CHAPTER 17
The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains of my bedroom, but it didn't bring its usual warmth. Instead, I woke with a groggy, heavy feeling that clung to me like a damp fog. My stomach churned uncomfortably, and for the third time that week, I found myself rushing to the bathroom before I'd even brushed my teeth.
I leaned over the sink, splashing cold water on my face as I tried to steady myself. This wasn't normal. Sure, I'd been stressed about Alexander and work lately, but this? This was different.
My mind raced as I stood there, gripping the edges of the sink. I had been brushing off these symptoms as nothing—maybe I wasn't eating properly, or perhaps I was just exhausted. But deep down, a thought began to creep in, one I hadn't dared to entertain until now.
Was it possible? Could I be... pregnant?
The realization sent a jolt through my body, and I found myself shaking my head. No, it was too soon to jump to conclusions. I needed answers, and I needed them now.
---
The clinic was only a short walk from my apartment, but it felt like the longest journey of my life. Every step was filled with doubt and anticipation, my thoughts racing ahead of me. The crisp morning air did little to clear my head as I tried to focus on the world around me.
When I arrived, the bright, sterile waiting room felt oddly comforting. I filled out the necessary forms, my hand trembling slightly as I wrote my name. As I sat in one of the plastic chairs, flipping through an old magazine, I tried to calm myself.
"Isabella?"
The nurse's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I followed her into the examination room. The doctor, a kind-faced man with graying hair, greeted me warmly.
"What brings you in today?" he asked, his tone professional yet gentle.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to phrase it. "I've been feeling really nauseous and tired lately," I said finally. "It's been happening for a few days now, and I just wanted to make sure everything's okay."
The doctor nodded, asking me a series of questions about my symptoms and medical history. He listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. Then he paused, glancing at me over his glasses.
"Is there a possibility that you could be pregnant?"
The question hit me like a thunderbolt, and for a moment, I couldn't respond. Pregnant? The word echoed in my mind, sending a wave of shock and possibility through me.
"I... I don't know," I stammered finally.
"Well," he said with a reassuring smile, "let's run a test and find out."
---
The next twenty minutes felt like an eternity. I sat alone in the small room, my hands fidgeting in my lap as I tried to process the possibility. The thought of being pregnant was both exhilarating and terrifying. My mind raced with images of what it would mean—Alexander's reaction, the changes to my life, the sheer magnitude of it all.
Finally, the doctor returned, a small strip of paper in his hand and a warm smile on his face.
"Congratulations, Isabella," he said. "You're pregnant."
The words hung in the air, surreal and life-changing. Pregnant. I was pregnant.
I stared at him, my mouth opening and closing as I tried to find the right words. "I'm... I'm going to have a baby?"
"Yes," he said, his tone kind and understanding. "From your symptoms and the test results, I'd say you're likely in your first trimester. I'll give you some prenatal vitamins to get started, and we'll schedule a follow-up appointment soon."
---
Walking home from the clinic, I felt like I was floating. The reality of what I'd just learned was slowly sinking in, filling me with a mix of awe and disbelief. A baby. Alexander and I were going to have a child.
As I reached my apartment, I clutched the small bag of vitamins the doctor had given me, my mind already racing with ideas about how to tell Alexander. This wasn't just any news—it was life-changing, and I wanted to make the moment perfect.
---
I spent the rest of the day brainstorming. Should I surprise him with a gift? Maybe a baby onesie or a pair of tiny shoes? Or should I cook him a special dinner and tell him over dessert? The possibilities were endless, and I wanted to make sure everything was just right.
I imagined his reaction—the surprise, the joy, the way his face would light up when he realized we were starting a family together. It made my heart swell with happiness.
But as much as I wanted to tell him right away, I knew I needed to wait for the perfect moment. Perhaps this weekend, when we could spend the evening together without any interruptions. Until then, I would keep this little secret close to my heart.
---
The next morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time in weeks, I felt a deep sense of peace. This baby was a miracle, a symbol of the love Alexander and I shared, and I was determined to give them the best life possible.
At work, I couldn't stop smiling, even as I busied myself with orders and cleaning.
"Alright," Sarah said, leaning against the counter and eyeing me suspiciously. "What's with the big grin today?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, shaking my head.
"Uh-huh," she said, crossing her arms. "Come on, spill. What's going on?"
"Not yet," I said with a laugh. "But you'll find out soon enough."
Sarah raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
---
As the day went on, I found myself daydreaming about the future—about holding my baby for the first time, about Alexander's reaction, about the life we would build together.
By the time my shift ended, I was bursting with excitement to share the news with Alexander. Back at my apartment, I sat on the couch with a notebook, jotting down ideas for the perfect surprise. I wanted everything to be magical, from the moment he walked in to the moment I shared the news.
I placed a hand on my stomach, a soft smile spreading across my face as I imagined the tiny life growing inside me. This baby was already so loved, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held.