Chapter 146 That Call

Chapter 146 That Call
Maddie's POV

The twins had finally settled into a peaceful slumber, their tiny breaths a soothing rhythm in the nursery. Bella and Angel were also tucked in for the night, the house finally enveloped in a serene quiet. I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I sank into the sofa in the lounge. Mariko joined me.

“Maddie,” he said softly, his hand finding mine. “You look exhausted.”

I managed a tired smile, squeezing his hand. “I am. It’s been a lot.”

He shifted closer, concern etched into his features. “Is there anything I can do to help more? I know you’re doing so much.”

I took a deep breath, the words I had been mulling over for days finally bubbling to the surface. “There’s something I need to talk to you about. I mean to really talk about.”

He nodded, his eyes locked onto mine, giving me his full attention. “Of course. What is it?”

I glanced down at our joined hands, gathering my thoughts. “I’ve been thinking… a lot, actually. About the future and about our family.”

His brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

“I love our kids, and we did speak about this before, but I need to say again,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “I love them more than anything. But I’m overwhelmed. I’m tired, and I just… I don’t think I can go through this again.”

His eyes widened in understanding, and he leaned in closer. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. What are you thinking?”

I swallowed hard, the words feeling heavy in my mouth. “I still want to go ahead and tie my tubes. I want to make an appointment to see the doctor.”

Mariko’s expression softened, and he nodded slowly. “You really want to make sure we don’t have more children.”

I nodded, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “It’s not that I don’t love our family. It’s just that I don’t think I can handle more. It’s been so hard, and I’m scared that I won’t be able to cope.”

He reached up, gently cupping my face in his hands. “It’s okay to feel that way. You’ve been through so much, and it’s important to take care of yourself too.”

A tear escaped, rolling down my cheek. “I feel like I’m failing sometimes. Like I’m not enough for them.”

He shook his head, his thumb brushing away the tear. “You’re more than enough. You’re an amazing mother, and you’re doing everything you can for our children. Wanting to take care of yourself doesn’t make you any less of a mom.”

I took a shaky breath, leaning into his touch. “Thank you. I just needed to hear that.”

He pulled me into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around me protectively. “We will make sure you’re comfortable and that you get the support you need.”

I nodded against his chest, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “I just want to be the best mom I can be for them. And I think this is the best decision for me.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, his voice a soothing murmur. “We will do whatever it takes to make sure you’re okay."

I pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for understanding.”

He gave me a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with love and support. “Always. You’re my partner in everything, and I’m here for you.”

We sat there for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, the weight of the decision feeling a little less daunting with his unwavering support. The quiet of the house was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that had consumed me, but in Mariko’s embrace, I found a sense of calm and reassurance.

“I will make an appointment with the doctor,” I said softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

Mariko nodded. “I will go with you. We will make sure we understand everything and that you’re comfortable with the decision.”

I felt a surge of relief, knowing that I wasn’t alone in this. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He chuckled lightly, his eyes twinkling with affection. “You would manage just fine, but I’m glad you don’t have to. We’re a team, remember?”

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Yeah, we are. And I’m so grateful for that.”

The weight of our conversation lifting, replaced by the comfort of knowing we had each other to lean on. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew we would face them together, as a team, and that made all the difference. Mariko is so supportive and understand in everything. I'm so glad to have him in my life.



Mariko's POV

The soft glow of the nightlight in the nursery cast a gentle light over the room, making everything seem peaceful and serene. Maddie had finally fallen asleep, exhaustion etched into every line of her face. I had just settled into bed beside her when one of the twins started to cry.

I slipped out of bed as quietly as I could, not wanting to disturb Maddie. She needed her rest more than anything. Padding softly to the nursery, I found that it was Mikayla who was crying, her tiny face scrunched up as she wailed.

“Hey there, little one,” I whispered, reaching into the crib to scoop her up. Her cries quieted slightly as I held her close, her warmth seeping into my chest. “What’s the matter, huh? Need a diaper change?”

As I laid her down on the changing table, my mind wandered back to the conversation Maddie and I had earlier. The thought of her tying her tubes made my heart ache. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand her reasons...I did. But the idea of closing that chapter of our lives forever felt like a loss I wasn’t ready to face.

Mikayla cooed softly as I changed her diaper, her tiny hands reaching up toward me. I smiled down at her, feeling a rush of love and protectiveness. I wanted more moments like this, more memories of holding our babies and watching them grow. I wanted another child, despite the challenges we had faced. But how could I ask Maddie to go through all of this again?

I finished changing Mikayla and picked her up, settling into the rocking chair. She nestled against me, her eyes fluttering shut as I rocked her gently. The rhythmic motion was soothing, both for her and for me. I watched her, marveling at how perfect she was, so small and yet so full of life and potential.

As I sat there, I tried to clear my mind, to push away the conflicting emotions that were tearing me apart. I wanted to support Maddie, to be there for her in every way, but I couldn’t shake the longing for another child. How could I reconcile these feelings?

Mikayla’s breathing evened out, and I knew she was asleep. I stood carefully, cradling her in my arms as I placed her back in the crib. She shifted slightly but remained asleep, her tiny fists curled up by her face.

I watched her for a moment, my heart full of conflicting emotions. I moved over to Marielle's Crib. She was fast asleep. Then, needing to clear my head, I decided to go for a night jog. I changed into my running clothes, grabbed my phone and keys, and slipped out of the house as quietly as I could.

The cool night air was a welcome relief as I started to jog down the quiet streets. My mind raced with thoughts of Maddie, the twins, and the future. I needed to sort through everything, to find a way to support Maddie while also coming to terms with my own desires.

As I ran, my phone rang in my pocket. I slowed to a stop, pulling it out to see who was calling. It was Amber. A sense of unease settled in my stomach as I answered.

“Amber?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady though my panting to catch my breath.

“Mariko, I—” Her voice was choked with sobs, and my heart clenched. “I need you.”

“What’s going on? Where are you?” I asked, my concern growing.

“I’m at home,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Please, can you come?”

“I’m on my way,” I said, already turning back toward the house. “Just hold on, okay? I will be there soon.”

I sprinted back to the house, my mind racing with worry. I grabbed my car keys and left a quick note for Maddie, hoping she wouldn’t wake up and panic when she found me gone. Then I drove to Amber’s house, my thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and fear.

When I arrived, I found Amber sitting on the front steps, her face buried in her hands. I parked the car and ran to her, kneeling down beside her.

“Amber, what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice full of concern.

She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy from crying.