I look at myself in the mirror and can't help but notice my growing stomach. It's not much bigger, but I can see the difference.
I know that's a sign that my baby's growing, which is a good thing, but all I see is fat.
I touch my stomach one more time then put my dress on. It goes to the floor and is loose around my stomach but proofs out a bit.
After my nice, long morning bath, all I want to do is relax.
I take the flower clip that was holding my hair up out then leave the bathroom.
Maxon's sitting at his desk looking through a folder.
I go over and hug him from behind. He puts the folder down then pulls me sideways onto his lap. He kisses my cheek softly. I lay my head on his shoulder.
"Someone's looking beautiful," he tells me.
I blush and hug him tight.
Beautiful? More like fat.
"Are you alright?" he asks when I don't let go.
"Yeah," I reply.
"Are you sure?"
He makes me move back to look at him and looks at me worried.
Great. He's already stressed out all the time and I just have to make it worse. Now he's worried and it's all my fault. I'm so awful.
I cover my face and start crying.
"America? What's wrong?" Maxon panics.
"I'm stressing you out," I explain.
"No you're not."
"Yes I am. You looked at me like you're worried. That means I'm stressing you out."
"No darling. I just want to make sure you're ok."
I sniffle.
"And if you're not I'll always do my best to fix that."
"Thank you Maxon," I say while wiping my face.
"So what's wrong?"
"I gained weight."
"You did?"
"Yeah."
"I can't tell."
"It's so obvious."
"Then how come I, your husband, can't tell?"
"Because the dress hides it."
"So what? It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does. I look awful."
"America. You're fine. And you're pregnant.
"So?"
"You're bound to show eventually."
"But still."
"The baby has to grow."
"I guess you're right," I give in.
"You're the most beautiful, amazing girl I've ever met. You're absolutely perfect dear. There's no need to worry about a little weight gain."
I hug him. He holds me and rubs my back.
"It's ok. Don't be upset," he comforts.
"I'm not anymore," I say.
"I'm glad. I don't like it when you're upset. I just want you to be happy."
"I love you."
"I love you too America."
I stay in his arms until a guard knocks on the door.
"Come in," he instructs.
I stand up as the guard comes in. He bows.
"The guests are here sir," he informs.
Guests?
I look at Maxon confused. He just smiles and gets up.
"We better get going. We don't want to keep them waiting," Maxon says
"Who is it?" I ask.
He just smirks.
"Fine, fine. I'll wait and see."
I take his arm and he leads me to the living area.
My mother is there with May on the couch.
I smile big.
"Mom! May!" I yell from the doorway with excitement.
My mom smiles at me.
"America!" May squeals, just as excited as I am.
I rush over and hug her.
May's now 24. She's been doing a lot of art work. Designing clothes, making paintings, drawings, and a few more creative things I would've never been capable of doing the way she does. May still hasn't been with a boyfriend for a long period of time. Hopefully that changes soon.
It's crazy to think how much our lives have changed over the years.
"What are you guys doing here?" I ask.
"Maxon asked for us to come," May replies.
I look at Maxon who smiles and walks over.
"Thank you for inviting us," my mom says.
"You guys are welcome to come over anytime you'd like," Maxon replies.
"That's very kind."
"It's so beautiful here," May comments.
"Isn't it?" I agree.
We sit together on the couch. Maxon's on the other side of me. My mom's in a chair.
"How are you doing mom?" I ask.
"Good. My knee is still hurting a bit but stuff like that comes with old age," she jokes.
My mom's knee started really bugging her a few months ago. The doctor told her she'll need to have surgery if it doesn't get better, which it isn't.
"Make sure you're careful if it still hurts."
"I am."
"Good. How about you May? Anything new?"
"Not really," she shrugs.
"How about you two?" my mom asks.
We look at each other and smile.
"What?" she asks.
"We have a surprise," I tell them.
"Are you pregnant?" May asks.
"How'd you know?" I ask disappointed.
"I don't know. Just kinda guessed."
I sigh and look down. Maxon puts his arm around me.
"Don't be upset," he says.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," I say, my voice cracking.
"I'm surprised," my mom says.
She comes over and hugs me. I hug her back and silently cry, a sniffle breaking the silence every now and then.
"I'm sorry America. I didn't mean to ruin it," May apologizes.
"You didn't ruin it May. She's just having a rough day," Maxon says.
"Did something happen?" my mom asks.
"No. I think she's just tired," he says.
My mom nods.
I let go of her and wipe my face.
"Where are the kids?" my mom asks.
"They should be in their rooms," Maxon says.
"I'll have to see them before I leave."
"I'll go get them."
He kisses my cheek then gets up and goes.
"I'm really sorry America," May apologizes again.
"Don't be. At least you guys know now," I say.
Maxon comes back in with the kids. A few maids follow him in with trays of food and drink.
My mouth immediately waters, and I scold myself.
Eadlyn and Ahren rush over to their grandma. Kaden goes over to them sleepily with his blanket.
The maids put the trays of pastries, fruit, cookies, cubed cheese with pepperoni, and tea on the coffee table.
Maxon sits by me as they curtsy and leave.
Everyone starts eating but me.
My mouth keeps watering, but I stop myself from having anything but tea.
The kids talk to their grandma as they eat.
Maxon looks at me.
"What?" I ask.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"I'm not hungry," I tell him.
"That's not even close to the truth."
I don't say anything.
"You need to eat," he insists.
I sigh and grab a piece of fruit.
If he's going to force me to eat, might as well eat healthy. There no point in fighting him anyway.
"So how far along are you America?" May asks.
"Three months," I reply, eating more fruit.
"Do you guys know the gender?"
"No not yet. We'll find out soon though."
"You'll have to tell us when you know."
"We will."
"Maybe we can have a reveal party," Maxon suggests.
"That's a good idea," I agree.
Kaden comes over to me pouting.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
He holds his arms up. I pick him up and hug him.
"You ok?" I question.
He nods.
I grab him a cookie and he nibbles on it. I grab myself two.
"Where's Gerad?" I ask my mom.
"He's at soccer practice. He made that team he tried out for," she explains.
"He did? That's great."
"I know. I'm so proud of him. He's worked so hard."
"He has. He loves soccer too. I'm glad he gets to do something he loves."
Ahren comes over to me.
"Can we watch a movie mom?" he asks.
"Sure," I say.
I start to stand up but Maxon stops me.
"I can do it darling. You relax," he insists.
"Thanks."
He puts a movie in for the kids.
We all talk a bit longer.
They leave before dinner.
I start to go to our bed but Maxon grabs my arm.
I look at him.
"What?" I ask.
"Were you stopping yourself from eating earlier?"
"No."
"Don't lie."
"I feel fat Maxon."
"I know you do. You're not. But you can't not eat. You have to eat for the baby. You need to stay healthy."
I didn't really think about that. I could've really hurt my baby if I didn't eat.
I start crying.
He hugs me. I hug him back.
"I'm sorry," I cry.
"Don't be America. There's no need to be sorry or upset. It's ok."
"I feel really gross."
"You're not."
I sniffle. He rubs my back and holds me close. His lips are at my ear.
"Darling you're perfect," he tells me softly.
Once I calm down he brings me to the bed.
I lay down. He lays next to me.
"Get some rest ok?"
I nod.
He kisses my fore head then turns the light off.
He hugs me close.
I try to stay up but immediately fall asleep.