When Mollie woke up, three hours had passed. She felt as if she had slept for a long time, but her body did not feel comfortable; instead, she felt a bit fatigued. Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar environment-white ceiling, blue and white striped sheets. Was this a hospital?
She was momentarily stunned. Memories gradually returned, and she suddenly remembered that she had been vomiting continuously until she blacked out. It seemed she had fainted.
As she was lost in thought, Clare’s familiar voice rang out, “Honey, you’re awake?” Mollie turned her head to see the man leaning over the bedside, joy evident in his eyes. “Guess why you’re in the hospital.”
“Am I seriously ill? Stomach problems?” Mollie instinctively asked. But seeing Clare so happy, she wondered why he would be so cheerful if she were sick. It seemed too much.
Before she could voice her displeasure, Clare gently placed his hand on her abdomen and said with a beaming smile, “Honey, you’re pregnant. We have a baby.”
Mollie’s mind felt like fireworks were exploding inside it. “What did you say?” Her voice trembled. “I’m pregnant? We have a baby?”
Her nose tingled, and she almost cried. “How… how could this be…”
“This good news needs to be shared with Grandpa and your brothers personally,” Clare said, handing her the phone. “You should make the call.”
Clare smiled at her as Mollie’s fingers trembled while holding the phone. She was going to be a mother… it felt like a dream. After calming down for a while, she called the old Mr. Gibson.
Upon hearing the good news, the Gibson family erupted with joy. “Wonderful, truly wonderful news. Mollie, we’ll head to Aettosa tomorrow to visit you. What do you want to eat? Or need anything? Just let us know…” The old Mr. Gibson couldn’t stop smiling. “You’re amazing; look at your brothers-they can’t compare to you.”
After chatting for a bit more, Mrs. Gibson took over the phone. “Mollie, I heard you’re pregnant? That’s wonderful. Don’t go to work now that you’re expecting, okay? And make sure to take folic acid…”
Mrs. Gibson gave detailed instructions, similar to what the doctor had said. “Mom, don’t worry, I know what to do,” Mollie reassured her. After a while, Mrs. Gibson reluctantly ended the call.
Once the call ended, Clare quickly brought over water and handed her folic acid and calcium tablets. “I’ve already prepared these for you.”
Mollie obediently took the medicine. “Mom and Grandpa are coming to visit in a couple of days. I feel a bit embarrassed.”
“Pregnancy is a big deal; it’s natural for them to want to see you,” Clare said, holding her hand. “Thank you. The next ten months will be tough for you, but I’ll always be by your side.”
“It’s still early…” Mollie blushed and snuggled back under the covers. “I need to rest for a bit.”
Clare didn’t tease her anymore and started working on his tablet, catching up on the work that had piled up due to his excitement.
In another room, Sylvia heard coughing and turned to see Jenna awake and looking at her clearly for once. “Sis.”
“Are you thirsty? Want some water?” Sylvia helped her sit up. “How are you feeling now?”
“I’m okay, not thirsty.” Jenna observed Sylvia’s expression and found it odd. “Is there good news? You seem in a good mood today.”
“It’s been a while since our family had good news-Aunt is pregnant,” Sylvia said, holding Jenna’s hand. “So you need to get better soon so we can attend their wedding.”
“Pregnant…” Jenna looked at Sylvia’s radiant face and smiled weakly. “That’s wonderful…”
A few days ago, Sylvia had told Mrs. Wright about Jenna’s condition, and Jenna had overheard it too. She felt a bit envious of Mollie but was mostly happy for her.
“Sylvia, I’ve been here for over half a month now. When can I leave?” Jenna was eager to go out but knew she was still weak.
Even though she knew it was a pointless question, she couldn’t help but ask. Sylvia had been by her side all this time, taking care of her meticulously-perhaps it was the special bond between sisters.
Jenna had grown increasingly dependent on Sylvia. It felt strange yet comforting to have someone to rely on because they shared the same blood and parents.
Thinking of their father, Jenna furrowed her brow slightly, showing a hint of confusion on her pale face. She realized she had never heard Sylvia mention their father.
Lost in thought, she heard Sylvia say, “At least another month or two until everything stabilizes.” Turning around, Sylvia saw Jenna daydreaming. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?”
“No.” Jenna bit her colorless lip. “Sylvia, do you know who our father is? I’ve never heard you mention him. I’m curious.”
Sylvia hadn’t expected Jenna to bring up such a question and almost laughed but held back. The word ‘father’ was the most ironic existence in her life.
For twenty-two years, she had thought Otto was her father, only to find out he was a beast in human clothing who committed countless vile acts-and he wasn’t even her real father.
She didn’t know who their real father was and didn’t want to find out either.
Having suffered enough from Otto’s torment as a father, what if their real father turned out to be another scumbag?
She couldn’t bear the thought.
Better not to have such a father at all.
So she said, “Your main focus now is to get better; don’t worry about our parents’ issues.”
“Sylvia… do you not know who our father is either?” Jenna remained curious.
“No, I don’t know and don’t want to know,” Sylvia said seriously. “What if he’s a gambler? An abuser? Or a criminal? What would you do then?”
Jenna could sense Sylvia’s emotional shift and immediately stopped asking questions, forcing a smile. “You’re right; if he’s not a good person… that would be terrible.”
But still… she wanted to know… what should she do?
Not wanting to upset her sister, Jenna turned her gaze outside the window at the falling snowflakes and fell into deep thought.
Sylvia stepped out; she needed some fresh air.
Shortly after waking up, Mollie was discharged from the hospital with Clare carefully supporting her every step.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh come on! I’m not seriously ill; I can walk on my own.”
“No way; you’re pregnant now.” To Clare, his wife was now as fragile as glass-one wrong move could shatter her.
“I can’t deal with you,” Mollie said helplessly.
With Clare’s cautious support, they exited the elevator and reached the parking lot where he eagerly opened the car door for her.
“Alright, I’m starting the car,” Clare said as he started the engine and slowly drove out of the garage.
The speed on the road was akin to that of a snail.
“Why are you driving so slowly?” Mollie was exasperated by Clare’s over-cautiousness. Despite the snow, the roads were clear due to high ground temperatures and regular cleaning by sanitation workers.
“Can’t drive too fast; it’ll be bumpy and uncomfortable for you,” Clare said while keeping the speed low.
Cars behind them kept overtaking or honking.
Mollie rolled her eyes at him. “Don’t be so paranoid; just drive at a normal speed without sudden brakes.”
“I’m not that delicate.”
“At this rate, we won’t get home before dark. I’m craving home-cooked food!” After vomiting all day, she was starving.
Hearing his wife was hungry, Clare finally sped up towards home.
“You’re unbelievable,” Mollie thought about posting his ridiculous behavior on social media for everyone to see.
“I’m a new dad; I have a lot to learn!” Clare said while driving carefully.
Though he sped up, it was still slower than usual.
They arrived home just in time for dinner.
As soon as they parked, Clare quickly got out and opened the door to carry Mollie inside.
“I can walk myself.”
“The yard is full of snow; what if you slip?”