Zenovia
Maksimillian was sweet and true to his word.
I was also thankful that nothing happened like the incident at Dracula’s Castle for the past three months we had been together. It even slipped from my mind, since Maksimillian was so attentive to me. That means, he always pleasured me and was always considerate of my pain and discomfort, which he did his best to soothe.
Regardless of my firm protests that would always end up into fights, he still showered me with gifts. In addition to that, even the littlest thing that I might need, he did not want to miss and provided me, especially the non-material things. For that, it made me fall for him deeper and deeper. And yet, I was afraid. Still afraid to make any commitment with him when I knew he was ready for it. Not that he said it plainly and straightforwardly in words but through his actions. Nevertheless, I acted blind to it. I did not want to have that kind of hope, which blossomed in my heart and in my soul, as he might disappoint me in the future. After all, I believed I did not belong in his world.
“I can see that Maksimillian is serious about you, so what’s your drama, Zenovia?” my best friend questioned.
We were eating out one Saturday night, her treat. Thus, it was the reason why I ditched Mămică’s invitation to have dinner with her at her house. But I did tell my mum I would have it instead with her by Sunday night, which she was happy about. I just knew she would just want to have news, if not gossip, about Maksimillian and fish out some details about my real relationship with him.
He was in and out of the country to attend important meetings in Moscow now and then. While there, he would not forget to video call me, which was truly sweet because I knew how busy he was.
I now regarded Antonia with a pout. “How can you not understand why I’m reluctant about… about this whole thing?”
“You have already reconciled with your dad, so what’s wrong?”
I sighed and shook my head. “I-it’s different… I… I’m just afraid, Antonia.”
“Nothing will happen if are you going to let that fear lord over your life, Zen. Trust me. To be able to overcome your fear, you must face it. You already know this. How will you know what the end point is if you don’t move forward? You’re stuck, you know?”
Well, that got me thinking. At least, for a little while more. But I guessed, I was too stubborn and maybe a coward to even try.
***
“Stop calling me!” I admonished Maksimillian laughingly.
He was in Moscow to do his business thing, while I was back home. Time zone was no problem, since we had the same time in Iași.
“I just want to know if you already had dinner,” he reasoned, smiling.
“What do you think? It’s almost ten in the evening. I’m already in bed. What about you?” I raised an eyebrow, smile fading.
I could see that he was still wearing his navy blue three-piece suit. Meaning, he was still at work. I also got a glimpse of his masculine and clean office, which had light blue walls.
He sat back in his black swivel chair, leaning his head on its back. “I miss you!” he murmured instead of answering my question.
“It’s just been a couple days since we last see each other in person, Maks.”
“Hmm. For me, it’s like a couple years.”
I laughed at his cheesiness. “Seriously?”
He nodded with that puppy eyes, which made me chuckle.
“Tell me what you and Antonia talked about. Wait, let me guess.”
My mouth was a little ajar, trying to supress a smile. “Fine. Then, guess.”
“Me.” He grinned, wiggling his eyebrows.
I could not hide my smile then, but I bit my lower lip and looked away. It was not only him, but there was also another important topic.
“Hey, I did guess right, didn’t I?” he pressed on.
“Just have dinner if you haven’t yet. Goodnight, Maks!” I dismissed him in spite of his protests.
I sighed when I turned off my phone. I lay down on my side and stared at the place where he would always lie down next to me. I touched the pillow that he always used.
‘I miss you, too, Maks. You just don’t know how much.’
I closed my eyes and let my tears roll down the side of my face.
***
The next morning, I stared at the white stick with two red lines. My eyes began to water.
It was positive!
My lips and chin quivered with excitement. I could not almost contain it. My eyes heated up.
I thought I must tell Antonia about this. She had been nagging me about it since last night when we were at dinner, telling me that I could now be carrying a child when I mentioned that I hadn’t had my monthly cycle for the second month in a row.
“What? And you’re just telling me this now?” There was surprise and disapproval reflected on her face. Of course, she should have known during the first month, as she was my doctor. “Get that test done right away, Zen! Call me at once when you’re done, all right?”
So now, I dumped the test kit in the trash bin and went out of the bathroom in a hurry. I was sniffling as I dialled her phone. However, she would not pick up.
I checked the time and cursed. It was eight past eight in the morning. Maybe she turned off her phone or it was still in Do Not Disturb mode since last night. She would usually do that, as she was not a morning person.
I paced around my room, chewing my inner cheek. I could almost taste my own blood.
‘Should I tell Maks first?’
A hand flew on my forehead as I continued to pace around unconsciously.
‘Yes, I should. He has the right to know. It’s implied in the contract!’ the other part of me pointed out.
More fear added up to my previous one. What if I did not want to be with Maksimillian? What if because of it, he would turn back on his word, snatch my baby and bring it to Moscow? After all, he was filthy rich and powerful. He may not have trouble turning this situation around in spite of the contract we signed. Yes. Yes. What if he could find a loophole, and I would be left with nothing and no one? Especially my baby?
My other free hand instinctively held my still flat stomach. I thought I was going to be in panic mode. I could not let anyone take my baby away from me. Not even Maks! I would protect it with my life no matter what.
Doamne ferește!
What should I do now? I could not let it happen, if things would come to that.