55

I couldn't believe my ears! Cher's words hung in the air, sinking into my consciousness like a wonderful dream. "I'm pregnant."

The sheer joy that surged through me was indescribable. It was the kind of happiness that made my heart race, my emotions bubble over, and a huge grin spread across my face. I was on freaking cloud nine. I felt like I could burst from the sheer elation coursing through my veins.

As Cher's words echoed in my mind, the realization hit me like a tidal wave. Are we going to be moms together? The thought was a whirlwind of emotions – companionship, shared experiences, and the knowledge that I wasn't alone on this incredible journey.

The excitement was so overwhelming that I found myself dancing around the table, twirling with unbridled joy. I was living in a moment of pure happiness, where every worry, every stress, seemed to melt away in the face of this incredible news.

Just as I was lost in my ecstatic reverie, I noticed Ace and Alex walking in, their expressions a mix of amusement and confusion. They exchanged a quick glance before Ace couldn't resist speaking up. "Is craziness part of the pregnancy hormones?"

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbly and infectious. "Oh, you have no idea, Ace. But you'll understand soon enough."

As Ace nonchalantly poured himself a cup of juice, I grinned mischievously, reveling in the suspense before finally blurting out, "Cher is pregnant too!!"

Their expressions transformed, eyes widening in surprise and then breaking into smiles. My excitement was contagious, and my words hung in the air like fireworks, bursting with the brilliant news. The room seemed to vibrate with newfound energy, and the atmosphere was charged with celebration.

I squealed, my voice reaching a pitch I hadn't known I could hit. I couldn't contain my excitement. Cher and I, two best friends on a parallel journey towards motherhood, embarking on this incredible adventure together. It was more than I could have ever wished for.

Ace's grin widened, his eyes holding a mixture of understanding and surprise. "Wow, that's amazing news! So not only do we become fathers but also uncles!"

Alex's usually composed demeanor crumbled, replaced by genuine happiness. "I can't believe it! This is incredible!"

The realization hit me once again – I wasn't alone in this. Cher's pregnancy and journey were like an anchor, grounding me in the sea of emotions that came with impending motherhood.

As the news of Cher's pregnancy settled in, the excitement in the room was palpable. Ace and Alex, always quick with their wit and humor, were no exception to the infectious joy that filled the air. After the initial celebration, Ace turned to Alex with a sly grin.

"Well, Alex, looks like we're going to be the fun uncles," he said, a playful twinkle in his eye.

Alex chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Absolutely. And you know what that means, right? Endless opportunities to spoil those little ones rotten."

My heart warmed at the thought of Ace and Alex being the fun uncles for Cher's baby and responsible father for my baby. Their genuine excitement and willingness to embrace this new chapter added an extra layer of happiness to the whole experience.

Ace's grin widened. "Oh, you bet. Ice cream before dinner, video game marathons, and secret trips to the amusement park."

Alex joined in the banter, a smirk playing on his lips. "And let's not forget the classic 'let's see how much candy we can fit into one bowl' trick."

I laughed along with them, picturing the two of them conspiring to give the little ones the time of their lives. It was heartwarming to know that our children would have such caring and playful uncles and fathers in their lives.

"But wait, there's more," Ace chimed in, his voice taking on a mock serious tone. "I'm already planning to teach them how to pull off the perfect prank."

Alex raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider the idea. "Well, as long as you promise to teach them the art of pranking responsibly."

I found myself succumbing to the exhaustion that had been building throughout the day. My eyelids drooped, and I let out a tired yawn. It was clear that this pregnancy was no joke. Despite not really showing yet, I could literally feel the weight of carrying a human inside me, each passing day a reminder of the miracle taking place within.

"I think I'm going to call it a night, guys," I said with a soft smile, shaking my head slightly. "It's been quite the day, and I'm super tired."

Ace and Alex exchanged knowing glances, clearly understanding the toll pregnancy could take. "Sleep well," Alex said, his tone warm.

"Goodnight, and take care," Ace added with a friendly wave.

With their goodnight wishes echoing in my ears, I walked towards my room, the anticipation of a good night's sleep filling me with a sense of comfort. As I entered the room, I felt the need to freshen up, to wash away the remnants of the day and prepare for a peaceful slumber.

A quick shower washed away the weariness, and the cool water was invigorating against my skin. I took my time with my skincare routine, relishing in the calming sensation of each step. With my face feeling rejuvenated, I gathered my hair into a quick braid, a simple yet efficient way to keep it in place while I slept.

Pajamas on and feeling cozy, I slipped into bed, the softness of the sheets a soothing embrace. I let out a content sigh, feeling a mix of gratitude and anticipation for the restful night ahead.

As my eyes closed, I found myself transported to a dreamscape. White skies stretched above me, like a canvas painted with soft hues. Black crows darted through the air, their wings slicing through the atmosphere in a dance of freedom and mystique. Eerie music played in the background, each note weaving a tapestry of both beauty and eeriness.

My heart quickened as I walked through this surreal landscape, an odd sense of anticipation building within me. The dream seemed to have its own rhythm, each scene unfolding in a way that was both familiar and foreign.

And then, as if conjured by the very essence of the dream, an old woman materialized before me. She seemed to appear out of thin air, her presence striking a chord of unease within me. Her eyes were piercing, holding a depth of knowledge that sent shivers down my spine.

It was the same old woman from the park and restaurant.

My heart began to beat faster, the feeling of foreboding intensifying. I watched as the old woman moved closer, her steps deliberate and haunting. And then, in a heartbeat, she leapt in front of me.

I screamed, the sound escaping my lips in a rush of fear and surprise. The dream, once serene and mysterious, had transformed into a chilling spectacle that sent my senses reeling. The old woman's sudden appearance was an onslaught to my emotions, a jolt that left me trembling.

My eyes snapped open, my body drenched in sweat, my heart still racing from the vividness of the dream. The darkness of my room surrounded me, the silence broken only by the sound of my rapid breaths. It took a moment to register that I was back in the safety of my own space, the haunting dream nothing more than a product of my subconscious.