- Alma! Alma!

I feel something against my cheek. Jayna's voice echoes in my head without stopping.

- Stop screaming, Jay.

I open my eyes and meet a blue-green gaze. It's weird, Jayna has brown eyes. I frown and concentrate. Jayna is on my left and has a worried look on her face. Gabrielo's face then enters my field of vision.

- Gabo? I muttered, still in a daze. What are you doing here?

- Grazie al cielo," Gabrielo exclaims, squeezing my hand. You scared me.

He holds me tightly and I return his embrace. I sit up on the bed and observe my surroundings. I feel as if I have been drained of all my strength. It's awful.

- Where are we?

- In the hospital, Tesoro. You passed out in your colleague's car. How are you feeling?

- Tired," I said, leaning against him. I want to go home.

- We'll go home soon, just rest for now.

The smile on Gabrielo's face becomes increasingly blurred and I feel myself sinking again. Then I woke up on our bed at home. The room was empty and it seems to be the middle of the afternoon. I'm in my pyjamas. Weird. I walk down the stairs and hear voices coming from the living room.

Gabrielo is talking on the phone with the speaker on. I watch him from a distance, waiting for him to finish talking. When he finishes his call, I approach him and he turns to me. He beckons me to approach him. I step forward hesitantly and he sits me on his lap.

- We should have a chat," Gabrielo suggests, grabbing my chin and lifting my head.

- If that's the way it's going to be, I'd rather you yelled at me once and for all.

- I won't," Gabrielo replies calmly, "otherwise your conscience will be clear. Now tell me: what is the problem here?

I remain silent, my head down. Gabrielo gives me an tired look and sighs before he lets himself go against the sofa. He looks exhausted. I can tell by the way his hair is messed up from the amount of times he's run his hand through it. He looks exhausted and it's very much my fault.

- I'm sorry, Gabrielo. I should have taken it easy like you asked me to this morning. And I should have had a proper breakfast.

There is a silence in the room and I feel uncomfortable. Okay, I was wrong and I should have listened to him, but he could react to my apology. My conscience is heavy and it's deserved.

- It's lovely of you to admit your mistakes," my husband replies, putting his head on my neck. Just so you know, you're going to be here for the rest of the week. And the next nine months for that matter.

- Sorry?

- Game over, sweetheart. You're staying home," he said, planting a kiss on my cheek. I gave you a chance and you blew it, you should have been more careful.

- Gabrielo, please.

- You're too late. The doctor said you need to calm down, rest and avoid unnecessary stress. That's what you'll get, peace, rest and no stress. Do you want to miscarry?

- No!" I cried, feeling my pulse quicken.

- Then you'll stay here. If you want to work, you can do it from here, but this back and forth stuff stops now. Is that clear?

- Yes," I sighed, keeping my head down.

- Call Meavy or whoever you want to come and keep you company. I've got to go. I'll see you tonight. Don't forget to eat what the housekeeper cooked.

He kisses me one last time before getting up and walking out of the room. I am speechless. This is the first time Gabrielo has been so angry. He won't give in this time. Too bad. It was in vain but I tried.

There is nothing I can do. Meavy is working, Jayna is working, everybody is working but me. I might as well get some fresh air. I've already eaten what Mrs Warrens made for me and I'm not hungry anymore. I'm going to visit Meavy at her company. The last time I spoke to her was yesterday and I still haven't told her the good news. I get in my car and call Jayna on the way.

- Alma, how are you feeling? Jayna asks quickly.

- I'm fine, don't worry. Do me a favour and bring me the two dresses I was working on at home. I already texted you the address.

- No problem, boss. You should really get some rest. The CEO was worried sick when I picked up your phone to tell him we were in the hospital. It was cute. Congratulations, by the way.

- I'm sorry about that and thank you," I said, laughing. At least you've met my husband.

- I was in shock when I saw him walk into the room. You scored big by marrying the new bachelor that everyone was raving about.

- I know, I know. That's what we call being lucky. He's not single anymore.

- Share some of your luck with me if that's how it is. I need it too.

- Don't worry. Everything comes at a time.

Our conversation continues until I find myself in front of Meavy's office. I knock on the door and enter the room. No one is there. That's strange. She should be here now.

I sit in her seat waiting for her to come back. I hope she's quick, I wanted to surprise her. My phone rings in my pocket and my husband's name comes up. I put the phone down on the desk without bothering to answer. I get three more calls and finally decide to answer.

- Hello?

- Alma, where are you? Gabrielo asks impatiently.

- I'm outside. Why?

- Alma, please come home.

- I'll be home in a few hours.

- Do you know how worried I was when your secretary answered the phone and told me you were in hospital? I thought I was losing it. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you. I could have stopped you but I didn't.

- I'm sorry about that, okay ? I should have listened to you. I knew you were right but I wanted to prove you wrong.

I hear him sigh on the other end of the phone. He's got a point. I should have been careful and listened to him this morning. It's my fault and playing with his nerves won't help the situation.

- I've gone to see Meavy," I sighed. I'll be back soon. Is that OK?

- Okay. Text me and I'll come get you.

- I'll see you later. Bye.

I hang up and sigh one last time. I should have been more careful. The past is gone and rehashing it won't change anything. The office door finally opens and I'm about to call Meavy before I realise she's not alone.

And that her mouth is full. Great.

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