* * *
“I’m pregnant,” Giselle announces, and Rachel and I both squeal with delight, pretending we didn’t know.
We guessed about two weeks ago that she was when she couldn’t stand the smell of ice cream.
This girl is a diehard ice cream fanatic, so I knew the only way she could have any sort of aversion had to be because of something like illness or pregnancy. Rachel guessed the same.
When she suggested this impromptu meetup at the coffee shop, I knew she’d be sharing some important news.
We’re in a booth at the back, and the noise we’re making is causing the customers at nearby tables to glance our way.
I don’t care. It’s not every day one of your best friends tell you they’re having a baby. I’ve had the joy of two of them in the last six and a half months.
Rachel hugs her, trying not to squeeze her ever-growing bump. I look at them and feel proud. They’re both married and pregnant.
It’s good. I won’t pretend I don’t feel like the odd one out, or that I don’t still think of my own baby I never had, but I can be happy for my friends.
“How far along are you?” I ask.
Giselle’s face lights up. “A month. I’m so excited. Josh was so happy when we found out. It was just this morning. I had to tell you guys. It turned out that stomach bug was morning sickness.”
We all laugh.
“This is such great news,” Rachel bubbles. “We’ll do playdates and all that stuff.”
“And I guess that puts me on babysitting duties,” I chime in.
Giselle smiles. “Babysitting? Oh my gosh, you’re so good to think of that. Thank you.”
I chuckle. “You’re welcome. It’s gonna be fun, and I get to look after you both now,” I say with a firm nod.
Giselle looks over to me. “Like you always do.”
It’s nice to hear that. “I try.”
“I think I’m going to need my favorite herbalist to make up something to keep me going so I don’t have morning sickness.”
“I will absolutely do that,” I answer. “You’ll be pleased to know that my skin care range should be out too by the time you both give birth, but I’m sure I can whip up something to give you in the meantime.”
I purposely haven’t spoken too much about that. I wanted to tell them when everything was finalized. It’s practically that now, so I can.
They both squeal again.
“Oh my gosh, girl,” Rachel says. “I can’t believe it. I just can’t. You truly did good to get that going. I don’t know anyone with their own skincare range. Do you know how cool that is?”
I smile, feeling proud. “Thank you.”
“It’s quite an achievement, Jia,” Giselle agrees. “Anything more on the spa? I know plans are kind of waiting on the shelf for the moment, but what’s going on?”
The two of them gaze on at me with curious, anxious eyes.
“There are all kinds of things happening in my head.” I give them a shaky smile.
“Like what?” Rachel asks.
“God… I don’t know where to begin. I want to be with him past the thirty days. I know there’s going to be no point getting there and being scared, but I am scared. I can’t deny that part.”
“What are you scared of? You seem so much happier than I’ve ever seen you,” Rachel points out.