Bellinda, what you wanted.

—That you had consulted me?

My voice sounds a little more altered.

—Don't get stressed, you're pregnant.

—Yeah, I know. And I couldn't even make my appointment because you dragged me out of there.

The same does not answer and I hear the line changes, I think he may have hung up. But his voice sounds right away.

—I have to hang up now, when we arrive we talk about it.

—If I'm still here.

I speak by turning off my cell phone, leaving it on the couch, letting out a breath of air and trying to calm myself down. I lie down on the sofa and run a hand over my stomach.

—Your father is a hardhead.

I speak, stroking my stomach, as I watch the storm fall over the city.