Adeline's Ροv
“Everyone wants atleast one girl because there's already too many boys in our family. But Altas, Julian, Valerie and Kaito are team boys.”
“It would be so cute to see a smaller version of you.” Reign chuckled.
“I hope they do look like me.” I mumbled.
I've tried my hardest to accept the reality that there's a huge chance for my babies to be born with their sperm donor's features. But I still wish they won't.
I don't want them to be a reminder of what happened.
I want them to blend with my family, look like us and grow up as Storms. I didn't want them to have a single relation to that excuse of a man —neither with features nor traits.
Reign simply nodded, deciding to remain silent on the topic. I appreciate he didn't dig into why I don't want my children to look like my supposed boyfriend.
“Which team are you on?” He asked, helping me put on my scarf.
I don't know if it's because of pregnancy but I've been feeling hot one day and cold the other. My body is always either overheating or becoming cold as ice.
Even the hot weather of Texas was making my neck freeze so I had put on a small scarf which Reign complimented me on saying it looks pretty on me. It's so sweet when he does that with a cute smile.
“Girls. Both of them.”
I’m trying not to overthink this and be okay with whichever gender I get but I really want girls. For some reason having girls of his looks didn't feel too bad but boys…
They're my kids every way and I'll accept them as they are. But if I could choose, I'll beg for girls.
“You?” I asked him.
I shouldn't have asked that. He must not have any opinion on the gender of my baby. He probably doesn't even think of anyone beyond himself, his father and sometimes me.
“I want a girl. But one boy would be good to have because they're always easier to make heirs.”
My head snaps to him and I scowl. “My kids won't be joining the-” I lean towards him and lower my voice. “Dad's Mafia.”
Even if I can't bring myself to be as excited for a baby boy, I won't ever let anyone make him join the Mafia. He won't see this side of the world. I'll protect him at all costs.
“Um ya of course.”
We start walking towards the exit when I subtly bring up the topic. “Did I tell you I'm hosting the gender reveal tomorrow.”
“I didn't realize they've grown enough to identify the gender.”
They have grown enough. Valerie said they were around the size of a sweet potato. I could’ve found out the gender on the last visit but I declined. I just didn't have the courage to find out. I was scared my fear would come true so I decided to take some time.
But I will have to know one day. In comparison with the delivery day, tomorrow sounds better. Atleast I could compose myself and accept the truth by the time he’s in my arms.
Reign was eyeing my stomach to figure out if his eyes weren't working or if my bump was really not visible. I looked around to make sure no one was near and placed my hand on the hem of my hoodie, tucking it down to show him my bump.
“That's cute.” He said without thinking.
I removed my hand and looked at him trying to figure out what to make of his words. When his eyes came up to my face, he instantly changed the meaning of the sentence.
“You’re misunderstanding. I just meant like… you get it right? Like friends compliment each other…” He bit his lip in nervousness.
“Thanks then…” I said awkwardly.
“How many months left?” I was grateful he changed the subject to save both of us.
“I’m twenty weeks so around-” He cuts me off.
“Twenty? It's barely showing! Is this normal? I swear I don't trust that woman Valerie. Just because she's his girlfriend your brother can't force you to keep her as your doctor. She’s a trauma surgeon for God’s sake. I don't get why Lucius doesn't understand the seriousness of this. I knew I had to jump in myself. But don't worry everything's gonna be fine, I'm here and I'll sort it out. We have hospitals of our own, I'll get you the best gynecologist in the whole North America. Just trust me on this.”
I looked at him dumbfounded by his monologue. I didn't know he thought so much about my pregnancy and doctors. I thought he would slowly get disinterested in me after finding out my secret.
“First of all,” I said, trying to be patient with the oblivious kid. “Not everyone has a huge belly by twenty weeks. My babies are growing perfectly fine and that's all that matters.”
“Second of all, Valerie did bring in a senior gynecologist but she handles the basic stuff herself because I'm more comfortable with her and my family obviously trust her more than anyone else.”
“Lastly, everything is already sorted. I'm fine and you really don't need to get me new doctors or anything else.”
“But… still… no you're right. I just overthink sometimes.” He said rubbing the back of his head.
“It's okay, I don't mind.”
I decided to bring up the previous topic again. “It's just us, Kaito, Valerie, Sasha, Josh and George. All family. I’m not calling anyone else.”
“Oh. That’s good… I guess.”
I should probably get to the point and stop beating around the bush. But I'm nervous. I've never done this before. And he’s certainly not helping the conversation.
“I didn't even want to celebrate, we could’ve just read the card and obviously ate cake —I'm obsessed with red velvet and double chocolate.” I was telling him all the useless stuff and only excluding what was necessary to say. “But since everyone wanted to make an occasion of it, I agreed. It would be good to have a change in my boring life, not all events have to be downplayed.”
“I agree. I love grand celebrations. You’ve seen the Astor Gala, our family has a thing for making everything —from birthdays to business anniversaries— huge and I love that logic.”
“It's not a huge celebration. It's just a small intimate sort of gathering.” I mumbled disheartened by his words.
It was a bad idea. Why did I even think of inviting him? Not even he has no interest in my kids, he doesn't even like going to the type of party I'm throwing.
He halted and so did I. “What happened?” He must've seen the sadness on my face.
“I was just wondering if you wanted to… maybe join us…” I asked hesitantly.
“You're inviting me to your celebration?” He asked, shocked. His eyes dilated as he leaned towards me in excitement. “It’s like your private event, right? You don't want anyone outside of your family to be there but you chose me to invite?”
I was taken aback by his enthusiastic reaction. “Um yes…”
It's been two weeks since he joined the classes again and he’s been nothing but sweet to me. I genuinely feel like he's trying to be a better person for me. And he’s the only friend I have so there was no way I wasn't gonna invite him.
“You want me to be there when you find out one of the most important things of your life?” He asked with a huge smile on his face.
“Um… are you coming?” I wanted a clear answer.
“Hell ya. If I could, I'd camp outside your house till tomorrow.” He smirked.
I giggled at how adorable he can be sometimes. “You don't need to do that. Just be on time.” Because some of my brothers already hate your existence so don't give them more reasons.
Only the oldest two didn't try to change my decision. The rest were adamant on convincing me why I shouldn't be friends with such an arrogant guy who always puts himself first.
“I’m never late, princess.” He says smugly. “I was even born a month earlier.”
“You're silly.” I chuckled.
“Only with you.” He said and I obviously blushed at that.
When we both heard a throat clearing, we turned to the owner of the sound. I cursed my fate when I saw Cyrus standing there with his arms crossed.
“Hasn’t it been like,” He turned his wrist to look at his watch. “Twenty minutes since your class ended.” His gaze shifted between Reign and I with an unasked question.
“I had to pack my bag and then walk all the way down here.” I didn't mention that we always take stops between the small journey. “It's difficult for a pregnant lady to do all that.” I pouted.
“Is that so?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.
“You think I would lie?” I asked innocently.
“I've been here for the past thirty-five minutes. If you two want to talk atleast tell me so I can come a little late next time.” He sighed.
“That's a great idea.” Reign said immediately. “Come an hour later next time. An hour would be sufficient, right Addy?” Gosh why would he say that?
Cyrus scowled. “You're supposed to say we're sorry, we won't be late next time.”
“I won't let such a great offer slide.” Reign shrugged.
Cyrus ignored his words and forwarded his hand to him. “Bag.”
Reign was carrying my bag again. He's started doing that since he found out I was pregnant. He didn't give any reason and each day simply grabbed it before I could.
I don't hate the idea of it. It makes me feel good that he cares for me. And that we're adjusting to this new dynamic in our friendship.
I was worried about his hatred for me but he isn't bothered by my pregnancy. He’s supportive and that's exactly what I'd want from a friend.
Reign hands it to him and Cyrus turns towards me. “C'mon let's go.”
I mumbled a quick ‘bye’ to Reign and started following my brother. But Reign wasn't done here and followed behind us going to Cyrus’ side to speak with him.
“You know you've always been the most tolerable brother among the Storms.” Is he trying to get on his good side? “I kind of like you.”
“I have a fiance.” Cyrus said, showing the ring on his finger.
“You know very well I didn't mean that.” Reign said irritatedly then turned to me. “Your family's never gonna like me no matter what I do.” Saying that he left.
Cyrus scoffed. “What’s his problem?”
“He’s a bit sensitive to jokes he doesn't like.” I explained.
“He’s old enough to know the world doesn't work according to him. If he can't take a simple joke then the future isn't looking good for him.”
“He’s trying, okay.” I said, offended. “If it was the old him, he would've definitely said something he shouldn't have but now he just walked away.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Are you defending him?”
My cheeks heat up and I hope the red isn't showing through. “I'm just saying it's his first time doing this, be kind. He was trying to impress you. You know he never expresses his fondness for anyone.”
“Why does he want to impress me?” I felt like he knew the answer but wanted to hear it from me.
“I don't know.” I said instantly. “Maybe he wants to be your friend.”
“Or maybe because I'm your brother.” Cyrus stated.
Thankfully we were already by the car and I impatiently tugged at the door handle. “Open it!”
He opened the door and I slipped inside. “I'm tired. I just wanna go home, eat something then take a long nap before dinner.” I changed the subject and the conversation flowed smoothly from there.
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2 girls, 2 boys or 1 of each? What do you think?