changes

MARGARET POV

Time passed, and life's rhythm marched on, unchanged.

The news of my pregnancy sparked a thrill within me. Sharing it with Lewis, I watched as he was enveloped in silence, his reaction a mystery. Perhaps the weight of impending fatherhood had settled upon him.

We shared our joy with his family, reveling in the celebration.

I wanted to send a letter to my mother, to share this news.It lingered in my thoughts, but pride held my hand still.

My friends—Tim, Sophia, Blake, and Sera—reached out with letters and calls as we haven't been together for some time .However I couldn't tell them that I was married yet.It wasn't the time.

In secret, I attended Sophia's ballet, capturing my presence in photographs and sending it to her, silent tokens of my support.

As my belly swelled, the need to inform my employer pressed upon me. I was about to call Jessie for counsel, but a knock interrupted our planned discourse.

Only Jessie and Lewis's parents knew of my abode, so it must be one of them.

Jessie entered, her bag slipping from her shoulder as we embraced. She settled on the sofa, her gaze falling upon my growing form.

"How is the little one?" she inquired, her smile warm.

I sighed, closing the door, "We're well. It's an odd sensation, nurturing a life within, yet it fills me with wonder," I confessed, joining her on the sofa.

"I can't claim to know such feelings,as I'm  not with child," she mused, and laughter danced between us.

A silence fell, then, "What of your career?" she ventured.

"I can persist. Other celebrities have balanced fame and family," I asserted.

"Yet distance often grows between them and their children, Margaret. You are not going to abandon your career entirely. Why not cherish these early years with your child?.Take an advise from a big sister" Jessie proposed, her gaze earnest.

"You are only older by a month," I retorted, our laughter echoing once more.

"The contract binds for a decade, with renewal beyond. Departing now would bring consequences I'm not prepared to face," I admitted.

"JessieM will endure, even solo till you come back. And you don't have to pay for anything.Remember, my father own the company ," she reminded me, a smirk playing upon her lips.

Her words drew laughter from me, "Indeed, I had forgotten."

My hand caressed my belly, "Jessie, you speak truth. Yet, a conversation with Lewis awaits before any decision," I conceded.

"Marriage intertwines our lives; it's no longer just about me."

She nodded, understanding, "I'll wait for your word," she offered, standing to leave, and I secured the door behind her.

************************************

I lingered in the quiet of the night, awaiting Lewis's return. His voice, distant over the phone, spoke of rehearsals for his concert, so I surrendered to sleep alone.

A week's absence stretched long, and when he finally returned, a sea of unasked questions swirled within me. His fatigue was palpable, a stark contrast to the affectionate greetings of days past. He moved silently, his weariness a shroud.

He was different that night unlike other days.when he will come back he will shower me with kisses.

He went inside the bathroom and after some time he came out and cleaned his body.

I stood up from the bed,"should I prepare anything for you to eat?.

"No ,I'm tired,"he said plainly without an expression .

"I want to go on hiatus,"I said and he turned to look at me.

"Quiting?,"he asked as he furrowed his eyebrows.

"No I'm just going on a hiatusI just want  to be closer to our child for at least five years. You know how the industry is.I will continue later,"I said as I looked at him.

"If it's for that reason ,then it's fine.Its better that way,"he said as he put on a short and laid on the bed.

"It must have been stressful,"I said as I faced him on the bed and I saw that his eyes were closed.

"It was and we are not even done yet,"he said tiredly.

"Won't you kiss my forehead or hug me to sleep?,"I asked because he had not done it in a long time and I wanted it.

He opened his eyes as he leaned in to my forehead and kissed it,"I can't hug you now,I'm having arms and shoulder pains."

I sat up slightly from the bed,"Then I'll massage you till you're fully asleep".

"Okay",he said sleepily.

I began to massage him as he sleep,hoping it will ease his pains.

************************************

Dawn's light crept in, and I found myself alone as I opened my eyes,when I woke up; Lewis must have departed early, his schedule a relentless tide.

As I tidied our home, the radio's melodies accompanied me, a song from JessiM coaxing a smile to my lips. But then, an interview unfolded, introducing an unfamiliar name—Ariana from JessiM.

Confusion took hold as I recognized Jessie's voice beneath this new moniker. "When did she change her name and for what cause?" I pondered aloud.

The host's inquiry mirrored my own, seeking the story behind her transformation. Her laughter, light and unburdened, offered no revelation—just a desire for something new.

Then, my absence from the public eye became the subject.

"And how about Margaret Adrian,your band mate.we haven't heard from her for months.Fans are worried,"the host said.

"Oh she is very fine.she is going on a hiatus for five years.Do not worry,you will see her again,"Jessie said.

I stopped cleaning and looked at the radio .I haven't told her that I have made my decision so why will she announce it?!.