A MOTHER'S PROMISE
943 Words
CHAPTER 6. A MOTHER'S PROMISE
Sophia was six months pregnant. She still could not believe it. Sophia stood in front of the mirror in her apartment gently running her hands over her belly. The twins had grown much. Sophia had grown too. The woman staring back at her looked like the broken wife who had walked away from the Kingston Estate six months earlier.
There was still some sadness in Sophias eyes.. Now Sophia had something else. Sophia had strength. Sophia had hope. Sophia had purpose. Sophia smiled softly. "Good morning ones." Immediately Sophia felt the babies move. A tiny kick. Then another. Sophia laughed. "You two are becoming very active."
The twins were different. The baby boy was energetic and restless. The baby girl was calmer. Seemed to respond whenever Sophia spoke. Every little movement made Sophia happy. For the time in years Sophia was not living for someone else. Sophia was living for the twins.
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The bookstore was busy that afternoon. Customers walked between shelves while soft music played. Sophia carefully arranged a display near the entrance. Mrs. Harper appeared beside her with tea. "Don't overwork yourself " Mrs. Harper said. Sophia smiled. "I'm fine." Mrs. Harper said, "That's what every pregnant woman says before fainting." Sophia laughed. "I promise, I'll rest." Mrs. Harper handed Sophia the tea. "You've become family here dear. Don't forget that."
Sophias eyes softened. Family. It had been a time since anyone used that word around Sophia. "Thank you " Sophia said. Mrs. Harper patted Sophias shoulder. ". Remember, if you ever need anything you only have to ask." Sophia nodded. Sophia had never expected strangers to be kinder to her than her family. Life was strange. Sometimes losing everything allowed you to find what truly mattered.
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Meanwhile Alexander stood in the nursery. A room that had remained untouched for three years. Sophia had designed it. Back when they had still dreamed of having children. The room had cream walls and bookshelves. A rocking chair stood near the window. Alexander had never entered this room after the divorce. Until today. Dust covered surfaces.. Sophia was still everywhere. A finished knitted baby blanket. A parenting book. A notebook.
Alexander picked up the notebook. The first page made him stop. "Baby Names." Dozens of names filled the pages. Each name was written in Sophias handwriting. Alexanders chest hurt. Sophia had wanted children. Very much. Alexander remembered conversations. "Maybe one day we'll have twins " Sophia had once said with a smile. Alexander had laughed. Alexander had kissed Sophias forehead. Alexander had promised they had plenty of time. Time. What a cruel joke.
Alexander closed the notebook. Breathing became difficult. Alexander could not explain why.
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Weeks passed. Sophia entered her month. The twins continued growing.. So did the expenses. Medical bills. Baby supplies. Rent. Despite working Sophia worried. One evening Sophia sat at her kitchen table reviewing finances. The numbers did not look good. Not terrible.. Not comfortable either. Sophia sighed. The twins deserved the best. Not barely enough.
Sophias phone rang. It was Mia. "Hello?" "You sound tired " Mia said. Sophia smiled. "I am tired." "Pregnancy will do that " Mia said. Sophia laughed softly. "How are things there?" Mia hesitated. Sophia immediately noticed. "What happened?" "You need to promise not to panic " Mia said. Sophia sat upright. "Mia." "Alexander is still searching for you " Mia said.
Silence. The words settled heavily between them. Sophia looked down at her stomach. "He'll never find me " Sophia said. "I know. I just thought you should know " Mia said. Sophia nodded slowly. "Thank you." After ending the call Sophia stood by the window for a time. Alexander was searching for her. Why? Guilt? Responsibility? Regret? It did not matter. Sophia could not let Alexander into the twins lives. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Because the moment Alexander discovered the twins everything would change.. Sophia was not ready to lose her children. Not to the Kingston family. Never.
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Two weeks later Sophia attended her checkup. Everything appeared normal. Until the doctor frowned. Sophia immediately noticed. "Is something wrong?" The doctor remained silent for seconds. Then smiled reassuringly. "The babies are healthy " the doctor said. Sophia released a breath. ". " The doctor looked serious. "You're showing signs of exhaustion and stress " the doctor said.
Sophia looked away. "I'm fine " Sophia said. "No you're not " the doctor said. The doctors tone softened. "You're carrying twins, Sophia. You need support." Support. Sophia almost laughed. Support was a luxury Sophia could not afford. "I'm managing " Sophia said. The doctor studied Sophia. Then said quietly "Managing isn't the same as living." The words stayed with Sophia long after the appointment ended. Because deep down Sophia knew the doctor was right.
That evening Sophia assembled the twins cribs. Alone. Piece, by piece. Slowly. Patiently. When Sophia finally finished she stepped back. Two tiny cribs stood side by side. Waiting. Sophias eyes filled with tears. Soon. Very soon. The apartment would not feel empty anymore. Sophia placed both hands on her stomach. "I don't know what the future holds " Sophia said. Sophias voice trembled. ". I promise you this." Fresh tears slid down Sophias cheeks. "I will protect you." "No matter what happens." "No matter who comes for us." "I will always choose you."
At that moment hundreds of miles away Alexander sat alone in his office holding Sophias forgotten bracelet. Alexander could not understand why losing Sophia suddenly felt like losing a part of himself. Neither of them realized it.. Fate was already preparing to bring their worlds crashing together once again.
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