Conditional Love (the Best Kind There is)
I wrinkle my nose.
Partly in disgust and partly as a failed attempt to block out the still permeating and nauseating clashing of smells her latest craving made.
Tonight it was jellied eels and scrambled eggs.
Last night it was peanut butter and caviar.
I should stop complaining, for I am partly to blame for all this. It was our shared and mutual love for one another that gave birth (okay, poor word choice) to her cravings, which, if you ask her, is a 'delectable' (stomach churning if you ask me) side effect of her "condition."
I finish rinsing the bowl (somehow), proud of myself that I didn't get sick as I had a few nights earlier.
I make my way back upstairs and on my way back to our bedroom, I decide to take a detour.
I stop in and take a peak.
Before too long it would be occupied.
I go over to the dresser and pick up the picture that sits atop it.
I squint and closely study the picture that now rests in my hands.
"How can you say such a thing?" she snaps at me, out of disappointment more than being upset with me.
I hand her back the picture.
"I'm sorry, My Love," I apologize. "It still looks like a Rorschach inkblot."
"No, Niles…" she begins, this time more sympathetic.
Her mood has swung and I breathe a sigh of relief.
"I'm the one who should be sorry. It's me raging hormones kicking into overdrive again."
I lean over and give her a kiss on her forehead. "Apology accepted."
"Look here is…" she then proceeds to point out to me a half dozen or so "body parts" (her words, not mine) as proof that there really is someone there.
I return the picture to the dresser and make my way out of the room, just before I turn off the lights and shut the door I smile and think to myself. It still looked like a Rorschach inkblot.
"Niles? " she asks as I reenter the room.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." I ask for her forgiveness as I slide back under the covers and wrap my arm around her ever expanding mid section.
"You didn't," she informs me.
I start to drift off.
"Niles."
"Yes, My Love," I reply, almost asleep.
"My water just broke…"
The End
A/N: To all my loyal readers/reviewers (Nancy, Renee, Remus…you know who you are, even if I may not) I thank you for your encouragement, comments, feedback, reviews etc. It was because of you and your support of not only me but for the belief you had in this story and its potential that provided me the courage to continue when I had my reservations. Thank you everyone for your patience through longer then anticipated delays and for sticking with the story and me. I dedicate this chapter to every one of you. (-: DHPFAN