Chapter 37
I'm running out of patience with how long the experts are taking. I found out Owen sent two of his own over there, and they're almost done with the process. So I call Jhon.
“Hey there, beautiful mama-to-be, what do you need?”
“I'm anxious about this expert report.”
“I understand, but I have to put the case together too, and that's what I'm doing.”
“Are they done with the car?”
“Yes and no. They're just waiting for the mechanic to check out a loose cable, and then we'll be done.”
“When's he going?”
“Tomorrow. Amy, relax. I'm doing my best. You're pregnant—you can't be stressing like this.”
“Sorry, it's just that I've been kind of stressed lately.”
“Mind telling me why?”
“Pregnancy hormones, definitely.” I force a laugh, because the truth is, I'm scared someone's following me—I just don't know who.
“Then relax. This weekend I'll take you shopping for baby clothes.”
“I already told you, you don't have to. I'll put together the layette myself.”
“You're almost five months along—you need to get everything ready beforehand. Besides, I'm the godfather, so I get to spoil my godson.”
“Okay, you bossy thing, we'll go. And don't forget to update me tomorrow, please.”
“Relax. As soon as I close the case, you'll be the first to know everything.”
“Thank you, Jhon, for everything you're doing for us.”
“You don't need to thank me, shorty. I know my dad would do the same.”
I hang up and lie down on the bed, thinking about the park. Could it be Owen? No, he wouldn't do that, especially with how angry he must still be. I've always been very alert, especially since I started fighting years ago. I need to be extra careful now.
Either way, I'm not going to worry about that now.
I need to focus on my father's case—that's what matters right now—and take care of my pregnancy.
After all, my baby will be here soon, and I haven't even set up his room yet.
I smile, caressing my belly. I feel movement and hold my hand there, feeling it again. My son is moving.
I get emotional because it's the first time I've felt him, and it's simply wonderful.
I lift my shirt up to my chest, leaving my belly completely bare.
I stay there quietly—I've waited so long for this moment.
I start talking to him to encourage more movement, and he moves again.
A unique sensation, beyond words. Just then, I hear a knock on the door, and my father pokes his head into my room.
“Hi, honey, is everything okay? Hey, why are you crying? Are you in pain? Do you want to go to the doctor?”
He rushes in and comes to my bedside, worried. I look up at him, smile, and say:
“My baby moved, Dad. I felt him for the first time. I've waited so long for this moment.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” He sits on my bed and hugs me. “I know how it feels. You were a little wiggler when you were in your mother's belly. And from now on, it'll be like this every day. May I?” he asks, and I nod. When he touches my belly, my son moves even more.
“I think he already loves Grandpa.”
We smile and stay there, enjoying the moment. I always hoped to see my father like this, happy again. I missed him so much all these years, but now he's here with us, and I'll make him even happier.
“Your grandmother asked you to come down and eat something. I came to get you, and we ended up getting caught up with this little guy.”
“Then let's go. I want to share this news with her too.”
We get up and head out. When I get to the kitchen, my grandmother has prepared some fruit and fresh juice for me. I sit at the counter with them, and she notices I've been crying.
“What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you okay?”
“Same question as Dad.” I smile at her. “No, Grandma, I'm fine. I just felt my baby move for the first time.”
“Oh, that's wonderful. Soon he'll be here, in our arms.”
“And we haven't even set up his room,” my father says.
“I've already thought of that. I wasn't going to leave it to the last minute. It's just that you've been so focused on your father's case that I forgot to tell you. But I hired an architect. She's coming this week—you just need to schedule a time with her.”
“You think of everything, Grandma. Thank you so much.”
“You're my only granddaughter, and this is my first great-grandchild. I want to take very good care of you both.”
After hearing that, I grabbed my phone and started looking up crib models and baby room themes. We spent a good while there until I had everything picked out the way I wanted, though of course I'd still listen to a professional's ideas.
I was so happy—my father was free, my son would be here soon, and my grandmother was always there to support me.
And I couldn't forget my friends, who were always by my side.
I missed Owen, especially now, but whenever I remembered how I'd been thrown out of his house, the longing vanished instantly.
How could a man be such an ogre? I huffed in irritation.
The next morning, as always, I went for my walk.
I put in my earbuds, played some music, and headed to the park, where I liked to sit afterward and watch the children.
Today I'd be more alert, so I set off for the park, which wasn't far from my house.
I got there and walked four laps, keeping an eye out for anything unusual, and sure enough, today I spotted a black car parked across the street.
I sat on my usual bench, rubbing my belly, which was showing more now.
I glanced at the street again, and they were still there.
I grabbed my phone and discreetly snapped two photos.
I think they noticed, because they started the car and pulled away.
I tried to get a shot of the license plate—it didn't come out very clear, but maybe it could be enhanced.
The car wasn't any of the models Owen used, so I ruled him out. But who could it be? Once again, the question nagged at me. I'd talk to Jhon, send him the photos—maybe I could get some information. I grabbed my phone and dialed his number, told him everything, and after hanging up, sent the photos.
He told me the experts and the mechanic had already submitted their report, and that he'd come by later to show me, but he didn't give any other details. I was anxious for him to arrive.