Chapter 5
1139 Words
The attending doctor directs a series of straightforward questions at Lily, all easy for her to respond to. Then, she instructs Lily to lie down and lifts the blue gown provided, exposing her belly.
As the doctor applies a cold gel to her stomach, Lily can’t help but hiss at the sensation against her skin.
Observing Lucian standing in the corner, Lily sighs, wondering why he doesn't move closer to her.
The doctor gently places the probe on Lily's stomach and begins to move it around slowly, her attention fixed on the screen before her.
"Hmm," she murmurs, repeatedly nodding to herself, leaving Lily puzzled by the doctor's continuous affirmations.
Once more, Lily’s gaze meets Lucian’s, her hope for his closeness evident in her eyes. She observes the intense glare he fixes on the doctor, sensing his growing impatience, particularly with what he perceives as a delay, as his feet tap restlessly against the ground.
Suddenly interjecting, he asks, “The baby?” causing the doctor to jump slightly and turn her attention towards him.
Lily chuckles softly to herself, anticipating his reaction. *I knew he was gonna snap.*
"How is the baby?” he asks once more.
The doctor nods, seeming somewhat absent-minded. “Oh, yes. Babies.”
A puzzled expression forms on Lily’s face, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Babies?”
Once more, the doctor nods, her gaze fixed on the screen displaying the ultrasound images. "Everything appears to be in order with all of them. That’s why your stomach is measuring at this stage for 20 weeks.”
*Babies?* Lily can hardly believe her ears.
"You mentioned 'babies.' Please be specific. Are we having twins?” Lucian’s voice is insistent as he presses the doctor for clarification.
*Twins?* The mere thought was already overwhelming.
The doctor shakes her head, her eyes returning to the screen. “Not twins. Triplets,” she reveals, as she continues to examine the images.
Lily gasps in astonishment, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and disbelief. *Oh my God!*
Tears well up in her eyes as she tries to process the overwhelming news.
Turning to Lucian, she finds him sporting a wide smile, mirroring her own astonishment. “Wow,” he manages to utter.
He turns to her, and looks away, a hint of discomfort clouding his features.
Despite his attitude, Lily’s heart brims with joy.
“Would you like to know their genders?” the doctor inquires, her gaze shifting between the couple.
Lily exhales slowly, her eyes seeking Lucian’s. “Can you please come closer?”
Lucian’s face tightens, a flicker of reluctance evident, but he eventually complies, stepping closer to them. “I don’t like surprises, so go ahead,”
"There's a boy." The doctor informs, as she directs their attention to the screen. “Just right there,” she points to a spot on the monitor, where the image of their son is displayed in black and white.
A son.
"And another one," the doctor continues, her movements deliberate as she shifts the probe to reveal another tiny figure nestled within Lily’s womb.
Two sons.
"Oh, and a girl," she announces.
A mix of emotions sweeps over Lily, and she releases a shaky breath. *A baby girl. I am going to be a mother of three.*
An overwhelming sense of happiness floods her, surpassing even the joy she felt when she first discovered she was pregnant.
But giving birth and holding her babies in her arms will surely be the pinnacle of her happiness.
The doctor gently withdraws the probe from Lily’s stomach, a warm smile gracing her lips. “Congratulations to both of you. Once you’re ready, let me know, and I’ll provide you with the ultrasound image,” she adds before excusing herself from the room.
Lucian nods, refocusing his attention on Lily. "We're…we’re going to have a daughter," he says, his voice filled with a mix of awe and contemplation.
"Isn’t that right?” Lily responds with a smile.
He nods once more. “Now, I can put my gun to good use,” he quips with a smirk, and Lily looks at him, seeing how eerily serious he is.
Sitting up and covering her stomach, she notices his fixed gaze on the screen. Seizing the moment, she ventures, “You… you have to understand that you’ll need to cut back on your habits… you can’t keep smoking and risk influencing our children.”
Lucian’s eyes meet hers for a while, acknowledging the truth in her words, yet, he knows he won’t stop. “Hmm, that seems like a distant dream. Hurry up and get changed, so I can get you home and head to work.”
Getting the picture, Lucian drives back home, and makes his way into the house to change for work, only to turn and find her still sitting in the car, unmoving.
He exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair in exasperation before walking over to open the car door for her. “Are you satisfied now? Drop the rebellious act and get out. I have an important meeting I can't afford to be late for.”
“But my back is killing me,” she complains, her face contorted with discomfort as she shifts awkwardly in her seat.
“What do you expect me to do about your back? Carry you?” he retorts with a raised eyebrow, a hint of incredulity coloring his voice. Then, a realization dawns on him. “Carry you?”
She lets out a sigh, averting her gaze. “I suppose you’re not one for chivalry. That's fine, you can go ahead. I'll manage on my own. After all, I'm the one carrying the baby, not us.”
Lucian shakes his head, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips as he observes her discomfort. “Well, that's quite the dramatic flair. Now, I'm in dire need of a smoke and a drink,” he says, glancing at her before checking his watch, realizing he's running late.
"Let's just get this over with," he mutters to himself, then hoists her up in a bridal carry, groaning under her weight. "You're heavier than I thought."
"I'm pregnant," she retorts matter-of-factly, looping her arms around his neck.
Lucian notices the satisfaction in her expression, realizing she's relishing the moment. He shakes his head with a faint smile, then proceeds to carry her into the house, up the stairs, and finally sets her down gently on the bed.
As he turns to leave, she suddenly cries out, "Ow!"
Startled, he whirls around, concern etched on his face. "What now? What's the matter?"
"Cramps!" she cries, her face twisted in pain. "Both legs, Luc. It hurts."
Lucian's brow furrows as he poses a question, "How do single mothers handle this, Lily?"
- Writer
