For some reason, I went through a very impatient and demanding streak. I was just plain grumpy. I also was tired and hungry all the time, but every time I ate, I would throw up. It didn’t take long for Mom to figure out what was going on, but I was in denial. WHAT? PREGNANT? I didn’t think so. I was content when I was left alone to work in my garden.

Vera, my sister, started her first year of residency in a hospital. She got me an appointment and a ultrasound. I wanted a son so bad and I just had to know from the beginning, and sure enough, I was pregnant with a boy. I don’t think I have even see a man as happy as Aren. He can’t wait for his son to be born. I’m happy too, just still very grumpy.

Aren’s daughter, Roxanne, aged into a teenager. I knew she’d be a lot of help when the little one got here. Mom and Khaled were thrilled to be first time grandparents. Mom marked off each day on the calendar as the day approached. Mom was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. We have been devastated, but with Vera here, she has be able to remain at home.  I was very close to my mom, and I have taken it very hard.

One morning after breakfast Mom said, “It’s time. You will have the baby today.” “No, Mom. I went to the doctor just yesterday and I’m not even dilated yet,” I assured her. I assured her constantly that day that I wasn’t going to go into labor.  It didn’t take long to realize that Mom was right. I gave birth to Emerson that day. He was born clumsy and easily impressed.

Emerson is a very demanding little boy. We got up at least twenty times a night during his first years. He HATES being alone and demands attention.

Time flies by too fast and Mom got sicker by the day. Vera has made her way up the corporate ladder and is a surgeon now. She tends to mom in her last days, but the day finally comes. Mom died peacefully in her sleep. My step dad did his best to cheer me up, but it was no use. I was devastated beyond understanding. I just didn’t see how I could get by without my mother.

During the days after Mom’s death, I started to neglect my son. I wanted that little boy desperately, but I felt useless. I didn’t think I could raise a child anymore. Aren picked up the slack and does all the things that I should have been doing. He cared for little Emerson and cooked the family meals while I stayed in bed all the time.

Vera took the death a lot better than me. She continue to go to work, and after work she has dated…online. She has an “internet boyfriend.”

Finally, one day I got up and packed my bags and left for China. I knew what it looked like. I was being like my mother. I was going to run away and find another man. I know that’s what people were thinking. It wasn’t my intentions at all. I just needed time away. Honestly, all I did was martial arts. I learned the skill and I meditated in the beautiful gardens in China. When I came home, I was me again.

I threw a birthday party for Emerson’s second birthday, and we celebrated. We celebrated his birth and my return back to the world. My life was going to be just fine.

My little man grew up beautifully. Aren told me that little boys are handsome, not beautiful. Emerson was a beautiful toddler though, with his daddy’s eyes. I couldn’t believe it took me two years to see the love I had for this child. I was ready to have another one. I needed these babies in my life. I had my mom’s dream to fulfill. She always wanted 5 grandchildren.

I caught Khaled with another woman. I was pissed at first, but Aren helped me realize the importance of him moving on. I embraced Melinda into the family and it seemed like she never left. She was literally there all the time. When I felt the irritation and grumpiness returning, I knew what was to come.

I was pregnant again. This time I swore to let it be a surprise. I didn’t ask for a ultrasound this time, but I the doctor assured me that everything would be just fine. I was just so darn grumpy when I was pregnant.

I wasn’t the only one pregnant. Khaled at the ripe age of 87 is going to have his 4th child with his 25-year-old girlfriend. Melinda is barely an adult, but old men have to have fun too, I suppose.

I had all day sickness with this pregnancy, it seemed like every time I turned around I was vomiting. Aren always ran to my side when he heard me being sick. He even experienced sympathy pains and would be sick too. When he came into our bathroom after dinner one day it didn’t surprise me. “Aren, I’m fine. Let me throw up in peace,” I lashed out at him, but when I turned around, he was down on his knee. “Emma, I have loved you for a very long time. I love you when your vomiting and I love the children we have together. Will you marry me?”

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Enjoy the chapter and leave me lots of comments. I should have another out sooner this time, since I have played through enough for another chapter already.

Enjoy,

K

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