Chapter three: the surprise

I wiped the rolls of tears that formed on my cheeks and immediately changed into my outfit. Patting my cheeks so they don't appear puffy.

Outside the hospital, Drew stood smartly by the car, ushering me in.

“Thank you,” I mouthed.

Throughout the ride, there was no denying of the tension which hung in the air as i kept tossing from one side to another.

But Drews eyes were focused on the road, and he uttered no word until we arrived at mom and dad's.

“I'll be waiting outside,” he said, putting on his shades as stepped out.

“Aren't you coming in?”

“I don't think so.” he answered.

“And what if i insist?” I asked.

“ Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ma'am,” he said firmly. Extending a forced smile.

His words cut deep, but with a pursed lip, i shrugged my shoulders and gave a curt nod.

I couldn't understand the pang i felt within me.

As I walked into the house, i felt a familiar ache across my chest.

There were pictures on the wall which held a decades' worth stories, each of its own.

Mom and dad's successful marriage reminded me of how close to failure my marriage to Derrick was heading.

But the delicious aroma welcomed me in still.

“Rebecca darling..” mom gushed heavily as she pulled me in for a bear hug.

“My goodness, you have gained a lot of weight baby!” She remarked, engulfing me deeper in the hug.

I had nearly choked on my own saliva hearing her say that.

“Forgive this old apron of mine,” she pulled out, “I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it.”

“… and your husband?” She asked as her eyes scanned behind me.

“Good thing he is not here because we have an important matter to discuss.” Dad chirped in.

“Ethan is too early for that.” Mom cut in sharply.

“Too early for what?” I darted my eyes between both of them, but neither had anything to say.

“Honey, please have a seat.” Mom pleaded with her eyes as she led me to the dining table.

There was a brief moment of silence within the dining room and mom spoke up.

“So what are you thankful for honey?” Mom asked me.

“Monica, stop this nonsense and go straight to the point!” Dad banged the table, yelling at mom.

“Rebecca here, needs an heir or would you like to educate her on the consequences of not having one?” His eyes turned red as he slammed the fork into the chicken.

My breath seized at dad's outburst. “Dad?” My eyes shone with horror.

“You have to take it easy on her, Ethan..” mom shunned him assertively, but he continued to glare at me, expecting an answer to his question.

Just then, the door came open and Drew walked in pristine.

“I heard noises, so I came in to check if everyone was okay. Im Drew, Mrs Rebecca's driver.” He introduced.

“Rebecca, answer me! It's been three whole years. "Why don't you have a child yet!” Dad fumed again.

“If something should happen to you.. Where would your inheritance go?”

Drews eyes locked with mine once again, but this time there was confusion in them. He must be wondering why i was hiding the baby. I thought.

“Excuse me sir, Mrs Rebecca here…” Drew interrupted.

I shut my eyes and clenched the fork i held tightly, hearing drew about to spill my secret.

“Mrs Rebecca here has a medical condition, so she cannot bear a child… for now,” he said.

My eyes flung open as I released my impatient breath.

There was a brief silence in the room as everyone paused to absorb the information. Including me.

“Honey, why didn't you say something…” mom asked worriedly.

“I um… I guess i didn't want to bother you..” i trailed off. Not taking my eyes off Drew.

“Well… With that said, I hope we can continue Thanksgiving without lifting a finger on our daughter Ethan?” Mom said, giving him a tug.

“If you may excuse me,” Drew curtsied.

I watched him go through the door and non hesitantly, I followed him.

“Drew..” I called after him.

“Ma'am,” he answered.

I rolled my eyes at the formalities.

“Thanks for what you did back there…you were truly..” i heaved in a sigh.

“A lifesaver.” I continued.

“I meant every word i said at the hospital," he said.” Not flicking. “I'm here to protect you.”

“Drew, I'm married… you and I, well….” I shook my head saying.

“I don’t need you trying to protect me", I said lowly.

“I love Derrick so much, and you know that.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I'm not asking for your hand in marriage, Mrs Rebecca. I only want to protect you, and not just on the road. In any way i can.”

I smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

“So um why did you conceal the baby from your parents?” he asked.

My shoulders slumped.

“It's Derrick, he doesn't want the baby, he insists on an abortion…and I have to save my marriage. I have to do what he wants.”

“Rebecca, you were so scared of losing your baby back in the hospital, you can not do this.” He flashed.

But i avoided those lazy blue and penetrating eyes of his, focusing on everywhere else but at him.

“ Look at me,” he said, looking at me intently, holding me by both my arms.

He shook his head lightly.

“I'm not going to let you do that.”

His hands moved slowly to my neck and then to my cheek.

“I'm afraid there's nothing you can do, my mind is already made up.”

“Rebecca…” his tone faltered. Searching my eyes.

Instinctively, I shut my eyes and leaned into his soft palms, reveling in the soothing feeling.

I then moved closer into his embrace and placed my head on his chest.

I felt his arms wrap around me softly, pulling me in.

“I'm not going to let you do this,” he said, placing his cheek on my head.

I lifted my head bemused at the gesture and once again, his lips were staring in front of me.

Just then there was a slow clap from a short distance.

I quickly pulled myself out of Drew's embrace but i kept my eyes focused on the ground hoping it would open up to swallow me up.

Dad must think I'm out here making out with my driver. How irresponsible. I thought to myself.

And then the clap came to a halt.

“Never have i ever witnessed a scene so intense, not even from the best movie.” Derricks voice resounded.