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“You and your mother at it again huh,” Lucas said after they had settled in his car.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Alina responded firmly, directing him to end the conversation.
Lucas drove in silence for the rest of the trip as he drove towards Washington D.C. Occasionally he would glance at Alina but her stretched lip and rigid posture sank his heart.
“We’re here,” he said when he pulled up to the parking lot of the National Gallery of Art. Only then did the gloominess of Alina’s face lift.
“How did you know I wanted to come here?” Alina flashed Lucas a smile.
“Is there an art gallery you don’t want to visit?” He unbuckled his seatbelt. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Alina followed Lucas inside and was instantly wooed by the featured artists. The artworks were intricate yet modern with a classical look. She looked at each one with scrutinizing eyes, hoping that one day long after she was gone, they would appreciate her art like this.
Lucas followed Alina in silence as she went from room to room, appreciating each display. Then finally he came to stand at her side. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
Alina turned towards him, her cheek swollen in a smile. “You’re asking if I’m enjoying myself at an art museum? Is that even a question?” she asked in a heightened voice before it died down. “You know, I was feeling really down this morning. Thank you for bringing me here.”
It was Lucas’ turn to frown. “It was the least I could do after what happened last night.” He turned towards her. “Listen, Alina, I’m really sorry about… well, you know, trying to kiss you. You’re obviously going through something and the last thing I want to do is pressure you. I don’t want things to be awkward between us so I will back off, okay?”
There was a slight smile on Alina’s lips now. “Thank you, Lucas.”
“And if you ever want someone to talk to, I’m willing to listen.”
Alina nodded and looked away. And Lucas thought she had dismissed what he had said, but when they returned to the car, she kept her eyes fixed on the windshield. “I’m pregnant.”
Lucas’ head swung towards her as he doubted his hearing. “What?”
Forcing a smile, Alina pushed up her shoulders and let out a slow, deep sigh. “I’m going to have a baby.”
“Does your mother know?” Lucas stammered.
“No one knows, except my best friend and Casey.” She breathed out heavily. “The father doesn’t even know.”
“Why?” Lucas’ eyes were still wide as the initial shock wore off. “Doesn’t he want kids?”
Alina laughed, her entire body shaking. “I don’t even know.” She breathed out hard again. “We never really discussed the topic. We are not exactly on speaking terms right now.”
“I see,” Lucas said. “Did something happen between you two?”
“It was a whole heap of things. First of all, he’s a doctor, do you believe that?” Alina scoffed. “My mother pressured me so much to study medicine and I go and get myself a doctor. Anyway…” She swung her hand. “I don’t exactly rank first when it comes to his priorities. His career comes first. Don’t get me wrong, I love his dedication to his patients. It’s just that sometimes I wish he would give me the same attention. Does that sound snobbish?” Her nose was scrunched up as she begged for his approval with her eyes.
“Not at all,” Lucas said. “You want him to do right by his patients, but you’re human, too. You have emotions and you’re allowed to feel neglected.”
Alina gave a soft smile as thanks for his kind words. “It’s not only that. His sister hates me. I mean, she outright told me I am not good enough for her brother. And I suspect she’s also trying to hook him up with other women.”
Lucas’ shocked expression was obvious. “Is she that bad?”
Alina nodded. “I guess I can’t really blame her. They come from a wealthy family and I don’t exactly fit it.”
“Still. That’s just heartless,” Lucas condemned.
“It wouldn’t have been so bothersome except that I think she’s getting to Dereck,” she idly drew circles on the dashboard.
“Hmm,” was all Lucas said. He didn’t want to bash the future father of her child, nor did he approve of Dereck, either.
“I mean, if he could have lunch with his sister and her friend, what does that say about our relationship? What does that say about me?” Alina was close to tears when Lucas wrapped her in his arms. “Anyway, I ended things before he did the same.”
The tears began to flow then, and Lucas whispered comforting words as the woman he loved cried over another man.
