Chapter 10
The next day
Glancing at his reflection for the last time in the mirror, Alex reaches out for his briefcase on the bed, before he strides out of the room.
Descending the staircase minutes later, the aroma coming from the kitchen welcomes him, and he smiles excitedly as he walks his way into the kitchen. He hugs Wendy from the back and kisses her neck.
"Good morning, wife," He whispers, and she turns to face him while having a smile on her face.
"Good morning, husband. Did you sleep well?" She asks, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a peck on the lips.
"Yes, I did. What about you?" He asks, stroking her hair.
"Yes, I did," She smiles at him softly.
"One minute," He says and bends down, placing his ear on her stomach.
"Good morning, son. Daddy is about to leave for work," He whispers, and she chuckles softly.
"Come on, he can't hear you. The baby is just one month, and..."
"He needs to get used to it before he grows in there. I can't wait to have him in my arms," He chuckles as he pulls her into his arms. His smile slowly fades away, replaced with a sad look. It hurts to know that he will eventually die after this baby is born. As much as he wants to pretend to be fine, deep inside him, he's still scared and wish to never leave his family.
He pulls away from her and smiles at her, revealing his perfect dentition. Pretending to be fine in her presence is the only thing he can do to make her feel better.
"I'm leaving for work now," He kisses her forehead while cupping her cheeks in his palms.
"I'm making breakfast, Alex. It's your favorite food," She whines, and he sighs briefly.
"I'm sorry, babe, but I need to leave early. I'm having an appointment with one of my clients at the office, and I don't want to keep him waiting later. I promise to eat when I get to the office, and I'll come back early later to have dinner with you. That's a promise," He pleads with her, and she slowly nods her head sadly.
"Thanks, babe. I'll be on my way now," He says to her, but she holds his hand and brings him to a halt.
"Alex... If you have anything bothering you, I'm always here, OK? You can tell me if anything is bothering you in the future," She says to him, and he nods his head as he smiles at her. He wish that he can tell her everything, but some things are better left hidden and kept a secret.
"I love you," She pecks his lips.
"I love you too," He winks at her before he finally hurries out of the kitchen.
She sighs deeply as soon as he's out of her sight. She knows that he must be going through some emotional stress right now because of his health, and she wish that she can help him get over it, but sadly, it's not something she can help with. As much as she wants to act like everything is fine, as much as she wants to assume that everything will eventually fall in place, a part of her is still so scared. Scared of him eventually leaving her, scared of what the future has in store for her and the unborn child if he eventually dies of this brain tumor, but then she knows that she has to be strong.
The sound of her ringing phone pulls her attention, and she glances over at it. She picks it up and slides the answer button before holding it to her ear.
"Hey, Jesse," She says on the phone as soon as she answers the call.
"Hey, best. It has been a while," Jesse whines from the other end, and she rolls her eyes.
"It's just three days, so stop with the exaggeration. How're you doing?" She asks as she turns and leans against the counter.
"I know. We should be talking every day. I know you'll be busier now that your husband is back. How's he?" Jesse asks from the other end, and she nods her head like she can see her.
"Alex is fine. He just left for the office," She replies to her.
"Alright. Guess what," Jesse squeaks, and she rolls her eyes.
"You know I'm not good at guessing. Are you going to tell me already?" She scoffs.
"Whatever. So, I was speaking to Leo lately, and he was talking about coming to New York to spend some time. He's going to be spending a month or two, and guess what we concluded," Jesse screams over the phone, and she sighs briefly.
"What's it, Jesse?" She asks.
"I'm coming with him. We're both coming to New York, and I'll have so much time to spend with you. Gosh! I'm so happy," Her exciting voice sounds through the phone, and she rolls her eyes.
"Is that supposed to be a good news?" She rolls her eyes at nothing, turning her attention to the food she was making. It's not that she's not happy that Jesse is coming over, but she's just trying to make her feel bad.
"Are you kidding me?" Jesse shrieks, and she bursts into laughter.
"I'm just kidding. I'm happy you're coming over, and you know it. Just come here quickly. Is Alex aware that Leo is coming over?" She further asks.
"Yes, I think he mentioned something like that," Jesse replies to her.
"Alright. I can't wait to see you," She whines.
"Me too. Alright, girl, I got to go now. I love you. Kisses," Jesse says from the other end and ends the call without allowing her to reply to her.
"Crazy girl," She mutters as she drops her phone on the counter.
After she's done cooking, she dishes out her portion into a plate before taking it to the dining room.
The doorbell suddenly rings, and she sighs briefly as she drags herself from the dining and walks sluggishly to the door. She pulls it open, but freezes on the spot as the smirk on Alexa's face welcomes her. What is she doing at her place?