It's such a beautiful day and sadly I'm wasting it away in my bedroom. I can't make myself leave. In the past few weeks, Aladdin and I have spent as much time possible together. I've become comfortable by being in here now. Most women would be screaming at the top of their lungs for freedom. Taking up residence in my room has helped a little with my pregnancy. I've been able to go through some baby clothes I requested to be made and looked through fabric for more clothes as well as for myself.
In the few weeks I've been in here, I have expanded! I'm waddling around the room like a bird! It's not a pleasant look for a princess. Maybe that's another reason why I haven't left this room much. The handful of days I've left this room, I felt eyes following me and hushed whispers behind my back. Am I really that awful looking? I even resulted in asking Aladdin the same question and, of course, he told me that I was beautiful. Good way to sugar coat that I'm fat! He's not the one who's ballooned out and dealing with loads of pressure of carrying a child full term!
Speaking of my little bundle of joy, I did see the physician and everything is going perfectly. In his words, really. I don't feel perfect at 33 weeks. I feel like a whale! I'm not so sure that I'm 33 weeks, I'm just too big! I have to at least be 34 or 35 weeks. He still claims that it's my small frame which makes me protrude more than most women. Or I have a big baby to birth. Not excited about that! I think I will stick with the small frame. I truly can't fathom the idea of giving birth right now. I know I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy but it scares me to think what will happen. Will Aladdin be by my side when I begin to deliver or will he be forced from the room? I can't do this without him and his support. He's been so attentive to my needs and to have him thrown from the birthing room will only upset us both.
I can't believe my pregnancy is nearing the end. So much has happened in these past few months. Each week passes by so quickly that it's hard to catch up. Since I confined myself to my room, I've been able to accomplish more than before. Besides going through fabrics and clothing, Genie has helped Aladdin and I with preparations for our baby's nursery. Genie has spent night and day making sure the accommodations to the room has met every one of my requests. I'm so excited about the progress he's made. Everything has turned out perfect! He even added a few of his own touches to it as well.
Though the room is finished, I have to admit that I will not be ready for my baby to sleep in there. I want my baby to stay in here. A part of me fears that if my baby is not near me, I will jump to conclusions and claim someone kidnapped my baby. Too many times have I dealt with villians while being with Aladdin and have had too many nightmares of those villians harming my child. I need to wrap my mind around something more positive. Maybe it is time to escape this room. I'll have to endure the looks and whispers for today.
I walk out of the room, leaving my task of organizing baby clothes, to find someone to talk to or find something to do. I waddle to the throne room to find it empty. That's a surprise! Father is usually in the middle of his teachings or playing with his trinkets. Perhaps they finished early. I continue my journey to the gardens. I haven't enjoyed a proper day outside in a long time. A little fresh air would help ease my mood. To my surprise, I'm able to enjoy the day in the garden with my best friend. He's basking in the sun by the fountain, as usual. I sit down on the edge of the fountain and run my fingers through Rajah's fur. He purrs his approval. If only I could sit beside him to fully enjoy petting him. It's so hard to bend to pet him. We sit in silence and listen to the birds chirp. I've missed this. Before Aladdin, I practically lived out here! I always found serenity and relaxation in the garden. Both feelings I need right now.
I'm so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I don't realize how long I've sat with Rajah. The day is slowing slipping away and I find myself wondering why no one has sent a search party out to look for me. Especially Aladdin! Normally, he's looking for me after he's finished working with my father. Maybe he had plans with his own father. I won't object to that. He has so many lost years to make up for. I rise from my seat and begin walking towards the Palace with Rajah behind me. Again, I go in search of anyone that may be in the Palace.
My first stop is the Throne Room but I find it empty once more. Where is everyone if they're not in here or outside? I'm reading too much into all of this. I need some rest. I turn to Rajah and pat him on the head and walk to my chambers. I'll worry later where everyone is. I'm actually surprised that I'm this calm. Normally, I'm a little paranoid that no one is here. In this moment, I'm too tired to jump to conclusions. I open the door and my mess of fabrics that I left earlier are cleared away and stored somewhere for later. I'm thankful that the servants have managed to clean up my messes lately. I have been awful at leaving items lying around. I lay down and try to find a comfortable position to rest in. Something else I won't miss once the baby is here. Tossing and turning in my sleep results in a cranky princess. I've woken several times in the night because I was so uncomfortable. I've even woken Aladdin a few of those times. One night, I accidentally kicked him while I was moving all over the bed. I don't know how he sleeps with me! Or sleeps, for that matter!
I toss around a little more till I find a comfortable spot. I lay here for what seems like forever till I slowly drift off to sleep. I wake a couple hours later and notice that night has fallen. I shift my body to look over at Aladdin's side of the bed. He's sitting up in bed with his back against the head of it. What is he staring at? I look closer and see that he's asleep. Poor thing! I wonder what he's done all day. I quietly rise from the bed trying my hardest not to wake him. I succeed! It's so hard to get past him when he's asleep. He's such a light sleeper. I quickly relieve myself and waddle down to the kitchen. Thankfully, a servant was cleaning up the dinner that was served earlier. I make my presence known only to startle her.
"Your highness!" She bows before me but I wave it off. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Yes, please. I was wondering if you could fix a tray with some foods for Aladdin and I?"
"Yes, ma'am. I will personally bring it to you."
"You don't have to. I can take it."
"Please ma'am. I insist." I see the plea in her brown eyes and I can't deny her request. I thank her and walk back to my room.
I open the door and I'm amazed that Aladdin is still asleep. The only movement he's made since I left is his head had lolled to the side. He shouldn't sleep like that. I walk over to him and place my hand on his cheek. He slighlty stirs but remains asleep. I want him to sleep but I don't even know if he ate dinner tonight. I should ask the servant when she arrives. A few minutes go by and a light knock sounds from the door. I'm glad it doesn't disturb Aladdin. I'm not ready to wake him. I open the door to let her in. She places the tray at my vanity and I stop her before she can leave.
"Did Aladdin eat anything at dinner?"
"He wasn't at dinner, Your Highness. " I thank her again and she leaves the room quietly to make sure she doesn't disturb Aladdin.
I walk back to the bed and though I want to leave him be, he needs to wake up and eat if he skipped out on dinner. I place my hand back on his cheek and try to coax him awake. He stirs once more but continues to sleep. Obviously, he's been busy today if he's this tired. I try once more but instead of moving, he mumbles something I can't comprehend. Who knew waking him would be this hard. I need to try something different in order to wake him. I lean down as much as I can and kiss him on the lips. He stirs a little and within seconds he returns the kiss. How does he know it's me? It could be some other woman kissing him. I end the kiss and straighten my body to look at him. He still has his eyes closed but I know he's no longer asleep.
"Aladdin, I know you're awake."
"I am now. I was having the best dream. You were there and so was our baby. You had just delivered her and we were sitting there watching her sleep. Then we kissed."
"That kiss was real. How else would you be awake right now? And that's a sweet dream, by the way."
"I'm sort of fond of it myself." He grins that boyish smile at me and I can't hold one back. I smile and shake my head.
"I was told that you didn't eat dinner. Where were you all day?" I sit down on the bed since standing in one spot is becoming tiring.
"I was with my Dad most of the day. I showed him the hovel. I've been debating whether I should or not and I decided it was time. Dad and I ate some fruit in the marketplace until we came home to eat dinner. We lost track of time."
"Oh! Well, I'm glad that you were able to spend time with him. After being cooped up in our room these past couple weeks, I think both of us needed an escape."
"I've enjoyed being cooped up with you. I feel like we don't spend enough time together. I meant to be home earlier to eat dinner with you but Dad and I talked for a while and time slipped by. I came up here hoping to find you waiting on me, instead you were asleep and I didn't have the heart to wake you. So I watched you sleep and I couldn't stay awake any longer and now I'm going to pay for how I slept. My neck is starting to hurt." He runs his hand back and forth on his neck, rubbing the pain away.
"Well, since you didn't properly eat and I didn't eat at all, I had some food brought to us." I walk over to my vanity and pick up the tray. I set it on the bed and we begin to eat the fish that was prepared for dinner. I didn't realize I was so hungry until now. I finish my dinner before Aladdin and change clothes while he finishes his. While I'm changing, I feel a pair of eyes on me. I turn and see my husband staring at me. He doesn't say anything, instead he smiles at me. I wouldn't be smiling. I look hideous! I put my wrap on and cover myself. Suddenly, there's a pair of arms snaking their way around me.
"Jasmine, what's wrong? Was it because I was staring?"
"Oh Aladdin! No, not really. When you look at me that way, it makes me feel exposed and makes me think that you don't like the way I look."
"Jasmine, you're beautiful! I love you and the way you look. But it's not about the way you look that makes me love you. I love everything about you. I love that you're my wife and that you're the mother of our unborn child. No matter what happens, I'll always love you."
"Even when I'm bigger than this Palace?"
"Yes. Remember when you were cursed into a snake and I told you that I would never leave you and that I loved you? I still do. I would do anything for you because I love you. And I love this baby that you're so bravely bringing into this world." He places his hand on my stomach and kisses me on the cheek. I love this man so much. He has stayed by my side since I first met him. No matter what we've been through, he has been there fighting valiantly along side me. I couldn't ask for a better man to be my husband and father to our child.
"I love you too, Aladdin and thanks for cheering me up." I kiss him and lean my head on his shoulder. He hugs me close and we stay this way for several minutes. I don't want to break free of his hold but I'm getting tired. He senses my request for bed when I stifle a yawn.
"Come on. Let's go to bed. We've both had a long day." He leads me to bed and for once I don't fight to find a comfortable position to sleep in. I'm wrapped in Aladdin's arms where I belong and I'm content. I fall into a peaceful sleep where I dream of my husband and our baby.