Chapter 124 Video Calls

Chapter 124 Video Calls
I sat cross legged on the large bed in my room at the Silver estate, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm golden light across the cream colored walls. The room felt like a peaceful cocoon with its comfortable furniture, fresh flowers in a vase on the nightstand and the faint scent of lavender from the diffuser Laila had brought me earlier. Outside the tall windows the night had settled over the hidden compound, the distant sound of crickets and gentle wind through the trees creating a soothing backdrop. I adjusted the laptop on my lap and clicked the video call button to join Sophia and Clara.
Their faces appeared on the screen almost immediately. Sophia was in her dorm room wearing an oversized hoodie with her hair tied in a messy bun. Clara was in what looked like her living room eating a bowl of cereal with her glasses perched on her nose. Both of them lit up when they saw me.
"Maddie!" Sophia exclaimed her voice filled with warmth and concern. "How are you? How is the baby? We have been thinking about you nonstop."
Clara leaned closer to the camera, her spoon paused mid air. "Yes girl. Tell us everything. How are you feeling? Is the baby kicking a lot? We miss you so much."
I smiled warmly at both of them feeling a rush of affection for my friends. They had been there for me through every twist even when I could not tell them the full truth. "We are both doing really well. The baby has been moving a lot lately. It is like it knows when I am thinking about all of you. The doctor checked on us yesterday and said everything is progressing nicely. I feel stronger every day."
Sophia sighed in relief. "That is such good news. We were worried when you said you needed some time away. But as long as you and the baby are okay that is what matters."
Clara nodded. "Exactly. You focus on resting and taking care of yourself. We are holding down the fort at school for you. But we cannot wait for you to come back. Exams are next week Tuesday. Are you sure you will be ready?"
I nodded confidently. "I will be back by Sunday. I promise. I have been reading all the handouts you  guys sent me. Alexander had someone deliver my notebook a few days ago so I have everything I need to study. I feel more prepared now."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, her expression turning curious. "I thought he was there with you. Is he not staying at the place you are at?"
I shook my head gently. "No. He is not here. He is trying to catch all the bad men who worked with Ben to make sure they will not cause me any harm again. He is doing everything he can to end this so I can come home safely."
Clara sighed dramatically with her hand on her chest. "That is so sweet. He is literally out there fighting for you while you are safe. Maddie, you really won the lottery with that man. The way he looks at you. The way he protects you. It is like something out of a movie."
Sophia nodded in agreement. "Seriously. He is so devoted. I cannot even imagine having someone like that. You deserve it though. After everything you have been through."
I felt my cheeks warm at their words. Talking about Alexander always made my heart flutter. "He is everything to me. I miss him so much when he is not here but knowing he is out there making sure we are safe makes it bearable."
The conversation flowed easily after that. We talked about graduation. Clara was already planning her dress, a bold red number with a slit that she said would turn heads. Sophia was more traditional, wanting something elegant and soft in bright colors. I listened with a smile imagining myself in a beautiful ball gown with a flowing skirt that would hide my growing bump. We laughed about life after school. Clara wanted to travel the world a bit before starting her career. Sophia was thinking about applying for a master’s program. I told them I wanted to focus on architecture but also on building a life with Alexander and our baby. The words felt real and hopeful as I said them.
My phone buzzed on the bed beside me. Alexander’s name flashed on the screen with a video call request. I smiled brightly.
"He is calling," I told my friends. "I have to take this. I will talk to you both soon okay? Love you."
They both blew kisses at the camera and said their goodbyes. I ended the call with them and accepted Alexander’s video call. His face appeared on the screen. He was sitting in the back of his car looking exhausted. His hair was slightly disheveled, his eyes tired but they lit up the moment he saw me.
"Hello my love," he said, his voice deep and warm despite the fatigue.
"You look tired," I said softly, my heart aching at the sight of him. "I hope you have not been stressing too much."
He ran a hand through his hair and leaned back against the seat. "I have been stressing trying to find the rest of Moonthorn and Ironthorn in hiding so that everything will be over soon. But you do not have to worry. I am on my way home now. I will eat and rest when I get there. God I wish you were here."
"We miss you too," I replied, my hand instinctively resting on my stomach. "Both of us. The baby has been moving a lot today. It is like it knows when I am thinking about you."
Alexander’s expression softened his eyes filled with love. "I miss you more. Every single day. How are you holding up? Are you studying?"
"I have been studying," I said. "The handouts the girls sent are really helpful and having my notebook back makes it easier. I feel more prepared now."
He nodded. "That's good, babe. Do not stress too much though. You need to rest as well. How is everyone there? Are they taking good care of you?"
"Everybody is fine," I told him. "They are taking really good care of me. Vincent checks on me every day before leaving the house. My cousins and I have been spending a lot of time together. It feels like I have known them my whole life. They make me feel safe and happy, I will miss them when I leave here..."
A knock sounded on the door interrupting me. I looked up to see Lila poking her head in.
"Dinner is ready," she said with a smile. "Come down when you are done."
I nodded at her. "I will be right there."
I turned back to the screen. "I have to go. They are calling me for dinner. We will talk tomorrow okay?"
Alexander smiled tiredly. "I love you Maddie. More than anything, be good baby."
"I love you too," I whispered. "Get some rest when you get home. Please."
The call ended and I sat there for a moment holding the phone to my chest. His face lingered in my mind. The exhaustion in his eyes. The love that never wavered. I took a deep breath and stood up, smoothing down my dress. Dinner with the family would be good. It would keep my mind occupied until I could talk to him again.
I walked down the stairs toward the dining room. The house smelled of delicious food, roasted vegetables, fresh bread and herbs. The family was already gathered around the long table laughing and talking. Vincent sat at the head looking tired but content. Beatrice was serving plates with a warm smile. Genevive waved me over to the seat beside her.
I sat down feeling the warmth of their company wrap around me. As the food was passed around and conversations flowed I felt grateful, safe, loved. But a part of me was still counting the days until I could go home to Alexander.
The night stretched on with laughter and stories. I listened and participated but my thoughts kept drifting back to the man driving home exhausted but determined. Tomorrow I will talk to him again.