Every minute of pampering
The following week was a monotonous occurrence, in the sense that I was back in my routine, that was, home and work. Daniel called several times to chat. He had to leave the following day after our dinner. He was off to another state handling the new hotel project.
I learned that after years of hard work and developing his reputation in the construction industry, he finally built his first company. It started small, but it thrived and continuously grown. He was very excited because this would be his biggest project yet. I was being supportive, which was the role of a girlfriend, which I was. Right?
I had not seen Nathan since our last encounter. He did not go to the café. I presumed he was with Daniel. This project being their first joint venture, so logically they would be together. I was relieved not to see him.
I blamed him for what happened the other night with Daniel. He put those stupid ideas in my head, making me doubt my decision to be with Daniel. Then, he should not have kissed me. He did not have any rights. This time, I would not allow him to ruin what I was trying to build with Daniel.
Friday night, I was off with Gemma and James to this weekend getaway. I was putting my things in the empty closet when she knocked on my door. "Come in." Their room was on the upper floors while they gave me this beautiful room with a magnificent view of the garden and pool.
"How do you like your room?" I was staring at the expression on the face of my friend. Amused by her excitement as she strode into my room, stopping short before my bed. I had not seen her since yesterday morning.
Gemma accompanied James to a family event, and she did not go to work today too. "What do you think? I love it. Thank you, by the way, for inviting me here." This moment was a terrific way to unwind. It had been a long time since I went on a vacation. Well, this felt like one, even if it was just a short one.
We just decided to meet here at the hotel. "What is the special occasion?" I could not hold my curiosity anymore. She faced me and wiggled her fingers, squealing so loudly that I had to cover my ears, for it might crack.
With my eyes focused on her fingers, it dawned on me what she was trying to say. I started jumping towards her, screaming with her, and expressing my happiness for her.
"You... you're getting married." I stammered, getting emotional, looking at the beautiful engagement ring, which was shining against the light on her finger.
"Yeah, I am. He proposed last night when we were at his parent's house." We started hugging each other and jumping around the room.
"Now, I'm jealous." I joked, but not surprised at all. I was expecting this to happen sooner than later. "Seriously, it is about time. I am very happy for you, Gemma. When is the big day? Tell me more." I asked.
She told me all the details of how James proposed to her. Then, his whole family was very excited and supportive of their decision.
"Well, we have not decided yet. But, we are sort of in a rush." She looked down at her hands settling in her lower belly. If her figure alone would be your reference point, then you would not figure out the reason.
Scrutinizing at how she eyed her belly with so much affection, I understood the exact reason. "Really? Are you sure?" So, this was the big news.
"I wanted to share this with you first. You know, you're practically the only family I got." She looked at me, visibly waiting for my approval. I squeezed her hand to encourage her. "I am three weeks pregnant."
She smiled at me with a little moisture in her eyes, and I understood that this baby, made out of love, would be lucky to have parents like James and Gemma.
"Wow! Congratulation! I'm going to be an aunt." This time, I was the one bustling around Gemma. "Now, I'm truly jealous." I was once one of those people who believed in a romantic love story where you found your prince charming, had beautiful kids, lived happily ever after. Seeing something as beautiful as James and Gemma's love story somehow reaffirmed my faith in love.
Panicking, I asked if she needed anything. How was she feeling? Gemma had to pull me down on the bed. "Calm down Scarlet, we still have eight months to prepare for this," she reminded me. Well, I never had a firsthand experience with a pregnant woman before, not someone I was close to, like a sister, because that was what she was to me.
I reached out to her and enveloped her in my embrace. I wanted to make her feel how much I supported her decisions. "Yeah, I just got carried away. I'm so happy for you and James."
"I'm also glad that you came into my life." Gemma expressed with teary eyes. No words could ever express how much I had grown to love her. She treated me more than a friend, but a sister she never had. I would value that with my life.
"Come on. We're supposed to be celebrating and pampering ourselves. This is a happy moment, and we will enjoy all of this at James' expense." I dragged her up. Gemma happily wiped her tears away.
We got ready for our first stop, the spa. Getting a massage was my first time. To say I was uncomfortable was an understatement. It kept me squirming as the masseur applied pressure on the different parts of my body.
"Ahhh... Eeehhh... Wait... Stop... Not there... Ohhh..." Just some of the words you would hear from my lips, as I felt tortured during this session. Nothing about the way she was sticking her fingers through my skin was soothing or relaxing.
Gemma kept on teasing me as the tickling frenzy continued. She guaranteed that I would get used to it after a few more massages. That was if I would allow this to happen again. Fortunately, all things came to an end, and this was one of those things that I could not wait to get out of for good.
Next, we had our nails and hair done. I opted for a slight trim and few light highlights. Gemma had a total makeover since she wanted to surprise James tonight with a new look. This time, I enjoyed every minute of pampering I received in the salon.