Happy Easter! This isn't an Easter post, just an extra post.
Enjoy! =D
-CL
We're in a room in the hospital waiting for Dr. Ashlar to arrive. I'm in a hospital gown squeezing my hands. "Maxon, I'm so sorry if I'm not pregnant." I bury my head in my hands.
I hear Maxon move to sit with me on the examination bed. He places his arms around me. "Bella, I already said I'll be happy either way. I promise." We hear the door click and look up.
Dr. Ashlar is walking into the room with a clipboard and cup. "Your Majesties," he says with a bow. "I hear that Lady Bella believes she may pregnant?" I just nod, too scared to talk. I try to hide my shaking hands, but he notices them. "There's no reason to be nervous, Lady Bella."
I inhale deeply. "You can just call me Bella, Dr. Ashlar. It'll put me more at ease. It's just my anxiety."
Dr. Ashlar nods. "Alright, Bella, would you like a blood test or urination test?"
I glance at Maxon. He shrugs, telling me that it's my decision. "How accurate is each?"
"They are both 99% accurate. I would be able to get the urination test results within the hour."
"I'll do the urination test, then," I say. Dr. Ashlar hands me the cup he was carrying and points me to the bathroom. I try to pee as quickly as I can, wanting my results sooner than later. I finish up in the bathroom and head back to the room. I hand the cup to Dr. Ashlar.
"If there are no further questions or anything you want me to do, I'll go get this tested. It shouldn't take more than half an hour to get the results. Bella, you may change back into your clothes."
I nod. "No further questions, Doctor. We'll be here waiting." Dr. Ashlar nods and exits the room. I exhale loudly, relaxing a little bit.
"Here are your clothes, my dear," Maxon says. I take them and quickly change in front of him. "Now we just have to wait thirty minutes for the results." I nod and lean into him, trying to relax.
It's exactly thirty minutes later when Dr. Ashlar knocks on the door. I jump up, scared. "Come in."
Maxon stands up with me, rubbing my arms. "Relax, darling," he whispers gently kissing my neck.
Dr. Ashlar enters the room with his clipboard. "I have the results right here. Would you like me to leave them here and exit the room or have me tell you?"
"I would rather you tell us or, otherwise, I won't look at the results. Maxon?"
"Whatever you want, my dear. It's your call."
I take a deep breath. "Then Doctor, please tell us the results."
"Well, it looks like there's a new heir on the way." My legs give out and I almost fall to the ground. "Oh my," Dr. Ashlar says. I hear his clipboard drop. "You've got her, Your Majesty?"
"Yes," Maxon says, gently letting my legs hit the ground. He kneels with me. I'm sobbing from relief, placing my hands on my belly-which has life in it. "Are you ok, my dear?" Maxon leans in to kiss me on the hair and I feel tears from his own cheeks.
Dr. Ashlar clears his throat. "Well, I'll give you some time to process the news. Do you want me to keep this a secret?"
"Yes, please, Doctor," Maxon replies. "Thank you so much. And we're free to go, correct?"
"Correct, Your Majesty. Congratulations. And my lips are sealed." I hear the door click after Dr. Ashlar leaves.
"Bella, are you alright?"
"Yes," I say, looking up at him. "We're going to be parents, Maxon. You're going to be a dad."
"Yes, I know, my dear," he says with tears in his eyes. "And I already love you more for it."
It's three days later and Maxon and I are sitting with America, ready to tell her that I'm pregnant. "So, what did you guys want to talk to me about?" America asks, grabbing a strawberry tart. I lift my teacup to hide my smile.
"Well, Ames, we have some news to share," Maxon starts, gesturing for me to continue. I get up and sit next to Ames.
I take a deep breath. "How's the pregnancy going? How far along are you again?"
"I'm four months. It's ok. I mean, I sometimes still get morning sickness and my back hurts, but otherwise not terrible. Why?"
"Well…Ames…I'm pregnant, too."
"What?!" she screeches. "Bella! That's amazing! How far along are you?"
"I think about three weeks."
"And Maxon! Congrats! I know you've always wanted to be a dad!" She gets up and hugs him. "I'm proud of you, Maxon," she says into his shoulder.
Maxon smiles. "Thanks, Ames. Now, don't tell Marlee, Carter, or Aspen yet. We would like to tell them ourselves. Don't tell anybody, really, please."
She walks over to me and hugs me. "Of course, Maxon. I promise. You guys kept my secret." She leans into my ear. "If you ever need anything from a female, I'm the girl to talk to," she whispers.
"Thanks, Ames," I say. "We're planning to tell Marlee, Carter, and Aspen tomorrow. Are you interested in being there?"
"Of course! What time?"
"We were thinking around four," Maxon says.
"I'll be there. See you tomorrow!" America takes the whole plate of strawberry tarts with her. Maxon and I look at each other and burst out laughing.
It's the next day at four, and Marlee, Carter, and Aspen are sitting in the same spot America was yesterday. America is now sitting with us, facing them. "So why did you call us here?" Aspen asks.
"We have some news to share," Maxon says.
"But first, Carter and Marlee, how is it being married?"
They both look at each other and smile. "It's been great," Carter replies. "I didn't know I could be…so complete in my life."
I glance at Maxon knowingly. "We know exactly what you mean," Maxon replies. "I feel like I finally have something to live for."
"Exactly! Something I actually look forward to waking up for," Carter says, nodding.
"And it's great to have someone to show your whole, true self to, you know? You always hold back at least something, but with Carter, I'm completely myself and not afraid to tell him my deepest secrets," Marlee says. She squeezes Carter's hand and he smiles. They give each other a quick peck on the lips and face us. "So what's this news?"
"Well…I'm pregnant," I respond. Aspen, Carter, and Marlee freeze.
Marlee comes out of her daze first. "Oh my gosh! Bella, Maxon, congratulations!" She stands up and hugs both of us.
Carter comes over and shakes Maxon's hand and then hugs me. "Congrats, you two." He smiles and puts his arm around Marlee. "Apparently we need to try. You're the only female here not pregnant."
Marlee laughs and swats him. "Let me live in bliss for a little while longer."
"Well, that didn't take long. Not that we expected anything different," Aspen shouts, walking over to Maxon. Maxon and I are both blushing. Aspen shakes Maxon's hand. "So, how far along are you?" Aspen says, reaching me.
I look at the ground, a little ashamed that we basically got pregnant on our wedding night. "Umm…about three weeks, I'm guessing."
Aspen realizes the same thing I already know. "Oh, so the first time you did it then?"
I nod, blushing more. "I guess so. Lucky us?"
Aspen laughs. America swats his arm. "Leave them alone, Aspen. Let them have their fun. We damn well know you will too one day." Aspen nods through his laughs.
"Well, congrats guys!" Marlee says again. "Carter and I are heading out to dinner. Do you guys want to join us? Dinner will be on us to celebrate!"
I glance at Maxon. "Sure, we'll come," Maxon responds. "That good with you, Ames?"
"Of course, I'll come! I'll have to get ready first, though," she replies and gestures to her sweats.
"Don't worry, I do, too," I reply gesturing to my greasy hair and very casual day dress. "Can you give me about an hour?"
"Yeah, no worries, Bella. I need to get ready myself," Marlee replies. "Meet you guys by the Women's room at six?"
All of us nod. Aspen heads out first, followed by Marlee and Carter. America follows. "See you soon!"
I nod and wave. "Yep." I turn to face the bathroom.
"Do you really want to go?" Maxon asks.
"Yes, I actually do, so no games right now, Maxon. We can do something later."
"Alright," Maxon replies, a little disappointment in his voice. "Can I at least shower with you?"
"I guess, but no funny business and we have to be quick," I reply. I grab his hand and pull him toward the bathroom.
