Chapter 06 - Not so pleasant surprises

Samantha

We both ate in silence for a few minutes, and little by little I became better. He was there with me after all. That's a good sign, right? I'm not alone.

"I got the pictures you sent yesterday, are you already doing prenatal care? " Theon broke his silence after a few minutes, watching me with fun as I alternated between fish and meat.

"Yes, I started last week, Elle got an emergency appointment with her doctor—I forced myself to swallow what was in my mouth.

"And how was everything? — he seemed interested.

"I'm nine weeks now, she gave me some vitamins and I did other tests. It's okay, it's okay.

"And when are you born? " he asked.

"In early March," I recounted, siluting the glass of juice, the same month as my birthday.

"Really? Do you have your birthday in March? " he smiled.

That question affected me, I don't know anything about the man I'm going to have a child with!

"God, we know nothing about each other," I moaned disgusted.

Theon seemed bland with that comment.

"I don't think so," he agreed, when is his birthday, Sam?

"Twenty-five March," I suspected, "and yours?

" December 3rd.

Once again that silence has once again dominated us. We focused on our food, but my mind was spinning, thinking about what I had got myself into getting pregnant with that man.

"Good... And you're getting to work? — he questioned in an attempt to bring up a new subject.

"I've been discharged last week," I admitted, "the doctor didn't think it would be a good idea to continue with my routine."

"Couldn't they put you in another role? — he asked surprised.

"Well, they hire me to dance, if I can't do that... -- I shrugged -- and they'd soon dump me anyway. Soon I won't be attractive enough anymore.

"Don't be silly," he let go of, "You're very beautiful, nothing's going to change that."

I felt my face warm in front of that compliment. It wasn't the first time he told me I was pretty, and I heard it many times during our brief romance. But it was the first time I didn't feel that way.

"Do you want dessert? — he asked when he saw that I had finished eating.

"No, thank you," I denied.

Theon signaled the waiter to close the bill and pack the rest of my dishes to go, insisting on paying. Soon we were walking under the hot snowy sun, my mind still focused on the praise of before. I had felt my mood improve a lot with it and thought of some way to reciprocate.

"We can talk about the pension— He commented attracting my attention as we walk back to the apartment — I'd like to be more present than that, but Colorado is a little far from Las Vegas.

I understand that. But I won't be here that long. I don't think it's the right place to raise a child.

I explained something I've been planning for some time. I hadn't yet decided where I would go, but I had some savings and could ask my parents for help, although I still didn't feel at all comfortable telling them about the baby.

"Where are you going to move to? — that seems to have caught the boy's attention.

"I don't know yet," I admitted, "I'm researching some options." Maybe Florida or Alabama.

I was hoping I could avoid returning to Texas.

He thought for a few moments before he started speaking again, seeming afraid.

"What if you moved to Aspen?

" Aspen?

"In Colorado, it's the city I live in," he explained as I understood what he was proposing-- I could help you settle into the city, you wouldn't have to be a solo mother, I could participate in everything and be a father present.

Your suggestion made sense. Besides, we could try to get to know each other better. If I'm going to get involved with someone, let it be the guy I made a son with, right?

Well, it can be. I have some savings, I can rent a place and get a job.

I stroked once again the belly, thinking about everything I would have to do.

"That's great," He smiled for a second, but then the smile died.

"What's going on?" - I questioned suspiciously.

Did he think better and regret the proposal?

"There's something I need to tell you," he scratched his throat.

"You can talk—we were only a few meters from home, so slow down a little bit, trying to prolong that moment a little longer.

"I have a girlfriend in Aspen" He let go at once.

I pisqued stunned, feeling the world turn around me. Did he just say he has a girlfriend in his town? I can't believe it, he...

He made me the other one!

"Samantha, are you okay? — he came towards me, seeming worried.

"Did you say girlfriend? "I took a step away from him" -- You didn't tell me anything about a girlfriend when we first met!

"She did not yet exist," he hastened to explain, "I began the relationship after my cousin's marriage.

"I think I need to sit down," I admitted, as the Nevada heat began to sink.

Theon passed his arm by my waist, leading me to a bench that stood in the shade of a tree.

"My blood pressure drops sometimes," I explained, "I'll soon feel better. The doctor says it's normal.

"I'm sorry for all this situation," he continued with his arm around my waist

"And what does your girlfriend think about all this? — I asked the most important question.

I don't want to get involved in anything so complicated.

"She doesn't know yet," he sighed, "I intend to tell her soon.

"And you think it's a good idea for me to go to your town? I don't want to be in the middle of anything—I looked down.

I really don't want to get in the way of his life, it's not like we're forced to be a couple just because we're going to have a kid. We are adults, we are able to make this work wisely and without any romantic involvement.

" I'm sure she'll understand, besides, I really want to participate, Sam. I don't just want to contribute financially and be absent in this child's life—he let go in a supplication- I want to follow every detail.

I couldn't help but smile when I heard that. It would be great for Theon to think that way, because I don't think I can raise a child on my own. My hand touched my belly again, every moment that passed I felt more comfortable with that new situation. I could handle that.

"Samantha, I...

"What's going on?" — I raised my gaze to face him.

"This may be a little strange, but can I? — he cast a significant look at my belly.

It took me a few seconds to figure out what he wanted, I wasn't used to people asking permission to touch my belly.

" Ahh yes, of course," I took my hand off giving him free access.

Theon got on the bench before he took his hand up to my belly. He seemed afraid to touch me, as if it might hurt me in some way, but when his hand reached its goal, he seemed to relax a little.

"You can't feel it yet, but he moves a lot," I smile, his heart is also very strong.

"I wish I had seen it," he remarked with a small smile on his face.

I'm sorry, i'm sorry. But I can let you know about the next one if you want.

"I would love to," he smiled openly, causing me to hold my breath.

I hope the baby has the beauty of the father, because I knew how to choose. Not that I was looking for a father for my baby, or even a baby.

"So what do you tell me. Will you move to Aspen? — he questioned anxiously.

"I don't know, I... I think I need to think about it-- I've pondered.

That was an important decision, I couldn't make it so from one time to another, although that seemed the best solution.

"Sure, you might think," he discouraged a little bit- it's a big change and I don't want to put pressure on you. I'd just like to be around and follow everything.

"I know, and it would really be great that you were," I said, "I want you to participate, Theon." I don't want to deal with this alone, but...

"But?

" Theon, your situation. I don't know how she's going to get that news.

"Samantha, I know it's a complicated situation," he held my hand-- But Harper is an amazing woman, she'll understand that situation, and I'm sure you'll get along.

"What if it doesn't? "I have returned, demonstrating to him all my insecurity— Theon, if I go elsewhere and have to  deal with it alone, it will be difficult and it will not be what I really desire, but I will know what awaits me. But what about you? How can I be sure?

He watched me with a surprised look, apparently did not expect that explosion.

"Samantha...

"Look, if I accept that and you decide later that you don't want to follow that much, or if your girlfriend doesn't like this story...

"That's not going to happen! I know you don't know me, but I'm not like that—he exclaimed alarmed—I would never abandon you at all.

I looked away, thinking about what he had said. Should I take the risk? What if it didn't work out? Could I start over somewhere else?

"Samantha, I understand that this is a big step and can cause insecurity. But do you already plan to move -- he started -- will it be so different so you start alone somewhere random to give me that chance?

He was right, was that a risk? Yes, it was a risk. But if my son was to have a father present, it might be worth it. I could try.

"All right," I sighed after a few moments.

" All right?

"Yes, I accept to move to Aspen," I agreed.