*Lumi* “So there is another type of medicine she can get, am I understanding that right ?” I hear Luca asking the doctor. “One that is safe during pregnancy”. To be honest I am so glad I have him with me. I would forget to ask anything. My mind is completely overwhelmed with the fact that the doctor has just said that while he would suggest I do not go through with the pregnancy, he doesn’t think it is impossible. “Yes, there is another medicine, but it is less potent, and the effect on the type of leukemia that Miss Saarela has is questionable, it has helped on some patients, but not all … the upside is that it presents no danger for the fetus, so it is worth trying”. The doctor says. “It might be enough to keep the sickness at bay long enough for the fetus to reach viability”. “That is good news right ?” I say, looking at first Luca, then the doctor. It has to be good news. I need good news. Luca sighs deeply, and I know that he is torn. On one hand he wants so badly to be a f
*Meri* "Okay, let's say age before brain and beauty, that means Luca goes first". Tom say grinning at Luca across the table. "Ha ha Tom, let's see if you are still cocky when I beat your ass". Luca shoots back, raising one eye eyebrow. Lumi claps her hand. "Hey boys, behave... and besides, I am going to win". Luca puts a hand on his hip, giving her a sassy look. "Oh so you think that, do ya little lady... lets see about that". "Oh believe me I will win, because I hate losing". She says, padding his cheek lightly. Luca takes the dice and rolls them. We are having a game night and playing a game called 'wanna bet', where you get active or passive challenges and the others have to vager if you can do it. "Ohh active challenge". He grins and picks the card. "Can the player throw a card 3 to 5 meters through the room in 3 out of 5 tries". "Hmmm". Tom looks thoughtful and I try to look at his cards, seeing if he is betting on yes or no, but he quickly hides it. "Ah ah ah no peekin
*Luca* "I'll go get some snacks". Tom says pulling his shirt back on before getting in the stair and rolling himself out into the kitchen. I glance at the girls. "I'll go give him a hand". When I walk into the kitchen Tom looks up. "Hi.. is something wrong ?" "Well... I should probably ask you that". I stop, crossing my arms on my chest. "Sooo... what's with all this macho shit ?" "I have no idea what you are talking about... you are just a sore loser". He turns his back to me, rummaging in a cupboard. I breathe in deeply, now I am even more sure that something is wrong. "Tom... something is up, you are not feeling as good as you like to pretend are you ? Maybe talking about it would help". "Nothing is wrong okay". He kinda snaps around. "Why wouldn't I feel good ? I am doing a successful play... I have an amazing woman, my life is .. perfect". "Because that right there is not how you react when you feel warm and fuzzy inside... believe me I know how it is... I know". I shake
4 months later *Meri* I stand, looking at myself in the full body mirror. As I am only wearing my underwear it is easy to see that I am pregnant. And I honestly love being pregnant, seeing my stomach grow and feeling our little boy move around in there. I have not had much morning sickness and being almost six months along I no longer fear it will come. Tom has been absolutely perfect, and there is no doubt he is over the moon about becoming a father. He has come to every appointment with me and always has tons of questions for the doctor. To be honest I am so happy for our own little house that we have built right behind Zac and Lumi’s house. While I love my sister, sometimes it is nice to have our own place. And it will be even more important when our son arrives. I get dressed and walk out of my bedroom into the living room where Tom is sitting on the couch with his laptop open, sipping a glass of red wine. "Hi honey". I say as I walk over to him, kissing him on the lips. "Wh
*Lumi* My body speaks Luca’s warmt before I am completely awake. Like a flower seeking the sun, I snuggle against him. I breathe in his familiar scent. It never fails to calm me. The queasiness creeps up on me, making me swallow. It Was nothing to do with him of course, but is a combination of my pregnancy and the new medicine I am getting for my leukemia. It has been rather bad lately, but I try to hide it from Luca. I do not want him to worry. My hand slides down to my pregnant belly and I whisper softly. “Mommy loves you so much, little spunk”. “And daddy loves mommy”. Luca mumbles, his voice laced with sleep as he places his hand on top of mine. “And our little spunk”. “I am sorry if I woke you”. I tell him. I can’t help but think how unfair it is that he looks even more sexy with morning hair and tired eyes. He smiles at me. And then kisses my forehead before pulling me closer until our bodies are flush together. He nuzzles my neck. His lips tease my skin, sending shivers t
*Luca* “How are you feeling ?” I ask Lumi as She comes out of the bathroom. It is morning and I am still in bed. I can’t help but notice how pale she is. “I am fine Luca”. She says, getting that Stubberup look in her eyes. “It is just a bit of morning sickness, totally normal”. I give her a small smile. “We both know there is no such thing as ‘totally normal’ when it comes to you”. She gives me another one of those looks then turns away from me and goes back into the bathroom. The door slams shut behind her, leaving me with only silence for company. I sigh deeply, knowing what will happen next. That damnable stubborness. Why does she do this? doesn’t She know by now that I am with her … not against her. I get up and pull on my pants, befor I go to knock on the door. “Lumi, sweetie”. “Get lost wookie”. She says, using the old nickname. “Can I come in, darling ?” I ask softly. There is no answer. I bang again. This time I hear a muffled thump followed by sobbing. My heart sin
*Lumi* The sun is setting as Luca and I walk hand-in-hand down the tree-lined path leading to the specialist's office. We have been through so much since we met, and for each obstacle our love for each other only seems to deepen. My pregnancy brings us immense joy, but it also brings more challenges and fears. My leukemia diagnosis is devastating, has always been to me, but we face it together now and that helps. Always the optimist, I believed that I could manage my health well enough without the meds to get through the pregnancy, but lately, I feel more and more fatigued. Luca squeezes my hand as we approach the entrance to the building. "Whatever happens, Lumi, we will get through it together". I look up at him, knowing that my eyes are glistening with unshed tears. "I know, Luca. I love you so much". "I love you too". He says, pulling me in for a tender kiss. There has to be a way, not only because I want our baby more than anything, but because I want to make Luca a father.
*Luca* The morning sun filters gently through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over our cozy bedroom. I slowly open my eyes and catch a glimpse of Lumi, her peaceful expression making her look absolutely radiant. A sense of excitement wells up inside me for the day ahead. A day at the fair with Lumi, Meri, and Tom is just what we need to lighten the moods, get the thoughts only more positive paths and create unforgettable memories. As Lumi gradually wakes up, she turns to me, her eyes bright and full of life. "I slept so well last night". She says, stretching her arms above her head, her voice soft and content. I study her face for any signs of discomfort or worry. "And how are you feeling now ?" "I feel great, actually". She responds, beaming with enthusiasm. "I think the new medication is making a significant difference". I smile, relieved and happy for her. "That's wonderful to hear". We get out of bed and start our morning routine, anticipation building as we prepar