I don't own.
Beverly nervously checked the time. Caesar will be home soon. Once again she glanced at the clock. She looked at the gift-wrapped rectangular box in her hand. She gulped. She was excited at first but as the time kept passing, she was now getting nervous.
What if Caesar didn't want it? What if he gets angry? No, Caesar doesn't get angry. Even worse, what if he was indifferent? She would prefer anger to indifference. She hated when he was apathetic.
Beverly checked the time again. She frowned. It was now past the time he should be back. Caesar is usually on time. If he wasn't he would always let her know. She pulled out her phone to see if she missed any calls. Nope nothing.
Maybe she should call him? She brought his number up. She hesitated a minute before pressing the call button. She lifted the phone to her ear and bit her lip. One ring, two ring… "I am unable to pick up the phone right now…"
No good. It was the answering machine. She debated as to whether to leave a message when she heard the beep.
"Oh… uh… hi Caesar? Um, I wonder when you're coming home? Call me if you're going to be late." She finished lamely and hung up. She stared at the phone before tossing it on the table. What should she do now?
Dinner was already done and keeping warm in the oven. She had nothing else to occupy her time. Wait. The stealth cycle Caesar brought home stopped running. Maybe she'll go work on that to keep herself busy. That's right. That's what she'll do. She'll see what's wrong with the cycle.
0o0
Caesar nervously checked the time. He got lost in his work and forgot to call Beverly. She was going to be angry. He saw that he missed her call but was too chicken to check the message that was left. He rushed out of the lab so fast that he knocked over several scientists. The soldiers knew better and was able to get out of his way. He had to find a flower shop or someplace that sold plants of some kind to appease her. He saw an abuelita at the side of the road selling single roses. He bought one for an outrageous sum of money, but he was desperate.
He pulled into his driveway and rushed out. He burst open through the front door to find… nothing. No one was there.
"Beverly?" He asked apprehensively. There was no answer. Did she leave him? He spotted her phone on the table. No, not yet. He checked the kitchen. He could smell dinner and felt the warmth coming from the oven. He went back outside and for the first time noticed a gift wrapped box. He picked it up. His name was on it. He hesitantly unwrapped the box. His eyes opened up wide. "Beverly!" His voice went up an octave.
0o0
Beverly wiped the sweat from her brow. It was just a clogged exhaust. She had no idea how a potato got lodged in there.
"Beverly!"
She looked up. Caesar?
"I'm here." She called out.
The door to the garage flew open. Caesar had a wild look about him. He was panting heavily as if he had run a marathon.
"Beverly?" He gasped.
"Caesar? What's wrong?" She stopped when she saw the plastic baggie in his hand. "Oh, I was going to surprise you but you were la…"
She never finished as Caesar wrapped his arms around her in a fierce hug before abruptly letting go. "Oh, sorry. Was that too tight? Are you all right?" He looked all over her. "Wait! What are you doing?" Beverly was about to answer before Caesar continued. "You shouldn't be doing those kinds of things! What if you hurt the…" He stopped as if it suddenly dawned on him. "I'm going to be a… a…"
"Yes, you're going to be a father." She hugged him. She looked up to see the dazed look on his face.
He looked down at her. Placing his hand on her stomach, he bent over. "Bebe, I promise to take care of you and mami." He said seriously.
Beverly giggled both relieved and happy. "I know you will."
He straightened up and kissed her forehead before moving to her lips.
"Come on, let's go eat. We have a lot to talk about." She smiled.
She didn't expect what happened next. Caesar scooped her up and carried her to the door.
"You shouldn't be on your feet to much. You have to rest." He said seriously.
"Wha? Caesar, I can walk." She protested.
"No. You shouldn't be working on these things. What if a tool falls on you?"
"How? The tools are all on the floor."
"You never know. What if an EVO charges in?" He asked.
"Then I'd be in trouble no matter where I am or what I'm doing."
"You're right. I need to make an EVO repeller."
"Caesar, you're worrying too much." Beverly laughed.
"It's the first time I'm a father." He said wryly.
"And you'll be a great one." She smiled.
"I hope so." He smiled back.
Happy Father's Day all.