Chapter 70 Reconciliation

Chapter 70 Reconciliation
It's only been two days since I moved in with Hade, but it's already been amazing living with him. Mo insists two days isn't nearly enough time to make that claim. She's just jealous because she can't just show up or sleep over anytime she likes, her words not mine.

The girls have been so helpful with this entire change, not only did they help me move, but they also came back on Sunday to help us design the apartment so it reflects both Hade and me.

Hade is gone when I wake up, I faintly remember his lingering kiss on my forehead before he left early this morning. After a quick shower I head to the closet and catch a glimpse of my belly in the mirror.

At nine weeks, my only indicator of this pregnancy is how emotional and sleepy I always am and the nausea I get when exposed to certain smells.

According to Mum, I'm having the easiest pregnancy imaginable since my head isn't permanently hanging over the toilet.

For a few minutes I stand in front of the mirror, my hands resting on my still flat stomach. In a few months, everything will be different.

The thought makes me tear up, knowing how much my friends would be making a big fuss about my upcoming shopping spree. Lily would have started the moment she heard I'm pregnant to buy baby clothes.

With uncontrollable tears rolling down my cheeks, I wear shorts and a tank top, hoping it will distract me from waterworks. When that doesn't help I focus on my slightly wet hair and put in a messy bun on top of my head.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand and I answer.

“I just saw the most beautiful baby shoes.” Is the first thing Mo says and I cry harder.

“Victoria, what is wrong? Are you hurt?”

“N-no, I was just thinking about how much you and Lily would be going nuts shopping for everything for the baby.” I explain with a laugh and cry.

Mo is silent for a moment.

“Right now, she would be telling you to buy some sexy dress to entice Jamie with.” Mo laughs.

“Yep! Sounds about right.” Mo says, probably nodding her head.

“You know what, I'm going to buy a killer dress and hope Jamie can look at me longer before focusing on those boring business things.” 

Once we hang up, tears are rolling down my cheeks, but for a different reason now. Mo made me laugh till my laugh was coming out in wisps.

Before the baby arrives, I want to spend as much time with Mo as I can and make sure she's part of this journey too.

…………

“Noah, what are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” My brother asks with a rough voice.

“Y-yeah. I was expecting you, but come in,” I say fast, moving aside to let him in.

Noah walks in slowly, taking everything in and I give him a moment to do that without interrupting.

“The place looks beautiful, a touch of you and Hayden.” He comments.

Him saying out my boyfriend's name without a hint of anger and bitterness takes me by surprise. 

“Thanks, Hailey helped to decorate it and followed my vision for the place.”

Noah's body stiffens at the mention of Hailey and I'm guessing it has to do with his absence in my life for the past months, but I avoid it and move to the kitchen. Out of habit I pour two glasses of lemonade without asking what he would like.

“Here you go.” 

He takes the chilled beverage and I see a tiny twitch of his lips. “Thanks.”

“Let's sit down.” I suggest, when I see him still standing around awkwardly.

Noah follows me to the living room and sits down, and takes a sip on his drink. For what feels like forever none of us say anything. We have never been this awkward around each other, but then again, we've never been angry enough with each other to the point of taking weeks without talking to each other.

“Noah, what–”

“I brought you this.” 

We speak over each other and for the first time realise that he has a brown paperback with the logo of my favourite bakery. I take out the contents and almost drool at the sight of the baked goods.

For a second I think that Hailey told Noah about my obsession with Yummy Treats’ blueberry cupcakes, but the second batch of cookies and cream macarons is a clear giveaway that it's not her.

“These look yummy.” I open the box filled with macarons and offer Noah some and he shakes his head no.

‘More for me I guess.’

I take the first bite of the French delicacy and almost moan when the sweet treat hits my tongue. 

“That good?” Noah asks and I open my eyes to find him looking at me with a sad face. I open my mouth to ask him what's wrong, but he beats me to it.

“I'm sorry it took me so long to realise how happy he makes you.” His voice comes out small.

“I convinced myself that I was protecting you, I was being a jerk.”

“Noah, it's okay.”

“No, it's not. I called you names and hurt you when I'm supposed to be protecting you from men like me—men who call women names and degrade them.”

At this I keep quiet, because it really hurt when I heard what he thought of me. I clear my throat and put the sweet treats on the coffee table.

“I took out my guilt over Amanda on you and let it cloud my judgment.”

“Is that why you were so adamant about Hayden?” I ask him.

“I was afraid he would do what I did ten years ago, but it wasn't fair on him and I'm glad he's a better man than I am.”

At this I look at my brother, who's always been there for me, taking care of me. For the first time in weeks, I don't see the man who insulted my character, but the one who's been my hero since day one.

“You are a better man, Noah. Yes, your actions in the past and your words in Florida were cruel, but you are a good man. Don't ever doubt that.”

“Thank you for those words, I think I needed to hear them more than I thought.”

“I do forgive you, but more importantly you should forgive yourself. Not only for hurting me, but for Amanda.”

Noah nods his head in understanding and agreement. For the next hour he asks about my pregnancy and plans for my studies.

“I should go.”

“Thanks for today.” 

“I should be the one thanking you.” He says his hand patting my shoulder.

In one swift motion, Noah snatches one of the macarons.

“Hey!” I slap his hand away and laugh at his goofiness.

Noah laughs as he slips out the front door with his stolen prize and I shake my head, smiling despite myself.

It isn't perfect. Not yet.

But for the first time in weeks… my brother feels like my brother again.