Novel Palace
46
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, gently rousing me from my slumber. I groaned softly as I realized that my bladder was acting up again, urging me to get out of bed urgently. The familiar routine of waking up every morning to answer nature’s call had become a slightly frustrating part of my pregnancy experience. With a reluctant sigh, I shifted in bed and swung my legs over the side, determined to ease the persistent discomfort.
After a swift trip to the bathroom to relieve myself, I felt a momentary wave of relief. The mornings had turned into a race against time, battling the urgency of my bladder, but it was all part of the journey. As I washed my hands and splashed some water on my face, I couldn’t help but wish for the days when I could sleep through the night without being awakened by such a pressing need.
Making my way downstairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted me before anything else. The boys, Ace and Alex, had already left for work, and the dining table was set with an array of delectable dishes. The scene was inviting, and my stomach rumbled in response. The array of food before me was a symphony of colors and flavors, a true feast for the senses.
The centerpiece was a fluffy stack of pancakes, perfectly golden brown and topped with a drizzle of maple syrup that glistened in the morning light. Beside the pancakes lay a plate of scrambled eggs, light and fluffy, sprinkled with chives for an added touch of freshness. Crispy bacon strips adorned another plate, and a bowl of mixed berries provided a burst of color and natural sweetness. A carafe of freshly squeezed orange juice completed the spread, promising a refreshing sip to start the day.
I wasted no time in indulging my senses and digging into the sumptuous breakfast. The pancakes were a delightful combination of lightness and sweetness, and the eggs melted in my mouth. Each bite of bacon was a satisfying crunch, and the burst of flavors from the berries danced on my taste buds. It was a breakfast that had been prepared with care and love, a testament to the nurturing environment I found myself in.
As I savored each mouthful, the front door swung open, and Jen, the maid who had been assigned to care for me, walked in. Her warm greeting filled the air, and I offered a smile in return. “Good morning,” she chirped, her presence exuding a sense of comfort.
“Good morning,” I replied, grateful for her presence. Her arrival signaled a shift in the morning routine-a transition from breakfast to self-care. “Are you feeling great, miss?” she inquired, her concern evident. “I’ll make your bath for you.” Her thoughtful gesture reminded me of the small yet significant ways in which the boys and Jen were ensuring my well-being.
“Thank you, Jen,” I expressed with genuine appreciation. Jen had an uncanny ability to make the perfect bath-always the right temperature, soothing and calming. It was a daily indulgence that I had come to look forward to, a moment of relaxation amidst the chaos of change.
Finishing up my breakfast, I excused myself and made my way back upstairs. As I passed by the mirror, my gaze instinctively shifted to my reflection. My belly was still relatively flat, but a subtle change was becoming noticeable. A small bump was beginning to form, a physical testament to the life growing within me. Emotions swirled within me-a mix of trepidation, excitement, and wonder.
Deep down, fear coexisted with excitement. The journey ahead was uncharted territory, filled with unknowns and uncertainties. But as I continued to watch my reflection, a sense of determination and hope took root. This was a journey I was embracing wholeheartedly, and the small bump was a reminder of the miracle that was unfolding within me.
Leaving the mirror behind, I stepped into my room, a sense of tranquility enveloping me. The bath had already been prepared, its soothing steam rising invitingly. With each step closer to the water’s edge, a feeling of relief washed over me, as if the warm embrace of the bath was ready to melt away the cares of the day. Gingerly, I eased into the tub, letting the warmth seep into my bones.
The water felt like a cocoon of comfort, cradling me in its gentle embrace. I closed my eyes, letting the worries and stresses of the day dissolve in the soothing waves around me. The sound of my own breath and the rhythmic splashes of water were the only sounds in the room, a melody of tranquility that I embraced fully.
Just as I was beginning to lose myself in the soothing waters, a familiar jingle broke through the silence. My phone, perched on the edge of the tub, was ringing. With a sigh, I picked it up, glancing at the caller ID to find Cher’s name flashing on the screen. Swiping to answer, I held the phone to my ear.
“How are you?!” Cher’s voice rang out, her excitement palpable even through the phone. I couldn’t help but smile at her energy. “I’m feeling good. You know, the usual,” I replied with a hint of amusement in my voice. Cher’s enthusiasm was infectious, and her calls were always a welcome interruption to the day.
“Good,” she responded. “I’m taking you out for dinner tonight. Are you up for it?” Her invitation caught me by surprise, and a sense of warmth flooded my heart. Despite the new challenges I was facing, it was comforting to know that life was moving forward and that moments of normalcy still existed.
A smile formed on my lips as I nodded my head instinctively, forgetting for a moment that she couldn’t see me. “Yes, of course, I would love to,” I replied, my voice carrying a genuine sense of excitement. Cher’s laughter on the other end of the line was pure joy. “Great! I’ll see you tonight!” With those words, the call ended, leaving me with a sense of anticipation for the evening ahead.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
I soaked in the bath a little while longer, letting the warmth seep into my skin and relax my muscles. Eventually, I stepped out, wrapping myself in a plush towel and savoring the lingering feeling of serenity. As I turned to my bed, I couldn’t shake the fatigue that had become a constant companion over the past few days.
Lying down, I closed my eyes, the softness of the bed inviting me to drift into a peaceful slumber. But as soon as I slipped into sleep, the recurring dream returned, like an unwelcome visitor that haunted my rest.