6 weeks later *Meri* I am walking into the hospital to pick up Tom. He was allowed to come home two weeks ago, but he is still here three days a week for his physical therapy. He is working hard and had he had his way he would be here every day, all day. He has gotten some feeling back, and he can move his legs a bit, but not yet walk. The doctors are praising him, telling him he is exceeding expectations, but Tom of course is not satisfied. "Hi Tom ... Megan". I say as I walk into the physiotherapy room, seeing Tom stand between the bars, the most focused expression on his handsome face, his tongue poking out the side of his mouth. His therapist Megan is ready to support him. "Hi sweetie". Megan says with her always bright smile. "Look at your man here, making progress ... show her Tom". Tom looks at me, smiling. "Hi darling, I am walking". "That's amazing Tom. Do you want to show me ?" I feel happiness bubbles inside, both because he is making progress, but also because I ha
*Lumi* "Hi Meri ... Hi Tom". I watch them as they come into the kitchen and instantly notice something is different. "What is going on here ?" They look at each other and Tom nods, making Meri step over to me. "We have something to say ... Good and bad". "I don't like bad things". Luca mumbles. "What is it ?" I am worried it has to do with Tom, I mean he has made great progress, it would be heartbreaking if there was something wrong. Meri touches my arm softly. "My promise ... you know the baby thing ?" "Yeah ...". I swallow. Has she changed her mind ? Or has Tom ? "I ... we will have to postpone it for a bit". She gives me a small smile. "I am pregnant. I am sorry". I shake my head. "Sorry ? Oh siskoni don't be sorry. I am so happy for you, both of you". "Really ? You are not disappointed at all ?" She mumbles, looking at me. "Would I wish I didn't have to wait, sure ... But disappointed ? No way, I am going to be an aunt, how could I be disappointed ?" I say softly, pushi
Next day *Lumi* I walk into the house, feeling rather beside myself. Almost like I am floating above my own body with no contact to my physical body. "Hi siskoni". Meri says softly. "What did the doctor say ?" "Yeah". I mumble and throw my back on the table. Her face pop in front of mine. "Lumi ? What is wrong ?" "Nothing ... nothing is wrong". I say, shaking my head. "Oh !" She makes an unhappy sound. "It's about my pregnancy, right ? You are angry with me". I look up. "What ? No... no Meri, it has nothing to do with that". "Of course it is". She sounds about to cry. "I know you couldn't possibly take it that well. I swear we didn't plan it ...". "Meri, it's not that ...". I try. My sister apparently feels really bad about being pregnant. "I really want to help you guys, it wasn't just something I said ... I mean it. But I also really want kids of my own, does it make me a bad person ? I mean …". "For fucks sake, not everything is about you". Okay so I snapped, I didn't
*Lumi* “So there is another type of medicine she can get, am I understanding that right ?” I hear Luca asking the doctor. “One that is safe during pregnancy”. To be honest I am so glad I have him with me. I would forget to ask anything. My mind is completely overwhelmed with the fact that the doctor has just said that while he would suggest I do not go through with the pregnancy, he doesn’t think it is impossible. “Yes, there is another medicine, but it is less potent, and the effect on the type of leukemia that Miss Saarela has is questionable, it has helped on some patients, but not all … the upside is that it presents no danger for the fetus, so it is worth trying”. The doctor says. “It might be enough to keep the sickness at bay long enough for the fetus to reach viability”. “That is good news right ?” I say, looking at first Luca, then the doctor. It has to be good news. I need good news. Luca sighs deeply, and I know that he is torn. On one hand he wants so badly to be a f
*Meri* "Okay, let's say age before brain and beauty, that means Luca goes first". Tom say grinning at Luca across the table. "Ha ha Tom, let's see if you are still cocky when I beat your ass". Luca shoots back, raising one eye eyebrow. Lumi claps her hand. "Hey boys, behave... and besides, I am going to win". Luca puts a hand on his hip, giving her a sassy look. "Oh so you think that, do ya little lady... lets see about that". "Oh believe me I will win, because I hate losing". She says, padding his cheek lightly. Luca takes the dice and rolls them. We are having a game night and playing a game called 'wanna bet', where you get active or passive challenges and the others have to vager if you can do it. "Ohh active challenge". He grins and picks the card. "Can the player throw a card 3 to 5 meters through the room in 3 out of 5 tries". "Hmmm". Tom looks thoughtful and I try to look at his cards, seeing if he is betting on yes or no, but he quickly hides it. "Ah ah ah no peekin
*Luca* "I'll go get some snacks". Tom says pulling his shirt back on before getting in the stair and rolling himself out into the kitchen. I glance at the girls. "I'll go give him a hand". When I walk into the kitchen Tom looks up. "Hi.. is something wrong ?" "Well... I should probably ask you that". I stop, crossing my arms on my chest. "Sooo... what's with all this macho shit ?" "I have no idea what you are talking about... you are just a sore loser". He turns his back to me, rummaging in a cupboard. I breathe in deeply, now I am even more sure that something is wrong. "Tom... something is up, you are not feeling as good as you like to pretend are you ? Maybe talking about it would help". "Nothing is wrong okay". He kinda snaps around. "Why wouldn't I feel good ? I am doing a successful play... I have an amazing woman, my life is .. perfect". "Because that right there is not how you react when you feel warm and fuzzy inside... believe me I know how it is... I know". I shake
4 months later *Meri* I stand, looking at myself in the full body mirror. As I am only wearing my underwear it is easy to see that I am pregnant. And I honestly love being pregnant, seeing my stomach grow and feeling our little boy move around in there. I have not had much morning sickness and being almost six months along I no longer fear it will come. Tom has been absolutely perfect, and there is no doubt he is over the moon about becoming a father. He has come to every appointment with me and always has tons of questions for the doctor. To be honest I am so happy for our own little house that we have built right behind Zac and Lumi’s house. While I love my sister, sometimes it is nice to have our own place. And it will be even more important when our son arrives. I get dressed and walk out of my bedroom into the living room where Tom is sitting on the couch with his laptop open, sipping a glass of red wine. "Hi honey". I say as I walk over to him, kissing him on the lips. "Wh
*Lumi* My body speaks Luca’s warmt before I am completely awake. Like a flower seeking the sun, I snuggle against him. I breathe in his familiar scent. It never fails to calm me. The queasiness creeps up on me, making me swallow. It Was nothing to do with him of course, but is a combination of my pregnancy and the new medicine I am getting for my leukemia. It has been rather bad lately, but I try to hide it from Luca. I do not want him to worry. My hand slides down to my pregnant belly and I whisper softly. “Mommy loves you so much, little spunk”. “And daddy loves mommy”. Luca mumbles, his voice laced with sleep as he places his hand on top of mine. “And our little spunk”. “I am sorry if I woke you”. I tell him. I can’t help but think how unfair it is that he looks even more sexy with morning hair and tired eyes. He smiles at me. And then kisses my forehead before pulling me closer until our bodies are flush together. He nuzzles my neck. His lips tease my skin, sending shivers t
*Lumi* I sit in the garden, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, as I watch my two-year-old son, Rasmus, playing with his cousin, Valo. Their laughter fills the air, a delightful melody that brings a smile to my face. Luca and Tom are tending to the barbecue, the tantalizing aroma of food making my stomach growl with anticipation.It's hard to believe that two years have passed since that special day when Meri and I both became mothers. My chronic leukemia, once a heavy burden, has been kept under control with the help of the new medicine. I feel healthy, alive, and grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family.The news of Meri's pregnancy fills my heart with joy. I glance over at her, as she is sitting beside me, her baby bump starting to show. I can't help but smile, I am so happy for her and Tom. "Meri," I say, excitement bubbling in my voice. "Have you found out the gender of your baby yet?" Meri's eyes light up, and a mischievous grin spreads across her face.
2 months later *Tom* The sun is blazing hot on the Texan soil as I walk into the room where Luca and I are supposed to get ready for the big day. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt, I am ignoring the faint pain in my leg… a harsh reminder of the past. "Think it's hot enough?" Luca's voice pulls me from my thoughts. He is already dressed in his new suit, looking more Hollywood than Texas, but his grin is as wide as the Rio Grande. "I think it's just right," I reply, a smirk pulling at my lips. I remember how Meri will often tease me about my British love for cooler weather. But today, even the heat seems tolerable, maybe because I finally will get to call her my wife. Luca laughs, a hearty sound that fills the room. "That's because you are about to marry the woman of your dreams. Even a Texan summer can't dampen that." "Marrying the woman of my dreams in a double wedding with her equally beautiful twin and my best friend," I add, causing
*Lumi* I walk into the room, the soft light casting a warm glow on the scene before me. My heart skips a beat as I see Luca sitting there, cradling our tiny son in his arms. A surge of love washes over me, filling every fiber of my being. Luca's eyes meet mine, and a tender smile spreads across his face. I can't help but be amazed by how effortlessly he handles our little one. It's as if he was born to be a father, his touch so gentle despite his size, his voice so soothing. After two weeks I am finally starting to feel mostly like myself again after the birth. At least in those ways that will return to being as before. The ones that won’t, Well I do not care, it was all worth it to have our little Rasmus. His name means beloved and desired and he truly is both. I watch in awe as Luca tries to make our baby boy smile. He makes funny faces and coos softly, his voice filled with pure affection. Our son's eyes fixate on him, captivated by his presence. It's a magical sight, one th
*Tom* I stand by Meri's side, holding her hand firmly as the doctor guides her through the labor. My heart swells with pride and admiration for the woman I love, as she bravely endures the pain and discomfort of bringing our son into the world. I glance over at Lumi, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and am struck by the incredible bond between these two sisters, both going through this life-changing experience together. "Alright, Meri, when the next contraction comes, give it a good push". The doctor instructs, her voice calm and steady. Meri nods, her face flushed and sweaty, but determined. As the contraction hits, she squeezes my hand tightly, her nails digging into my skin. I wince, but refuse to let go or show any sign of discomfort. My pain is nothing compared to what she's going through right now. "You are doing amazing, love”. I whisper, trying to offer her some comfort between contractions. She manages a weak smile, her eyes filled with exhaustion but also an unwavering dete
*Luca* I watch as Lumi struggles with the electrolyte drink. I gently encourage her, saying. "It's important to stay hydrated, babe. Just a bit more”. After she has finished drinking, Lumi tells me she wants to get up and walk around. I support her as she rises, wrapping my arm around her waist. As we walk, the contractions continue to hit. Each time one comes, I gently stroke her lower back, trying to alleviate some of the pain, wishing I could remove it all. "Just breathe, Lumi. I'm here for you”. I whisper to her. Across the room, Meri is voicing her regret about not getting an epidural. Lumi, feeling her sister's pain, walks over to comfort her. "It's going to be okay, Meri. We are in this together". She reassures her sister. Seeing that Tom needs a break, having noticed him shuffle his feet for a while, I tell him, "Go ahead, man. Take a quick bathroom break. We will be here”. As Tom goes to the bathroom, I stay close to Lumi and Meri, prepared to help them through whateve
*Tom* I'm standing next to Meri, holding her hand tightly as we wait for the doctor to arrive. The room feels small, even though it's quite spacious, with both our families sharing it. I can feel the tension in the air, and my heart races with every passing moment. Meri's grip on my hand tightens as another contraction hits. I wince in sympathy, but she just lets out a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. It's a side of her I haven't seen before, and it catches me off guard. She has always been the more composed of the two sisters, but the pain seems to bring out a whole new side of her. My eyes drift over to Luca and Lumi. Luca is resting his forehead against Lumi's temple, whispering something in her ear. Lumi, who I have always known to be the more fiery and passionate of the two, seems surprisingly calm in this situation. It's a stark contrast to Meri's reaction, and it's oddly reassuring. I look back at my fiancée, trying to figure out how to help her through thi
*Meri* I'm sitting on the edge of the couch, gently rubbing my lower back as a dull ache radiates through it. Tom looks over at me with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay, love ?" he asks, setting down the book he has been reading. I nod, trying to smile through the discomfort. "Yeah, it's just my body getting ready for the birth, I think. It's probably normal". Tom's face softens, and he moves closer to me. "Let me give you a massage. It might help with the pain". I gratefully accept his offer. Tom fetches a yoga ball from the corner of the room and places it in front of the couch. I carefully lean over the yoga ball, resting my upper body on it, while Tom starts massaging my lower back. As he works on my tense muscles, I can't help but let out a small groan of relief. His strong hands expertly knead the achy area, easing my discomfort. After a while, Tom starts talking about our little boy, who is due to arrive in just a week. "I can't wait to meet him, Meri. Our lives
*Lumi* As we get ready for the appointment, I can see the worry painted across Luca's face. He's been so nervous ever since we found out about my leukemia, and now that we're expecting our first child, his concern has only grown. "Luca, I promise I've been feeling so much better since starting the new medicine," I reassure him, as we both get dressed. He nods, but his eyes still hold a hint of fear. "I know, Lumi, it's just that... I can't help but worry about you and the baby," he admits, his voice trembling slightly. I walk over to him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "We're in this together, remember? And the doctors are keeping a close eye on us. We'll be okay." He takes a deep breath and nods again, pulling me into a tight embrace. I can feel his heart racing, and I know that he's trying to be strong for both of us. We arrive at the clinic hand in hand, and check in at the reception desk. First I have to go to the nurse, having blood drawn, so the doctor can check e
*Meri* The sun is shining brightly as we enter the fair ground, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air. "I have always loved the atmosphere of fairs". I say, grinning at Tom. He squeezes my hand and nods in agreement. Lumi and Luca walk beside us, their laughter contagious. "Remember when we used to come to carnivals as kids?" Lumi asks, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, we always had so much fun together". I reply, reminiscing. “But you never tried a Texan one”. Luca winks at us. “Cowboy style”. “Yi-ha”. Lumi cheers. It warms my heart to see her in such high spirits. As we enter the area with the games and rides, Tom spots a ring toss game and challenges Luca. "Bet I can win a stuffed animal for Meri before you can win one for Lumiøz He says, smirking. "You are on”. Luca replies, grinning. “You do remember my card toss right ? You can still bow out”. Lumi and I stand on the sidelines, cheering them on. "They are so competitive”. I laugh. "It's adorable”. Lum