Hey everyone,
I'm sorry I've been a bit MIA for this story. I've been struggling with writing this chapter. Sadly it's shorter than normal. I've also been working on the next chapter of And So We Meet At Last-I'm just waiting for my friend to proofread it and check it over before uploading it. Thanks for being so patient!
Sakura stared at herself in the mirror. She'd been staring at her reflection for the last hour, taking in the small changes her body was showing. It had become a small habit over the past week, as she was still coming to terms with being pregnant. There was the slightest bump showing, serving as another reminder that Sakura was going to be a mother.
Children. It was really happening...
She wondered how their child would look. Would they have her eyes? Maybe they would smile the same way as their father. Perhaps they'd have the stubbornness of their mother?
"Sakura, love?"
Sakura broke away from her thoughts and looked over to see Syaoran watching her tenderly.
She smiled, "Sorry, did you say something?"
"Breakfast awaits you." He smiled with amusement.
She blushed, "Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you."
He walked over and pulled her in by her waist. "It's okay." He smiled, "How are you feeling?"
"Do you mean in regard to feeling sick, or how I feel about being pregnant?" Sakura asked.
"Both."
Sakura smiled. "The nausea hits me at the most inconvenient of times, but I think I'm starting to come to feel comfortable with the idea of actually being pregnant."
She continued, "Though, not completely. I'm still... well..."
"It's okay to be scared." He spoke softly. "I think it's normal to be scared about some things."
Sakura rested her head against his chest, taking in the comfort he provided her. "Thank you,"
He kissed her forehead gently. "Let's go eat."
She smiled and nodded as she parted, and together they left the room to head downstairs.
After eating, Sakura saw Syaoran off for work at the door. She watched the carriage leave and sighed softly as she closed the door. She watched as a few maids walked past and wondered what she could do. There was always her art, but she didn't feel up to drawing or painting.
"Lady Sakura?"
Sakura looked up to see Ami smiling at her. She returned her smile.
"Would you like a cup of tea?" Ami asked.
"Yes, that would be wonderful." Sakura replied, and followed her into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Ami started brewing some earl grey tea. Sakura watched the woman as she moved about-Ami was a mother, so maybe she could talk to her about it...
"You've been distracted lately," Ami dared to say, "Is there anything on your mind?"
Sakura fidgeted a bit, wondering what she should say. "What makes you think that?"
"Well, you've been late for breakfast nearly every day this week, and Lord Li has asked me to make some changes to your meals..." Ami answered carefully.
Sakura sighed as Ami set her cup of tea down in front of her.
"Well, yes, there is something on my mind..." Sakura murmured. "I'm pregnant."
Ami blinked in surprise. Then, she smiled. "Congratulations!"
Sakura gave her a weak smile.
"Wait, is it that you don't want this...?" Ami asked after a short silence.
Sakura shook her head. "No! It's not that at all. I just...I'm scared."
Ami's face softened into a smile. "I think that's normal."
"That's what Syaoran said." Sakura mumbled.
"I felt the same when I found out I was pregnant. Though, not quite for the same reasons as you." Ami added.
Sakura looked at her questioningly, so Ami continued.
"I was all alone when I fell pregnant. Both of my parents had passed away, and I had no siblings. I told you about how Lord Li found me, right?"
Sakura nodded.
"Once I had decided to keep the baby, I felt terrified because I was on my own. I had no idea how to be a mother, let alone how I was going to be able to raise her while working on my own."
Sakura fingered the rim of her teacup as she listened. "I am afraid that I won't be a good mother, but what I'm scared about most..."
Ami watched her quietly while she waited for Sakura to finish her sentence.
Sakura released a shaky breath. "What if something goes wrong? What if I lose the child? What if I don't make it...?" She choked on the last few words as tears spilled down her cheeks.
Ami reached across the bench and placed a comforting hand over Sakura's. "Have you spoken to him about your worries?"
Sakura nodded and then Ami smiled comfortingly. "I'm sure he'll get you the care you need and will support you through this."
Sakura smiled. Syaoran certainly was doing all he could to help her.
"Thank you, Ami."
"I've heard it helps if you surround yourself with other women who will be mothers soon. Maybe that will help you?" Ami suggested.
Sakura's eyed brightened a little, "Do you know where I might be able to find such a group?"
Ami grimaced. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure. Maybe you could talk to your husband about it."
Sakura nodded with a smile. "That sounds like a good idea. Thank you!"
Ami smiled as Sakura stood from her chair, "I'll be going out for a little while, but I'll be back by the afternoon."
"Stay safe." Ami replied.
"I will!" Sakura called back cheerfully.
...
Syaoran finished reading through the notes he had gathered in regards to the trial they had been running. Hopefully, there would be some progress and they would be able to have the drug available to everyone.
He leant back in his chair and ran his fingers through his hair. Once again, his mind flicked back to Sakura for the umpteenth time that day. He was worried more than he should be. He had taken care of countless women going through a pregnancy, so why should this be any different?
Except, this was his wife, who he loved dearly, and he knew all of the possible outcomes when it game to giving birth.
"Shit."
He really needed to stop thinking about the worst. Spotting the time on the clock, Syaoran realised he needed to organise medicine for some of his patients. Standing, he walked over to his filing cabinet and opened it to pull out the files of the patients under him. He carried them back to his desk and flipped open the first file as a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and his colleague walked in. "Yamazaki, what is it?" Syaoran asked.
Yamazaki grimaced. "The blacksmith is back again."
"What did he lose this time? Another finger?" Syaoran asked. He was familiar with the blacksmith. It wasn't unusual for the man to come in needing something stitched back up or needed burns treated.
"Actually, it's his daughter."
Syaoran looked up. "What's happened?"
"He insists he wants you to look at her. He won't let me." Yamazaki explained.
Syaoran sighed. "Do me a favour and organise the medication for my patients while I take care of this."
"Sure."
Syaoran left the office and headed down to the bottom floor where Yamazaki usually worked. In the waiting room, he spotted the man he was looking for. Sitting next to the blacksmith was a young girl, probably about twelve or thirteen. She was very pale.
"Hello," Syaoran greeted, "This way please."
The man helped his daughter to her feet. Syaoran noticed she looked very unsteady on her feet as they entered an office where things would be more private.
"How long has she been like this?" Syaoran nodded to the young girl.
"Well, the last hour or so..." the man replied.
Syaoran nodded. "Is she more tired than usual?"
"She's usually a lot more energetic."
"Any fevers?"
"No."
Syaoran nodded again. "Has she recently gone through a monthly cycle?"
"Er... honey, have you...?"
Syaoran watched the girl as she shifted uncomfortably. After a few seconds, she nodded.
"It sounds like anaemia." Syaoran explained, "it's not uncommon in women who have recently been through their monthly cycle. I'll have a blood test done to check."
"Thank you, doctor."
"If she worsens or the symptoms persist, then please bring her back. The doctors available will help you." Syaoran added as he gathered the needle and vials he needed.
The girl looked at the items he had gathered warily. Syaoran was familiar with that look.
"You don't like needles, do you?" he murmured.
The girl shook her head. "No."
"That's alright. It won't hurt much."
The girl didn't look any happier about it, though, but Syaoran didn't mind.
"I'm just inserting the needle." He murmured, and she felt a small prick in her arm.
Moments later, he removed the needle and held a piece of cotton wool over the area.
"All done." He smiled.
"Thank you, doctor." The girl replied.
"You're welcome. Take care."
He saw them out and then sighed, grabbed the vials and then headed back to his office.
...
Sakura looked up at the hospital, wondering what Syaoran was doing with work. She guessed he was probably writing up medical reports for some of his patients, or maybe he was in the middle of surgery.
But he wasn't the reason why she had chosen to come to the hospital. Her visits had been lacking recently, mostly because of the whole mess with Sid, and she didn't want to see him. She felt bad for not seeing the children.
Sakura walked inside and headed for the children's ward. Her heart was racing as she hoped she didn't have to face Sid, but she was momentarily distracted as a squeal of delight sounded from her left.
"It's Sakura!"
A bunch of children ran towards her, some of the younger ones wrapping their arms around her legs in a big childish hug.
Sakura smiled widely, "Hello! How are you doing? Oh, you look so much better."
"The doctor says the new medicine is working." The girl smiled happily.
"Oh honey, that's excellent news."
"I wish I could go home." Another child mumbled.
Sakura smiled sympathetically. "You will, I'm sure of it."
"Hey Sakura, Saku where have you been lately?" one of the younger kids asked. He was no older than five.
Sakura looked apologetic, "I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately. There were some things I needed to do at home."
"Will you still be coming to see us?" another child asked.
"Of course, when I can, I'll certainly be here."
They all cheered.
"Doctor Sid is here." One of the older kids said.
Sakura looked up as Sid entered and she quickly averted her eyes.
"Make sure you do as the doctor says, okay?"
"We will!"
Sakura smiled and then stood, nodding to Sid as she passed him. Sid said nothing as she passed, and he headed straight to one of his patients.
Sakura felt tense. She wasn't sure what to do or how to feel when she was around Sid. It felt worse as he was the doctor in charge of half the children around him, and she had no choice but to deal with that if she wanted to see the kids.
She swallowed and turned to leave, waving goodbye to the children, guilt tugging at her heart.
...
Syaoran found Sakura sewing a blanket in the lounge when he got home that evening. He watched her quietly for a moment as she hand stitched the edge of the blanket with great care. Judging from the size, he guessed she was making it for their child.
"Sakura?"
She looked up and smiled as her eyes landed on him. "Hey,"
"You've been busy." Syaoran said, nodding to the blanket.
"Oh," she smiled, "Yes, I suppose I have."
He walked over and pulled Sakura into his arms.
"Did you have a rough day?" Sakura asked.
"Something like that." He murmured.
"What happened?" she asked.
"It was just one of those days," he replied, "Where everything just gets under my skin."
Sakura understood what he was saying perfectly. She found those days to be the most frustrating to deal with.
"Are you relieved to be home?" she asked with a small smile.
"Very."
Sakura smiled. "I went and visited the children at the hospital today."
Syaoran raised his brow in interest. "How did that go?"
"It was okay. I left when Sid showed up, though." She answered.
"Those kids really love you." He spoke softly, "You'll make a great mother."
Sakura smiled up at Syaoran, "I hope so."
He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it softly. "Let's go out on Sunday."
She blinked in surprise. "Where?"
"We could go out and visit that tea house you're fond of." He smiled.
Her eyes brightened. "I wonder if they'll have any of that strawberry sponge..."
Syaoran laughed, "Don't eat too much."
"Oh, hush you." Sakura stuck her tongue out at him. He continued to laugh, making Sakura pout.
When they both finally calmed, Sakura spoke. "I told Ami that I was pregnant today." She started.
"Okay," Syaoran replied, sending more coming.
"She suggested that I could go to these groups where there are other women who are pregnant."
Syaoran eyes her curiously. "Yes, they're usually held at the hospital. Sometimes they'll be held in other places though." He explained. "Are you thinking of going to one?"
Sakura nodded. "I think it will help me not to worry so much."
He smiled, "If you'd like, I can pick up the information for it at work tomorrow."
"I'd really appreciate that." Sakura replied.
He nodded and smiled. "Okay, I'll do that."
Sakura's stomach then growled, making him laugh, "Sounds like it must be time for dinner."
Sakura's cheeks turned pink. "How embarrassing..."
Syaoran stood and she followed, and together they headed towards the dining room.
I'll be honest, I have no idea when the next chapter will be up. Hopefully soon, as I've written a fair bit for it already. Please don't worry-I never leave a story unfinished.
Catch ya later!