~Jacqueline’s POV~
I sat down at the dining table. I scooped some oats alongside some nuts and slurred it. I glanced at Rex as I did. He looked at me blankly, with his face stiff. I stopped slurry and put it in my mouth. I swallowed it and kept the spoon back in the bowl.
I picked up a serviette and cleaned my mouth with it. I slowly kept it down. I felt edgy. I wanted to seek his permission to go out but I didn’t know how to. I flashed a glance at him. He had his eyes on his phone. His thumb moved upwards on the screen.
“Um,” I said as I fidgeted my fingers.
I glanced at him. Our eyes met. I looked away. At least, I’ve got his attention.
“Is it okay if I go over to your mother’s today?” I asked him cowardly.
Rex dropped his cutlery and picked up the serviette. He wiped his mouth with it. He dropped and had his eyes on me.
“Why?” He asked coldly.
“I—.”
“So that you could tell her that I’m being irresponsible? That I am a worthless husband? Is that why you want to go there?” He asked frigidly.
“N-no. That’s not the reason. I wanted—.” I answered feebly but got cut off.
“Wanted what?” He asked sharply.
His voice made me feel edgy even more. I hung my head, looking at the bowl. I’ve got to tell him even though he is going to be angry with it.
“I knew it was something stupid.” He said airily as he stood up from the chair.
Rex removed the jacket he had hung behind the chair. He slipped his arms into each sleeve.
“I shouldn’t have bothered listening. It was a complete waste of time.” He blurted out as he adjusted his collar a little.
I raised my head a little and glanced at him. He looked at me blankly and walking behind my chair. I watched him as he walked towards the door. I have to tell him.
“I want to start attending ante-natal sessions.” I said boldly, feeling like a coward inside.
Rex had got to the end of the table and stopped. He turned his side and looked at me.
“What did you say?” He asked plainly, with his brow furrowed.
“I wanted to begin attending ante-natal sessions. I really don’t know how motherhood feels like and this is my first time being pregnant. I don’t want to make any mistake.” I explained.
Rex didn’t say anything and just stared at me. He heaved and glanced at his watch.
“Who are you going with to the hospital?” He asked airily.
“Daisy.” I replied.
Rex hummed. He didn’t say anything and walked out of the room. I wrinkled my brow. Was that a yes or no? I let out a sigh. Peter entered the room.
“Um, Ma’am?” He said.
I looked at him.
“What time will you be going? I was asked to drive you.” He said plainly.
A faint smile appeared on my face.
“In a few minutes. I just have to freshen up and change first.” I replied.
Peter nodded and left the room. I glanced at the bowl. It was halfway down. The excitement made me lose my appetite. I stood up from the chair and headed for the door. I walked through the corridor and got to the staircase. I climbed up and walked straight to my room.
I had my bath and stood in front of the wardrobe. I glanced at the clothes hung on the rail. Which was suitable to wear this session. Mm! I slid most of the clothes to the side. I got hold of one, ready to slide it but gazed it. It was an A-line dress, whose neckline had a keyhole. I took it out of the rail and closed the wardrobe.
I got dressed, styled my hair to a side parting and wore a hair band over it. I slipped into my shoes, grabbed my phone and left the room. My shoes clacked on the floorboard as I climbed down the stairs.
“Peter.” I called as I got on the landing.
I took a peek into the living room but didn’t see him. Where was he?
“Pe—.”
“He is outside. Close to the car.” Cameron said behind me.
His voice almost startled me. I turned round and flashed a glance at him. I walked towards the door. I had got hold of the handle, ready to turn it.
“Allow me.” Cameron offered.
I let go of the handle and waited for him. He got closer and turned it. He held it open for me. I flashed a smile at him and walked out of the house. I saw the car was parked and Peter, leaning against it. He saw me and quickly opened the backseat door. I got in and he closed it. He got in, started the car and drove out of the compound.
An hour later, he sounded the horn at Vanessa’s gate. The gate-keeper opened and Peter drove in. He parked at the carport. He got out of the car and held the backseat door open. He lent a hand and helped me while I got out. I smiled faintly at him.
Peter didn’t reciprocate and closed the door. That’s one way to waste a perfect smile. I let out a sigh and walked towards the front door. I knocked at the door. It opened ajar. Huh? I pulled it wider and entered the house. I was closing it when I felt an embrace round my abdomen. Okay, make that two.
“Aunt Jackie!” Michael said happily.
I looked at them and smiled. I ruffled Evans’ hair as he was the closest to my reach.
“I’m so glad you came.” Evans said cheerily.
“Me too, Aunt.” His twin supported.
“I’m happy to see you too.” I said happily.
“You boys might have to get her space to breathe. You might squeeze your cousin out of her.” Daisy said jokingly as she walked towards us.
The twins looked at me confusingly. They let go and glanced at each other. I walked away from the door and they followed.
“Mum, I don’t understand.” Evans said.
Daisy looked at me, wearing a jovial smile.
“Well,” She said calmly, with her eyes at me,
“Your aunt is expecting a baby.”
The twins’ jaws dropped. They looked at me surprisingly.
“Aunt Jackie is has a baby in her belly?” Michael said doubtfully.
“Uh-huh!” She said.
The twins smiled.
“Yay! A new playmate.” Evans said happily.
“We finally get someone to play tag with.” Michael said excitedly.
Seeing them excited made me feel happy. A smile appeared on my face.
“Oh! What are troubling makers squealing about this time?” A sarcastic voice said.
I looked forward and saw who it was. The smile on my face vanished. My stomach clenched up. I guess I wasn’t the only irritated by her presence. Shirley’s eyes narrowed as she saw me. Her lips pursed as she got closer.
“It’s nothing serious. I was just telling the boys that we would be expecting a special person into our family soon.” Daisy revealed. She looked at me wearing a smile.
Shirley furrowed her brow and looked at me. Her eyes were at my belly.
“Wait! Don’t tell him that this wh*re is pregnant?” She said curtly.
That was one way to ruin my mood.
“Do you really a language guide wherever you in front of the twins?” I said irritably.
“Oh, sorry! I wasn’t expecting a correction from a lousy and inconsiderate woman like you.” Shirley retorted.
“Shirley!” Daisy called her. Her tone was firm and her voice, low.
Shirley rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“I’ve got important things to do than stay with you. Being round you is a waste of time.” She said scornfully.
Shirley walked past me and elbowed me. I clenched my fist and gritted my teeth. She was seriously getting on my nerves.
“Why are you all standing here? Breakfast is ready.”
I looked forward. We all did. Vanessa was climbing down the stairs. She held the handrail as she climbed down. She had worn a warm smile. Her eyes met mine and her smile widened.
“Good morning, Mrs Vanessa.” I greeted, wearing a wry smile.
Vanessa chuckled. She walked towards us.
“Oh, dear. You don’t really have to address me by my name. Just Mum would do.” She said jovially.
I simply reciprocated in a nod.
“Were you looking for us?“ Daisy asked her.
“The twins rather. I figured that you would be in the kitchen with Cecilia.” Vanessa replied.
“I was then remembered that Alex had left the front door open. So I told them to help me close it.” Daisy explained.
“Oh, okay!” Vanessa said calmly.
“Shall we?”
“I think I will pass. I might chunder on the table. I struggled to finish mine at home. I guess I’ll just sit and watch.” I declined.
“It would be unfair if you eat while you watch. Have a bowl of diced fruit.” Vanessa offered.
“You mean fruit salad?” Daisy corrected her politely.
“Oh, that’s what is called.” Vanessa chuckled.
Daisy joined into.
“Can we eat now? All this talk is making me hungry.” Evans said childishly.
“Me too.” Michael added.
Daisy nodded, giving them her approval. The twins ran towards the dining table.
“Soon I won’t be able to give them piggy back rides.” Daisy said jovially.
“I’ll keep an eye on them.” Vanessa suggested and Daisy replied in a nod.
Vanessa flashed a smile and left the two of us.
“I wonder how you all stay peaceful with her around.” I said openly, still irritated by Shirley’s attitude.
“You mean with Vanessa?” She assumed.
“No. With Shirley. She gets on my nerves.” I complained.
“Well, I’ve got used to it. If you let her have her way, she surely won’t stop.” She highlighted.
I hummed. If she isn’t carefully, I might give her a good beating.
“Shall we?”
I replied in a nod. We had only taken a step forward when the door creaked open. I stopped and turned my head round. Liam had entered the house. His eyes were puffy; his eyelids were half-closed; his face was pale; his jaw, tight and had furrowed brow. He often staggered as he walked towards us. As he got closer, I got a whiff of alcohol.
“You irk of alcohol.” I said candidly as he stood in front of me.
“What are you doing here? Don’t tell me he dragged you here?” He asked plainly.
“That doesn’t explain why you smell like someone who swam in a pool filled alcohol.” I answered sharply.
“It’s not like you cared anyway.” He scoffed.
I stayed mute. His attitude towards me was different. Different than normal.
“How was the pool party?” Daisy asked him calmly. She broke the awkward silence.
“Fun, I guess. Why is she here?” He asked her.
Was he literally cutting me dead? I’m standing in front of you.
“I’m taking her to the hospital today.” She replied.
“The hospital?” He asked her, with his brow furrowed.
“She is starting her ante-natal session today.” She said.
“Ante-natal? What good would that do for her?” He asked curiously, in a ironic tone.
“Well, it will help to prepare and take care of herself now that she is expecting a baby.” She said joyfully.
Liam’s eyes widened. His mouth was half opened. He had his eyes at my stomach.
“You’re carrying his child?” He rasped eagerly, with his eyes at mine.
I bit my lips nervously. His stare could pierce my skin. I swallowed and slowly replied in a nod. Liam exhaled and scratched his head. He sneered at me and flashed a glance Daisy, who was being me.
“Congratulations! He has you finally tied to him. I hope you’re happy.” He said plainly, seething.
His tone was sarcastic. Liam quickly walked away and climbed the staircase. I had my eyes at him. I guess my pregnancy broke him.