(Adrian)
Maya lifted my chin to meet her gaze. "You don't seem to be happy about it. What's the problem?" she asked.
"Me? It's nothing," I lied, ruffling my hair. Just then, I got a call. The caller's ID was Aurelia.
Did they know about our divorce yet?
"Excuse me. I have to take this call," I said and she gave me a go-ahead.
I walked to the corner of the dining room before answering the call. I put the phone on my right ear, waiting to hear her speak.
My ears were going to explode with her endless ranting.
"What took you so long to answer the damn phone?! No, that's not what's important, now. Where have you been since you left home yesterday morning?"
"Work," I lied.
"Big bro, did you have a fight with my sister? Because she left home last night without telling either of us and we're worried," Annabel cried over the phone.
"Calm down. You both mean blondie didn't spend the night there?" I asked, taken aback by surprise.
"Don't you know about it? Or is there something you both are hiding from us?" Aurelia asked.
I concluded that Aurora hadn't told them about it.
"Not at all, ladies. Anyways, she's here with me. I, we will come back home, soon. Maybe in a few days. Please, keep Anastatia safe."
"Can we–?"
I ended the call before they could say another word.
I went back to meet Maya, diving into the baby's discussion.
"So, about the baby–"
She erupted in a loud, annoying laughter, breaking off my statement.
"W-what?" I was confused.
"Ta-da! I got you. Come on, I was just kidding. There's no baby." she announced in-between her laughter.
I eased up, straightening my face. My fingers curled up into a fist. "I wish I could kill you, now. Why will you make such an expensive joke?"
She pouted, apologizing. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine. Tell me how she's doing, and no lies."
"As I said earlier, it's not serious. She is stressed out and suffering an eating disorder. I don't know how that's possible when she lives under your roof."
"I guess I wasn't paying much attention to that. But is she feeling better?"
"Yeah. She's still asleep and I'd advice you should let her rest, for now. She needs a good sleep and peace of mind," she explained.
I nodded. "Noted."
"Administer her medications on time, before and after meal. Ensure she eats a balanced diet and doesn't skip her meals. If you notice any symptom, don't hesitate to call me," she said in a calm tone.
"Thank you, Maya. I really appreciate."
"Anytime. I'll take my leave, now. I have to attend to other patients at the hospital."
"True. I will walk you to your car."
"It's a pleasure. Please, take good care of your wife and yourself, too."
Ex.
I didn't want to tell her. She'd get mad and shout at me, even though it wasn't my fault. And I wasn't ready to go into details.
"I will."
We chatted until we arrived at her car, then we bid each other a goodbye.
I walked back into the building and went to check on blondie. Her face wasn't pale like before. She looked sweet and innocent.
I was highly disappointed at myself for thinking she was seeing another man.
My fingers trailed across her cheeks. "Get well soon, baby," I wished.
I tucked her in the duvet, then shut the windows and turned on the air conditioner. She deserved a baby girl treatment.
I walked out and closed the door behind me, then I headed for the kitchen. There were few groceries available and it wasn't enough.
I couldn't leave Aurora alone and go for grocery shopping. So, I picked up my phone and dialed a familiar number, placing the call on loudspeaker.
He picked at the third ring. "Good morning, boss."
"Morning, Regan. Please, I need your help…"
I explained everything over the phone.
"Okay, boss. I'll be there in an hour."
I hummed in response. "Don't keep me waiting."
The call got disconnected and I put down my phone.