Page 27 of Orlando

“I think I need to lie down,” I choke out, unsure how to respond to that declaration.

“Let’s do this,” Orlando says while squeezing my hand. I look down at our joined palms, realizing he hasn’t let go. Even when I was telling him we need to be friends and nothing more.

Then again, I haven’t pulled away either. I’m blaming the delirium of being sick for the reason his touch, such a simple touch at that, is giving me comfort. It’s not something I have time to dwell on anyway. As soon as Orlando opens the front door, his mother comes barreling towards us.

“Orlando Valentino, you have some explaining to do,” she says before quickly stopping short. Her eyes zone in on the baby carrier in his hand. “What? Who is this?” she asks in a much quieter voice.

“Ma, this is Sebastian. Your grandson. Our son.” Orlando squeezes my hand again and turns the car seat around to show Sebastian to his mother.

“What? How?” Mrs. Valentino shakes her head from side to side.

“I think you know how they made him, Katy.” Mr. Valentino chuckles as he enters the foyer behind his wife.

“You knew about this?” Mrs. Valentino turns to glare at her husband, who holds up his hands in a surrender motion.

“Just found out about an hour ago.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me that our son was bringing home a baby?” she counters.

“Didn’t want to ruin the surprise.”

“Show me. Can I hold him?” Mrs. Valentino turns to me.

I stand here like an idiot. Everyone’s focus is on me as they appear to wait for my answer. She’s asking me for permission. My eyes well up. It’s a small thing, but it means the world to me that she asked.

I nod my head. “He’ll probably wake up, but you can take him out of the carrier,” I tell her.

Orlando sets the car seat on the floor. Before his mom can get to Sebastian, Orlando unbuckles our son and carefully scoops him up, kissing his forehead before passing him to his mother. “Don’t drop him.”

“Orlando, I carried you around for three years without dropping you. I think I know what I’m doing,” Mrs. Valentino scolds her son, then quickly returns her attention to me. “He is absolutely beautiful.”

I smile, but I’m starting to feel weak. I’m not sure how much longer I can stay upright. Orlando seems to sense my discomfort and takes hold of my hand again.

“Aleeka needs to lay down,” he says.

“I have the chef making you soup, sweetie. Come on, let’s get you settled.” His mom walks off towards the stairs with Sebastian in her arms.

Orlando and I follow as Mrs. Valentino makes her way into his room. I want to argue that I can’t sleep in here, but I’m too tired and I remember just how comfortable that bed was.

Orlando pulls the blankets back. “I have your pills. You need to take them,” he says as he tugs the bottle of medication from his pocket.

I don’t want to take the pills. I’m afraid of not being able to wake up if Sebastian needs me.

Chapter Eighteen

Icouldn’t convince Aleeka to take the sleeping pills. I did, however, convince her to try to sleep on her own. I sat on the bed with Sebastian lying on my chest as I sang softly to both of them until Aleeka drifted off.

I have no fucking idea what I’m doing. I just know I have an overwhelming sense that it’s up to me to protect this baby and his mother.

How I do that? Fuck only knows.

I’m currently sitting in the living room with Sebastian, wondering what I’m supposed to do with him exactly, when my parents walk in. My mom strolls over and snatches my son right out of my arms.

She sits on the sofa with my dad next to her. Both of them staring at Sebastian. “He looks just like you did,” Mom says.

I know it’s coming. The lecture.How could I let this happen? What are my plans now?All the questions I have no fucking answers to.

“This is your fault,” my mom directs to my dad.

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