Throwing 1
“How is everything? Is everything settled?”
Daphne took a moment to sip the tea in front of her, then directed the question to Yocelyn, the head servant who had been busy since the news of Elice’s pregnancy spread.
“Everything is taken care of, madam,” Yocelyn replied, nodding confidently. “I’ve taken care of the invitations and the hotel. Everything is taken care of. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Daphne took a long breath. She set the teacup back on its coaster. Yocelyn’s answer was what she had expected. But it took more than that to bring a smile to her face.
“What about Elice’s dress? Is it ready?”
Yocelyn nodded again. “Yes, madam.”
“Good. You may leave.”
Left alone in her room, Daphne reached for the tablet again. Thanks to Elice’s pregnancy, it seemed that Daphne would not be separated from this communication device. To see various things related to the baby.
Daphne smiled. Seeing the variety of baby items made her feel happy. So much so that she didn’t realize she had spent a lot of time.
That afternoon, during lunch, Daphne found Elice already sitting at the table with them. Her face looked brighter than before.
“Are you feeling better now?”
Elice smiled and nodded. “Yes, Nana. My body doesn’t feel as weak as it did yesterday.”
“Thank God for that. The first pregnancy is always hard. If you feel anything, don’t keep it to yourself. Remember that?”
“Yes, Nana.”
Elice blinked. Unconsciously, her face lowered. Thanks to Daphne’s words, she was reminded of her previous pregnancy.
In some people’s eyes, this wasn’t Elice’s first pregnancy. But this was the reality.
“Elice?”
Daphne’s voice rang out again. It snapped Elice’s consciousness, which had been lost in thought for a few seconds.
“Why are you silent?” Daphne asked, glancing at her granddaughter-in-law’s plate. “Is today’s food not to your liking? Tell Yocelyn. What would you like to eat?”
Elice shook her head quickly. “No, Nana. It’s delicious.”
Garrett looked at Elice. He noticed that his wife had resumed her lunch. Without asking, but apparently Garrett could guess what had been on Elice’s mind earlier.
“Are you okay?”
After lunch was over, Garrett hugged Elice. Just as his wife appeared at the window, lost in thought. Looking into the distance.
Feeling Garrett’s embrace envelop her from behind, Elice let out a long breath. A faint smile appeared on her face.
“I’m fine,” Elice replied. “I just worry sometimes. Can I take care of our child?”
For reasons Garrett understood, it was natural for Elice to be worried. But like a husband made to understand his wife, Garrett didn’t answer the question. Instead, he simply planted a kiss on the top of Elice’s head. And all worries vanished.
Elice knew. Circumstances were different. And here was Garrett with her.
Of course, it wasn’t just Garrett who was there for her. There was a family that really supported her. A family that really cared about her. It made Elice think that the pregnancy brought some new routines for her. For example, in the evening. After dinner, Elice would get together with Daphne and Norah. They would talk about the pregnancy, and it felt really joyful.
“I have ordered some baby things. They should be here in about two days.”
“That fast, Nana?”
Daphne showed Elice her tablet. “Look at this. How could we miss it? It’s a limited edition, Elice.”
The tablet changed hands. Elice looked at the images Daphne showed her. Consciously or not, her smile immediately broadened.
“Do you like it?” Daphne asked, guessing. Not really needing an answer, she could tell from Elice’s expression.
Elice nodded. Her fingertip caressed the screen as if she could touch the images. Slowly, her lips curved into a smile.
“It’s so beautiful, Nana.”Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
“I thought you’d like it.”
There was a hint of pride in Daphne’s tone. She seemed pleased that Elice liked her choice. And that wasn’t all; Daphne showed Elice something else. Together with Norah, the three of them looked so close and warm.
“This house hasn’t been filled with a baby’s cry for a long time. And the wait will soon be over. Ah, I am really happy.”
Norah smiled. Although she seemed calmer about Elice’s pregnancy, she felt the same way. It was her first grandchild.
“I have arranged a party to announce your pregnancy, Elice,” Daphne continued. “Next week. So, I hope you’ll take care of your health.” Then she turned to Norah. “Make sure Elice gets plenty of rest and doesn’t skip her meals.”
“Of course, Mom. I’ll take care of her.”
“In that case, I feel better now.”
Daphne nodded once and took a long breath. She looked relaxed and relieved. She rested one hand on the arm of the sofa and leaned back.
There seemed to be something in Daphne’s words that made Norah furrow her brow.
“I’m going to Crestdale tomorrow. Probably for about two days,” Daphne said, addressing Norah’s curious expression. “So, I want you to take care of Elice as best you can, Norah.”
“Oh.”
Norah glanced at Elice for a moment. From the look in her daughter-in-law’s eyes, Norah knew that Elice was also unaware of Daphne’s plan to leave.
“I didn’t know you’re going to Crestdale. Quite suddenly.”
Daphne shook her head at Elice. “Not sudden. Actually, I planned it a few days ago. There’s something I have to take care of.”
“Is it important?”
For a moment, Daphne seemed taken aback. Her smile disappeared for a moment. But a moment later she shook her head and her smile returned.
“It’s nothing important. I just want to take care of some overdue business.”
*