Author's Note: Hello fellow readers! How are you all doing today? Good. Now a recap of the last chapter. Ronnie had a miscarriage and now she is depressed. You'll see how that gets solved in this chapter in more ways than one. Rueben has gone bitter but decides to let Angie and Oscar stay because he's still a good person. This will not be discussed in this chapter because I really wanted to focus on Lenny and Ronnie, but Oscar and Angie will show up to visit them.
Chapter 34: Cheer up, visits, BIG surprise
Ronnie's POV
It's been a few days later from when Lenny tried to make me feel better. Honestly, at this point, I don't think anything will. I just feel tired all the time and never wanna do anything. I've been on this couch for almost a week! I decide maybe it's time to start doing things again. I get up from the couch to go for a swim when I hear the door open. I turn my head and at that second I feel very sick. I didn't get to see who was at the door. My head was in the trash can in less than two seconds. I felt someone rubbing their fin on my back. I assumed it was Lenny, but when I turned around to smile at him and was shocked and ecstatic to see…
"RICKY!" I shouted as I locked him in a tight hug. " I've missed you so much! What are you doing here?" I let him go so he could breathe. I saw Lenny behind him at the door.
" Well, Lenny called me and told me you were in a slump and he couldn't get you out of it?" Ricky sounded confused. " Although you seem quite fine. Besides the fact that you just threw up in a trash can."
" I'm happy now that you're here. Did Lenny not tell you why I was upset?" I questioned not thinking about how much of Lenny's life I was threatening at the moment. I was too happy to see Ricky again. The last time I saw him, he was storming off because he was worried about my safety.
Ricky looked at Lenny who was obviously terrified at what Ricky might do to him once he finds out. " No. Would you please tell me?" He asked.
Lenny and Ricky just stared at each other. " Well?" Ricky crossed his fins and waited for Lenny's response.
Lenny twidled his fins and stared at the ground. " Uhh… I j-just… w-w-woke up and… a-a-and I heard Ronnie… s-s-screaming…" That's as far as Lenny stuttered out when I just blurted out, " I HAD A MISCARRIAGE!" I covered my mouth with my fins.
I felt a tear fall down my cheek. Ricky just floated there shocked. His shock turned to anger in a second. " YOU GOT HER PREGNANT! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" Ricky screamed at the top of his lungs.
Lenny looked a little more confident than he had a few seconds before… What was he thinking? " It's not my fault! We didn't even know!"
" I don't care! She's my sister! Did you even think about the consequences of that action? Did you even use protection?" Ricky had gotten quieter but he was still yelling at Lenny.
Lenny looked at the floor again. " No."
Ricky looked like he was going to tear Lenny into pieces.
" Ricky it was partly my fault too. I also wasn't thinking about protection. I hadn't even thought about it…" I gave him a sincere look. " I'm sorry."
Ricky's face suddenly fell. He sighed. " You two need to be more careful. Promise?"
" Yes." Lenny and I said in unison.
"Lenny, come over here." He shyly swam over to my side. I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ricky smile. " Is there anything else I should know about?"
" Yes actually. Lenny, would you like to tell him this one?" I replied.
" Gladly. I proposed and Ronnie said yes." Lenny was nearly jumping out of his skin with excitement.
Ricky glanced at Ronnie's left fin and noticed the ring around it. He gasped. " Congratulations!" He gave us both a hug. Suddenly his phone rang. He answered it. " It's a work call. I'll be back in a sec."
Ricky left the room and came back quickly. He didn't look as happy as he was when he left. " I know I just got here, but I've got to get back home for work."
" It's okay. I'm just glad I got to see you." I gave him a hug.
" You'll be okay?"
" Yes. Now go before you get in trouble with your boss." I chuckled as he left the room.
I turned around to Lenny about to enjoy a long over-due make-out session when Ricky popped his head back through the doorway. " And Lenny, take care of her for me." And with that, he was gone.
" Oh don't you worry about that." He then locked his lips with mine. We fell down on the couch and continued to kiss for a while.
XXXXXXXXX
We both sat on the couch cuddling each other. I suddenly had an urge for a grilled salmon sandwich.
" Hey. Why don't we go get something to eat?" I suggested.
" Sure."
We swam, holding fins, the whole way there. Once at our table I ordered my food with some water. I hoped Lenny would eat. I hadn't been watching over his health the past week. He ordered some fried tilapia with a kelp shake.
We sat there gazing at each other until our food came over to the table.
I didn't notice how hungry I was until the food was right in front of me. I snarfed it down when I was done, I ordered a coral kelp cake and quickly ate that too. Lenny noticed how much I had consumed. He had just finished eating his meal.
"Well, you look like you enjoyed that." He smiled.
" I did." I laughed. " I can't believe I ate it that fast. I mean I haven't been eating as much this past week but I just felt starving. It's weird." I chuckled. Then I felt that feeling again. I immediately got up and swam as fast as I could to get to the bathroom. I puked until I couldn't get anything else out.
" Are you okay? That's the second time today. Do you need anything?" He felt my forehead. " You don't feel hot."
I sat down on the toilet. My bag is over there on the shelf. It has Pepto bismol in it." I said groggily.
He swam over, grabbed my bag, and set it on my lap. " Thank you." I smiled at him. "Could I have a minute by myself to clean up?"
" Of course." He immediately swam off, giving me my space.
I took a dose of the Pepto Bismol and washed off my face. There was a thought in my head that I just couldn't get out.
" Screw it." I grabbed the box, peed on the stick, and waited five minutes. I breathed deeply and I looked at the results. Pregnant.
The test said I was pregnant.
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Lenny and I sat across from each other at our dining room table. I was now really starting to feel pregnant. I wasn't showing but It's normal the first time around. I have been having lots of symptoms. I've been going to the bathroom to pee and/or throw up constantly. The heartburn and indigestion aren't much fun either. My breasts have gotten bigger, hence the reason our intimacy has upped a bit. I always warn him to be careful though cause if he squeezes too hard it can be quite painful. Turns out building a baby is very tiring. I feel like lying in bed all the time, and when I wake up I don't want to leave the pillow. I have bloating which makes me feel puffy. Lenny keeps mentioning that I look beautiful, which always seems to make me smile. Also, every once in a while I pass gas, which is part of the bloating process.
I'm seven weeks pregnant and Lenny and I can't stop thinking about it. Only Lenny and I know. But Lenny wants to tell Oscar and Angie soon. Apparently, I was pregnant with twins, but one survived. The doctor proved it. I try to get some swimming in during my day of bathroom breaks and snacks. When I'm swimming, I'm thinking about our wedding. We already planned a budget, and the whole mafia is going to attend along with Ricky, and Lenny's fish friends. We have a due date for the baby and we want to get married before the baby is born so in about four months, we will be husband and wife, and I can't wait to show him off. We're going to have the wedding here. Ricky is going to give me our Mom's wedding headband. It has rubies on it, which is my birthstone. Angie is going to be one of my bridesmaids, but I'll have to find more soon. Ricky will give me away. We have our wedding music playlist ready and it's perfect. ( Sorry, but you'll have to find out in the wedding chapter.) Our honeymoon will take place at a hotel resort in the East reef. It's already booked. I'll just be wearing natural makeup. I don't want to look too fancy. This wedding isn't going to be a big one.
"Lenny, we have to get you a nice tie for the wedding. One that suits you. I've been thinking that maybe a dark blue or a nice black would be good." I grabbed his fin.
He smiled. "Of course. Whatever you want. I can't believe we're actually doing this soon." He chuckled.
" I know." I smiled and gazed at him. This gorgeous man was going to be mine in a few months and no one would take him from me. My smile grew bigger.
" Do you think it's gonna be a boy or a girl?" Lenny questioned.
" I have no idea. I don't mind either way. I just hope they have your bright green eyes and your gentleness." I smirked. " What about you?"
" I don't mind. But I would love it if the baby has the small faint freckles you have. I think I'm the only one who notices them. I think they're beautiful. I also really hope it has your spunk and sass." He laughed.
I laughed right along with him. " Wouldn't that be weird if it was a boy?" I chuckled.
" Well, it could always be a gay boy." He smiled.
"I have no problem with that."
" Me either."
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I was in the kitchen. I decided I wanted to cook something. I haven't cooked since I moved here. I was used to everything being served to me on a silver platter, but I just wanted to do it myself because I'm no princess.
Well, cooking wasn't my strong suit but I was capable of making the simple things and I would definitely be into learning. I went to check the fridge only to find multiple. This place has more than one fridge. I opened the first one. Meats. The second one was dairy. The third was vegetables and fruits. The last one was blood?
" Huh?"
" That's for emergencies."
I flew up and hit my head on the ceiling. " Ow!" I rubbed my head.
" Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you."
I opened my eyes. Lenny was floating next to the open fridge full of blood. He looked concerned. I swam back down to his side. " I'm okay."
He exhaled.
" I was just looking for something to eat. I wanted to do it myself, but as you can see this place is a little…"
" Big? Extravagant? Old?" He chuckled. " I'll help you. What are looking for?" He asked.
I thought. " Our child is telling me that they want some fruit, yogurt, and coralola." I smiled. I watched as he dug through the fridges pulling out each specific thing I asked for. "Wow. You're good." I took my yogurt and pulled the lid off. I sprinkled some coralola on top and mixed it in with a spoon I had found.
" Well, almost 20 years in one place, you pick up a thing or two." He smiled.
I grabbed a couple of raspberries and plopped them in my yogurt too. " Thank you." I started eating my food when Lenny came up behind me and held my belly in his fins. I put my yogurt cup down. He started kissing down my neck. I grabbed his fins and turned around so I was facing him. I crushed my lips against his. I pulled myself up on the counter and continued to kiss him passionately. Things were about to get really heated when…
" Oh! Sorry to interrupt, but there are some fishes here to see you, Sir." The shark awkwardly turned his head.
I got off the counter and blushed. Lenny just wrapped a fin around my waist and pulled me closer and just stared at me.
The shark left as Oscar and Angie swam in the room smiling. " Sorry for interrupting your make-out session." Angie chuckled.
" That's alright. We probably would've gotten caught by someone else anyway…" That made me blush so much more. He chuckled.
Angie grabbed Oscar's fin and they swam up to Lenny and hugged his nose. It was adorable!
Once they let go, I knew Lenny was going to ask why they came to visit.
" So, what brings you here?"
" We just wanted to see you. You know, see how you're doing? Maybe hang for a little bit? If that's alright with you?" Oscar replied. He seemed wary. He must still feel guilty about everything.
" Of course! Ronnie and I would love to hang out with you guys. And I bet she would love to get to really know you guys."
" Well, by your tone I can tell you're doing just fine. Also, there is something Oscar and I would like to tell you!" She looked really excited.
I smiled. " Us too actually, but you go first."
We waited for them to spit it out.
" Do you want to say or should I?" Angie asked.
" Let's say it together."
" We're officially dating!" they shouted in unison.
" Really?" Lenny asked. They nodded. " Aww. Guys that's great!"
" Now what was it you wanted to tell us?" Angie asked.
Lenny looked at me. " Well, first I would like to ask both of you. Angie would you be my bridesmaid?"
She gasped. " Of Course!" She hugged my nose in excitement.
Lenny looked at Oscar. " Oscar, buddy. Will you be my best man?"
Oscar looked shocked beyond possibility. " You're asking me?"
" Yes. You. I know all that's happened this past year hasn't been the best, but if it hadn't happened I wouldn't have met Ronnie and dude. You are still my best friend. If I have to beg I will. Please?"
Oscar looked like he was about to start crying a river. " Yes." The waterfall came rushing down.
" Oh." Lenny grabbed Oscar in an embrace. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. I wish I had my camera.
"Aww." Both Angie and I were happy that our boys were hugging it out.
Once they had finished their very long hug Lenny swam back to my side.
" Was there anything else?" Oscar asked.
" Yes actually. Ronnie?"
" I'm pregnant."
" Congratulations!" They both replied with shocked faces.
" How far along are you?" Angie questioned.
" Almost 14 weeks. We heard the baby's heartbeat a couple of weeks ago. It was beautiful. Music to my ears." I smiled.
" Do you think it will be a girl or boy?" Oscar inquired.
" I don't know. Hey, why don't we go to Kelp fields park and just have a good time together?" I suggested. I was tired of being stuck in this kitchen. I was ready to get outside and enjoy some sun.
" That's a good idea. You guys up to it?" Lenny replied.
" Sure."
" Yeah. No problem."
We all swam to the outside world and to the park where we got to know each other better than we had in a long time.
XXXXXXXXX
1 month ago
I stared at the pregnancy test. It was positive. How? I couldn't possibly think. We haven't had sex since the first time, so something weird is going on. Maybe it's a false positive? I'll have to get this checked out by a doctor. Although it does seem possible considering all these pregnancy signs I'm showing. Oh my God! I'm pregnant! What I'm I going to tell Lenny? I have no idea how he'll take it. What about the baby? What if he doesn't want it? What if he-
Knock knock knock.
"Ronnie? Are you okay? You've been in there for a while? Can I come in?" Lenny asked worriedly.
" I'm not entirely sure how I'm feeling, but yeah you can come in," I said shakily.
Lenny opened the door, swam in, and closed the door behind him. " What's that?"
I looked up at him and I said, " I don't know how but," I swallowed, " I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant."
He stared and then immediately replied back, " Are you sure? I mean it's just a test from a drug store. It could be wrong. We should probably get you checked."
" That's what I thought too. And I will get checked out by a doctor, but I've been throwing up, I'm tired all the time, and some foods are too strong or they're all I want to eat."
He couldn't go against the facts, now we were both sure I was pregnant.
" Are you mad?" I looked at my stomach. A child, my child was in there. I wasn't going to give them up.
He saw all the worry and terror on my face. " No. Of course not. I love kids. I'm actually happy that it gets to be with you. " He smiled.
I cried happy tears and hugged him. He was happy. He really is a keeper.
XXXXXXXXXX
Present
"Let's see… What's something not many people know about you?" Angie asked.
We were playing a game where we would each take a turn asking one person a question and that person had to answer or we had to randomly swim in the middle of the field and sing a song in front of everybody.
It was Angie's turn and she was asking me. " Hmm… Well, there are lots of things, but one is that I love to sing." I replied shyly.
" Really? You never told me that you sing." Lenny joked.
" Well isn't that the whole point of the question," I asked.
" I suppose. Okay, it's my turn. Uhh… Oscar, what are you most passionate about?" Lenny asked. He knew his past answer, but he was curious to see what he was now interested in.
" Well, I would like to be rich and famous and all, but what I'm really passionate about now is my relationship with Ang, and my job at the whale wash. I love both. I can't choose one. But obviously, if I had too I would choose Angie. She's my world." Oscar grabbed her fin and squeezed it. ( Also I forgot to mention that they're sitting on benches ) " What makes you laugh out loud, Lenny?"
Lenny was stumped by this one. He hadn't laughed at something in a long time. " That's a hard question. I'd have to say you, Ronnie, or my Dad. He used to always make me laugh. And Ronnie just does. And those three days we were together were probably one of the best three days of my life before I left."
Everyone was shocked by Lenny's words. It was so wholesome. " That was sweet. Angie, what was your favorite thing to do as a kid?"
Angie answered almost immediately. " That's easy. I love to swing on the swings at the playground and stare at the clouds and figure out what it was."
It was Angie's turn again and I could tell that her question was going to be an awkward one. " Lenny. What is the dirtiest thought you've ever had?" Angie had a huge smirk on her face and Lenny sat there speechless. " Okay. I would definitely rather sing in front of other people than answer that question." Lenny said rather quickly. I chuckled under my breath along with the other two.
I watched as Lenny got up and went right in the middle of the park and began humming to a song…
I'm so into you
I can barely breathe
And all I wanna do
Is to fall in deep
But close ain't close enough
'Til we cross the line, yeah, yeah
Lenny stared at me with full eye contact and winked.
So name a game to play
And I'll roll the dice, hey
He looked like he was starting to have a little fun. The young toddlers started staring at him along with their parents who were starting to leave due to the inappropriate song for four-year-olds.
Oh, baby, look what you started
The temperature's rising in here
Is this gonna happen?
Been waiting and waiting for you
To make a move
(Woo, ooh, ooh)
Before I make a move
(Woo, ooh, ooh)
I started to laugh a little when most of them had left and the only ones left were the older teenage kids laughing at him.
So baby, come light me up
And maybe I'll let you on it
A little bit dangerous,
But baby, that's how I want it
A little less conversation, and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you
Into you
Got everyone watchin' us
So baby, let's keep it secret
A little bit scandalous
But baby, don't let them see it
A little less conversation and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you
Into you
Oh, yeah
This could take some time, hey
I made too many mistakes
Better get this right, right, baby
Oh, baby, look what you started
The temperature's rising in here
Is this gonna happen?
Been waiting and waiting for you to make a move
(Woo, ooh, ooh)
Before I make a move
(Woo, ooh, ooh)
So baby, come light me up
And maybe I'll let you on it
A little bit dangerous
But baby, that's how I want it
A little less conversation, and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you
Into you
Got everyone watchin' us
So baby, let's keep it secret
A little bit scandalous
But baby, don't let them see it
A little less conversation and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you ('Cause I'm so into you)
Into you
Tell me what you came here for
'Cause I can't, I can't wait anymore
I'm on the edge with no control
And I need, I need you to know
You to know, oh
So baby, come light me up
And maybe I'll let you on it
A little bit dangerous
But baby, that's how I want it
A little less conversation, and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you
Into you
Got everyone watchin' us
So baby, let's keep it secret
A little bit scandalous
But baby, don't let them see it
A little less conversation and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you
Into you
So come light me up
So come light me up, my baby
A little dangerous
A little dangerous my baby
A little less conversation and
A little more touch my body
'Cause I'm so into you
Into you
Into you
Lenny came swimming back. He clearly had enjoyed himself. Once he sat down next to me I smiled. " You know that was sexy. You actually sing pretty well. With your song-writing skills and your voice, I bet you could start a band."
" No thank you. I do not need attention on me. I already have enough as it is." He smiled. "Hey, Ang. What is the first thing you would do if you woke up as the opposite gender?"
" Probably throw on whatever and do what I want 'cause I would be a guy and they don't care." She gave a big bright smile.
" I would've answered the same way," I added.
" Okay. We do care you know. Sometimes…" Oscar replied to Angie's answer. We all burst out laughing. After we stopped Oscar asked his question. " What is the most embarrassing thing your parents have caught you doing?" He was staring directly at Lenny.
" I've never been caught doing anything gross. Not that I was." He added quickly when he saw my expression. I wanted to laugh so much. " I was 5 when I was caught stealing candy out of the kitchen." He blushed.
I was very confused. That's the most embarrassing thing that happened to him. I doubt it.
" That's the most embarrassing thing you got caught doing? Knowing you, I don't think so." I crossed my fins and stared at him waiting for a better answer. Neither Oscar nor Angie backed me up.
" Ronnie, I wasn't exactly the type to get into trouble per se." He blushed even more.
I uncrossed my fins and let it go. I watched Angie check the time on her watch.
" Oh! Oscar and I have to be home soon! It's almost five! Sorry for leaving at such short notice! We'll see you later though okay?" Angie quickly and quietly shouted as she grabbed Oscar and started swimming towards home.
" Yeah, you're good guys. See you later!" Lenny replied.
" Catch you later!"
" Bye!" I replied. Once they were tiny specks in the ocean I decided it was time to go home too. " Hey Lenny, do you mind if we go home too? I'm getting pretty tired." I asked.
He was holding my fin. " Yeah of course!" We got up and swam home. Silently enjoying each other's company the whole time.
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I was sitting in the dining room enjoying a tuna sandwich when I felt something. Something move inside me. Something moved inside me! The baby was moving! By now, almost everyone knew I was pregnant because I really couldn't hide it anymore. Lenny wasn't with me at the moment because he was at a meeting. He told me he'd be gone from 4 to 6:30. I looked up at the clock on the wall just above my head. It was 6:27. He'd be done in three minutes! I tried to get up quickly, but such things weren't possible with-child. I moved as fast as I could to get my plate cleaned and put away and out the door to go find Lenny.
I was swimming around waiting for him by the office door where the meetings were held. I wondered what they talked about in there. Probably not-very-good things. I looked at the clock. It had just hit 6:30. Suddenly the door flew open and all different kinds of sharks came swimming out, trying to urgently get away from the others. After about 15 sharks swam out, Lenny came with them. He was clearly looking for something. When he spotted me a huge smile was put on his face. He came swimming towards me, pulled me close, and kissed me right on the lips. " I have been waiting two and a half hours to do that." He smiled. He put his fin around my shoulder and we began swimming down the hallways towards our bedroom.
" So I have a surprise for you," I said a little flirtatious. We were lying on the bed now.
" I also have a surprise for you." He said as he pecked my nose.
" I bet mine is better." I challenged. I knew it was going to be better.
" I doubt it." Lenny got up. " Just wait here."
I watched as he left the room, and came back quicker than when he'd left. He was holding something behind his back. What was he up to? He came up and sat on the bed next to me. " Well, I thought since you've been doing so well with carrying my child and because I love, and because I want to spoil you, I got you something." He pulled a small box out from behind his back. It was white with a black ribbon wrapped around it. " Oh, Lenny. You didn't have to get me anything! My greatest gift is you." I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
I untied the ribbon and gently pulled it off. I took off the lid of the box and there inside was a gold chain with gold outlined heart on the end. It had words inscribed on it along with a rose off to the side at the top. I read what is said out loud. " To my Fiance. Aww." I looked at Lenny.
" Go ahead. Read it or are you gonna stop every three words you read and adore me for it? Read the whole thing and then praise me." He chuckled. I pushed him playfully.
"Alright. You don't have to make fun of me for having feelings." He laughed again. Is shoved him harder. He was still chuckling, but it got quieter. I read loudly to block out his laughs. " When I tell you I love you I don't say out of habit or to make conversation, I say it to remind you that the love I have for you will never change as each day goes by. I will love you till my last breath." I was beginning to tear up. " I love you, forever and always."
I was so happy and felt so loved at that moment. " Oh, Lenny…" I hugged him till I stopped crying. " I love it." He took it out of the box and gently place it on my neck and locked it.
" There. Now you're 107 percent beautiful." He smiled. I gave him a big kiss. " So what was the surprise you had for me now?" He was suddenly really confident. He thought could best this.
Speaking of surprises, the little one was moving around now. I could feel it in my back. " Well, give me your fin."
He gave me a confused look and placed his fin in mine. I placed his fin on the spot where the baby was moving. He just stared at my belly, smiling. I saw a tear go down his cheek. " Oh my gosh… That's our baby in there." He put his head down to listen. He sat there for a few minutes just listening and then he kissed my stomach and whispered, " I love you, little guy or girl."
He sat up. " Speaking of when are we going to find out?"
" I believe it's in 3 days. Then the wedding is in a week in a half. I cannot wait to be Mrs. Ronnie Lino. You know why?" I asked.
" Why?" He smiled and then he started tracing the lines he saw on my fin.
" Because you'll be mine and no one can take you from me," I said with determination. He immediately looked up and saw it in my eyes.
We began to kiss passionately. He moved down my jaw and kissed where my most recent cut was made. Then he moved down to my neck where the biggest scar was, and then onto the last one. The first scar I had gotten on my shoulder. I felt a little insecure about them, he knew that, but that's what he loved about me. " I love every single one of those scars because every time you endured pain just for me. You took that pain and survived it every time. You've cheated death twice, maybe even three times now. I love the brave, strong, independent woman that you are." And he continued where he'd left off.
Author's Note: So, what did you think? This is the longest chapter I've written so far so I'm proud of myself for this one. Also, the next chapter will reveal the baby's gender and the wedding! Woo hoo! It' what everyone has been waiting for!
R&R