Monday December 22 [32w 0d]
I yawn and stretch as best I can with my hugely protruding belly. I've been home for a few days, for the Christmas holidays, and despite my mum's assurance that she's accepted my situation, it's still tense. "What say we shop for essentials today?"
"I'm not supposed to do much." Mum's face falls, so I quickly add, "But we can walk around the shops for a bit." Her smile returns.
"Great. Ring Phoebe and see if she'd like to come. We can make it a girl's day. Order take out for dinner." I give her a look but she's turned around, heading to the kitchen. I get the feeling this over the top camaraderie is going to explode at some point. But, I do as I'm told and call Phoeb.
"Sorry sweetie, I'm busy today."
"It's the holidays. What could you possibly be doing?" I hear shuffling and whispering.
"I can't tell you. I'm sorry." My chest deflates a little. "I have to go. I'll call you later. Love you." She hangs up without waiting for a goodbye. This is very abnormal so something must be going on.
"Well, when are we picking her up?" I set the phone down and look up at mum.
"She's got other plans. It's just us."
"Great." I zone out as she explains our itinerary for the afternoon. I'm exhausted just listening to it and honestly hope this day is over soon.
+++
We've been out for a couple hours now and I'm feeling very tired, crampy, and cranky. I'm also trying very hard not to snip at my mum, but she's the only person to snip at right now. "We're almost done, dear. I know it's been a while."
"How do you plan to load this all into the car?" She's picked out a crib, bassinet, changing table, rocking chair, and a load of other things.
"Charlie is meeting us with the truck."
"Didn't you go a little overboard?" She tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear while looking at her haul.
"What? Not at all. You're going to need it eventually. Why not now?" I shrug and spot a bench a few yards away. Now that the opportunity to sit is so near, it's all I can do to drag myself over to it. "I'm going to pay for this, call Charlie, and then we'll meet him outside to load the truck." I nod, practically falling asleep.
A while later a hand touches my shoulder and I open my eyes to see Charlie smiling at me. "We're all loaded and ready to go." I stifle a huge yawn and get slowly to my feet. It's getting harder to do so the bigger my belly gets. I follow Charlie outside and to the vehicles. "Your mom had another stop before home so I offered to drive you." I nod.
"She took the truck?" Charlie gets into mum's car.
"Yeah, she said something about a buggy." I shake my head and groan. "Hey, want to stop for ice creams?"
"As long as there's no walking required, I'd love some." He laughs as he eases the car into traffic. With Christmas so close the shops are a madhouse. People and vehicles everywhere.
"I'm not supposed to say anything, because Claire is so excited, but she's been planning a shower for you. Today was partially a ruse to get you out of the house. She actually already has a buggy in the basement at home." I blink. I'd had no idea. "I'm only saying something because you're practically dead on your feet and I don't think you'd have fancied a surprise." I nod and lean my head against the head rest.
No, I wouldn't have. Thanks for telling me." He shrugs. "I'll be sure to act surprised."
+++
It's 6 PM, the party is over, there is a pink explosion in the living room, and I can barely stay awake. For the last half hour I kept nodding off between gifts. My mom had to thank everyone for coming because I couldn't string two words together. To her credit, she did a wonderful job. Phoebe was actually behind the scenes and helped decorate while I was out. Everything looked, and tasted, great.
"There is so much stuff, Bell. You'll be sorting through it for days."
"It'll give me something to do while I'm here." Phoebe and I are sitting on my bed. She stifles a yawn and I don't even bother trying anymore. "I'm beyond exhausted." She chuckles.
"Practice for baby, eh?" I lean back in my bed and sigh. I am so comfortable. "Any names picked out yet?"
"Not really. I mean, a few that I like, but nothing is speaking to me really."
"My first girl is going to be Jasmine." I open an eye to see a wistful smile on her face.
"I like that."
"I was looking through some family history recently and way, way back in the line was this sort of ruler. She wasn't a queen or anything, but was very important. I read up on her and loved her history. I've already informed Gabe." I chuckle and yawn again.
"Sounds like you're all set. Part of me feels like I should consult with Draco, but the other part wants this all to myself. I mean, yes he's accepting the role as father, but she's mine, you know?" I place my hands on my belly.
Yeah, I get it. If you two make it work he'll have plenty of say later." I smile.
"Very true." I've been feeling a lot of movements the past few minutes but suddenly there's a huge one that can be seen from the outside.
"Whoa, Bell, what is she doing in there?"
"I have no idea. Yoga?" We watch for a few minutes as baby stretches and moves around. It's fascinating. Against my better judgement, I even let Phoebe feel her move.
"Wow, that is so superbly amazing." I laugh.
"Sometimes it doesn't feel that amazing. Sometimes it downright hurts."
"Any more contractions?" I rub my belly, poke at baby, and shake my head.
"Nothing like before. I had some earlier but that was from walking so much. Braxton Hicks, I think they're called."
"Best take it as easy as you can."
"For sure. We want her to bake for a lot longer." Just then my mum pops her head in my door.
"Phoebe, your dad called. He's coming to pick you up." Mum leaves as Phoebe gets off my bed. I centre myself on the bed and stretch. Bliss.
"I'll call you tomorrow, Bellie. Sleep tight." I'm asleep before she leaves the room.