You carry so much love in your heart...give some to yourself

 

Dan felt as if the anguish only started. Perhaps he was parched or may be coming down with something. He called in sick wishing he could stay in his pajamas but of course, he couldn't. He wasn't alone these days.

"What do you mean? It didn't go well?" Ivy said she didn't expect it to be a Hallmark movie, but still..it was Thanksgiving.

"She wants us to get tested." Dan plainly said as if his little visit was for nothing. He knew Valentina must hate him.

"Tested?" Ivy squinted hard and brought him a couple of runny eggs and toast for breakfast. Even her coffee was bitter. He wished she would stop trying to cook, but he knew to stay mute. He cleared his throat and ate, anyway.

"Yes, her mother wants to know for sure." He practically choked on the burnt toast, but he did his best not show his distaste.

"Oh, I feel bad for you," she said and wrapped her arms from behind (as he was sitting at the kitchen table) around his neck. This time, he felt he was really choking. She was making him nervous. People were never this close to him, but he did his best to embrace her sincerity. 

Finally, she sat down to eat before the food got cold. She ate everything as if she was famished.

"Have you been eating enough?" Dan looked her over. Her stomach was growing. He noticed a wiggle in her belly when he spoke.

"I think she likes you. You should talk more," Ivy smiled, but Dan didn't. He got up with his plate and dumped what he couldn't digest and washed his plate and cup. Honestly, he knew he shouldn't feel attached. He didn't want to, but at every turn, Ivy was there invading his space.

He sighed hoping to escape with some laundry to fold. Luckily, Ivy's phone rang and it was her friend Minnie.

Dan really didn't want to listen, and Ivy kept quiet as if they had some secret plan going. Of course, he was curious.

As soon as she got off the phone she went straight to his bedroom. "Jay is here," she said.

"What?" Dan couldn't think of him in the living room. What was she wanting him to do? Be her fake boyfriend or something? He found himself shaking the thought, although, it was kind of a fun idea. When had he ever had fun? 

"He's at Minnie's." 

"Do..do you want to go over there?" Dan waited to see what mysterious plan they'd thought up.

Ivy shook her head, no. But went to help him fold his underwear which he snatched immediately from her and gave her a hoodie to fold instead.

"Minnie says we will wait and see what happens. She doesn't think he's very strong yet and says he needs to get settled in his old place. She says to wait..even till the baby is born. If he doesn't make a move before then..then well, she'll make sure he's there when the baby is born." Ivy told him.

Dan nodded thinking that was the worst idea ever.