ARLAN’S POV.
I parked his car in front of the hospital and glanced at Matilda. She was looking radiant and I could tell she had made an extra effort to look good.
Throughout the journey to the hospital, her hand rested protectively on her baby bump as they stepped out of the car.
“You ready?” she asked, her voice calm but with a hint of anticipation.
I nodded, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”
Inside the hospital, I couldn’t stop myself from being anxious. Matilda noticed it and let out a small laugh. “Don’t tell me you’re anxious?”
“I’m not anxious, the word is excited.” I corrected, looking around.
“Next.” The doctor called.
“We are the next in line.” I said and help her to her feet.
“You’re welcome Matilda.” The elderly doctor who I come to be know to be Doctor Beatrice smiled at us. “And this is?” She asked her looking at me.
“My name is Arlan, Arlan Reef.” I introduced myself. “The baby’s father’s.”
“Mr Reef, it’s so good to see you.” She stretched her hands towards me.
I took her hand. “The pleasure is mine.”
“Shall we get to it?” Doctor Beatrice asked Matilda who simply nodded.
Matilda was made to lie down on a stretcher, the doctor placed the device on Matilda’s belly, the room filled with a rhythmic thumping. My breath caught, and for a moment, I couldn’t say anything.
“Is that-?” I swallowed hard, unable to find the right words.
“The baby’s heartbeat,” Matilda confirmed, looking deep into my eyes. “How does it feels hearing your child’s heartbeat?”
I blinked, overwhelmed by the flood of emotion. “This is so beautiful.” My voice cracked, as I listened, trying to compose myself. “Thank you, Matilda. For letting me be here.”
“It’s nothing.” Matilda waved off. “Imagine how beautiful the smile of our child would sound and how often you could get to hear these and more when you finally make up your mind.”
*
The drive back was quiet and my face was filled with smiles.
“You can stop smiling now, you’ve been smiling non stop.” Matilda reminded me.
“Do you know how I feel right now.” I told her. “That experience is one I won’t never forget my entire life.”
Matilda was about to say something when my phone buzzed on the dashboard, breaking the calm. I glanced at the screen. It was Alex.
Glancing at Matilda, who nodded. “Go ahead, I promise not to listen.” She said.
I shook my head and pressed the answer button. “Hey, Alex. What’s up?”
“Arlan,” Alex said, I could tell something was off by his tone. “I just wanted to let you know… Mary lost her dad yesterday. The funeral’s in two days.”
“God.” My grip tightened on the steering wheel. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Please give her my condolences.”
Matilda gasped softly. “Oh no… Tell Mary I’m so sorry.”
“Matilda?” Alex called out in shock. “Is that you?”
“Yes.” Mary replied.
My eyes met with Matilda, “I had to talk, Mary lost her father.” She mouthed at me.
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Alex spoke again. “Wait-are you two together right now?”
I glanced at Matilda, who raised an eyebrow with a hint of amusement. “Yes, we are. We went to the doctor together.” I explained.
“Well, I’m glad,” Alex said. “I suppose… you two have found a common ground.”
“I’ll be in Brisbane Friday morning,” I said, shifting the focus of the conversation. “I’ll be there for the funeral.”
Matilda, without missing a beat, added, “I’m coming too.”
I whipped my head toward her. “What?”
“I want to be there for Mary,” she said, her tone firm.
“You’re pregnant, Matilda,” I argued. “You need to think about your health.”
“Arlan, I’m fine. I can handle it.”
I sighed, frustration bubbling under the surface. “Alex, I’ll call you later, okay? We’ll figure everything out.”
“Alright,” Alex said, clearly amused. “Good luck with that conversation.”
As soon as I ended the call, Matilda crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked.
Matilda shrugged her shoulders. “Have I done anything wrong?”
“You’re not going.” I said. “You’re pregnant, the doctor said you should have more rest.”
Matilda raised an eyebrow. “Is my condition the only reason you don’t want me to go?” She asked giving me a knowing look.
“Of course.”
“You lie, Arlan.” She hit her hand on the dashboard.
“Take it easy, would you?” I frowned. “I don’t even understand what you’re talking about?”
She tilted her head, her tone sharp. “What I mean is that a funeral is the perfect place to blend in. Everyone will be mourning, and no one will be paying attention to you or Saraya. Isn’t this your chance to make up for lost time with her?”
I stared at her, stunned. “You’re unbelievable, Matilda.”
“And you’re worse,” she shot back, her voice hard. “Stop the car.”
“What?”
“Stop the car, Arlan.”
I grumbled but pulled over to the side of the road. Matilda unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to face me. “You’re trying to control everything, even what I do with my time. Why?”
“Because I care about you,” I snapped, “and the baby. You should be resting, not traveling.”
“And you should stop hiding behind your concern and admit what’s really going on.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling slowly, trying to calm myself. “This isn’t about me or Saraya and you know it.”
There was a flash of anger on Matilda’s face. “I hate the way you call her name.”
“Then let me decide for myself,” she said, her voice softening. “I’ll be careful, Arlan. I promise.”
I looked at her for a long moment and one thing was certain, I didn’t want to argue anymore.
Moreso, knowing Matilda’s personality, she would do as she pleases. There was no point trying to stop her.
Finally, I nodded. “Fine. But you will take thing easy and not stress yourself one bit.”
“Deal,” she said, giving me a small, reassuring smile.
As I started the car again but I didn’t say anything else. I couldn’t.
MATILDA’S POV.
“I’ll see you on Friday morning.” I said as I was stepping out of Arlan’s car.
Arlan nodded. “Be ready by 6a. m as we have to catch the first flight or we will miss the funeral.”
“Trust me to be waiting for you like I always have.” I replied him and noticed he shifted uncomfortably on his seat.
The moment I entered my apartment, I made a mental note to call Tessy and take all the gist to her. I took off my clothes, making myself more comfortable and took out my phone from my bag.
Tessy kicked up almost immediately like she was expecting my call. “So quick, huh?”
“I was about calling you, myself.” She replied. “How did it go? Tell me it went well.”
“Hey, Tessy,” I called out. “Would you slow down?”
“I’m sorry, I just can’t help myself,” Tessy’s voice came through. “Spill already and don’t keep me waiting.”
I sat down on the couch, running a hand through my hair. “So listen very carefully, we went to the hospital and your godchild is doing just fine but that’s not all. I want to let you know that I’ll be heading to Brisbane with Arlan in two days.”
There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear the wheels turning in Tessy’s head. “Brisbane? What’s going on there?”
I took a deep breath. “Mary lost her father. We’re going to the funeral.”
“Oh,” Tessy’s voice softened. “That’s… terrible. But wait, does that mean Arlan’s going to cross paths with Saraya?”
I could feel the knot in my stomach tighten. “Yeah, that’s the exact reason why I’m going. I need to be there. With me around, I’m sure those two will act like the adults they are and not create any misunderstanding.”
Tessy let out a short sigh. “I get it, but Matilda, listen. Be careful, okay? Don’t act like you care, even if Arlan and Saraya cross paths. This could turn into a mess, and I don’t want you caught in the middle.”
I paused, my grip tightening around the phone. Tessy was right, of course. Everything could turn messy in the twinkle of an eye.
Arlan and Saraya had history, a history that could easily become present if they spend time together and I wasn’t about to let that happen right under my nose.
“I will,” I said quietly, though part of me wasn’t sure if I could follow through. I must have not sounded convincing enough when Tessy raised a suggestion.
“Left to me, I would have suggested you wait until Mary’s arrival to Sydney before you pay her a visit, you’re pregnant, you know.”
“I’m pregnant, not sick.” I reminded her. “”
Tessy didn’t say anything for a moment. I knew she understood the weight of my words. “Okay, Matilda. Just be smart. And don’t let your emotions get the better of you.”
I exhaled slowly, trying to steady myself. “I’ll try.”
“Good,” Tessy replied, her tone a little lighter now. “Call me when you get there. And take care of yourself.”
“I will. Thanks, Tess.”
As I ended the call, I laid down on the couch taking the foetal position.