Chapter 25

As soon as they leave the clinic, Penne called Henry and said the appointment was over and that they would be waiting for him at the café next door. They ordered a juice, and Penne asked the main question: "What about Henry? When are you going to tell him? He deserves to know you're expecting his child, and he'll want to be there for you during this important time in your lives."

"Penne, I don't want Henry to know I'm expecting his child. I need to think first about what I should do..." Her friend interrupted, "You're not thinking of aborting your child, are you? He would never forgive you."

"No, of course not. That would never cross my mind. Not even in a dream. I just need to think a bit more to make a decision. And once I'm ready, I'll tell him."

"You know, Liz, Henry only has eyes for you. He only loves you, and when he finds out that your love has borne fruit, oh, then he'll love you even more. If that's even possible. When I told him I was coming to visit you, he wanted to come along. I told him you would talk later and arrange a meeting. He was very sad."

They were still talking about Henry when Nick arrived and joined them at the table. Liz shared that she was now sure. "Your nephew is on the way. Henry and I are going to be parents."

"Henry will be very happy when he hears this news?" Penne tells Nick that Liz doesn't want him to know yet. He then shares his thoughts: "If it were me, I would be very sad and might not even forgive you for excluding me from such an important moment for both of us." Liz says she'll tell him, but at the right time.

"The doctor ordered a series of tests. I'll do them first, and once everything is ready, I'll take them to her. And then, once I have all the answers, he'll be the first to know, after you. Don't worry. And there's also my parents, who are very conservative. I can't talk to them either. I have a lot to do. Projects to complete before I get too big and can't run around like I've been doing lately. So I ask you to give me this time. I need to have this time to do the right thing. I know you'll go back and meet with Henry. But I ask you to keep this secret for me. Please... Can I count on you?"

Penne hugged her friend and said they wouldn't tell Henry. "Right, Nick?" She asked her to stay calm because she shouldn't be stressed. Nick confirmed they wouldn't say anything because it's up to her to give him the good news. Liz thanked her friend and fiancé for their understanding and said she loved them both very much, that they would be the best godparents her child could have.

This time, Penne got emotional and said she felt very sorry for not being able to be around during the whole pregnancy, for not being able to see her belly grow... Nick asked Liz if she wanted to go home with them. She said she couldn't. "Now, I can't even think about it."

"Then, shall we go home? Or do you want to stop by the company to see how things are going in person?"

"You've had a lot of emotions today. We'll take you home, and Nick and I will stop by there. Then, I'll go out and buy what the doctor asked for. I'll schedule your tests, and only after that we'll leave. That way, I'll travel more peacefully."

"No need to worry, I'm fine. And I'll take very good care of my baby. I'll do everything the doctor asked me to do."

Nick paid the bill and then left with Penne to drop Liz off at home. Then, they went out again. Penne said she wanted to buy a gift for the baby, just to cheer Liz up a little. And they went shopping.