Saturday was without a doubt, exhausting. Jess and Abby were sitting at one of the dining tables in a large department mall, while Jess was ordering food. Several dozen bags surrounded their table, labeling from different stores.
Emily rubbed her eyes.
Abby chuckled. "I told you."
Emily smiled. "You did."
"She's a relentless shopper. But on the bright side, you won't have to worry about your clothes fitting until your due date." Abby said.
Emily looked down at all the bags. "Let's hope so."
"Speaking of due date, do you know when you'll be expecting?" Abby asked.
"My doctor believes in early January, but it could change with the next appointment." Emilt explained.
"Are you excited at all?" Abby asked.
Emily smiled. "I am. Very much so."
Abby smiled. "Yeah, can't blame you."
"Though, just between us, I think Jess is enjoying this more. I have no doubt she'd going to take another shopping trip for the baby at some point." Emily said.
Abby laughed. "You can definitely expect your baby to be well dressed."
Emily laughed.
Abby turned her head toward Jess' general direction. Her smile and laughter faded from her face. "You know you really scared her the other day. You scared all of us."
Emily nodded slowly. "I know. I am so sorry about that. I wasn't thinking clearly."
Abby reached across the table and took Emily's hand. "Emily, you're not alone here. Come to us. Talk you us. Make fun of Connor if you want."
Emily laughed again.
"Seriously though, we're here for you." Abby said.
"I know." Emily replied.
Jess came walking to the table carrying her tray. "Sorry that took so long."
"Oh don't worry about it." Abby said.
"The line was massive." Emily said. She sat down beside Abby. Suddenly her phone rang in her purse. Jess groaned. "Oh you've got to be kidding me." She reached into her purse and retrieved her phone. "Jess Parker. Becker?"
Abby and Emily both turned their attention back to Jess.
Jess glanced at them. "I'll be right back." She rose from her chair was walked from the table.
Abby looked back toward Emily. "Well that was unexpected."
"Not from my perspective." Emily said.
Abby arched an eyebrow.
"It's not my story to tell, Abby. But let's just say Becker has a few things he needs to tell he. Whether he's telling her now or not is another story entirely." Emily said.
Abby looked over her shoulder at Jess. "Well, I'll simply be glad he's talking to her again."
"Something good came of my escape." Emily said.
"It got Becker and Jess talking again." Abby said.
"Yes, he-" Emily stopped.
Abby frowned. "What is it?"
"I'm not sure." Emily said. She lowered her hand to her stomach. "I suddenly felt something strange."
"Like what?" Abby asked.
"Like…butterflies." Emily answered.
Abby smiled. "That you're baby moving."
"So soon?" she asked.
"What's so soon?" Jess asked.
"Emily just felt her baby move." Abby explained.
Jess turned to Emily. "Really?"
"I can only assume that's what it was." EMily answered.
"May I?" Jess asked.
Emily nodded and slipped her chair back. Jess sat in her chair and placed her hand on Emily's stomach. She sat patiently, waiting. Then she felt small movements beneath Emily's belly.
Jess giggled. "That's so amazing."
London England
September third two thousand and eleven
I have discovered a fear greater than the creatures encountered at the ARC. It is Jessica Parker shopping. I've never seen a woman move so quickly through a store without something chasing after her. I've returned to the flat with twelve new blouses, seven trousers, and at least ten new dresses. Jessica even went to the lengths of purchasing new shoes for when I can no long borrow hers. But despite her strange logic, I find the gesture very sweet.
Even more, I felt what was explained to me, as my baby moving. It was a strange feeling. Like as if butterflies were fluttering within my stomach. Abigail and Jessica tell me that this is only the beginning of the movements. I cannot say I do not believe them. Though I cannot begin to imagine the chances in the movements they also explained. But as always, time will tell.
short, told ya.