Page 28 of A Layperry's Heart
That would explain the cravings, the heightened emotions, and the weight gain. That would explain everything.
Oh my gods. By the Ancestors! I’m pregnant with Aldo’s baby!
“How can this be?”
Christian groans as he covers his face with his hands, rubbing at his eyes. He looks up at me. “Okay, so when two people really love each other…”
“No, not that. I know the mechanics. I just didn’t think. I am just surprised. I should have known better, knowing that Miles and Timalah conceived but I wasn’t thinking.”
I knew we were capable of breeding with other species but the thought never even crossed my mind with Aldo. As far as I know, this baby will either be human, Layperry, or a hybrid.
I lean against Christian’s counter, slowly eating his grapes as I try to process what I’ve just learned. Placing a hand on my stomach, I do my best to connect with the life inside of me. There’s a small blip of something, small and gentle. They don’t reach back so they’re either human or a hybrid incapable of telepathic bonds. Just feeling them like this sparks something inside my heart.
The feeling of love and adoration washes over me. This little life inside of me is still so new but already, I love them, whoever they might be. They’re a part of me and a part of Aldo. They’re the product of our love for each other.
“Are you umm, are you okay? Are you happy? Do you like, need anything?”
“Christian,” I say slowly, looking up at him. “I amhappy. I did not think this possible but now that it is happening, I could not contain my joy even if I wanted to.”
“Okay. Cool. That’s good.”
I step away from his counter and pull him into a tight hug. He makes a surprised noise before patting my back.
“There, there,” he says, making me smile at how awkward he is around affection. I pull away, holding him at arm’s length.
“Thank you for being here for me. Thank you for being my friend.”
“Umm, yeah, whatever. It’s no problem.”
“It’s a big deal to me. Miles is very lucky to call you his best friend, Christian.”
His face takes on something wounded. “I miss him,” he says, just barely loud enough for me to hear.
“I know you do. Which is why you should come back with me.”
“I didn’t belong there. I’m alone here. Gendry, what am I supposed to do?”
“You come back with me andmakeyourself belong. I heard a saying when I met Aldo’s mother. Live life balls to the wall. Stop holding yourself back from feeling, Christian, and yes, I’m talking about Ghenie.”
“Fuck you,” he says right away but there’s water in his eyes and a smile on his face. “Fuck you for being so insightful. Fuck you for making me think I could actually have a place. Just, fuck you, man.”
“That’s Aldo’s job but I appreciate the gesture.”
Christian shoves me away and chuckles to himself. “You should umm, probably go talk to him about this new revelation huh?”
“Oh gods, yes!” I look down at the grapes in my hands and he snorts.
“Take them.”
“Thank you! Wish me luck!”
“Good luck, but I don’t think you’ll need it.”
I rush from Christian’s home over to Aldo’s knocking on the door and waiting. I bounce from foot to foot, anticipation making me giddy all over. I feel like my heart is soaring through the clouds. I don’t think I’ve ever felt joy like this before and I cannot wait to share this joy with Aldo.
Aldo opens the door, a wide grin across his lips when he sees that it’s me.
“Aldo! I have to talk to you about something. It’s important.”
