[05] Pregnancy Revelation

"You’re going to kill me with worry, Claire! You almost fell on the floor earlier! Aren’t you being careful? You know you’re pregnant!"

I sighed at Bea’s scolding. I had already returned to my unit because she immediately picked me up from the lobby.

Turns out, she had told the staff not to let me out, so I couldn’t escape—plus, Zekiel was just in the other room. I was okay now because I’d already seen him. Even though our reunion wasn’t perfect, at least it was something. Hehe.

"Are you even listening to me, Claire?"

Her words snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at her and flashed the sweetest smile I could muster.

"You’re so stubborn, Claire. Goodness, what am I going to do with you?" she said, pacing back and forth in front of me like she was deeply troubled.

"Don’t stress yourself, Bea. You’re pregnant too," I told her, making her glare at me.

"Then don’t do anything stupid!" she shot back, shutting me up. She was right—all I ever did was act reckless. I just couldn’t help it.

"That’s it! You’re going back to the Philippines! You’ve already been here for a month. Just go home." I looked at her in surprise.

"But I still have five days left here!" I whined, but she just shook her head.

"I might have a miscarriage in those five days! Thank God it was Kiel who caught you. If he hadn’t, your baby could’ve been gone."

Her blunt words silenced me. She was right—if Zekiel hadn’t caught me, I might’ve been bleeding by now. My eyes started to well up. I had finally seen Zekiel, yet I almost got myself into danger again.

"Oh, Claire…" Bea sat beside me, and the tears I’d been holding back finally spilled over. I started crying.

Bea hugged me, trying to calm me down.

"Shhh, it’s okay. I’m sorry for yelling at you—you’re just so reckless. Please, Claire, don’t do anything that could endanger your baby. What if I wasn’t there? You’re going home now. Mom and your mother need to know you’re pregnant. Who knows what you’ll do next?"

I didn’t argue because she was right. I couldn’t help but act childish while pregnant, always causing trouble.

For the past few days, I’d been pestering her—either making her search for more pictures of Zekiel or asking her to cook adobo with ketchup.

"You’re leaving tonight, so start packing, Claire," she said once I’d calmed down. She was about to leave when I grabbed her hand. She looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

I grinned at her, making her grimace.

"I don’t like that smile," she said flatly.

"I’ll leave, but only if you take tons of pictures of Zekiel for me! Right now! I know he’s at your place!" I said excitedly, making her shake her head.

"I knew there was a catch. Tsk. Fine, just for you. Now go get ready. I’ll book your flight."

I nodded eagerly and headed to my room, humming happily. I was going to have so many pictures of Zekiel!

When I opened my bedroom door, I was greeted by countless photos of him.

I smiled and started collecting them one by one—I’d take them home with me. I wondered how Mom and Nanay would react when they found out I was pregnant. I hoped they wouldn’t be too mad, especially since I’d been gone for a whole month.

---

"Okay, I’ve sent the pictures we agreed on to your email. Be thankful those two were busy talking, so I got some good shots."

I squealed and immediately hugged her. We were now at the airport because she had come to see me off. Dylan wasn’t here since he was with Zekiel.

"Kyahhh, thank you, Bea! You’re the best!" I even clapped in front of her, making her grimace before nodding.

"Alright, they’re calling your flight now. Who do you want to tell your mom and aunt about the baby? Me or you? I already told them you’re coming home."

My smile faded, and I sighed.

"I’ll do it, Bea," I said before hugging her again. "Thank you so much, Bea. You’ve been such a huge help. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you." She nodded and pulled away from the hug.

"Don’t mention it. Go now, or you’ll miss your flight. Take care, okay? We’ll be home soon—wait for me." I nodded and walked away, waving at her one last time.

---

-HOURS LATER-

I stretched as soon as I got off the plane—the flight had been so long. I left Paris at night and arrived in the Philippines at night. Impressive.

I quickly found a taxi and got in.

After nearly an hour of traffic, I finally reached our house. I went straight inside and was shocked to see decorations everywhere.

"Welcome back, Claire!"

Mom and Nanay greeted me in unison. I couldn’t hold back my tears, and they immediately streamed down my face. Their happy expressions turned to concern as they rushed to me.

"Claire, what’s wrong? Did something happen? Did something happen in Paris?"

They guided me to the sofa, but I shook my head.

"No, I’m just… really happy. I missed both of you so much! I was gone for so long—I’m sorry," I said, still crying.

"Oh, Claire, it’s fine. We knew it was for your dreams," Nanay said with a smile, but I shook my head again.

"No, Nay… I lied to both of you," I admitted, making them freeze.

"What do you mean you lied, Claire? You’re making me nervous," Mom said, so I looked at her.

I took a deep breath before speaking, seeing the confusion on her face.

"Mom… I’m pregnant." She went still. I turned to Nanay, who also looked stunned.

"Nay… I’m pregnant. I found out the day I left. That’s why I asked Bea if I could stay in Paris—so you wouldn’t notice. But being pregnant is hard… I almost fell while I was there. My baby could’ve been in danger."

I couldn’t stop myself from breaking down, finally revealing everything to them.