Chapter 16

Waking up with a headache, I groan in pain. As my eyes adjust to the daylight streaming in through the window, I gasp. This is Seb's room. Why am I here?!

"You're awake Eva." Seb's voice says cheerfully as he steps into the room with a bowl. He sits down on the edge of the bed. "Eat this porridge so you'll feel better." He says gently.

I stare at him as if he has grown an extra head.

"What?" He raises a dark eyebrow at me.

"Since when have you been so caring?" I ask with a chuckle.

"What do you mean? I've always been caring." Seb says confidently.

I can't help laughing, "With your girlfriends?"

A smirk appears on his face and he leans forward, "Should I show you how I took care of them?" His voice is deep and enticing as he stares intensely at me.

Gulping nervously, I quickly shake my head, "No thanks, I'll pass." I take the bowl from Seb, "Let me eat since you so kindly made it for me."

He grins and moves back. "You seem better already. How did you manage to catch a fever?"

"It's probably because it was cold when I met Jason and then Ca..." I stop as I realise that it is better not to tell him about Carol.

"What?" He prompts.

I glance at the clock, "It's time for you to leave for work." I say quickly. "Where's Miracle?"

"He is in your room, still asleep. I'll leave now. Damn, I'm almost late." He hurriedly walks out of the room.

After finishing the warm porridge, I have a bath and then check on Miracle. It is still a little early for him. I watch a bit of TV but there are only shopping channels at this early hour.

Hearing a cry, I quickly walk into my bedroom and pick up the crying baby. His nappy is full. Changing his nappy is easier for me now. At first, I was clueless about how to do it but after reading through countless parenting books and watching videos, I am now a proud expert.

"Isn't Mummy the best?" I grin as I bend down and nuzzle Miracle's tiny nose with mine. He giggles loudly and my heart flutters in happiness. Maybe God sent this Miracle to me to lighten my spirits. "Of course, you are my precious sweetheart."

***

Nervous?

Anxious?

Sweating under pressure?

Forced smile?

Mind blank?

Hotel? Definitely not Trivago.

Those points pretty much sum me up right now. I hold Miracle in my arms, my mouth dry. Should I offer her some water first before I explain the situation? But the question is, should I lie my way out or confess the truth? However, if I tell her the truth she will let my mother know and all hell will break loose. If I lie, she will assume I had a baby with Seb and drag him into it. I know it is wrong of me to involve him any further into my issues.

"Are you alright darling? You haven't answered me about whose baby this is?" Her light brown eyes are exactly the same as Seb's and I can feel the intensity of her piercing gaze as she stares at me.

"I-I'm fine Gran. I didn't expect you to come today haha." I say nervously.

"Of course I had to come as soon as your mother told me that you and Seb are finally together. I always knew it would happen one day. I am so happy. I can die peacefully now." She says with a smile.

"Don't say that Gran." I say, "You'll live for a long time." I really regret lying to my mum. I should have known she would spread the news to Seb's grandmother as soon as she returned home.

"So this baby..." She smiles at Miracle.

"Ah wait Gran, could you look after him for a moment? I have a phonecall coming through." I lie, handing the baby to her. She smiles softly and holds him.

Hurriedly, pulling out my phone, I excuse myself into the kitchen and call Seb. He doesn't pick up until I call for the fifth time.

"What is it? I'm busy right now Eva." He says in a hushed voice.

"Sorry Seb but I don't have a choice. There is an emergency right now. Red light. Class A emergency. Please come home as soon as possible." I plead in a quiet voice. I can hear Gran playing with Miracle in the other room.

"What is it? I don't think–"

"Just come home as soon as you can." I beg before hanging up.

Filling a glass of warm tea, I bring it out for Seb's grandma. She has always been fond of me but I don't know whether I should lie or be honest with her. I don't want to drag Seb into my mess. He is already pretending to be my boyfriend but if they think Miracle is his child, it will become hell.

"This child has beautiful eyes Eva." Gran says with a huge smile as she cuddles Miracle who looks like he is enjoying the attention. "What is his name again?"

"M-Miracle." I answer, placing the tea on the coffee table. "Have some tea Gran."

"Thank you dear."

I watch in silence as she talks to Miracle and plays with him. Could it be possible that she thinks he is her great grandson?

"You're awfully thin Eva. Are you eating well? I need to scold Seb for not taking good care of you." She says, glancing at me.

I shake my head, "It's not Seb's fault." I say quickly, "I have been eating but I'm so busy with Miracle that I probably burn it all off."

She frowns a little, "That's not right. Miracle is your–"

"My baby."