Chapter 34
Jhon told me Owen called him after finding out we’d requested authorization for new investigations. Jhon called me right away, asking what I thought. I didn’t even bother responding—he already knew I wouldn’t accept anything from Owen.
After I left his house, I didn’t want to see him anymore. I saw he was at my father’s hearing, but I barely looked at him. I’m deeply hurt. I know I was wrong, but I didn’t deserve to be thrown out like that, especially while pregnant. It’s going to be hard to forgive him—if he ever even asks.
My father came to live with us. Once he found out he’s going to be a grandfather, his sadness seemed to vanish, and I’m so happy to have him be part of everything from now on.
Jhon and I are planning how to move forward with the case.
We’ve already hired an expert and just need to get the permit to access the car.
He told me he’ll handle all of that, and I’m leaving it in his hands, but I really want to be involved in everything.
I did everything I could to get my father out—now I’m going to prove his innocence.
I’m lying in bed reading a law book when I hear my phone ring. I look at the screen and see it’s Jhon. He must have news for me, so I answer quickly.
“Hi, Jhon.”
“Hello, my favorite pregnant lady! How are you two doing?”
“We’re good. We’ll find out the sex soon, but my gut says it’s a boy.”
“Then I’ll have a godson! We need to pick a name for him.”
“Slow down—first we find out the sex, then we pick a name. Now please tell me you have news for me.”
“Yes, I called to fill you in. I’ve got everything organized—the authorization is in my hands and the appointment is scheduled for next week. I’ve already given all the documents to the expert, along with the photos. He’s analyzing everything now.”
“Great. When you go to the road where the accident happened and check out the car, I want to come along.”
“Of course. We’ll go Friday morning—I’ll pick you up. I need to hang up now, I have a meeting with a new client. Call me if you need anything.”
“You too. If you have any news, please let me know.”
After I hang up, I decide to get up and eat something. I’m feeling really hungry and sleepy, so I head down to the kitchen. When I get there, I find my father and grandmother talking. I give him a hug and a kiss.
“How are you, my daughter?”
“Hungry, Grandma. Is there anything to eat?”
“I just made a fruit salad. You’ve been eating too much, so you need to eat healthier.”
“I’m so hungry and tired all the time, but the doctor said it’s normal.”
“Yes, especially in the beginning, so at least eat well.”
“Jhon called me. We’re going next Friday to the accident site and to see the car. I’m going to clear your name, Dad—you can count on that.”
“My daughter, it’s in the past now. I’m already out—only my sentence remains on record until I finish serving it.”
“I want to clear your name. Now that you’re out, I don’t have to worry anymore.”
My father hugs me and strokes my hair, just like he used to when I was a child.
“My daughter is so grown up. I missed so much of your life after your mother passed away.”
“We’ll have plenty of time to make up for it, Dad, especially with you here living with me and Grandma. We’ll do lots of things together.”
“And soon we’ll have a new member of the house too—we can’t forget that,” my grandmother says, running her hand over my belly, which grows bigger every day.
“Yes, and my appointment is the day after tomorrow. We’re going to find out the sex. I’m so excited.”
“Ah, how wonderful! We’ll all go. From now on, I don’t want to miss anything, my daughter.”
“Of course you will. We’re going to see how this baby is growing and make sure everything’s still healthy.”
“You need to eat more fruit, my daughter. I see you snacking on crackers and pieces of cake, and that’s not good at all.”
“I know, Grandma, but I get so hungry, and sometimes I’m sick of fruit. I want something that fills me up.”
“Either way, we’re going to ask your doctor for some tests, just to make sure everything’s okay.”
I love how protective my grandmother is of me.
It’s always been this way. She takes care of me like I’m her own daughter, and I’m so grateful to her for everything.
Of course, now I do a lot for her too, since she’s getting older—even though I still consider her young at 65.
Now she only has me and my father, who’s here with us, and we’re happy this way.
Finally, the day of my appointment arrives. Today five of us are going, because everyone’s curious to find out the baby’s sex—me most of all. I barely slept last night. I love knowing I’m carrying a baby inside me so much that every new thing makes me anxious.
We’re meeting Jhon and Ary at the hospital entrance. We’d agreed on a time, and when I arrived, they were already there—even though I was early. I smiled as they walked toward me, teasing me about being late.
“But my appointment isn't for another twenty minutes. You guys are way too early.”
“We can't wait to find out the sex of this beautiful baby.”
“You're more anxious than I am.” I smile and head toward the reception desk to check in.
Ten minutes later she calls me. I ask if I'm getting the ultrasound now, and she says the consultation comes first. Only Grandma and I go in—she's always with me.
Everything was going well, though I gained a little extra weight this month.
I blame it on the anxiety of finally having my father home, but my doctor put me on a diet and ordered some tests.
“Ready to see this baby now?”
“Will we find out the sex today, Doctor?” I ask.
“Since you're already four months along, probably. Let's hope the baby cooperates and keeps those legs open.”
“Grandma, can you call them in so they can see too?”
“Of course, sweetheart. While you get ready, I'll go get them.”
I go into the room, and since I'm wearing a dress, it's easier.
The nurse helps me lie down on the exam table, pushes my dress up below my breasts, and drapes a sheet over my legs.
When she calls the doctor in, I see everyone file in behind him.
I smile at the sight and feel happy knowing they're all here with me.
“Let's get started. Are you ready to find out what color clothes you'll be buying?”
“My intuition says it's a boy, Doctor.”
“Then we'll find out right now.”
He spreads warm gel on my belly and brings the transducer over.
I watch the huge screen in front of me, and there's my baby.
The doctor moves it around, explaining everything, and I can see how perfect he is—the little arms, the little legs.
I get choked up when he turns on the sound of the heartbeat for all of us to hear.
My father, holding my hand, tears up too.
“And now let's satisfy everyone's curiosity. Amélie, get ready—it's a boy.”
“I knew it. My little boy.”
I look around and they're all emotional, just like me. My intuition didn't fail me—I'm having my little boy. I think of Owen, and I hope the baby looks like him. Tears stream down my face because Owen's not here with me. But I know the time will come when I'll tell him about our son.