As I was leaving her room, I felt a bit relaxed because she was asleep. It would also be good for our baby if she takes a rest. I went downstairs and was about to leave but Mrs. Grace didn’t allow me. As gratitude, she invited me to have dinner with them. She thanked me several times because of saving Cassandra as she owed a lot to me. I said that I did that only for the sake of our baby. I wanted to leave, but she persuaded me to stay because she was afraid that what had happened to Cassandra would repeat. She said it would be much safer if I took care of her daughter as she was pregnant. But then I assured Mrs. Grace that if something happened just call me so I could assist.
“I’ll go with her for tomorrow’s check-up. Nothing to be worried about Mrs. Grace.” I said and decided to leave.
The next day I accompanied Cassandra for her check-up. The doctor said Cassandra's pregnancy is difficult, so she needs to be taken care of, especially as she goes through stress. It will not be good for the baby. Right after her check-up, I took her to their home so she could rest and drive myself to the market to buy vegetables, fruits, and other necessary things for her.
That's what being a father feels like. It's not easy but it's there. Maybe I just really need to accept it completely. Sometimes I still don't understand if this is my life. Am I really ready for it?
I just handed over the ones I bought and didn't bother to go inside. I was also in a hurry because Lester invited me to his girlfriend's anniversary celebration. I was just curious what it was for because it was a celebration of their relationship and not a friends reunion. He just seemed to want to be a part of the surprise. He said Louisa was also invited so we were complete. He said he knew I wouldn't come without her.
I was shaken by what he said so instead of going home, I turned in my direction. The celebration will begin later tonight but it would be preferable if I was already there. I didn't want to get home either. It was exactly 1 pm when I finally arrived at Lester’s home. I parked my car outside and walked inside. The gate has been opened. The noise is also inside due to the loud music. I went directly to the backyard where they were all there and busy arranging the decorations, lights, and table.
“Woah! Woah! Guess who’s here!” Lester came close to me, giving me the bottle of beer, and tossed it.
My other friends also approached me to greet me. I roamed around my eyes and Lester seemed to notice it.
“She’s inside with Chloe,” Lester said and bumped my shoulder.
"Congrats. Good for you, your girlfriend put up with you for 6 years." I chuckled.
“That’s the magic of Love dude. Don’t get jealous next time we're gonna celebrate your wedding. ” I shook my head and he left in front of me.
I took another bottle of beer with my friends as we talked a lot about his life. Some of them seem to be busy with business, career, and such. Until I became the center of their conversation again.
"How about you Xy, Still don't have a girlfriend?" Jasper walked over my shoulder.
“Well, I’m not interested though.”
“Wow, you're not interested, are you? ” What about her? ” Suddenly, his gaze was drawn to Louisa.
“This friend of ours is a moron. After a few years of catching a glimpse, no action is taken. Dude! It's difficult to stay ahead of the competition. Being slow is no longer fashionable. If you want the woman, you must pursue her. How long have you known each other? ” I was blown away and just drank the beer I was holding.
“Insane! We’re both fine. You are malicious. ” I said, pretending that his words didn’t stab on me.
Time is running out and the sun seems to be setting as well. Everything is organized for Lester's surprise with his girlfriend. I already had five bottles of beer before the celebration started. I still haven't approached Louisa, maybe she's inside again so I went in there on purpose just to get water even though I'm not thirsty. She was there with the other women and they were laughing so I walked straight to the dining area as if they didn’t notice me so I went on. I took a glass of water, but I didn't drink it, so I threw it in the sink. I was surprised when someone spoke behind me.
“Doesn’t the water taste good?” Louisa faked her cough and spoke.
“Yep. I'm not thirsty. I just thought. Have you been here a while ago? ”
“I saw you pass by earlier so I followed you here. Let's go out?"
Louisa and I went out and talked a little. I didn't tell her what happened to Cassandra because it was not her thing. Besides, it seems to me that I feel like I could hurt her every time I mentioned Cassandra’s name and our child even though I was the only one who thinks of that.
We stopped talking when Lester said that the one he was going to surprise was coming soon. So we positioned ourselves on the side to circle its path. In just a few minutes, the long-awaited arrival arrived. Lester met his girl immediately at the gate. Her eyes were covered in a scarf. Lester holds her carefully. I looked at Louisa's side. My mind asked, seemingly out of nowhere, "When?" Louisa gave me a little glance too.
Lester's girlfriend was overjoyed when she removed the handkerchief from her eyes. She was crying as Lester knelt in front of her while holding the box with only the diamond ring. We were all surprised because we thought the little occasion was a proposal. I noticed Louisa was crying too. Maybe if I wasn’t just stuck in the situation I was in, I'd propose to her like that but of course, it would be more special. I want to see her crying with so much joy.
The real celebration has already begun after Lester’s proposal. Of course, I congratulate him. They all started eating and drinking. There was so much noise and I could hardly hear my voice. Two hours passed and almost all of my friends were tipsy. I think Louisa is drunk too. She just sat quietly on the couch holding the glass of champagne. It looks like what time she will fall so I put down the glass I am holding to approach her. I offered my hand to her as the music played. I feel like I want her to dance under the moon.
She looked at me in surprise so I took the champagne in her hand and assisted her to stand up in the middle. She was already drunk. I put her hands on my shoulders and my hand was on her waist. Her eyes were already drowsy as I parted her hair. I stared at her intently and cupped her cheek. I could no longer stop myself so I stole a kiss from her. Nothing changes in her reaction. Drowsy and still looking tired. I kissed her once more. This time she responded. We kissed passionately as the fireworks continued to spark.
That night was the first time I kissed Louisa as I wasn't sure if she could still remember it. Right after she leaned on my shoulder and fell asleep.