Chapter 1 #2
It’s noon when I’m sitting with Anna on a cozy terrace, overlooking the canals in the center of Bruges.
A breeze provides some coolness while the sun occasionally peeks through the clouds.
Choosing our meal doesn’t take long. We order two plates of spaghetti, a cola, and for me, a glass of rosé.
A little bit of alcohol to calm the nerves, that should be fine.
The perks of being your own boss: having lunch with your best friend in the middle of the day and drinking during work hours.
Anna and I don’t see each other as much as we used to, but we make sure to keep our meetups regular.
We met at college and have been besties ever since, even though our lives look pretty different.
Anna has been with her high school sweetheart, Melvin, forever.
They’re still disgustingly in love. They live together in a cute little house with a garden in Assebroek.
They got married last year and even have a golden retriever.
You get the picture. I envy them, but also not really.
I don’t know. What I do know is that I’m super happy for her.
She’s glowing and looks so happy as she chatters away about their next weekend getaway to the Ardennes.
I tell her about my morning. Anna listens, but her mind seems to be somewhere else.
“I have something important to tell you, Nora,” she interrupts.
“You can tell me anything, Anna. What’s up? Did Melvin buy another beat-up moped to fix up?” I joke.
“No, haha, he still hasn’t managed to get the other two running. Honestly, he should probably look for a new hobby, and he knows it!”
“Okay, what is it then? Hopefully nothing serious?”
“Only good news, exciting but good.”
“Spill it, Anna!”
“Melvin and I are expecting a baby. I’m pregnant!” she whispers as loudly as she can.
Whaaaat? Really? No! Why? I mean, amazing!
Already? Was it an accident? Or no, you’ve been together so long, a baby is fantastic!
When I finally manage to think clearly, I hear myself exclaim: “I’m so happy for you!
This is the best news of the day!” Unless I sell the villa later, of course, sorry Anna.
No, really, I’m genuinely happy, but wow, I didn’t see this coming. She seems to read my mind.
“We didn’t see it coming either. We’d talked about it, and I’d even stopped taking the pill, but we were going to take it slow.
You know, play it safe until all the hormones were out of my system.
After that, we figured we’d try for a year.
This little bean had other plans though.
I’m so happy and scared at the same time, Nora. ”
She strokes her belly and looks both scared and happy at the same time.
“Me too, I get how you feel. It’s amazing, but also so crazy. A first baby, now it’s all real!” We’re officially adults now, I think. Well, she is.
“No turning back now, huh?” she laughs weakly and a little desperately.
Time for a pep talk—that’s what friends are for.
I take her hand and dive in. “You and Melvin are going to be amazing parents! Anna, you were born to be a mom. This is what you’ve always wanted, and whether it’s a little earlier or later, what does it matter?
You’ve been with Melvin for so long, why would you have waited anyway?
You’re as ready as you’ll ever be, and you’re going to do an incredible job.
The doubts you’re having now are proof that you’ll be a great mom.
That kid is already the luckiest little thing on earth. ”
I’m proud of my response, and I mean every word.
I wish I’d been that lucky. I’d sign up for Anna and Melvin as parents in a heartbeat.
Not that my parents are terrible people, it’s just a shame they were never around.
My arrival was completely unexpected, and my parents had no intention of adjusting their lifestyle to accommodate my existence.
I was raised by relatives or hastily arranged babysitters.
By the time I was seven, they decided I was old enough to stay home alone, make my own meals, and get myself to school.
That I didn’t end up a teen mom, a drug addict, or a dropout is no thanks to them.
Materially, I never lacked anything, but I missed out on everything else.
I didn’t have siblings either—it was me against the world.
Sometimes it still feels that way. Now, I see my parents maybe once or twice a year.
Nothing has really changed. I don’t think they even know I’ve changed jobs.
I’m proud of who I am today, despite—or maybe because of—my difficult childhood, but I still wish it had been different.
I still carry the scars of that insecurity and lack of love with me.
I can’t wait to shower Anna’s baby with all the love in the world, as it should be.
For the next hour, we talk about baby clothes, daycare, and parenting techniques.
She’s clearly done her research. I listen, chime in, and enjoy her happy mood and pregnancy glow all over again.
And yet, I can’t deny it—I hadn’t expected we’d spend the entire lunch talking about babies.
It’s such a distant reality for me, and I wonder if Anna and I will still have the same bond once the baby arrives.
It’s selfish of me to think this way, but I can’t help it.
She’s my best friend, and I want the world for her.
I’d give my life for that unborn baby in a heartbeat, and I’ve only known about its existence for an hour, but I also know that everything is about to change.
Maybe I’m just jealous because I want what she has?
A house, a garden, maybe even a dog—not that long ago this was also in the cards for me.
I wanted it so badly. It’s a shame David decided, after three years into our relationship, to regularly take his intern to our bedroom.
We were together for four years, in the end.
I only discovered his affair by chance when a different pair of panties suddenly showed up in the laundry.
David was almost relieved when I confronted him.
After that, he couldn’t pack his moving boxes fast enough.
The coward hadn’t even had the guts to end our relationship himself—for a whole year!
The bimbo claimed she had no idea he already had a girlfriend.
As if David had tastefully decorated that apartment himself…
Yeah, right, bitch. Four years of my life wasted on a man.
Just thinking about it makes me furious again.
David was my first serious relationship.
He took my virginity, for heaven’s sake, and I thought I was happy, that he loved me, and that we’d grow old together.
Going from everything to nothing was a hard blow.
I had hoped to do better than my parents, to one day create a warm and loving home, just like Anna is doing now.
Along with my heart, David also shattered my belief that that fairy tale was meant for me.
There was only one thing left to do: focus on myself and my career. Men can wait.
I shake off the unpleasant thoughts as my phone reminds me of my next appointment.
We ask for the bill and promise to meet again soon.
As we say goodbye, Anna asks if I’ll help them decorate the nursery.
I’d be offended if she didn’t ask! Of course, I’ll take on that task! I’m genuinely honored to be asked.
I arrive at Ibrahim’s beautiful villa. The driveway is already a perfect preview for the exclusivity that defines this property.
A majestic wrought-iron gate opens. Classic cobblestones, flanked by stately trees, lead me to the expansive modern facade.
How many cobblestones am I driving over?
Thousands, tens of thousands? I park my little Fiat under the carport for guests.
There’s easily room for five more cars. I’m not usually a big fan of modern homes.
I prefer a classic townhouse with molding, paneling, bookshelves, and a fireplace.
This contemporary villa, however, has won me over.
It’s truly a gem, and every time I visit, it looks even more beautiful.
I can’t wait to show it to Bertrand. I’ve done my homework and am completely ready.
Speak of the devil—as I’m grabbing my papers from the car, another car pulls up and parks next to mine.
Early, just how I like it. Bertrand has clearly been a real estate agent for a while and, by the looks of it, is doing quite well with his BMW iX.
Typical, already sizing him up and forming an opinion.
Nice model, though—brown leather, custom rims, fully electric, lovely. I do love a beautiful car.
I quickly wipe my clammy hands on my pants so it’s not too obvious that I’m incredibly nervous. I shouldn’t be this nervous, this house sells itself. I quickly check my blouse—no spaghetti stains, thank God.