Chapter 25: PREGNANCY NEWS

"Hey Dmitri ! Good Morning ! Where are you ?" Audrey asked.
"I'm in the hospital, love" Dmitri replied and after so long, the nickname still made Audrey"s heart flutter.
"How come so early today ?" Audrey asked.
"There was an unscheduled, emergency surgery, so I came in the wee hours of the morning today. I'm about to leave for home in a few minutes," Dmitri said.
"Can we meet in the Book Café for coffee and breakfast ?" Audrey asked.
"Of course, we can meet ! I hope everything is fine, nothing urgent ?" Dmitri asked.
"Oh yes ! Everything is fine, don't worry ! It has been a long time since we last met, so I was just wondering if we could spend some time together ?"Audrey said.
"Alright. See you soon at the Book Café," Dmitri said as they hung up the phone.
As soon as Dmitri reached the Book Café, he was startled to read the list of specials for the day on a chalkboard outside. It was written:
TODAY"S SPECIAL
"You"re Going to Be a Dad" - Super Special Don Quixote Coffee
As he entered the Café, he saw Audrey sitting near the window table in a peach pink dress.
Sophie gave a mischievous smile as she placed the mugs of Black Beauty and Don Quixote coffee on their table.
"This is for you, sweetheart," said Audrey lovingly as she placed a small gift wrapped in pink and blue ribbons in Dmitri"s hand.
"Thank you, Audrey ! But why this gift ?" a perplexed Dmitri asked while unwrapping the gift.
"Well, because you're someone super special to me," a delighted Audrey replied.
Dmitri was dumbstruck as he delicately unwrapped the gift and was overwhelmed with disbelief, elation and pure joy once he saw the pregnancy kit with two pink lines.
"Hello Daddy ! I thought I should announce our pregnancy with the test kit that delivered me the news in the first place !" Audrey exclaimed as she clinched Dmitri's hand who was caught off guard.
"Wh- What ? H- How ? I don"t understand," Dmitri asked confused as he tried to understand the situation.
"I called you early in the morning as pregnancy test results in these kits fade really fast and I wanted you to see it soon after I took the test," Audrey replied, her tone mixed with delight and anticipation.
"But how did it happen ? We were using precaution all the time," Dmitri frowned.
"I should be asking this question which you've very smartly asked me, Doctor," Audrey remarked.
"I know, I am just- .... " Dmitri ran a hand across his face before he continued with a sigh, "I'm so sorry for putting you through all this, Audrey. I can't believe that this accident happened to us," Dmitri apologized.
"The deed has already been done so let us enjoy the moment. You are going to be a father, Dmitri !" Audrey exclaimed, her excitement infectious.
"Oh Jeez ! I can"t believe my eyes. Is it real? I hope I'm not dreaming," Dmitri said before he groaned. "Because if I wake up from this beautiful dream and find out that it was a m- ... "
"Yes, darling ! It's all real ! And I'm physically and mentally prepared for this," Audrey comforted, entwining her fingers with Dmitri"s in silent support.
"After being an orphan for years, I will finally have a family to call my own," an emotional Dmitri choked up, in awe, shock and surprise- all at the same moment.
"So you have no second thoughts ? Are we doing this together ?" Audrey asked, trying to confirm before there were any misunderstandings.
"Of course, we are ! There are no second thoughts about it," Dmitri dismissed Audrey"s all fears and put his other hand on top of Audrey"s clasped one before he softly continued. "Audrey, you're an ethereal person and our baby taking birth from your womb is God"s Elysian gift to me ! I hope you realize how precious you're to me just as I wish you could see what our baby means to me." Dmitri solemnly professed his love for her and their child.
Audrey felt so relieved and assured on hearing Dmitri's words that she felt an elephant had got off her chest.
In spite of all the love and faith, she had seen her friends being abandoned by their partners, leaving them alone during the pregnancy or forcing them to abort the baby.
"There is so much to talk about, Dmitri. Should we go to your home ? Or do you want to rest and shower first, and then meet elsewhere ?" Audrey asked.
"Going back home sounds great and it is no more just mine, but ours. Isn"t it, Sophie ?" Dmitri asked the young girl picking their mugs with a wink, making her chuckle out a, "Yes, Doctor !"
"Thank you for everything, Sophie ! For being my partner in this announcement and making it memorable for us," Audrey gratefully said.
"My pleasure, that you made me part of your joy, Audrey ! You both make an amazing couple. Stay blessed always !" Sophie replied before the delighted couple walked out of the Book Café.
"How did you first come to know about your pregnancy, dear ?" Dmitri asked curiously while driving back home.
"Before I knew I was pregnant, I was in the middle of doing the Blogilates 100 ab challenge that my instructor had enlisted me to do with her," Audrey answered. "This essentially involved me doing 100 reps of a different ab workout everyday for a month," she added.
"Oh Lord ! For a month ?" asked a shocked Dmitri.
"Yes so the first couple of weeks that I was technically pregnant I was doing some intense ab exercises," Audrey replied.
"Eh ? What ?!" exclaimed Dmitri.
"Yeah, I know. That was my initial reaction too," Audrey grimly replied. "Little did I know that I'm pregnant and that, that was going to be the last I"ll be doing of those for awhile and I would be far from getting any abs," she added.
"Well, duh ! I can't believe you braved through the abdominal pains for so long !" Dmitri exclaimed horrified.
"I don"t know," Audrey shrugged. "I mean one week in and I had a feeling in my stomach like something was different. It wasn"t quite like cramps since it didn"t particularly ache, though I felt that something was definitely up with my body," she revealed.
"You should have called me or met me for a check up in the hospital," Dmitri replied as he changed gears and took a turn.
"Well, I thought my body is reacting to my workouts," Audrey defended.
"Are you kidding me ?" Dmitri said in a concerned tone.
"It"s not like I get pregnant everyday and knew instantly," Audrey rolled her eyes.
"I am sorry. I am just getting too overprotective all of a sudden. Pray continue," Dmitri coaxed as he took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Well, I noticed that I'm late and I've been having a lot of morning sickness for the last few days. I can't hold anything down so I bought three pregnancy kits and did the tests in the morning and all came positive," Audrey recounted as they entered the door after reaching home.
"You must have been scared. I can"t even imagine what you must be going through all alone," Dmitri said as he softly hugged the mother of his child.
"Hmm it was confusing at first but to be frank, becoming a mom for the first time is exciting and scary at the same time. However, I found solace in the fact that I had you with me in this journey," Audrey smiled and lifted herself on her tippy toes to peck the doctor"s lips.
"Audrey, are you sure of keeping our baby and carrying it for nine months ? Did you consider having an abortion, as an option too ?" Dmitri asked.
"God heavens, no ! How could you think of that, Dmitri ?" Audrey exclaimed, horrified.
"You have just graduated and I know that you wanted to make a career in modeling, so all of a sudden, this is drastic, breaking news," Dmitri calmly answered.
"What do you want to say, Dmitri ? Why these doubts ?" Audrey asked.
"I want you to make an informed decision. No matter what, I'll stand with your decision," Dmitri assured.
"This pregnancy has brought a whole new meaning to my life. The feeling that I'm actually creating a life inside of me is such a beautiful thing," Audrey said as she was all set to embrace motherhood.
"As they say- Of magnificent love with all its pain, guilt that may drive a man insane," quoted Dmitri.
"That"s true, doctor," Audrey said with a smile as he led her to the kitchen and fix something for the both of them.
"People talk about changes that come with being pregnant which are obvious ones like cravings, fatigue, nausea, body shape but there are also situations like negotiating new working arrangements and reworking your dreams that can make this a difficult testing time. Think again, Audrey !" Dmitri emphasized as he chopped the onions quickly and finely with remarkable expertise.
"I'm a graduate and done with my academic studies. I'm mature enough to set my priorities right. Don't worry, Dmitri. I'm ready to endure whatever comes my way with this pregnancy and baby," Audrey confidently declared.
"What about your dream ? What about your career in modeling ?" Dmitri asked as he multi-tasked around the kitchen and set a freshly made, healthy juice in front of Audrey. "Drink that. It is good for you and the baby," he pointedly said like a stern parent when he saw her scrunch her face on seeing the green liquid.
With a sigh, she drank a bit and replied, "Dmitri, as far as my dream career is concerned, I'm not giving up on it. I'm just putting it on hold for some time till my body adjusts to these new changes," she answered, her voice and words holding not even a tinge of self-doubt. She was clear on what she wanted.
"Audrey, do you think you'll be able to build a career in the glamour industry with family plans ?" Dmitri asked. "It is not exactly easy, I am telling you. Although I shall support you all the way," he added as he stirred the vegetables in the pan.
For the first time in days, Audrey could sit around food and not gag.
"Pregnancy is no longer a "call us when you"re back in shape" situation for models; just the opposite, in fact. And if they are not in shows, the pregnant ladies are on magazine covers," Audrey replied.
"Don"t even dare of tipping that juice in the sink, love. I have eyes on the back too. Drink it for the baby," Dmitri cooed and Audrey pinched her nose before she gulped the whole goey thing and continued.
"Modeling agencies think it to be less about how do we fit her in the assignment ?" It's just that she's so beautiful I must have her on the runway. She's pregnant ? Let us work around it because she's gorgeous and best suited"," Audrey revealed the sentiments of the new era where all stereotypes were being challenged.
"But you still have to make a name. You were about to start from scratch before this news came today, wasn"t it ?" Dmitri asked as he plated the dishes and brought them to the kitchen island for Audrey to eat.
"Trust me, I'll work hard to have this reputation if not in my first pregnancy then sure by the second one. I promise ! I'll not sacrifice my dreams and will have a name of my own," Audrey confidently replied. "Mm-mm these are light but delicious, Dmitri," she added as she ate with great gusto and Dmitri pecked her cheeks before he murmured a "Thanks" and joined her.
"I know that the both of us have been focused on our dreams and career but to be a mother in this industry is tough and commendable. You have the travel, the hours, the fitness regime and you have to still maintain a career which will not be easy- with or without a baby, Audrey," Dmitri explained.
"True but there are many models who went back to work soon after having a baby. In fact, they were critically acclaimed and praised as a necessary celebration of womanhood and a welcome deviation from the industry"s obsession with juveniles," Audrey countered.
"Darling, I can see from your counter arguments that you have done a deep research in your career in modeling and its repercussions on your personal life. I hope the industry sees motherhood in the same light as you are thinking," Dmitri cautioned.
"Dmitri, motherhood makes models more commercial, since the women who can afford the goods they are selling, are in all likelihood, in the mom years themselves and find it easier to connect to a mom, even if she's impossibly beautiful," Audrey argued her point with a wink.
If you fall in love with your imperfections then you'll boost your confidence. Show the world that you're proud of who you are and you will seduce any man you desire.
"I love how unapologetic you're about your career and your goals and you're not alone in this, my love ! Like the joys of parenthood will be shared by both of us, the responsibilities of our child too would be shared between the two of us. I'll be there in every way you and our baby would need me," Dmitri assured while holding her hands.
"A super-glue for our already solid bond is on its way ! Our strong love engendered our baby and our baby will make our sacred ties even stronger and firmer," Audrey replied with a peck on his cheek.
"With our baby in our world, our bond and love will be inviolable for sure," Dmitri agreed.
"And I can"t wait !" Audrey exclaimed.
"My dear love, beware !" Dmitri dramatically said. "Gather all your strength to handle another version of me ! So pull up your socks and brace yourself for another bundle of mischief like me !" he exclaimed in mock-horror, pulling her towards himself while she laughed.
"You came and I realized how beautiful life is but now it's going to change with the arrival of a new member," Dmitri dreamily said.
"Indeed, the change will definitely be positive, hopeful and joyful," Audrey responded and let Dmitri feed her the fruits he had cut for her.
"The empty spaces in our rooms will be filled with toys and the colorless corners of our life will be painted with bright colors," Dmitri smiled in anticipation.
"My goodness, isn't that just grand ? I can"t wait to get started with them" Audrey got excited like a child going to Disneyland.
"It's going to be great ! With you by my side, my world was beautiful, with our baby in it, it would be glorious !" Dmitri said as he kissed Audrey's forehead.
Pregnancy feels like a long journey that culminates in the ultimate joy: motherhood.
"Honey !" Dmitri suddenly said after a comfortable silence had settled between them, both in their own worlds. "Close your eyes and picture us both, gray-haired, in rocking chairs. What do you see ?" he asked her to imagine when he was done cleaning the last dish.
"A decent elderly woman and an old mischievous you," Audrey answered in a flirtatious tone as she turned around.
Dmitri was standing at the corner of the kitchen island, closer than Audrey had thought, and she bounded right into him.
He steadied her, holding her at a careful distance away for a few seconds before suddenly pulling her closer.
"Wrong again," Dmitri murmured in her ear. "You're utterly indecent– no one should look so tempting, it's not fair."
"Tempting ! How ?" Audrey innocently asked.
A man can be seduced with your intelligence, sense of humour, spontaneity, body language- all of it without taking your clothes off or touching him.
Men sure are visual creatures, but the physical appearance will only catch their attention. It's your personality that captures their heart and seduces their mind.
Dmitri slowly lowered his head, and pressed his lips and touched hers delicately. They were warm and firm. She surrendered to the passion he always managed to arouse.
"Shall I explain how you"re tempting me ?" Dmitri questioned. It was clearly a rhetorical question.
Now, Dmitri knew what she liked, the moves that made her moan and gasp and sink her fingers into his shoulders.
He trailed a lazy finger down the length of her sternum and her skin prickled at the touch.
She was quite an instrument to play, so finely tuned and if he touched her right, she made the most glorious sounds— raw, intense, absolutely delicious noises of pleasure as a wave of hot and then calm washed over her.
He scooped her in his strong arms, the way she had come to recognize as a precursor to indescribable and pure emotion that once released, makes you feel free and high on life. He headed for their bedroom and placed her on the bed, his gaze sweeping over her delicate, shapely frame.
He tossed the shirt on the bed and walked silently to her and wore her like a goddess ! It felt like an all encompassing avalanche.
"Come closer, until I no longer know where I end and you begin," whispered Dmitri as fantasy undressed slowly but passionately in his mind.
Euphoria ! It was just that crazy moment where every single cell of Audrey's body was screaming, Yes ! Like a pot of water that boils over—a slow build with an eventual overflow of intense pleasure and pure cosmic bliss.