On their way to Baguio City, Cayenne enjoyed the sceneries they passed by and she could already see the changes that took place starting with the abundance of trees compared to the capital city. The high-rise buildings were getting scarce and she could see some children playing Chinese garter which she used to play as well. It was really a surprise to her that these children played the same thing that she did.
“I played that game when I was young,” Cayenne told Stefan while gazing outside the car window. “Can we roll down the windshield? I think it isn’t polluted here anymore.”
The driver looked at Stefan and after getting his go signal with a slight nod, the driver pressed the unlock button and Cayenne was able to roll down the thing that hindered her from feeling that soft and cool breeze of the countryside.
“What else did you play with when you were small?”
“I played marbles, rubber bands, and cards; well, my mom didn’t like us to use gadgets so, we never had one until I turned 15 years old. I played in the park with my brothers. I jumped around without any care in the world. I had fun.”
“I was only able to play outside with Alexander. If he’s not around, I could not go out of the house. There were times that Dad would take us out but he would immediately send us back before Clara comes home.”
“With the differences in how we were raised, I think we’ll become good parents. I am confident in it.”
“You will surely become a great mother,” Stefan retorted and kissed her temple. He knew she would become a great mother to their children because of how she was raised. However, he was still adamant about having ‘children’. He also really wanted to have more children with her; he loved the act of making one but he was worried that Cayenne will have a hard time. [We’ll see how the first one goes.] He told himself while pulling her for a hug.
After almost five hours of travel, they finally arrived at their booked hotel and Cayenne got down the car at once. She wanted to stretch her legs as soon as she could. She even wobbled when she stood; fortunately, Stefan was there to hold her.
.....
“Thank you for sending us here,” Cayenne said and slightly bowed her head to the driver who had been very careful all the way to their destination because of her pregnancy. He even reminded her to tell him to stop somewhere, if she needed to urinate.
Instead of taking a rest after a long trip, Cayenne helped Stefan to arrange their things even though he said he could do it himself. If it was another day, Cayenne would allow him to spoil her but right now, she was restless and she can’t stop thinking negatively. She needed distraction and helping Stefan with the clothes was a perfect task for her.
“I noticed that whenever we get to our destination, it would always be almost lunch. You always estimate the time perfectly.”
Stefan grinned at her as he put her jacket on a hanger and spoke, “I have to make sure that you are well-fed.”
“Are you raising a pig?”
“Yes, and unborn piglet.”
Cayenne just laughed at his remark while keeping up with his work. After putting their clothes in the closet, they went out to get some food because it was already noon. It would have been great if they came for a staycation, sadly, they didn’t have that privilege right now. Cayenne looked around and was really amazed at the place. She has read a lot of things about Baguio when Monet told her about this place. She really wants to explore the place.
Looking at her face, Stefan smiled faintly and took out his phone to make a note. He will surely bring her back to this place when they get the time in the future. It would be great if they could bring their family as well. Probably after she gives birth to their child.
Stefan has carefully planned everything for Cayenne’s convenience, making sure that she will have a good experience of the place despite their short stay.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Stefan let Cayenne order her food first while he watched her. Actually, he was just waiting for someone to come but he could not allow his wife to wait without food like him.
“Why aren’t you getting anything?” she asked when she noticed that intense gaze directed at her. “I’m not going to share my food with you.”
“Hmph! Piggy.”
“Whatever.” She said she won’t but, in the end, Stefan would still be eating some of her food later.
Fifteen minutes later, Thomas came and Cayenne was so shocked; well, more like she was scared of him at first glance. The man in front of her was so different from the man she met a few months ago. Thomas currently looked like a caveman compared to the elegant upbringing that he had in the past.
“Have a seat.” Stefan offered and Thomas sat on the chair, still looking gloomy and depressed. “I know you are having a hard time but if Monet sees you like this, she’d be guilty. Order up.”
Cayenne was still not over with what she was seeing in front of her and she could not move her eyes away from the strange-looking man. “I’ll get jealous if you keep looking at him,” Stefan whispered which jolted her back to reality. Earlier, she said she won’t share her food but right now, she felt that Thomas needed food more than she did.
“If she dies, can I die with her? Maybe we’d go on the next life together and I can properly tell her how I feel.”
Cayenne didn’t need to know why he raised this question. It must have been hard on him. She could not even imagine the pain and despair he was feeling.
“Monet is not giving up yet. So, you have to get back on your feet and look after her. She needs you and you need to have the strength and rationality to do so. If you are going to keep being like...like this, you will end up in a hospital bed, too. Who can check on her, then?”