Chapter 22

Third person POV:

It was now Wednesday, during lunch hours, and believe it or not the Brights have gathered together for lunch, even when they’ve spent the whole long weekend together. Samaira had a lot of filling in to do with her friends as did Azrael with his friends, but they all seemed supportive but still looked out for their friends, not wanting to have them have their heartbroken.

Azrael looked over at Samaira who sat next to him and smiled at her, squeezing her hand under the table. Words couldn’t explain how happy he was with her.

“Can you believe it?” Ashley complained and shook her head as she mixed her salad.

“Truly unbelievable. It must’ve been hard for Triss and Damien to cut Uriel from their lives,” Vincent sighed, bringing his cup of coffee to his lips.

“Surely they’ll patch things over right?” Rae wondered, cutting the chicken wrap in half.

“I wouldn’t if I were in their shoes,” Ashley scoffed. Samaira then realized there was a conversation going on and snapped out of Azrael’s beautiful gaze and turned to the others trying to think of what they all just said and realized she had no clue who they were talking about.

“I’m sorry, who’s Uriel?” She wondered, quietly thanking Azrael for pouring her some juice.

“A cousin of ours, we’re not that close but we do see each other sometimes,” He answered, pouring himself some juice too, “Oh ok,” Samaira nodded and took a sip of her drink.

“She had an abortion, claiming she wasn’t ready for a child,” Ashley scoffed again, judgment dripping from her tone, “Can you believe it?”

“Well she said she wasn’t ready,” The brunette shrugged, taking a bite of her wrap, now knowing she started a battle.

“So that makes it ok to murder the child?” Mrs. Bright wondered, everyone at the table went silent and followed the two along.

“It’s not ok to murder a child but if someone isn’t ready to be a parent they shouldn’t be forced to be one. It comes with a lot of responsibility, and you need to be physically and mentally ready for that, not just financially,” Samaira explained, showing her point of view on the topic.

“She could’ve still had the child, someone would’ve looked after it,” Ashley scoffed, eyes focused on Samaira.

“Mrs. Bright, you can’t possibly be suggesting someone else raises a child? It will make the child wonder whether their parents really love them, not to forget at some point they’ll realize they were a mistake. What happens then?” Samaira wondered. She was taken care of for a few months a few times a year whilst her mother was sick, and it was not a great experience for her.

“Okay, what about adoption?” Ashley then asked, still wanting to be right on a topic where everyone has the right to their own opinion.

“What are the actual chances of getting adopted?” Samaira scoffed and took another bite from her food, expecting this conversation to be done with.

“Samaira, are you pro-choice?” She asked bluntly, Zoey coughed loudly and tried winking at Samaira to stop talking but sadly she did not catch the message.

“Always have been, Mrs. Bright,” Samaira said proudly. “I’m not ok with murder but there’s no point in bringing an innocent child in this world when you know you won’t be able to give it what it needs,” She continued to speak. Deep down she knew this was the opposite of how Ashley taught and thought she cared about her relationship with Ashley she still wouldn’t allow the woman to make her afraid to speak her mind and stand for what Samaira stands for as a person.

“Tell me, if you were pregnant right now would you abort my grandchild?” She wondered, looking between the two. Azrael had a blank face, just rather curious to see where this conversation was going. He truly admired how Samaira was never afraid to speak her mind.

“I-” Samaira stuttered at first, looking over at Azrael who gave her a nod. He wanted to hear what she had to say, knowing that they’d be on the same page. “I think so, yeah. Azrael isn’t ready to be a father yet and I’m in no way ready to become a mother right now,” She decided upon, seeking an answer from Azrael, wondering if he thought differently but he hadn’t corrected her.

Ashley gasped, grabbing her husband’s hand. This was unbelievable to her! “Azrael, what do you think of this?” She then asked, looking at her oldest child.

“I think that Samaira is right, neither of us is ready to be parents. When the day comes I’d prefer for us both to be ready for it,” Azrael answered, shruggingly though he could tell this was a very big deal for his mother.

“Besides, the person carrying the child should be the one in charge of what to do, it’s their body after all,” He added, and Samaira couldn’t help but feel relieved. Of course, everyone had the right to their own opinion but when it came to subjects like these she preferred if she and her partner were on the same page.

“And you’re ok with what Uriel did?” His mother then asked.

“Honest opinion?” Azrael asked, wondering if this was the part where he lied to her to make her feel good.

“Yes,” She stated as if it was obvious.

“She made the right choice. She is in law school, not even finished yet. She has no source of income besides her parents. Adding a child to the mix would make things hard,” He explained, looking over at his father who was just a brick wall, not a single emotion on his face but Azrael knew his father had an opinion on this, he just didn’t want to say anything.

“I can’t believe this, you’ve poisoned my son’s mind,” Ashley pointed to Samaira, taking the brunette by surprise.

“Mom-” Azrael glared at her.

“No, she’s a bad person, how could you kill innocent lives?” She continued to berate Samaira.

“Mrs. Bright-” Samaira said but was shut up by Ashley raising her voice.

“No, I’m not finished,” she said, not registering her husband's hand on hers.

“We’re leaving, come on, sweetheart,” Azrael decided and got up, holding his hand out to Samaira. Samaira looked over at Ashley wanting to talk things out. “But- yeah, let’s go,” She gave up and just got up, following Azrael away. Perhaps when she cooled down they could have this conversation again.

“You two, what is your opinion?” Ashley turned to the two girls.

“Honestly mom, I’m in no position to decide that. I can’t judge nor sympathize,” Zoey replied, looking down at her food.

“Same here,” Rae’s lips were in a thin smile.

Samaira looked over at Azrael as they drove back, she assumed they were heading back to work even when they were technically still too early. She kept thinking of the conversation she had with Ashley. She was all for respect and such but to her, she felt Ashley was slightly stepping out of line, it wasn’t fair for her to make a decision for another woman.

“You did nothing wrong, you know,” Azrael moved his hand to her thigh and squeezed it.

“Oh no, I poisoned your mind, dear,” Samaira scoffed, looking over at Azrael and they both then laughed.

“I’ve always stood by being pro-choice, I just never spoke about it because it never came up,” He assured her, rubbing her skin. “Sorry about my mother, she needs a bit more time understanding certain things,” Azrael explained. His mother was a very religious person at first, still is but some ‘modern’ things she slowly began to understand and respect- somewhat. It’s a work in progress.

“Your father didn’t say anything though,” Samaira realized.

“I think because he thinks the same as us. Usually, he keeps quiet if he can’t be an ally with my mom,” He chuckled. That was something he picked up growing up, he knew immediately when his father had a different opinion.

“Ah makes sense,” She giggled and shook her head. “We’ve always used protection, so we don’t have to worry about that happening with us,” She sighed relieved. She was thankful he picked up protection for when they went on the trip to Hawaii.

“Exactly, also I wanted to discuss that with you. Are you comfortable with the pill? We don’t have to, I’m just wondering,” Azrael asked, picking his words very carefully, not wanting to offend her.

“I was actually thinking of it, it would be much better,” Samaira admitted. After Erik, she stopped using the pill as she wasn’t in a committed relationship anymore.

“I can make you an appointment if you’d like,” Azrael offered.

“Sure, tomorrow? I’m somewhat free,” She shrugged, a little lost in thoughts for a moment.

“Awesome,” He grinned.

“Shit-” Samaira realized and looked over at Azrael who frowned, “What?”

“We didn’t always use protection, we forgot once,” She muttered, her hands becoming sweaty.

“What?! No- the night we were drunk,” He wanted to protest then realized she was referring to their first time in his house.

“Samaira, did you get your period?” He asked worriedly.

“I- hold on let me check,” Samaira pulled up her phone, feeling her heart beating much faster as she went onto the tracking app. “Shit, I’m a week late already,” She muttered. “But, I also have irregular periods,” She added, now unsure what it could be.

“We’ll get some tests, right now,” He sighed and changed the route on the GPS.

“Sorry,” Samaira muttered, fidgeting with her hands. She wasn’t really close with God, she barely prayed after losing her mother but man she was praying to the person up there that it was just her irregular period.

“It’s not your fault, it takes two to tango,” He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. He wanted to freak out but what good would that do them, they weren’t even sure yet. This could all just be a mistake.

“What will you do if I am pregnant then?” She asked bluntly, wanting to know her options. This was something serious and she needed to know where they stood.

“Well- I’d suggest you abort but the choice lies with you. If you pick to keep it I will be there for my child and for you and if you choose to abort I’ll still be by your side,” Azrael answered, scratching the back of his head as he thought about it.

“Understandable,” She nodded. “I need to get on the pill ASAP,” She whispered to herself and leaned back into the chair.

Samaira and Azrael both remained silent the whole ride to the pharmacy. Samaira went in by herself, to avoid him being recognized and their purchases being made public. She asked the workers which one would be suitable in their case and got three of them. She paid and got back to the car. They drove over to her place as it was much closer, and she immediately went to the bathroom and took all three tests.

Samaira washed her hands then exited the bathroom, she spotted Azrael sitting on the chair and noticed how he was lost in thoughts he hadn’t even registered that she exited the bathroom. Those few minutes were the longest of their life. Samaira heard the time from her phone go and got up, Azrael following behind her.

“Ready?” He asked, noticing she was stalling in front of the door, not wanting to head in.

“Fuck, I’m scared, Azrael,” She sighed, wiping her hands on her shirt.

“It’s ok, whatever it may be. I will be there for you,” He assured her, rubbing her back.

She sighed and walked over picking up the first two, her lips curled into a smile as she read the negative, she checked the third then squealed, Azrael clearly smiling too.

“I’ve never been happier to fail a test,” She squealed and put the test aside, turning to Azrael. “We’re not pregnant!” She announced, wrapping her hands around him and pulled him down to kiss. Azrael smiled into the kiss, relieved with the outcome of the test. Now truly wasn’t the time for a child.

“Let’s stop before we actually make a baby,” He teased, pulling out of the kiss.

“Azrael!” Samaira glared at the man who then chuckled and asked, “Too soon?”

“Yeah, a little too soon,” She rolled her eyes and turned around, looking at the tests again. “I’ll dispose of these, and we can make some sandwiches before heading back to work,” she said as she put them back in the boxes and disposed of them.

“Sounds perfect,” he said, taking a step back. “Can I make a chicken and cheese sandwich?” He wondered, realizing they hadn’t enjoyed their lunch at all.

“Of course, I think we just picked up some chicken salami,” She washed her hand thoroughly then led the way to the kitchen.

“Oh, did you get the Mexican seasoned one?” He wondered.

“Not sure, Akira always picks out different ones,” She looked through the options and handed him the ones they currently had. Lucky for him they did have that one along with the honey one and herbs and peppered one.

“Speaking of, where is she?” Azrael wondered, realizing usually she’d be home around these times.

“She had a hair and make-up gig,” Samaira answered, gathering some bread, butter, and cheese to make the sandwiches.

“Oh, she does that?” He asked surprised, walking over to help her with frying the chicken salami.

“More as a hobby but sometimes she gets to profit from it big time,” She explained. Though the way Akira did it she could do it for a living, she was very good at it.

“Nice, I think Rae needed someone for when she’s going to present the dresses on models,” Azrael made his thinking face for a moment. It was a bit harder to keep track of Rae’s career.

“Oh, maybe they can work together,” Samaira suggested.

“Mhm,” Azrael hummed, thinking for a moment. “I'll notify Rae Meadow,” He muttered and added the cheese to the sandwiches then put it in the pan and let it melt.

“Why do you say Rae Meadow, like why do you use her second name?” Samaira finally asked, looking over at what Azrael was doing.

“I don’t know, I’m just used to it because I got to pick it and I was happy with it. I picked her middle name,” He frowned as he spoke, thinking of the answer.

“Weren’t you like a toddler?” She wondered. Zoey was a year younger than him, and Rae was four years younger.

“Yeah, my parents made me choose between the options. Zoey I didn’t choose much, I could barely even speak at that point,” He shrugged and placed one of the sandwiches on the plate.

“Weird,” She mumbled but sighed, maybe that’s what it’s like to have a sibling she thought to herself.

“Mhm, here’s your sandwich,” Azrael turned off the stove and moved the pan closer to her plate to put the sandwich onto.

“Thank you, we should probably pack this to go,” The brunette said as she read the time from the clock. “Can’t be late to the office,” She added and turned back to him.

“Well, I’m the boss, I can technically do as I please,” He shrugged and watched as she took two lunch boxes and packed their sandwiches.

“Yes you can, but I’m not the boss, Azrael,” She rolled her eyes at him.

“But you are sleeping with him,” He teased, wrapping his hands around her and pulling her into him, kissing her cheek.

“Mhm, very true,” She placed her hands on top of his and looked over at the man.

“I love you,” He smiled at her and leaned over to peck her lips.

“I love you more,” Samaira smiled back at him and closed her eyes as she was kissed.

“Come on, babe, let’s pack these and head to work,” Azrael hugged her once more from behind before letting go of her.

They packed their lunch and refilled their water bottle and headed back to work. Their day went on as usual. After work, Samaira was actually picked up by Akira. Tonight they all had plans, Azrael rented out a place for them to have some dinner and enjoy their time together. There would be board games.