Chapter 4

My Baby

"Stop checking your phone." Pat hissed, glaring daggers at me. "You already got kicked out once, remember?"

With a frustrated sigh, I reluctantly slid my phone back into my pocket. Two weeks had passed since our visit to STRATCOM, and there hadn't been a single word from Leon. I couldn't help but constantly check my phone for any messages or calls from him. It was impossible to focus on anything else, especially my classes.

Unfortunately, my phone obsession landed me in hot water in several classes. The most recent incident was when Professor Maxwell kicked me out of my Environmental Economics class for failing to respond to his repeated attempts to get my attention. It was getting out of hand, and if Leon didn't contact me soon, I might go crazy.

With sheer determination, I managed to resist the temptation until the end of the lecture. But, as soon as the professor dismissed the class, my phone was back in my hand.

"Anything yet?" Pat asked, leaning over to take a peek at my screen.

I shook my head with disappointment. "Not yet." My heart sank a little more with each passing minute. "Did he even get my letter?"

Pat frowned sympathetically. "I'm sure he got it, Meg. Maybe he's just busy with his work or something. You know how these government agents can be."

I nodded but my anxiety still lingered.

"Hey, let's give it a few more days. And if he still hasn't contacted you, we'll drive down there and camp outside their gate until he shows up." Pat said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I chuckled at his idea. Although I had to admit I was tempted to do exactly that. "In the meantime, let's grab some lunch. Little Meg must be starving."

"Big Meg can definitely do with a huge slice of pepperoni pizza too." My stomach growled in agreement. If I hadn't been certain I was pregnant, the sudden increase in appetite definitely confirmed it.

Stepping out into the vibrant campus, the warmth of the afternoon sun embraced us. The quad came alive with the hustle and bustle of university life. Students were scattered all around, lounging on the grass and enjoying the sunshine, while others engaged in animated discussions as they walked to their next class.

As Pat and I strolled along the paved path leading to the cafeteria, my eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of familiar chestnut hair in the distance. There he was—Leon, leaning against the wall of one of the nearby buildings. My heart skipped a beat, and before I knew it, my feet were already carrying me toward him.

"Leon!" I called out, my heart skipping a beat as his eyes lit up with recognition, and that mischievous smirk I loved so much played on his lips.

"Meg. Fancy meeting you here." He replied, waving a piece of paper in his hand—the letter I had left for him. "You really shouldn't just give away your number to strangers, you know? What would you do if one of those guards turned out to be a psycho?"

"I... I don't know how else to reach you." I confessed, relief and excitement coursing through me. I still couldn't believe he was right in front of me. Then a thought struck me. "Wait, I only write my number. How did you find me here?"

He shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes never leaving mine. "It seems like you have something really important to tell me. Doesn't feel right to discuss it over the phone. As for how I found you... let's just say I have my ways."

Raising an eyebrow, I couldn't help but ask. "Seriously, what is it you do for a living?"

"Please." he waved dismissively. "Let's talk about why you tracked me down. They told me you insist it's a 'life and death' kind of situation."

"That wasn't me, that was Pat." I clarified as if it would make any difference.

"Who's Pat?"

"Oh, he's my best friend. He..." I trailed off as I looked around for him, only now realizing that I had left him behind. I spotted him a few meters away, waving at me when our gazes met.

"Tell him." Pat mouthed. I nodded heavily at him, then returned my attention to Leon. As much as I loved having Pat beside me, I knew I had to do this by myself.

"So, listen, Leon... We need to talk." I began, wincing at my lame opening.

Leon let out a low chuckle. "Yes, I figured that out, Meg."

Summoning my courage, I clenched my fist and took a deep breath, locking eyes with him. "I'm pregnant."

Leon's smile slipped, and though he tried to maintain a calm demeanor, I could see a flicker of surprise in his eyes that he couldn't completely conceal.

"I'm pregnant." I repeated, my voice steadier this time.

"Oh." Leon said, folding his arms in front of his chest. "I thought you were going to ask me out for a drink or a date or something."

He seemed less than thrilled by the news, which was understandable. "You're a catch, Leon. But asking you out isn't exactly a life-or-death situation."

"I don't know, I have been known to drive women crazy." He attempted a joke, but his eyes were far from amused.

I reached out to touch his hand, and he flinched as if I'd burned him. "Sorry." I withdrew my arm, feeling a rush of embarrassment. I quickly hid it away and met his gaze again. "I'm not expecting anything from you. Heck, I haven't even decided if I want to keep the baby or not. I just thought you should know."

Leon nodded slowly although he still looked uneasy. "Well, thanks for telling me. This is just a lot to process."

"I know."

"I'm just…" He ran his hand through his hair, then looked at me with a pained expression. "Are you sure it's mine?"

His question hit me like a punch to the gut, and I felt a mix of hurt and anger. But it was a fair question to ask. After all, it wasn't like we were in a relationship or anything.

"I'm sure." I answered, trying to keep my voice from trembling. "You were the only one I've slept with in the past seven months."

He took a deep breath, and I could see conflicting emotions playing on his face. "I'm not saying I don't believe you." He said cautiously. "It's just... is it okay if I ask for a paternity test?"

For a moment, I felt defensive. What? Did he think I liked to sleep around with every man I met? But I reminded myself that we really didn't know each other. He didn't know if he could trust me, and he had a right to be sure. "Yes, that's fine." I replied, swallowing my pride. "I want you to be sure too."

"Thank you," he said softly. "I'll arrange the test with my doctor. I'll text you when once we set the date."

I could only nod. As we stood there, the weight of our conversation hung in the air, I could feel the uncertainty between us. There were so many questions and emotions swirling inside me, but I couldn't find the right words to express them.

"I have to go, Meg." Leon broke the silence.

Disappointment washed over me. I couldn't help but feel like he was trying to just run away. But deep down, I understood that he needed time to process everything, just as I had needed when I first found out about the pregnancy.

With a heavy sigh, I mustered a soft response, trying to hide my true emotions. "Okay."

His smile was gentle, but there was something distant in his eyes that left me feeling uneasy. "Take care of yourself, Meg." He said, and without another word, he turned and walked away.

I watched his retreating figure until he disappeared from sight, a heaviness settled in my chest. Lost in my thoughts, I absentmindedly placed a hand on my stomach, almost instinctively seeking some comfort. And then, it happened—a subtle fluttering sensation beneath my touch. It was so faint, almost imperceptible, but it was there. My heart skipped a beat as I felt it again—a tiny movement, like a butterfly gently brushing against the walls of my womb.

My eyes widened, and I gasped in amazement. Could it be possible? I was just around ten weeks pregnant. Yet, there it was—a subtle fluttering sensation beneath my touch. Could I already be feeling the baby move? I had heard that some women might notice these early flutters, but I never expected to experience it myself and certainly not this early.

Tears welled up in my eyes as a mix of awe and wonder enveloped me. At that moment, all my worries and uncertainties seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of connection with the life growing inside me.

A newfound sense of determination surged through me. I may not have all the answers or a clear path ahead, but I was certain of one thing—I wanted this baby, and I would do whatever it took to be the best mother I could be.

With a hopeful smile, I whispered to myself, "We'll be okay, little one. We'll figure it out together."

As I stood there with my hand resting on my belly, I felt a profound sense of peace and a glimmer of excitement for the future, no matter how uncertain it might be. I was going to have a baby, with or without Leon.