Chapter Three Chapter Three

The dawn came slowly for Riley. She had slept fitfully through the night, awaking fully with the sky still in shimmering bright. Now, as the daylight slowly illuminated the bedroom, Riley noticed a presence beside her on the bed. It was Marco. He probably had slid there during the night while she was asleep. I do hope he has calmed down by now, she thought to herself. She stretched out her arms with satisfaction from a good night's rest as she went off the bed and opened the large curtains allowing the bright rays of the sun to lit the dim room.

She proceeded to the shower to take a bath so as to prepare for her appointment with the family doctor. She enjoys cold baths, especially because of the high hot temperatures at this time of the year. Oh Marco, it's so hot, could you turn on the aircon? she had always wailed towards Marco who just always made fun of her because of it. She giggled as she remembered those times. She made her way into the showering room and had a long cooling shower. After a few minutes, she made her way out, but when she saw Marco awake, she ran back, in fears that he may snap at her again.

Wait Riley, i really do wish to speak with you, said Marco, sounding guilty. R-Really? W-What do you want to say?, she stammered. She proceeded out of the showering room but was terrified that Marco may yell again. Marco stood up from the bed and walked towards Riley looking apologetic. Riley jilted when he got close.

Please don't be scared. I promise i won't yell anymore. Look, i'm sorry about how i've been treating you recently. I guess i was just scared for you, and i was wrong. I have realized my mistake now. The situation is really not..bad. I will support you from now on.

It's okay, Marco, i forgive you, she said in response as she giggled and gave him a tight hug.

So, does this mean that we're good now? No more grudges? Marco asked.

Yeah, no more grudges, said Riley with a smile. But on the count of this pregnancy, i need answers on why this is happening. I really want to know because this is not normal.

Marco was panicking internally. "No...she mustn't find out yet. I must hide the truth until Tundra says it's the right time." I wonder was she is planning to do, Marco thought. Curious, he asked, so how are we going to find answers? Riley could see the curiosity in his eyes. She was glad he was now the gentleman he once was.

"Well, i plan to go to the family doctor, Dr. Mike, he is one of the best medical practitioners in the city. Probably he has dealt with a case like this before. Probably, maybe my mum also had this issue too. She teared up remembering her late parents. They had died just a few days before the news of Riley's pregnancy arrived. She cleaned the tear that flowed down her cheeks. ...And besides, she continued, he used to be very loyal to my parents before they passed.

I'm sorry about your parents, i really am, said, Marco.

It's okay, i'm over it..

Look, um...Riley, i don't think this problem is for the hospital. They can't help you, no one can. This is a far more serious issue, more than the hospital can deal with.

His words surprised Riley. And why do you think so, Marco? she asked.

Oh..nothing, those must have come out wrong. I probably am just scared that maybe they may say there's no problem, he said, and searched her face, trying to see if she got suspicious. Luckily she didn't, she just brushed it off, probably.

Suddenly, inside the head of Marco was that voice again, Tundra. "What do you think you were about to do just now? Huh, Marco?"

I'm sorry, it won't happen again, i promise!, said Marco terrified.

Uh..sorry for what? said Riley. The words Marco had been saying for the past 30 seconds just sounded like trash to Riley.

Marco later snapped out of his senses. Oh..um, i think i had a lot to drink last night, don't take what i say very seriously, okay? said Marco as he held Riley.

Ok-kay, she stammered, as she was just confused about Marco's weird behaviour a few minutes ago.

So off to the doctor? she said, moving on to a new topic as if to ignore the awkward conversation that just took place.

She quickly got dressed checking the time. She changed into a form fitting dark blue velvet dress with lace adorning a high collar and long sleeves. She tied her scattered blonde hair into countless ringlets about her head. She turned her back and saw Marco staring right at her. I wish you wouldn't stare so, Marco. I would think i had dirt on my face if i didn't know any better. Marco stood up and walked towards her, and grabbed her by the waist painting small kisses on her neck. You know, you've become more beautiful recently, said Marco.

" Why, Marco Valenquez, are you telling me that i used to be ugly?" Riley teased him, pretending to be affronted.

"Of course not..you know what i mean, Marco said, with a seductive voice.

All right, i forgive you, she laughed, as she crossed over to her makeup cabinet and started applying the cosmetic products on her body.

" All done." She said with a bright smile on her face. I'm ready to go now.

" Looking all so beautiful, how about i take you out to dinner tonight, my sweet?", said Marco.

I would love to, said Riley, blushing. I had better be on my way now if i want to make it home on time.

I hope you find answers to your questions. Fill me in when you get back. We can talk about it over dinner.

Yeah sure, i'm looking forward to it, said Riley, giggling. I'll see you later then. Enjoy your day, she said as she kissed him goodbye and left the house.