(ARIELLE’S POV)
It’s been days, and my mood has improved greatly. I was finally adapting to the reality that I was indeed pregnant, and it was the best feeling I have had in a while. I visited the hospital for more tests and pregnancy supplements and resumed my antenatal sessions. Although my decision to leave had not changed, it was pending as I had not been able to have the conversation again with Ashley. Ashley always shied away when I tried to bring it up, but I understood. I would do the same if the tables were turned.
But I knew we had to have the conversation definitely. I decided it had to be at dinner tonight, we were done putting it off. I took my time preparing lunch before Ashley returned from work, making sure everything was perfect.
I was setting the table when she walked in and dropped her bag on the couch. “Wow, something smells nice!” She exclaimed.
“Yes, I made your favorite,” I replied, smiling.
“Hmmm,” she said, giving me a mock suspicious look. “What’s the occasion? It’s not my birthday, is it?”
“No, it’s not. Can’t I give you a treat?” I asked.
“Of course, you can.”
“All right, come sit, and I’ll serve your food.”
She hurried over to the chair, giggling. “How did you know I was starving? I couldn’t go for lunch because I had a lot to do. Thank you, Arielle.” “You’re welcome.”
I dished out her food and set it in front of her, slightly nervous about how to start the conversation. I dished mine, and we started eating.
“Umm, this is nice,” she complimented. “I don’t expect less, you’re a chef anyway.”
“Thank you,” I forced a smile.
We ate for a while, and when we had eaten enough to satiate hunger, I cleared my throat. “Can we talk?”
Ashley paused and put her cutlery aside. “I knew it. You’re trying to buy me with food.”
“Oh, no, no,” I gasped in horror. “I just wanted the atmosphere to be receptive when we talk. Ashley, please, we need to talk. We can’t keep putting this conversation off.” “Alright, let’s talk.”
“I know you’re not happy about it, but I need to leave. I need to get out of here. Start fresh, you know?”
“I know, and I’m sorry I’ve been acting inconsiderate all this while. It’s just that,” she paused and sighed. I knew it was as difficult for her as it was for me, too.
“You don’t even know where you intend to move to,” she continued. “Do you know how scared I get just by the thought of you being in a new city or country all by yourself?” “Ashley -“
“No, hold on. What about your doctor’s appointment?’
“I’ll find a new doctor.”
Ashley nodded slowly, taking up her cutlery again as she scooped food into her mouth. “But what if things get tough? You have to get a new job, you know that right? How long will it take you to get on your feet? You have to get an apartment, pay bills, and work while juggling pregnancy alone.”
I paused for a moment, her words and their implications sinking in. But I shook it off, I can’t back off now. “I’ll make new friends and get help if I have to. I have savings, alright, I’ll figure things out. I won’t know If I don’t try, Ash. Please let me
She looked at me, her eyes searching. “You’re really sure about this?”
I took a deep breath, my mind made up. “Yes, I’m positive.”
There was a long pause before she spoke up again. “So I’m guessing you do not want Jared to know about the child?”
My eyes darkened. “Why would I want to? He doesn’t deserve to know about my child.”
Ashley nodded, “I second that.”
“And Ashley?” I called, staring at her pleadingly.
She looked up at me.
“Can you please not tell my mom about the child?”
Her brows arched in surprise. “Why? She deserves to know.”
“I know, but I still don’t want anyone else to know. I want it to be a secret until I have birthed this child safely.”
Although reluctant, Ashley nodded. “Fine.”
“Thank you.”
She nodded. “Since you’re insistent on leaving, when do you intend to leave and where do you want to leave for? And no, I won’t consent
until you give me a country city
name.”
en FindNovel
I paused, racking my head. I have decided to leave for another country, but I don’t know which one yet.
“You see, you don’t know where you intend to leave for and you expect me to consent to your decision. Look, Arielle, I don’t think -“
“Wait, hold on,” I cut her short, something clicking in my head. “I think I know where and how.”
“Really?” she asked, interest piqued. “Where?”
“The abroad study culinary scholarship. Italy…”