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ogan~
Thirty-four weeks
“She looks huge, man. How can she even move with that water balloon?” Rider is contemplating the physics of a woman’s spine to carry not one but two very active babies. I watch her move in the kitchen while she arranges the table with the delicious food she cooked with her sisters. Arianna, Rider, and I are playing on the PlayStation.
Since Christmas Eve morning, when I found Cassandra and Dr. Neil talking at home, I could feel her grow lighter and calmer. I can’t shake the feeling that something is changing within her. Today, we are celebrating the last day of the year.
From here, I can see her belly active with movements. Lately, she feels exhausted. Twins won’t be an easy feat to deal with on her own. Also, I have a nagging fear about their safety, dreading to come in and her having fallen down the stairs.
I find myself calling to check on her a few times before I settle to sleep, sometimes going for a walk just to pass the house and see if there is any sign of danger. I even got her a phone and bracelet with a panic bottom.
“I’m worried about you getting hurt.”
Instead of getting mad, she kisses me on the cheek.
“Logan, I told you. You have the keys and an open-door policy, as long as you don’t try to control or boss me around.”
Not exactly what I wanted, but it was good to know she trusts me. So, I’ve been coming here, even during the night, and sitting next to the bed, watching her toss and turn, looking for the best position to rest the bump.
Yesterday, she woke up and caught me asleep next to the bed. Startled, I’d grabbed her waist, my heartbeat ricocheting in my chest out of fear that something might be wrong.
Her hand cupped my face, smiling to appease my flailed nerves. But instead, I had a strong desire to reassure myself with a kiss, sampling her taste. I am falling into the abyss, without any chance to save myself from the growing feelings that might just ruin me for life.
We haven’t built a relationship as a typical couple, but we are learning how to be partners, friends, and co-parents. I must be patient and wait for her to heal, and learn to cope with those anxieties and fears.
As we eat our New Year’s Eve dinner, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, kissing her temple. We are starting something beautiful and precious. In a few weeks, we will become parents.
Pregnant Cassandra’s expression is tired—even sitting appears to be uncomfortable. She puts a brave face, but I want her resting.
“Let’s move to the living room,” I suggest.
We get situated on the couch, and Cassandra closes her eyes as soon she leans her head on my shoulder. The babies move for a little bit longer until they’re soothed by her drowsiness back to sleep too.
Later, I wake her up in the dark room, just before midnight. We’re alone, as all the rest of the family left to watch the fireworks and drink some champagne to celebrate New Year. Her tired eyes open up with a soft glow as she moves into a sitting position. I can hear the countdown playing softly on the TV.
“I guess I woke you up in time for the ball to drop. We shall share a kiss,” I tell her, already mapping her lips with my eyes. I’m not going to let her get away from this. I need to taste those pouty lips.
Gently, I stroke her cheeks, touching the corner of her mouth. I lean in, and a shiver runs through her body. Hungrily, I kiss her bottom lip, then deepen it, coaxing passionate responses. Her gasps and moans are driving me crazy and I lose myself in her taste. Her essence is surrounding me. The intensity of our erratic heartbeats makes my head spin and blood gather in my crotch, as a desire to claim her takes over.
“Ahem!” Somebody clears their throat.
I’m going to kill them if they don't leave us alone.
“We just wanted to say Happy New Year to you.” They laugh and giggle at our state. Reluctantly, we detangle ourselves and stand to exchange hugs. My expression promising retaliation makes them even more amused.
What’s wrong with this family? I’m trying to forge something special here. They congratulate us, kissing and drinking more champagne. They also smooch Cassandra's bump, joking that Rider probably missed the twins’ faces, instead kissing their butts.
That makes even me feel his pain. With these girls, you never get any break.
Chapter 16
Echoes
~Cassandra~
This morning, I find myself walking along the beautiful lake, trying to catch my breath as I hold my impossibly large bump. The weather is perfect. It’s quite sunny, and the naked trees look less depressing today. I watch the crows cry in and out of the trees, having some sort of disagreement. I come here every day, just to relax and organize my thoughts, while enjoying the nature.
“Good morning.” I hear Logan’s voice from behind, as he jogs up to meet me. “I couldn’t find you, so I thought I might look in your favorite place. Are you well, any pains?”
