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“I still think you should take a pregnancy test, just to see,” Rosa continued. “I can get the test, and only you and I can see the results. If it’s negative, Mr. Massimo doesn’t have to be involved. If it’s positive, though, you both will be overjoyed.”
Isotta thought about what Rosa said. She contemplated the pros and cons, weighing the risks. There was a part of Isotta that would rather stay in the dark, the dark of not knowing for sure. It felt like safety there. But then she had a second thought, one that was more hopeful and one that was riskier. Maybe Rosa’s old mother’s wit was picking up on something Isotta wasn’t.
“We can do that,” Isotta agreed. “If you get the test for me, we can do it when Massimo is not around, so he won’t have to experience the disappointment I know I will when it's negative.”
“But what if it isn’t?” Rosa smiled.
Isotta lifted up enough to see Rosa exit the room.
What if it isn’t, she thought to herself, and a wrinkle of worry etched across her forehead. She again contemplated whether or not she should take the pregnancy test. What would be the point, especially since the doctor indicated how difficult Isotta getting pregnant would be?
It seemed hopeless; the prospect of her being a mother seemed improbable, but she had to decide whether or not she was willing to be a mother for Massimo. Isotta positioned herself to sit up in the bed, pulling the covers up to blanket her legs. Massimo would be pleased if she were to give him a child, especially a son. Isotta understood that. She understood that an honorable heir was how families solidified their future. Isotta understood how solidification worked, especially with Massimo being the eldest son. She wanted to give him that. In thinking about herself, Isotta recognized that giving Massimo would also solidify her place in his life and maybe even ensure her safety from his horrible, sadistic tendencies. They could grow deeper in love with each other and provide a great opportunity to nurture the male child they bore. Isotta realized the benefit of just such an undertaking, no matter how much it cost her. It would certainly be worth it, especially if Massimo’s love and concern for her grew.
Chapter Thirty-one
Those queasy feelings Isotta had did not dissipate. She felt queasier longer in the day, way past just the morning. Rosa returned with the home pregnancy test, and Isotta took it. They waited the customary minute or so for the results to be evident on the stick. Isotta moved nervously around the restroom. She was grateful Massimo was out taking care of business. His being there, looming over her while they waited, would have pushed Isotta to a place she didn’t want to go. Being with Rosa was enough. Rosa would provide support no matter what the test result said. Isotta felt queasiness rise up in her gut. She knew it was from nervousness.
“The results are ready, Isotta,” Rosa advised. She tried to quell her response, couching it in a nondescript smile that made it difficult for Rosa to read. Isotta felt the beat of her heart escalate. It was nearly racing as she padded over to read the test results. A part of her hoped for the best, but the other side of Isotta was willing to accept the worst. It would be whatever it would be. She would just have to be willing to deal with the consequences. A part of her prayed that the result would be favorable. That would make Massimo happy. She would be happy, too, because she would be spared undue and unnecessary pain and humiliation. Isotta made it over to where the test was. It was turned over, so she couldn’t immediately see the results.
Isotta looked in Rosa’s direction as her nerves rose again. She knew she had to see the results, but a part of Isotta was apprehensive. She knew she had to do it either way. Isotta closed her eyes briefly and said a little prayer as she turned the test over. Isotta breathed out and opened her eyes.
Isotta’s eyes widened. She looked back at Rosa again.
Rosa stepped forward and read the results for herself as a tear slipped from Isotta’s eye.
“Oh, my goodness, Mrs. Isotta!” Rosa smilingly expressed. As Rosa saw Isotta overcome with emotion, she stepped closer to her, opened her arms, and hugged her. Isotta cried on Rosa’s shoulder. Rosa pulled her in closer and hugged her tightly.
“When should I tell him? Should I tell him?” Isotta finally asked.
“Yes, you should,” Rosa replied as she helped Isotta back to bed.
Isotta knew she should tell him, but she struggled with it. As time passed and she heard the familiar rumble of Massimo making it to his bedroom, Isotta took a deep breath and steeled her emotions.
“How are you feeling?” Massimo asked, leaning over and kissing Isotta on the forehead.
“I’m well,” Isotta replied. She waited until Massimo made himself comfortable before she spoke again. Isotta lifted her hand as she stood up and padded to the restroom. She picked up the test and returned, sitting back down next to Massimo. Isotta considered saying something, and then she thought better of it, gaining Massimo’s attention by lifting up the test and sharing the result. At first, Massimo wasn’t sure what Isotta was trying to share with him, but when he looked into her eyes and then looked down at the urinalysis test, he understood.
Massimo looked up from the test and down at it again. His eyes opened wider, and then he registered another gaze in Isotta’s direction.
She smiled, zeroing in on his eyes.
Massimo was overcome with emotion. He couldn’t believe what he’d seen. Massimo struggled to believe that the test results were real. He reached out and pulled Isotta into him. He squeezed her tightly, solidifying how he felt. She let herself be hugged and felt genuine emotion exuding from his person. When Massimo squeezed her again, Isotta knew he was pleased.
(Three Months Later)
Their bellies were swollen.
They both had unexplained cravings and slept as much as they could in preparation.
They were both married, one publicly, one privately.
They both wanted to talk to each other, to share their good news.
They missed each other desperately.
“We have something to discuss.”
She only had to make her pronouncement once. Everyone within earshot understood that what she said was not a request, nor was it a suggestion.
