Slight Itch

Andrea stayed in the hospital for an extra two days before being discharged with her son. The doctor has assured her that even though the baby was born premature, he was very healthy.

After breastfeeding her child, she placed him in the stroller and went to the bathroom to change her clothes.

When she came out of the bathroom, she saw Gael looking at her child strangely.

"Is something wrong?" Andrea asked.

Gael moved his gaze from the little baby who was sleeping and replied, "Nothing. The child is alright."

"Then why were you looking at him like that?"

Gael shrugged, "I was just surprised by how small he is."

"He is very small, isn't he? I'm sure he is different from the babies you have seen and held before."

"I have never held a baby."

"As a doctor, you have never held a baby?" Andrea asked, finding it hard to believe.

Gael furrowed his brow as he replied, "I'm a neurologist, not a gynecologist or a pediatrician."

"So you have never had a child as a patient?"

"Never. That is why there are other doctors and if it is a situation, they are unable to handle, I just supervise."

"Wow. The only thing left is for you to write on your forehead that you don't like children."

"I don't hate kids." Gael retorted.

"Your behavior says otherwise."

Gael sighed and said, "Let's talk about what is important. We will stop at the civil registry office to register our marriage, and then I will fill you in on every member of the Ashford family before we move to Zarion City."

"Move to Zarion city? I can't move to another city. My life with Henrick is here; my job as a teacher is here."

"But your duty to your son and Henrick is there. Andrea, we have to do this."

Before Andrea could reply, the door to the ward opened, and a nurse came in with a certificate saying, "The birth certificate is ready."

Andrea collected the certificate and in the spot for father's name, Gael Ashford name was boldly written.

"You can always change it." Gael said while observing her expression.

Andrea gaze moved to the nurse as she said "Thank you."

The nurse gave her a soft smile and left.

"Once we find out who actually killed Henrick then I want everyone to know who my son real father is."

"I know I said two years but if we are smart and fast enough then we won't have to wait for two years. Every moment count, Andrea. The sooner we start, the better."

"I agree. I'm ready to leave, now."

.....

After leaving the hospital, Gael and Andrea both went to the civil registry office to register their marriage.

Andrea looked at the document that require her signature and her hand kept trembling whenever she attempt to sign.

She looked at Gael and asked "Can you give me a moment?"

Gael watched her silently for a moment before saying "Yes."

Gael immediately ran out of the office and took out her phone from her purse. She scrolled to Henrick number and called it, perhaps there was a little hope in her, that thought he would pick but unfortunately, she heard the machine voice.

'The number you have called is no longer available."

Andrea tried again and again and the response was still the same and once again the realization that she will never hear his voice or see his handsome face again settle in her heart.

Andrea crouch down as she cried loudly not caring that she was in a public place. Why did this have to happen to her, was losing her parents not enough? Why did her husband had to leave her as well? Who was so cruel to have killed a man that would never hurt even a fly?

As Andrea wiped her tears, immerse anger and deep need for vengeance burn in her heart. She stood up and when went back inside.

Gael whose eyes were studying the sleeping baby moved to Andrea as she walked towards him. It was obvious she had cried.

A strange envy grew in his heart wishing he too could cry. The last time he had shed tears was when he found his mother's body in the pool. She had drown to death, leaving a sucide note in her room. Barely a year after his mother's death, his father remarried another woman and when he confronted his father about this betrayal, he was told his mother was having an affair and it was because she was caught, she decided to end her own life.

Gael had never imagined himself getting married. In fact, whenever he saw a couple tying the knot, he couldn't help but wonder how long their union would last. And when he saw elderly couples who had been together for decades, he often questioned whether they were still in love or simply accustomed to each other's presence.

After signing his name on the marriage certificate, Gael found himself looking at Kai and was surprised to see the baby staring back at him.

And for the first time in many years, Gael felt a slight itch in his heart.