83

CH 83.
Andrianne had been eagerly looking forward to her antenatal appointment, as it was a chance to check on the well-being of her baby and receive medical advice. She had been feeling great and was excited to see how much her baby had grown since her last appointment.
As she drove to the hospital, she hummed to herself in anticipation. When she arrived, she checked in at the front desk and waited patiently for her turn to see the doctor.
After a short while, she was called in and greeted by the doctor. The doctor, a middle-aged woman with a friendly demeanor, asked Andrianne how she was feeling, and Andrianne replied that she was feeling great.
The doctor then proceeded to check Andrianne’s vital signs and measured her belly to check the baby’s growth. She then proceeded to do an ultrasound scan to check the baby’s development.
After the scan, the doctor turned to Andrianne and said, “Your baby is developing very well. Congratulations.”
Andrianne beamed with joy at the news. “Thank you, doctor,” she replied.
The doctor then went on to advise Andrianne on various aspects of her pregnancy. She advised her to maintain a healthy diet, avoid stress, and get plenty of rest.
“And don’t forget to take your prenatal vitamins regularly,” the doctor added.
Andrianne nodded in agreement. “Yes, doctor. I have been taking them regularly,” she replied.
The doctor also advised Andrianne on the importance of regular exercise during pregnancy, and she recommended some safe and simple exercises that Andrianne could do.
Andrianne listened attentively and asked questions whenever she needed clarification. She was grateful for the doctor’s advice, and she made a mental note to follow it diligently.
After the appointment, Andrianne drove home feeling elated. She couldn’t wait to tell Lucas how well their baby was doing. She knew that their baby was going to be a source of joy and happiness for both of them, and she was looking forward to the day when they would finally get to hold their little one in their arms.
Andrianne stepped into Jackie’s dental clinic with a smile on her face. She had missed her friend so much, and it was refreshing to see her again. Jackie, who was with a patient, quickly finished up and came out to meet Andrianne.
“Oh my goodness, Andrianne! Look at you, you’re glowing!” Jackie exclaimed, giving her friend a big hug.
Andrianne laughed. “Thanks, Jackie. It’s good to see you too. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good,” Jackie replied. “Just busy with work. But enough about me, how’s the baby doing?”
Andrianne’s smile grew even wider. “He’s doing great! I just had my four-month check-up today, and everything is perfect.”
“That’s wonderful news!” Jackie exclaimed. “Come on, let’s go celebrate with a drink at that new café down the street.”
Andrianne agreed, and the two friends made their way to the café. They found a table near the window and ordered their drinks.
“So, have you and Lucas worked things out?” Jackie asked, taking a sip of her latte.
Andrianne nodded. “Yes, we have. It was a rough patch, but we’re good now. He’s been very supportive throughout my pregnancy, and I’m grateful for that.”
“That’s great to hear,” Jackie said. “You know, I’ve been thinking about what you said about the baby’s room. I’d love to help you decorate it.”
Andrianne’s eyes lit up. “Really? That would be amazing, Jackie. Thank you so much.”
They continued chatting and catching up on each other’s lives. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, and Andrianne felt happy to be in the company of her dear friend. As they chatted, a server came by and set a plate of pastries on their table.
“Compliments of the chef,” the server said with a smile.
Andrianne and Jackie looked at each other in surprise before thanking the server.
“These look amazing,” Jackie said, picking up a pastry. “Let’s dig in.”
Andrianne took a bite of her pastry and savored the sweetness. “Mmm, this is delicious.”
They continued chatting and munching on pastries for a while longer, enjoying each other’s company. Eventually, it was time for Andrianne to head home, and they said their goodbyes.
“Thanks for coming out with me today, Jackie,” Andrianne said, hugging her friend.
“Anytime, Andrianne,” Jackie replied, returning the hug. “We’ll have to do this again soon.”
Andrianne nodded, feeling grateful for the support of her friend. She made her way back home, feeling content and happy.
Andrianne drove her car slowly towards the entrance of the Flora shop. She had never visited her mom’s grave in a long while, but she felt like she needed to do it today. She parked the car and walked into the shop. The sweet scent of the flowers welcomed her as she walked around the shop, searching for the perfect flowers for her mom’s grave. After browsing for a while, she finally settled for a bouquet of red roses, her mom’s favorite.
With the bouquet in hand, Andrianne drove towards the cemetery where her mother was laid to rest. She parked the car close to the grave and got out. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the breeze was blowing softly. It was a beautiful day, but Andrianne’s heart was heavy.
She walked slowly towards the grave and placed the flowers on the ground. She knelt beside the grave, tears streaming down her face. She traced her fingers over the words engraved on the tombstone, “Here lies Sarah, a loving wife, mother, and friend.” Memories of her mom flooded her mind, and she couldn’t help but cry even harder.
“I miss you, Mom,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wish you were here to see me now, to see the woman I’ve become, and to meet my baby.”
Andrianne stayed there for a while, talking to her mom as if she was still alive. She told her about her pregnancy, about Lucas, about everything that had happened since her death. She felt a sense of comfort, like her mom was listening to her, even though she knew it was just in her head.
After a while, Andrianne got up, wiped the tears from her face, and placed a kiss on the tombstone. She walked back to her car, feeling a little bit better, but still sad. She started the car and drove back home, lost in her thoughts.
As she drove, she thought about her mom and how much she had wanted to be a grandmother. Andrianne had promised her that she would have children, and now that she was pregnant, she wished her mom was here to share in her joy.
When Andrianne got back home, Lucas was waiting for her in the living room. “Hey, you’re back,” he said, getting up from the couch.
Andrianne smiled weakly. “Yeah, I just went to visit my mom’s grave.”
Lucas walked towards her, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
Andrianne nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She walked past him and went straight to the bedroom, needing some time alone.
Lucas watched her go, feeling helpless. He didn’t know how to make things better for her, but he knew that he loved her and would do anything to see her smile again.