Page 41 of Alpha Awakening
“Yes please.”
Ann made room for Natalie, who pulled the chair closer to the bed. When those tiny heartbeats filled the room, all of Niev’s worries were taken away. Nothing but their little song mattered. Niev looked up to Ann and saw that her eyes were filled with tears. When she noticed Niev looking at her, she smiled.
“I’ve never heard one before.”
Niev could hear a hunch of sadness in her voice but didn’t want to question her further with Natalie around.
They listened for a few more moments before Niev smiled at Natalie. “Thank you.”
“How are you feeling other than that?”
“Better, just a little shaken. I don’t even feel physically drained, just mentally.”
“I understand. I always trust the mother’s judgment, so if you feel ready to get back on your feet feel free to do so. Your babies sound healthy, and you haven’t bled so I believe you’re fine. Listen to your body. I assume you’ve always been an active woman, so as long as you’re not in pain, bleeding, or feel sick there’s no cause for concern.”
“Thank you.”
“If there is anything else I can help you with feel free to call for me.”
“I will.”
Ann walked Natalie out and Niev carefully got up. Her body didn’t feel weak anymore nor did she feel as if she needed more rest. She actually felt a little restless. She stood up and followed the others to the living room and kitchen. Ann was in the kitchen while Natalie walked out, pulling the door shut behind her.
“How about a snack while we wait on our men to come back for dinner?”
Niev studied Ann closely. She was a little bubblier than normal, almost as if she was trying to overcompensate for something. “Did something happen?”
Ann turned around and sighed. “I didn’t mean to tear up. I just never heard a baby’s heartbeat and…” Her voice broke and tears filled her eyes again.
Niev rushed to her and pulled her into a hug.
“I was just taken by surprise. Then it felt like someone punched my stomach. Kareem and I have wanted children from the start, but…”
Ann’s tears dripped onto Niev’s shoulder, hot and wet as they stained her dress.
“I’m so sorry, Niev.”
“There is nothing to apologize for. I just wish I’d known. You didn’t have to hide this from me.” Niev gently ran her fingers up and down Ann’s spine, trying to soothe her.
“I didn’t know how…” Ann whispered.
“Please just know if you ever have something on your mind, you can talk to me.”
Ann lifted her head, her eyes red, reflecting what Niev probably looked like too. “Thank you.”
They sat outside on the porch eating snacks while waiting on their men to return. Ann talked about how she and Kareem tried and every month, their hopes were shattered. Niev tried to ease the guilt Ann was feeling for failing at doing the one thing her body was made to do. It was hard to listen to her struggle when Niev fell pregnant so easily.
Their conversation was interrupted when Beta Fallon approached. “I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“Much better. Thank you for getting Natalie for us.”
“Glad I could be of help. I also came by to ask if you would feel up for another hike. I was hoping to show you the west of the territory.”
“More hiking?” Ann asked, her eyes settling worriedly on Niev. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Is it the same as the last one?” Niev was unsure of herself for once.
“No, this one will be less steep, and they’ve forecasted clouds and mild weather for tomorrow. We have all day.”