Chapter 133 Routines
"I don't know... I feel like I should be working but..." I mumbled around the cookie. I feel guilty that I've left her alone at the shop. I'll be going back soon, I hope.
"No Buts! You need some 'me' time. When you feel yourself, I will have plenty of work for you. But right now, just rest!" She insisted, giving me one of her grandmotherly hugs. I hadn't realized I'd missed this.
I've started sort of a daily routine. I go downstairs and eat breakfast with my family. Jeff's been awesome about getting me some fruit. He's even made me some smoothies.
I'm surprised I haven't had any morning sickness. Maybe it's because I'm only 4 weeks? I've heard some horror stories about that. But I've been pretty good, it's mostly just aversions to the strong smells. I can't be around coffee or fried foods.
And if I start to feel a little sick, Rick hands me a peppermint tea and crackers. He's always worried I'm not eating enough, but I promised him I'm fine.
Liv hardly brings up her boyfriend at the table because Rick gets pissed when he hears his name. I think she's learning what is okay and what is not. But she's still pushing boundaries. Maybe someday she'll learn we are only doing what is best for her.
Charlie has been struggling with something, but she won't discuss it. Instead, she tells me what she's working on in school. She only has a few months, then she graduates and can start college. She seems excited about it. She's still planning on becoming a pediatrician.
After breakfast, Jeff takes them to school.
I've been spending time in Rick's private gym, walking on the treadmill. He always joins me, making sure I don't hurt myself or something like that.
"You're doing so good, little dancer," he always encourages me. "You are so much stronger than you know!"
I love that. It makes me feel like I can at least accomplish this.
He's been working from home, which he promises me is fine. He doesn't actually need to step foot in Kingston Muse or any of his strip clubs, which he informed me he's planning on selling.
While he's working, I spend some time in the dance studio. I turn the music up and just dance. It feels so good to let everything else just disappear and be in tune with the rhythm and flow.
The movements and exertion seem to keep my mind focused on the present and pushes all unwanted thoughts to the back of my mind. I feel free whenever I'm on my toes and it's just me and the music.
I've ended up taking naps after my dance sessions. I don't understand why I'm so tired. I never used to get this tired after dancing. Maybe it's just been so long that my muscles aren't used to it.
Rick thinks it might be the baby taking all my energy. But I'm only a few weeks along! Is this really normal? Maybe I should ask a doctor. Is it still safe to dance while pregnant? I know fall risks are dangerous for the baby.
After the girls get home from school and finish their homework, we eat dinner together as a family, and sometimes we end up watching movies in the theater or spend some time in the games room. It's been so long since we were all this close together. I guess it takes a tragedy to realize what you really have.
But tonight, something is different. The girls are giggling over their pizza and giving Rick a suspicious look. Are they all planning something?
There is a look in Rick's eyes. One I haven't seen in a while, and it causes my heart to thump heavily in my chest.
He comes up to me, wrapping me in his arms and whisper in my ear, "I've got a surprise for you."
I am confused. "What is it?"
"You'll see. Your sisters will be fine for the night. Consider this out date night," Rick smirks.
And then he takes me by the hand while my sisters giggle from behind. "Have fun!" Charlie calls out behind us.
Just what exactly is going on?