Chapter 16
Annie
I woke up in a very good mood today. It’s my cousin Arnie’s birthday, and I want to send him a nice birthday message. It’s the first time I haven’t spent a birthday with my family, but the satisfaction I feel right now with my work makes up for it.
I get up, freshen up, and then head to breakfast. I’ve been here for two weeks now. I can’t believe how time flies. My life has changed so much, but I’m not complaining Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I feel a little lump in my stomach. As a doctor, I know it’s normal, but this is the first time I’ve experienced it. It’s funny, they say doctors make the worst patients, and I think they’re right. Despite all the theory in my head, I have so many doubts now that I’m experiencing motherhood myself. Hehehe, I let out a small laugh.
“What are you laughing at, babe? My friend Martha approaches without me noticing
“Hi, good morning. I woke up feeling good, thanks for asking My friend laughs and comes over to give me a tight hug.
“Hahaha, silly. Good morning. You look good today. What’s the occasion?” I sit down in one chair, and she sits in another.
“Well, today’s my cousin’s birthday, and I want to call them later when they’re at the party. I want to see them all” She takes my hand and smiles.
7t’s great that you’re staying connected with your family Look, Mirtha and I have each other and you have both of us, but unfortunately, we’re not really blood sisters. You have your family, and I imagine they feel displaced since you left without telling them and came with us. You should talk to them more often your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Have you thought about how sad they must be? We didn’t want to say anything at first, but now it’s time.”
I look at her and think about what she’s saying. It’s true. I’ve been selfish, keeping my pain to myself. But I can’t go on like this, making them feel like they’re partly to blame for what happened when it was all my doing.
“know, but today I want to fix it. My sister messaged me saying they’re all getting together at Uncle Steven’s house to celebrate my cousin’s birthday. I’m thinking of doing a video call to say hello to everyone. What do you think?”
My friend hugs me and nods
“Sounds like a great idea. Il try to be here with Mir to say hi too. Your cousins are such hotties!” She teases, making a gesture as if savoring my relatives. I nudge her, and she nudges me back. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without them. What I’m doing now, I couldn’t have done without their support.
I’m at th
the office, working in a great mood, when “Bones” walks in to greet me.
“Boo,” he says in my eat, but I’d already seen him through the glass cabinet where we keep the medicines. I turn slowly to look at him, and I see genuine surprise in his eyes.
“Wow, dolly you really are like Annabelle‘ the devil doll, haha, you move just like her!” I try to keep a straight face, but I can’t help it and burst out laughing
“Hahaha, you’re so weird! Were you trying to scare me?” I glance at him, but suddenly I remember how I used to do the same thing to Liam, and he always got annoyed. No, I can’t be like that
didn’t mean to scare you, it was just an expression. Don’t be upset.” He looks sheepish I can’t treat him the way I was treated.
t’s okay. I forgive you if you bring me one of those candies I love so much” He stands there silently, but then he pulls two candies out of his cost pocket, and I smile broadly, holding out my hand to take both.
“Hey, one’s mine, greedy!” I pout and give one back.
“Okay. I was saving one for Angelito, but it’s fine, go ahead and eat it.“I pretend to be a little sad, so he gives it back to me.
“Well, if it’s for Angelito, I can’t say no.” He bends down, placing his face close to my barely–there belly and gives it a gentle caress. “Anything Angelito wants, I’ll give him. If he wants all my love, he’ll have it too.”
His words surprise me. I don’t think he realizes that in less than a year, we’ll each go our separate ways. But I don’t want to say anything. Still, he lifts His face and looks me in the eyes.
“You know, dolly? My father runs a big hospital in Ontario. It’s one of the best. Maybe, just maybe, if you don’t want to go home so soon, you could come with me and practice there for a while. The offer’s open, and remember, I can take care of you both”
1/2
Chapter 16
His words leave me thinking. It could be a good option, but I need to consider it carefully. I don’t want to make hasty decisions.
“We’ll see. For now, let’s just enjoy our work here, okay?” He nods and says it’s time to get something to eat. I agree, feeling like the baby is hungry- just like me. I grab my purse, and we leave.
When our shift ends, the girls and I head back home. I take a nap because lately, I’ve been feeling exhausted. When I wake up, it’s already nine o’clock at night
“Daasuuuhhh” I let out a huge yawn, which makes my friends laugh
“Wow, girl, you looked like a lion about to eat us! That was a massive yawn!” I sit up in bed, still feeling lazy, but I need to get ready to call my family Tm still so sleepy, but I call them first, then head back to bed.”
It’s still early there. Call in about an hour. They’re right, it’s still early, so I take the opportunity to eat something. Afterward, I for my hair and dial my cousin’s number.
After two rings, he answers.
“Surprise! Happy birthday, handsome cousin!” My cousin smiles and thanks me.
“Cousin! What a surprise! I didn’t expect you to call. Look, almost everyone’s here. Il put you on speaker so you can see them.” He points the camera to everyone approaching the video call, greeting me and saying how much they miss me. Suddenly everyone goes silent, and that’s when I hear his voice.
“Good evening. Sorry we’re late Arnie looks at me, and I gesture for him to show me what’s happening
“Good evening I know this might be awkward, but Liam and I have decided not to hide anymore. He’s asked me to be his official girlfriend, and we hope to get married soon.”
My cousin doesn’t point the phone at them, but I hear their words. My heart aches tembly. I thought I was getting over him, but I’m not. This whole situation feels wrong
cousin doesn’t hang up the call–I guess he wants me to hear his support. But it’s
I’m sorry, but you’re not welcome. I have to ask you to leave.” My cousin too much for me, and I’m the one who ends it.
The girls beside me wrap their arms around me.
“Wow, the nerve of them. But look on the bright side–they’ve shown their true colors. Now you can make a decision about Angelito.”
And they’re right. There’s nothing more to do. I won’t interfere with their relationship. If others think it’s wrong, I don’t care. But making this decision still hurts. It hurts so much. My son, it’ll just be you and me. I’m sorry
2/2
