15 : COMING

© S A F I E

CHAPTER 15

GABE

The chill that went down my spine made me stop reading the papers as I stared back on the news flashing on the wide TV screen at my childhood home in Verona. The news is about Elle, waddling away next to my sister who is struggling with plastic bags on her hand as both of them ran out of the baby shop. Well, it wasn't because Elle and Neola have gone shopping is the reason why I am surprised; it was the sight of Elle's bulging stomach which she tries to hide away from the crowd. Neola ushered Elle inside the convertible and drove off in a haste.

I was about to call for Joe and ask him about this when the female news reporter speak, 'As you can see, we had just witness Mrs. Elleana Cassidy West, wife of the famous businessman and owner of Greene-West Industries, Mr. Gabriel Hugo West, shopping with her husband's sister, Neola Dana West for baby's clothes. We did not hear about Mrs. West for a while and it seems that she’s been keeping us out of the box! Who would know that in a few months there will be a newborn billionaire for one of the greatest corporation of this decade?'

'It's been months since Mrs. West is seen by the media. She might be around seven months pregnant but still rocking those purple pumps and black maternity dress. It's quite a mystery that she's trying to hide her obvious baby bump when she's spotted by our camera. Not only the bump proves she's pregnant, what with the baby clothes and supplies on her hand together with Ms. West. It was almost a ridiculous sight. A billionaire's wife rushing our of a baby shop!'

The female reporter pathetically laughed at my wife that I have this sudden urge to go inside the television just so I could wring her neck.

"Why haven't I heard about this? Shit! That f*cking doctor lied to me, the baby is alive!" I dashed for the phone, but the reporter is still not finished with her moment.

'Apart from this, the media saw that Mrs. West is really protecting her baby bump from the eye of the crowd with her outfit concealing it very expertly since she wore black. You would have to look very closely to notice this,' I watch as the reporter zoom in the video and there, Elleana's swelling stomach came into view, 'No one knows why she needs to do that but according to some of our sources, Gabriel West doesn't want anything to do with the child. He even claimed that it's not his!' The reporter said as she focuses her eyes on the screen like she was really looking at me.

"What?" I snapped while dialing on the phone on my desk, " Oh shit, yeah...I said that. Oh shit! That doctor, ugh, I'm going to kill her." The ringing of the phone interrupted me as Joe answered in the first ring.

'Sir, you've called-?'

"Get your bloody arse in here now, Joe." I snapped turning my eyes back on the TV screen. 'But, Sir, I'm handling a meeting with the securities about Victoria. It seems that Cherry-'

“That’s for later. I need you here, right now." I ended the call without saying a proper goodbye. I'm pretty much aware of how being away with Elle affects my behaviour. I feel sorry for Joe and Ryan but I can't help it. It's been hard for me for the past four months since I saw her, lying on that bed unconscious and now she's there - live on TV, running with my sister as they load the baby supplies on the trunk of her red mini cooper. I was snapped out of my thoughts when the reporter resumed her rambling.

God, get into the point already!

'Most of the interviews conclude that this is also the main reason why Elleana West have already signed the divorce papers delivered to her by his husband's lawyer, Edmund Will. The said company, Greene-West Industries will continue to be partners but a part of Elle's share will be given to her. Yet according to her family's lawyer, she will just invest it into a local art school and donate half of the money to a charity. Now, let's talk about Mr. Franco Gustavo, owner of Gustavo Incorporation as he--' I turned off the TV as I focused at Joe who is now standing in front of me, his eyes tired as he glares at me.

"I told you so--"

I held out my hand sighed. "Yeah, I know where you're going with this Joe and I'm sorry if I acted like a jerk to you two weeks ago when you are trying to tell me news about Elle." I run my hands on my hair and turn my back at him, unable to stomach his look of apprehension. "I would like to go back to New York so I'll know if the baby is really my child. I'd be glad to pull off the divorce papers --"

"You're too late. Didn't you hear it, sir? She has already signed the papers. There's nothing we could do but to wait for the decision of the court to finalize it. It has been passed two weeks ago, sir, the day on which I'm trying to reach out to you, sir, but you didn't listen. There's nothing we can do about it, we are too late. Any day of this week, that contract will be official and there is no-" I interrupted his rambling by standing up and shaking his shoulders.

"No. I run this game and there's nothing that will make me lose it. If I need to cheat then so be it; if I need to pay a large sum of money or play dirty, then I shall. I’ve been so stupid in the past but this is different. I will win my wife back, Joe, and that is a promise. I love her and I will do everything to get her back now that I know the baby is still alive." I wasn't prepared of his reaction when Joe suddenly pulled me into a hug, enveloping me with his warmth, making me feel like I am thirteen again - hormonal and lost. "Finally, Gab, you get it!"

I shake my head at the nickname he called me with. His grip is tight and strong like my father used to do with me when I'm still in preschool. The way Joe acted like my father almost made me weep like a kid, I missed this affection and I am glad, people are warming up on me.

I was about to wrap my arms around him when he pulled away, grinning. "Don't worry, sir. We will win this game. I will make the preparations and assure you victory. We're in this together..." With those words, that he marches out of my office, pulling his phone as he whistled a hopeful tone.

Oh, how I love my crazy old man.

*

"Joe, have you prepared my jet?"

"Yes sir," Joe nodded, his eyes shining with mirth as we descended the staircase, him trailing behind me.

"And my car?" I wore my shades, staring back at the good old man.

"Of course, sir. All, including your penthouse, is clean and ready for your comeback. Everything's under control. No need to worry about nothing, sir." I saw him nod gently as I stole a glance at my phone, its screen depicting Elle as she smiled at Choco.

"Good," The familiar honk of the limo cut my thoughts off as we stepped out of the villa and to the blazing summer sun

of Italy. I stared at Joe as he opens the door for me. "Then let me ask you one last thing."

"Yes sir?" He looks at me with concerned eyes.

"Send her another mail for the last time," I said, handing him the phone. He just looks at me and sighs, pushing the phone back on my hand.

"I think that's not needed anymore. You are going down there yourself, sir." He reasoned but I just hand him the phone anyway and wave my hand.

I sat there for what seems like forever when the limo stopped by the hangar, Joe opens my door and I glance at him, "Sir, the jet is ready. We'll be living any minute now." I got out and let him take my luggage out of the trunk and together we climb the stairs leading to my jet.

With no words spoken between Joe and me throughout the flight, the jet landed safely at New York just as I finish reading the merging contract between Franco's and me. Joe was on my side in an instant opening the door for me. We descended the stairs and greeted by another one of my limos. I just stared at Joe and he nodded once again, handing me the keys, informing me about my car being located down on the parking lot and wishing me good luck. I got inside the limo and have them take me down to the parking lot. I got out, nodding at Joe.

I strut down the parking lot, push the button and smiled. My babe honks back as I continue my way down it, whistling as my black Lambo came into view. I did not hesitate to make myself comfortable inside, pushing another button for the ceiling to fold back before I start the ignition.

I can feel the breeze brushing my cheeks as I got out of the parking lot of JFK, driving downtown that leads to the outskirts of the city, the ocean breeze filtering inside my car. the trees quickly grow thicker and I found myself turning down a familiar street where I have stayed for more than five years. I stopped by the gates and entered the passcode, making my way down the driveway.

The mansion looms down on me and I can't help but feel nervous. I am going to face her know after five months of no contact. I wipe my hand on my trousers and thread my left hand in my hair, blowing a sigh. I turn off the ignition and got out of the car. My chest tightens and all I want to do is to rush inside the house and take her into my arms. I went up the

stairs, down the hall and into our room, "Elleana?”

**************************(An hour and a half before Gabe arrive...)****************************

ELLE

I stared down on the paper I am holding with my hands. I still can't believe that my little bean has grown a lot in a span of four months. I am now on my thirty-first week and I feel like a hippo; Like every time I'll eat, this baby will come and pop out of my area.

Mom has stayed here with me from the past few months, attending to my needs. She served as my lifesaver and I am now proud to say that I'm able to look at Gabe's picture without tearing up a lot. I stopped sniffing his pillows during the nights - happy to have mom and Choco as my company.

I chose to continue with my dreams after I have signed the contract for it is what Gabriel wanted for me.

Painting always comforts me and I felt more inspired than before. Now, Art helps me cope with my situation, helping me see that there is hope on thigs I might have thought was a lost cause. , my doctor has been very supportive throughout my pregnancy, made me feel loved.

As for Cherry, I haven't seen her since my last check-up about four months ago made me wonder why she's not with Eric. Maybe she already finished her internship? I'm not sure but I kind of hated that girl especially when I found out about her, not giving a damn if Gabriel stays or not, when I thought that she was my friend. I also hated the fact that she kept on insisting about how Gabriel hated our child. She is a jealous bitch and I am quite glad that she is gone.

I was about to go into the loo but the sudden pain that on my lower back made me grip at the sheets trying not to double over with pain.

I was disturbed out of my thoughts when another painful jolt made me clutch my stomach. I bit my lip. Oh, this might be the outcome of my strenuous activity of running away from the paparazzi yesterday when I and Neola shopped for my baby's clothes. Yet, I haven't checked the gender because I insisted for it to be a surprise.

I am pretty positive though that it would a little Gabe not Elle.

"Arrgh!" I groaned again, pulling my shorts down and slipping into a blue summer dress before descending downstairs, making me bite my lips to surpass another groan that I know is coming.

I'm all alone now with only Choco and mom as my company in this house. I have renounced the idea of getting house help because there is not much to do and I don't want people knowing about my nightly lament for the man who left me. I don't want their pity, nor their judgemental stares; I just want a peaceful life. Sometimes, I feel like I was a hobo invading a house that belongs to no other than my husband, I'm still glad, though, because mom's always there for me.

Except for today.

She'd gone off to the vet so they can check my dog, Choco and give him his monthly shots against dog diseases and rabies too. Hopefully, they will buy my favourite pepperoni pizza and vanilla pistachio ice cream. I hope they arrive early at the shop which is about two blocks away from the vet's office or else there will be no more pizza.

I forgot the pain in my back as I laughed when my stomach suddenly growled for food, reminding me of the tiny invader living inside of my stomach. This petite imp, my little Gabe, whom I love so much, is really hungry. I opened up a box of peeled pistachios and pour it in a bowl, sitting down and facing the opened glass patio. After finishing my bowl, I went back to our room and tried to catch some sleep.

I was astonished at how I was able to survive the past few months with only my mom and Neo as my support. I'm also glad that I'm able to sign the divorce papers without throwing them in the bin. I wonder why he demanded us to be divorced right after he found out that I am pregnant. Why did he not reach out and talk to me if he has doubts about the baby's parentage?

Does Gabriel still hate me because he thought I cheated him? I hope I can meet him, face to face and tell him about our baby. If he does have a plan, I hope it was going well even though both of us are suffering.

Turning on my side, I glance on the clock and realize that it's already eleven in the morning and I haven't even done anything that should have been resourceful in my part.

I need to finish my painting.

With that thought I went inside the next room and sat in front of my easel, a half-done canvass staring at me as I push the sheets off it.

I pick up my brush and dip, auburn and brown for his hair, blue for the eyes with a slight tinge of green and a soft glow of gold in them; a little bit of red on his chubby cheeks, a tinge of purple and pink on his plump lips; the tan is perfect and the soft fuzzy blanket over him...

"My baby--"

"Elleana!" I remain standing there, frozen, like a criminal caught in a crime. A guilty hand inside a cookie jar.

"Gabe?" I didn't dare to turn and face him as I felt his hand on my arms, another one on my hips, squeezing me tightly,

"Gabe, why are you-" the feeling of missing him captured me as soon as I felt his warmth that I gradually turn around and look at him in the eye, protecting my bump from his stare.

"I came here to see you, to see the baby. How could you not tell me, about the baby?" I shivered as he touched my bump, caressing it before squeezing my hips again. "All this time, I thought I killed another innocent life." His voice was barely a whisper that I have to incline my head so I can hear what he is saying. "You fooled me. Four months and you didn't even try to say a thing about this? Is it because you cheated on me to have this baby which is why you did not reach out - because of your guilt? I was waiting for the right time to go back to you but now I couldn’t suppress the feeling, not anymore..." His voice did not show anger but pure hurt and hate directed towards me.

"Gabriel. I did not cheat on you. I am loyal to you." I answered with the same intensity as his, pouring the emotions in the following words. "I never slept with another man and you know that! You know that you are my first and I wouldn't dare to be with another man. Cherry told me that you hated the baby. You already knew it all along. You are the one who is fooling yourself. I am scared of your reaction, Gabriel, which is why I didn't tell you at first. I don't know what you would do to us...I did not reach out because I thought you hated my baby."

Gabriel shakes his head at me and stared at me in disbelief.

"I won't do anything! I love you with all my heart, Elle. We were both fooled by that Cherry Woods. She told me that the baby has died. I could've tried to go back to you earlier if I had known. I would've refused to leave your side. The divorce papers would've never been processed and the contract won't need to end, Elle. We wouldn't have to end if I only found out earlier..." He held my hand in his but I pulled away.

"We will end in any other way because you won't believe me. You hate this baby because you won't believe that he is yours, OURS!" A sob escaped my mouth as I protect my bump, hating the fact that he is still doubtful of my baby. "You don't accept this baby, Gabriel. You couldn't trust me! You don't want him..."

"That's not true. I want both of you, it sucks that I am not here when you needed me; partly, it is my fault too. I did not listen to Joe. He tried to tell me but I did not give him the chance to speak. I was so caught up with my plans on catching Victoria, I choose to ignore you.” His eyes shine with tears. He brushed his hands on his hair. before he stares down at me, pulling me in and started kissing me - it was so sweet and so full of emotions that it pinches my heart.

He then stopped kissing me and bowed, “I'm sorry. I was overcome with my emotions. I shouldn't have kissed you so suddenly. I'm just, I miss you...that's all. I still think about how a certain man has you enthralled and I am powerless to do anything and he got you pregnant and..."

His words surprised me that I found myself walking towards him, holding his cheek. "Gabe, how many times do I have to repeat it to you, Gabriel? THIS BABY IS YOURS!" I pointed down on my stomach with tears flowing down my cheek. "There is no other man but you. Do you know that accusing me of cheating you is the most hurtful thing, ever?"

He shakes his head, turning around and I caught his eyes, gleaming with hurt. " I am hurting too, Elle, because I know that I am infertile. I find it hard to believe that the baby is really mine."

"But the baby is ours, Gabriel, we have conceived it together. If you don’t believe me, then let us prove it. Don't go running away again. Don’t hate the baby because he is yours. Don’t hurt us.”

"Fuck, no! I wouldn't do anything to harm you or him.” he pulled me in and hugs me tight. His actions alone made my

heart twinge in pain. This situation is torturing us but I am glad for he is here. “Even if the result comes out and I found out that he's not mine, I will still love you, the both of you," I stared up at him in disbelief and said, "Gabe, believe me. He's yours! Why do you keep on insisting otherwise? He's ours...our bambino." I clutch my stomach as I wince with pain.

This is stressing me out.

"I don't know what to say. Everything just points out the other direction. We just have to wait for the result. Come on..." He started pulling my arm as we went out of the hall.

“Where are you taking me?” We went down the stairs and to the living room. “We will do a paternity test. I need proof. I am so sorry Elle, but I just have to do this to keep me from thinking,” I look at him in disbelief, my heart clenching in disappointment as he said this.

He still won't believe in me. He still doesn't trust me.

His phone suddenly rang. He lets go of my arm and take his phone, “Yes, Joe?”

It was a moment’s decision.

I ran or should I say, waddled out of the door as fast as my pregnant feet can carry me. I headed out the front porch and quickly made my way to my blue convertible. Not paying any last glance at the door, I got inside my car and stepped on the pedal to drive off.

“ELLE!”

Pushing down as I reach a desirable speed, I round up the corner and I bit my lip, my vision blurred with tears as I look upon the rearview mirror, hoping to see that familiar black Lamborghini with the devil inside it.

He’s indeed trailing behind.

I push the blue convertible to go faster but it sputtered. I don't know what happened next, my hands clutching my bulging stomach as another pain arise.

I can hear the tires skidding as I lose control of the steering wheel - a blare on my right woke my senses, making me gain the control back, stirring the car away from the truck that almost collided with my blue convertible. I am so unprepared that I didn't see the fruit stall as the tail of my car crashed with it, shattering the lights as the car jolted on the left because of the impact.

I didn't die but the pain on my left intensified, now unbearable.

My waist is burning and slowly blood is trickling down my thighs; I can barely breathe.

The contractions are making me dizzy, I can't do this anymore.

GABE!

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