{Eleanora's P.O.V}
I woke up in shock. Realization dawned on me that it was a dream and I couldn't be more thankful. I was tired of having the same dream over and over and over again.
I just didn't have the heart to tell anybody what I was going through. It has been so bad that I started having a fear for sleep, cause I knew it would be the same dream.
In the dream, my mother was in a lonely hut, all by herself, deep inside the foggy woods. She was always sewing a baby's blanket anytime I entered the hut. And anytime I touched her, She looked at me with her tear-filled face, just that the tears were blood.
The dream keeps repeating anytime I close my eyes to sleep and sometimes the dream continues.
I put my head in my hands and tried my best not to let the tears sob.
"Your highness?" I heard someone call. I looked up, then at the door, waiting for whoever called me to appear at the door.
Mary walked into the room without carrying anything which was unusual.
"You're awake, your highness". She said with so much gratefulness in her voice. I smiled, for I had nothing to say to her.
"How do you feel now, Princess?" She asked, looking at me as if she was observing me.
"I'm good" I lied, even though I knew that I was feeling a little dizzy.
Just then, there was a little knock on the door and in came my husband, Dure, with a tray in his hands.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Happy birthday, Happy birthday to you" Dure sang with a terrible voice.
I laughed as he came in. "Is that supposed to be a song?" I asked him, laughing at his terrible voice. He smiled and put the tray on my laps while Mary excused herself.
"I'm not much of a good singer and you know it". He told me and I laughed more, as he took his seat beside my bedside.
"How are you feeling now?" He asked me when my laughter subsided. I held his left hand with my right hand.
"I don't know. I feel...uncomfortable"
He sighed, then put his hands on my belly.
"Those are the early symptoms. As time goes on, the baby will stop making preferences and get used to being there before it's born". He said, rubbing my belly.
Is Dure trying to insinuate something?
" What do you mean by 'The Baby', my love?" I asked him.
Even though I understood what he was trying to insinuate, I wanted his mouth to say it. I didn't want to count my chicks before they hatch.
"Don't you know, Babe?... You're pregnant" He announced and my heart skipped a bit at the news. Then suddenly my sad heart became elated and tears started rolling down my eyes. I couldn't control it
I'm going to be a mother.
I put my hands on my belly, as tears rolled down my eyes while Dure put his hands on top of mine.
"Do you actually mean... That, I, Eleanora Andrews, will be a mother?" I asked Dure, looking at him, while he looked at my belly.
"Do you want to keep the baby, Nora?" He asked out of the blue.
"Of course, I want to keep it". I replied, my voice was already shaking and my heart was beating unnecessarily fast.
Dure looked at me and smiled. "Yes, Nora. We're going to be parents". He told me, even though I couldn't feel much excitement in his voice.
I got out of bed and walked to the dressing mirror. Pulling up my gown to view my belly, I now understand why my belly was getting a little big.
I had thought I was getting fat but knowing it's a baby that's in there and not fat is like an icy water poured to relive my burning and worried heart.
I looked at Dure through the mirror. His eyes was in no way pleasant to look at. That same cold and heartless look was shooting at me through the mirror.
"Dure?" I called, and his demeanor changed. It wasn't cold anymore, instead it was a fake smile, plastered on his face as he rose to his feet and walked towards me.
I turned around to look at him, holding his hands, I asked him, "Don't you want our baby to be born?"
"Of course, I do. Why would you even ask that?" He asked, dramatically holding his chest like I just broke his heart. I kept quiet. I didn't want us to break out in a fight and spoil this romantic atmosphere.
"Master, guests are arriving". Mary announced from the other side of the door.
"What guests?" I asked Dure. His hands slow dropped mine before looking at me again.
"I called a few family members to come celebrate your birthday with you. To celebrate this wonderful day with you". I smiled and nodded, my heart was no longer interested in what he was saying. It was his facial expression for me.
"Okay then. I'll ask Mary to come dress you up" He said, smiling before walking out of the room.
No kiss, no 'I love you, babe', No 'stay safe'.
What's going on? I couldn't help but think but dismissed it almost immediately. It must be one of my crazy mood swings again.
______________________✍️
Mary walked me down the stairs, my hair packed into a high ponytail, and my long gown sweeping the stairs as we both walked down the stairs. I wasn't allowed to wear heels for fear I might fall and hurt the baby.
Everyone was present, except Green, Duke Steve, Grandpa and his consort who's name I don't care to know.
Annabelle was present to my surprise, with her husband behind her. Duchess Leila was around. Aunty Ariana was around. Lilou, Shivaniqa and my mother-in-law was around. Justin was around to my surprise and Lucas too.
They all looked at me with wide smiles on their face all except from Dure. I tried to smile back at all of them.
Isn't it so ironic? Annabelle is beaming smiles at me but my husband's face is out cold.
Mary gave my hand to my husband who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs and he pulled me gently into himself.
"🎶🎶🎵 Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you, Princess. Happy birthday to you. We wish you long life. We wish you good health. Happy birthday to you, Eleanora. Happy birthday to you 🎶🎵". They all sang and I smiled at them all.
"Hip! Hip! Hip! Hurray" They all chorused and said in joy.
"Happy birthday, baby girl. You've been the strongest girl, I Know. Even though you aren't very polite but who are we to question your flaws when we all have ours" Duchess Leila joked and everyone laughed. I also laughed. I had almost forgotten my grudge with her.
"Let's keep the past behind us and be friends, Can we?" She said, stretching forth her hands for a hug.
I looked at Dure, we nudged me to go ahead. Even though I was reluctant, I hugged her. First of all, people were watching, and it wouldn't be nice to embarrass her. Two, I wasn't in the mood for any argument. My head's already occupied with problems of my own.
When she released me from her hug, she gave a gift to Mary and walked into the dining hall, allowing aunty Ariana to walk up to me. Pulling me into a bear hug, she whispered into my ears, "Happy birthday, baby girl. Take good care of our growing baby". She winked at me before walking away. I looked at Dure, confused as to how she knew about my pregnancy.
"The doctor announced your pregnancy in her presence". Dure replied when he saw how confused I was.
"Wow, You're pregnant?" I heard another masculine voice say. I turned to see the surprised face of Justin.
"Yes, Justin. I'm going to be a mother". I replied excitedly, wrapping my arms around him and hugging him.
"That's wonderful news, Nor. I'm so happy for you". He said into my ears and I smiled.
I didn't want him to see my worried face or he'll start asking questions. And I don't want him to think I'm not happy with my marriage.
He released me, then scanned me from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet.
"I'm so happy at how much you've grown. From a crazy teenage girl to a responsible wife and now a soon to be mother". Justin told me, beaming smiles at me before playfully patting my head. "I brought a gift along, I do hope you love it". He informed me.
"Let's catch up sometime, Justin". I told him and he smiled before walking away, allowing Annabelle to walk up to me.
"Happy birthday, Eleanora. I hope you become the old you once again because the new you sucks" she said, throwing a small gift to Mary before walking to the dinning hall with her husband.
I sighed. She should be grateful that I had better things to think about than how to reply a howling bitch. Shivaniqa walked straight to the dinning hall, avoiding the both of us.
We were about to walk into the dining hall and join the rest, when Tina walked into the mansion. Her stilletoes making noise as she walked in with her red gown dancing and swaying , a big white teddy resting on her hips, being held to place with her arm.
I couldn't help but smile when I saw Tina walk up to me with the big white teddy. When she finally got to where I was, she gave the teddy bear to me.
"Happy birthday, Nora. You're one of the best friends anyone could ever have and so I celebrate you on your day. More Joy, more patience and more love for the rest of your days on Earth". She said and I dumped the teddy on Dure and gave Tina a tight hug.
"Thank you, my friend. Thank you". I said to her, with gratefulness in my heart.
"Why don't we both join them, at the dinning hall, so the food wouldn't get could". We both heard Dure suggest and I couldn't agree more, walking to the hall, arm in arms, Tina and I walked confidently into the dinning hall.
We all joined them at the table. Dure sitting at the head of the table, while I sat at the other head of the table. Justin sat at my right, Tina sat on my left. Infact, seeing them, my worry temporarily disappeared.
"A toast to the celebrant and the unborn child she's carrying". Andrei Volkov said suddenly, raising a wine glass.
"You're pregnant, Nora?" Tina said, with surprise and shock clearly written on her face. I nodded and smiled at her, replying, "I just found out this morning too".
Everyone raised their wine glass including Tina and I.
"A toast to you, Eleanora. Peace, Joy, Happiness, goodness shall not depart from thy household". Said Justin as we all raised the glass in response to him. "Cheers".
No sooner had they all settled down to eat, did I excuse myself, so I could use the restroom.
I walked to the restroom at the back of the stairs which was an easier access instead of walking all the way upstairs just to use the restroom.
On getting to the restroom, after using the restroom and pressing the flush button, I looked at myself in the mirror. The ponytail, the dangling earrings, the necklace and all. I couldn't believe someone like me would soon become a mother. I placed my hand on my belly and whispered "I'm glad you're here, baby. I want you to know that mummy loves you".
After a while of looking at myself in the mirror, I finally decided to come out of the restroom. Annabelle was waiting for me outside the restroom. I decided to ignore her and walk away but then I heard her say, "What? You haven't thought of any silly comeback to make at me, or you just aren't in the mood?"
I sighed deeply before asking her, "What do you want, Annabella?"
"What do you mean by that?... it's obvious I came to see you". She stated it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I sighed and decided to walk away.
"I'll be in the country till my baby is born. My husband says flying isn't good for our baby" Annabelle said and I only rolled my eyes at her.
"And what do you want me to do with that information?" I asked her, turning around to look at her.
"I don't know. A devil that you know is better than the angel you don't know". She said to me.
" Annabella, if there's something you want to say, just say it. Alright?... Stop speaking in parables". I told her, frustrated at her merry-go-rounding. She looked at me for a while before uttering, "You've changed, Nora. I miss the old you".
"Should I be blessed by your comment?" I asked her, doing a fake shocked face.
It was obvious she had nothing to say. Instead of forcing a conversation, why don't we just continue to ignore ourselves?
"Whatever. Here's a picture I got by accident, Nora. I was thinking you'll need it more than me". She said as she threw a picture in the air and it fell back into my stretched out hand.
It was a picture of My husband, Tina and an unknown white woman, who looked more like an Irish woman.
"Where did you get this picture?" I asked her.
"From a photographer in Lokai" she replied non challantly.
"And what exactly do you want me to do with this?" I asked her.
"I don't know. I just gave it to you cause I thought you'll need it more than I ever will. This is me being nice, Nora. Appreciate it while it lasts". She replied, then walked forward before telling me, "I'll be leaving now. Be sure to have your baby, so my child will show your child that he's better than yours will ever be". She spat before walking out the door.
To be honest, this picture just dampened my mood. I wish someone would be willing to explain this picture for me.
______________________✍️
After Annabelle gave me the picture, I couldn't go back to the table to enjoy myself. I wasn't in the mood, so I sent Mary to the table, telling them all I was feeling unwell, while I went to my room to clear my head.
I sat right in front of an open window, the breeze rushing right into me as it flowed into the room.
I looked at the picture once again. Dure's smile looked so genuine here. Tina also looked genuine with the the Irish woman.
What if I was over thinking and there was no such thing between them?... I'm sure I was over thinking. I thought and consoled myself.
"I'll ask him about it". I said to myself looking at the picture once more.
"From a photographer in Lokai" I remember Annabelle's voice.
That means that they met in Lokai, but Dure never said anything about it. Could it be he forgot?
"There you are, Nora. I've been looking all over for you" I heard my husband voice say. I stood up from where I was sitting while he walked up to me, wrapping his hands around me.
"Happy birthday day, baby girl". He whispered into my ear, before kissing me on the cheek. Then he turned me around, so that my back could rest on his chest as we both viewed the beautiful garden.
"What of our guests?" I asked him.
"They've all gone home. Justin said I should take special care of you on his behalf. Then Annabelle left with her husband after going to the restroom. Duchess Leila also followed her faulty daughter"
I laughed when he said 'faulty daughter'.
"What about Tina?" I asked, between chuckles. He was silent for a while before replying, "She's fine. She also left with Justin".
After a while of little silence, he asked me "Why did you suddenly leave the little party organized for you?" He asked me.
"I don't know. I just suddenly felt moody, I guess".
"You do know you can tell me what's on your mind, right?" He said it more like an assurance.
I looked at the picture before deciding in my heart to ask him about it. I want to trust him and confront him, so he could clear all misunderstandings in my heart.
"My love..." I trailed off, my heart beating faster than usual, for I was a little scared of what will come out of his mouth, though.
"Yes?" He replied me, a little anxious of what I wanted to say.
"Do you mind explaining this picture?... Annabelle gave this to me". I asked him as I give him the picture.
His demeanor changed. As he looked at the picture, he was slowly squeezing it. "This was when Tina and I met at Lokai. Why are you asking?" He said in an angry tone.
"Nothing". I replied him, totally dismissing the idea. He looked at me, shooting cold glares at me, squeezing the picture, he walked out of the room.
Somehow, I've been feeling emotionally down without understanding why. Maybe it's because I don't really have someone to share my mind with. Someone to talk to. Someone to explain to me why marriage isn't as beautifully rosy as I thought it would be. Dure's cold stares and sometimes the look of hate he gives me, No one to explain why it's so.
Sometimes, I feel so deserted and alone. I wear toe-pinching heels and smile at the world because I knew that nobody really cares where the shoe is pinching me, all they care about is the beautiful heels on the smiling Princess and how she got her beautiful shoes.
Same for my marriage. As a child, I imagined a marriage where my husband loved me genuinely and pampered me. Yes, Dure Pampers me. But what about the secrets that I dare not ask about.
I'm no fool. I know he keeps secrets from me. Secrets that I dare not look for fear of contaminating my eyes. But even with that, I tried my best to be supportive. Support him regardless. Even his dreams that I don't understand, I support it regardless.
Not a woman to tell this too. That my husband can sometimes be so domineering and possessive. Not Aunty Ariana, for she also has her own emotional problems. She still hasn't gotten over the painful breakup she had with her husband.
Not Nanny, for she warned me already. Not Green, my brother, for he also warned me. He told me he hated Dure but didn't tell me his reasons. Not even Tashie, for she thinks I have a perfect marriage with Dure.
The only person I could have opened up to, was grandma.
If grandma were here, I'd have at least someone to speak out too. An emotional backup, someone who's willing to go to any extent for me.
I miss grandma. I miss her now, more than ever.
If she were here, she'd tell me that everything will be alright and even make sure that she leaves only when my nightmares were gone.
Her death was like bringing down the mighty wall that protected the city so the enemies could have an easy access to destroy the city.
A lady who waits for a knight in shining armor to protect her especially in time of trouble, is a fool who sleeps at home in time of harvest and asks his friends at the farm to bring his own harvest home.
💝💝💝💝💝💝💝
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ɴᴇᴡ ʏᴇᴀʀ, ɢᴜʏꜱ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ʟᴏᴠᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴛᴀʏɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴜꜱ ꜰᴀʀ. ɪ ᴡɪꜱʜ ᴜꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ᴏꜰ 2022. ʜᴇʀᴇ'ꜱ ᴀɴ ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ɢɪꜰᴛ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖