Page 73 of Tormenting Me

I take the test into the bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest. Following the instructions, I nervously wait for the results. Time seems to stand still as the minutes tick by. Finally, the timer goes off, and I pick up the test, my hands trembling.

“What does it say!” Atlas shouts through the door.

I stare at the result, my eyes widening with shock. Two pink lines. Positive. The reality sinks in, and I let out a cry of laughter and tears. I’m going to be a mother. Waves of emotions crash over me — excitement, joy, and a hint of fear.

Clutching the test in my hand, I quickly compose myself and make my way out of the bathroom. Atlas looks at me, his eyes filled with concern. “Well?” he asks, unable to hide his curiosity.

I hold up the test, the positive result unmistakable. A smile spreads across Atlas’s face as he pulls me into a tight embrace. “Congratulations, La La,” he whispers, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

We sit on the couch, discussing the implications of this life-changing news. Atlas reassures me that everything is going to be okay. “Okay,” he looks at his phone. “Fuck, I have to go. I’m using my mom’s car today so luckily I won’t be too late. Tell me everything after you tell him.”

I hug Atlas and walk him back downstairs. Feeling a sense of relief, I reach for my phone and dial Wes’s number. As it rings, my mind races with a million thoughts. With a deep breath, I prepare myself to share the incredible news with the love of my life, knowing that our journey as parents is just beginning.

The line connects and Wes’s voice comes through a bit crackly because of the shitty ass connection.

“Ma Petite Mort, everything okay?“ I can hear an office door closing on his end. Nausea hits me again, and this time I am unsure if it’s just my nerves or the baby.

“Yeah, baby. Everything’s great. Do you think we can order in tonight? I stayed home from work because I’m still not feeling so hot. Maybe you can grab some Egg Drop soup for me on the way home?”

Good plan Layne, keep him out a little longer so you can figure out how to surprise him.

“You need me to come home now? This has been going on for a while now. I can come home and take you to the doctor.” I can hear him click on his computer, knowing him he is exiting out of everything to come home.

“No, it’s okay. Just some soup for dinner sounds good.” My tone is a little more high pitched than normal. Stay focused Layne, don’t let him think there is something wrong. Control your tone.

I take a deep breath, trying to regain control of my emotions. “No, really, I think it’s just a little stomach bug. I think some soup will do the trick,” I assure him, my voice steady.

Wes takes a minute to respond. “You sure, baby? I’m practically sitting here with my thumb up my ass doing nothing.”

“Wow, babe. I didn’t know you were into that.” I joke, chuckling loudly.

“Brat,” he coos. “Seriously though, jokes aside. You’re sure?”

“See you when you get home in a few hours, baby. I love you.”

“I love you too, Layne.” The call ends.

Now to figure out how to surprise him.

I sit down on the couch, my mind racing with ideas on how to surprise Wes with the news. I want it to be special, something he will remember forever. After brainstorming for a few minutes, an idea strikes me. I grab my phone and start searching for baby announcement ideas. I come across a cute idea that’s Lord of the Rings related.

I quickly gather some art supplies and start working on the card. I carefully write everything out, making sure it looks just right. As I finish up, I can’t help but smile at the thought of Wes’s reaction when he sees it.

Time flies by as I put the finishing touches on the card. I hear the door open downstairs, signaling Wes’s arrival. My heart races with anticipation as I grab the card and position myself in the living room, ready to surprise him.

Wes walks up the stairs, carrying a bag of takeout and a concerned expression on his face. He looks at me, his eyes searching for any signs of distress. I take a deep breath, trying to contain my excitement.

“Hey babe,” I greet him with a smile, “you got the food! I’m starving.”

“Yeah, the place was fucking packed. I can’t believe how long it took for some soup, egg rolls and chow mein.”

Wes walks across the loft to the kitchen, and I get up and follow him. I set the card on the counter and slide it towards him. He raises an eyebrow, setting the takeout on the kitchen counter. “What’s this?”

“Open it and find out, geez Wes.” I shake my head.

Wes opens the card, and it says, “Are you ready to go on an adventure? Will it be an Aragorn or an Arwen?”

Wes’s eyes widen as he reads the words. Shock, disbelief, and pure joy wash over his face.

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