Sophia Parker

I felt like I was carrying a weight on my chest. And I didn't mean that figuratively... I meant it literally.

The pregnancy symptoms we're getting a whole lot worse and I didn't feel in control of my body anymore.

"Why are you hunching? That's not good for your spine." Lily said as she rummaged through her fridge.

I was in her apartment and it was quite early in the morning. She was just about to go to work. As for me, I was going to my former workplace later in the day. I only came to see her before she left and also to give her a heads up about my plans for today.

"I can't help it. My boobs feel heavy."

"Does it hurt?" She asked.

"Yes, but it's not unbearable. I just can't sit upright. I'll feel too exposed."

"It's because they're larger now." She laughed as she poured herself some milk into a bowl.

Milk... Very soon I'll be a mother and I'd be breastfeeding.

"Oh god." I groaned.

"Why are you here by the way? I'm leaving soon, right after I finish this bowl of cereal."

"Well, I just came to tell you what I'm up to. I am seeing Mr Wilson today."

"Oh, okay." She sounded surprised "Anything wrong?"

"Does anything have to be wrong before I see him?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you wanted nothing to do with him."

"That's was dumb of me."

"Really dumb." She emphasized.

"I know, I already said that. No need to say it again."

"Still, you need to be reminded."

"Well, whatever. I'm getting back together with him today... that's if he still wants me."

I couldn't see the pretty blondie's face properly from the newspaper but she looked like a serious competition. She was just his type: a tall, skinny and beautiful model.

"Wow, seriously?! What made you change your mind like this? You were hell bent on hating him, now you want him back?"

"I talked to Phoebe and she kind of knocked some sense into me."

I might have had some issues in the past and even in the present with Mr Wilson but I honestly didn't want to raise my child alone, especially if he is willing to do it with me. I mean, that's just unfair punishment to myself. I've lost a few things because of him but without him, I've lost everything completely.

"You talk to Phoebe now?"

"Yeah, she came over and we made up. She's with Sean now."

"Good for her. She always liked him."

"Yeah."

"Okay. I gotta run!" She took her last spoon and dumped the bowl in the sink. "I wish you well with whatever it is that you plan to do today."

She grabbed her bag and coat.

"Thanks. Let me walk you down."

********

I stepped into the building for the first time since I left. It hadn't changed at all. It was still the same people and the same faces.

I greeted them as I made my way to the elevator. It took me longer than usual because I had to catch up with a few people.

When I finally got in, I pressed the button to go to the fourth floor, the accountancy department.

Yes, I was looking for Sean.

It was 5pm. I deliberately came at this time because I didn't want to come at a time where everyone was busy. The only thing that might spoil my plan is him working late.

As the doors pinged and opened, I saw Sean and Phoebe right in front of me.

"Sophia?" Phoebe exclaimed.

Sean gapped at me like a fish. He looked shocked to see me.

"Hey Phoebe, I made it." I said to her and she hugged me.

"That's great but why are you doing 'here'?"

She meant on the fourth floor.

"I was looking for Sean. I wanted to say hello and catch up." I turned to him. "Hi."

"Hi." He said back, still in a phase of shock.

"Well... I'm happy to see you guys. I've missed working with you both." I said. It was a bit awkward how they were both staring at me. "Did you guys want to take a ride down?"

"Yeah actually." Phoebe said.

"Okay." I moved further down so they could enter.

"You're going up aren't you?" She asked.

"Well, I suppose so but I haven't pressed the button yet."

"Are you looking for Adam?" Sean asked.

"Uh, yeah. I am."

"I just spoke to him and he's not in his office right now. He left about 5 minutes ago saying he had someplace he wanted to go."

"Oh."

Probably to meet Caroline, his new girlfriend.

My heart shattered at the thought.

"You could still catch up with him. I mean, if what you want to see him for is that important."

"It is actually." Phoebe said. "And you need to hurry." She said to me.

Quickly she entered the elevator, pulling Sean with her.

"Whoa. What's so important?"

"Her future with him." Phoebe summarized perfectly.

"Okay..." He said awkwardly.

Sean and I hadn't spoken for a long time. He probably doesn't know anything that has happened in my life. He wouldn't understand.

"I am happy for you two by the way." I said and he looked at Phoebe surprisingly.

"She knows?" He whispered to her.

"Yes, I know." I laughed lightly. No wonder why he's behaving weird. "Don't worry, Phoebe and I are friends now."

"That's good to hear." He smiled at her lovingly and she smiled too. I averted my eyes when they kissed.

Once the elevator ride came to an end, I jumped out. It has suddenly become so hot in that place.

"You might meet him at the parking lot. Hurry, he's probably pulling out of his space right now." Sean warned.

"Ok, thank you so much. I'ld see you guys later." I called out as I hurriedly ran across the lobby towards the back.

I suddenly wished I wore something a lot more comfortable, rather than these bloody block heels.

I made it just in time to see him next to his car in his reserved parking space. He was shouting angrily on his phone.

Maybe this was a wrong timing...

But I was here anyway so I might as well just shoot my shot. I walked over to him and he turned at the sound of my heels clicking.

His eyes widened at the sight of me but he stayed on the phone. I smiled and stood in front of him, waiting patiently for him to end the conversation as he looked at me from head to toe.

He was so busy drinking in my appearance that I think he forgot someone was actually speaking to him, someone who he was scolding just a minute ago.

He stared so much that I had to look down at myself to approve my outfit as well. There was nothing wrong with it. It was only a free flowing knee length yellow dress and my lace up block heels.

"You know what, something important just came up, and I can't listen to whatever bullshit you're telling me. Just fix the problem!" He said and dropped the call.

Something important...

My heart skipped a beat. I'm not sure if he was talking about me or the baby.

"Sophia? What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Hey, I came to see you."

"Is everything okay with the baby?"

"Yes. Nothing is wrong."

"Ok then... why are you here?" He asked in a way that I would never be here looking for him except it was an emergency about the baby. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"I just came to talk to you. Do you have a moment?" I asked.

"I'm actually heading somewhere right now." He said which just made my fire go out.

"Oh. Okay. I guess I'ld come back another time."

"What's it about? Is it important?"

He's probably going to see Caroline, and I must stop him.

"Um... well, it's about me and uh... you." His brows shot up interestedly. "And I think you might want to hear about it."

"Ok. What about us?" He asked.

Well, I couldn't say everything to him right here in the parking lot. I was hoping we could go somewhere a little less open and more intimate.

"It involves a lot of personal stuff." I mentioned and he cocked his head to the side. "I really don't want to say it here."

"Okay... do you want to talk over dinner?"

"Yes! I mean, that's perfect." I sounded a bit too eager.

He went to the passenger side and opened the door for me.

"Thank you." I said happily and entered the car.

"Just hold on for a minute Sophia, let me cancel my appointment." He said before shutting the door.

Why couldn't he do it in front of me?

Now I know he was definitely going to meet up with Caroline. I'm glad I stopped him.

After a few seconds he hopped into the drivers seat.

"So where are we going?" I asked as he reversed the car and drove out of the parking lot.

"I was thinking a place more quiet and relaxing since you want to 'talk'." He said.

Perfect.

"What about that restaurant you took me to a little while ago called 'One if by land two if by sea'?"

"Is that where you want to go?"

"Yes." The place had a beautiful romantic setting that I wanted to use to my advantage.

"Okay Sophia." He said.

I relaxed in my seat as I anticipated how the rest of the evening will go. I will explain everything to him and then he will understand. And then I will tell him that I love him and we will kiss, and he would take me home to his place... or my place. Anyones fine by me. And then we will make love till the sun comes up in the morning.

I day-dreamt so much about it like a horny teenager that I didn't realize when we got there already.

"Okay Sophia, here we are." He sang.

As I unbuckled my seat belt, he got down and opened my door.

"Thank you again." I said.

He took my hand and walked me into the restaurant.

The place was very empty so I made sure we got a table at the darkest corner of the room, where no one could hear us as we spoke.

"I'm starving. Do you have anything prepared?" He asked the waiter once we were seated at the table.

"Our chef's favorite beef Wellington is ready to be served, sir."

"Excellent, I'ld have that."

"Could I have the same please."

"No problem madame. Anything else."

"Can we have two cocktails please, one without rum." He said. I loved how he thought about me and the baby.

"It will be with you in a few minutes, sir."

"Thank you." He said and looked at me. "I hope you don't mind me eating before we get into discussion."

"It's okay. I'm hungry as well."

"I hope you've been eating well." He said with a concerned face.

"Yes I have. I've also been taking food supplements as well."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. And, I've been drinking a lot of water so I can stay hydrated throughout the day. The doctor suggested I eat food that's rich in Iron so the baby can have strong bones so I eat a lot of broccoli, tofu, spinach, turkey... oh and dark chocolate also helps as well. Trust me, I eat a lot of food." I said sheepishly.

"Yes, indeed. I can see."

I didn't understand what's he meant until I caught him briefly looking at my breasts.

The second timer did, it took him a while before he finally dragged his eyes back up to my face and smiled at me. See, even Mr Wilson noticed their growth!

I suddenly became conscious about them. They had definitely increased in size and they still hurt! I wish I could cover up now but the dress I wore wasn't helping. It showed a generous amount of cleavage.

Two waiters came with our food on a wooden plank and our drinks.

"Non-alcoholic for my lady, I presume?" One of the guys said.

"Yes please, thank you."

"She's not your lady." Mr Wilson corrected with a bit of venom in his voice.

"Pardon me sir, I was only being polite." He said before scrambling out of sight.

"You didn't have to be so rude."

"I wasn't rude, I just said you're not his lady. Now let's eat." He said.

Who's lady am I then?

I wanted to ask but he had already dismissed the topic and moved on to the food.

The food was a lot but I ate as much as I could. I was sipping on my cocktail while Mr Wilson helped me with what I had left on my plate. Once he was done, he finished his drink in one swing.

"So why are we here Sophia?" He said relaxing in his chair. "What are we talking about?"

I suddenly became nervous. It was time to tell him the whole gospel truth. From Genesis to Revelations.

"Ok... in order for everything to make sense I have to start from the beginning. It might take a while." I looked at him obscurely.

"I'm all ears." He said calmly.

He looked so handsome, I just wanted to skip the talk and lock lips with him instantly.

But that might scare him off like the other time...

"Well, I want to start from when I started working for you." His eyes shot wide open. "I know that was a while ago but it all ties together I promise."

"It's okay. Go ahead. I want to hear this." He folded his arms.

"Okay. So the very first time I saw you, I thought you were um... very handsome." I said and he smiled arrogantly.

"When I became your PA, I had a crush on you from day one but I kept it a secret. You didn't even notice me at the time because I was young and unattractive." He frowned when I said that but he didn't say anything.

"I went on crushing on you for years. Phoebe knew about it and one day she dared me to grab your attention just to see what will happen. So I dressed up more than I ever would, but it didn't work."

"It did."

"What?"

"I remember that day perfectly well. I spilled coffee all over my desk because of you." He said.

"Really, that was because of me?" I asked and he nodded. I was stunned.

"Oh, that's explains why you began to flirt with me afterwards. I thought it came from nowhere. Anyway... um, lets fast forward to when we had our first kiss in London. I was extremely happy because it was everything I'd ever wanted. But then, logic kicked in. I had seen you with so many girls in the past and I thought you were never able to commit to one person. Let alone ME. And I didn't want to sabotage my work for a brief relationship with you so I had to end it there. I used 'hating you' as a defense mechanism in order to resist you but you kept on coming on to me."

"When the accident at the bank happened, I was scared. Scared of loosing you. I decided to drop the act and be with you. That's why I did what I did the night you got discharged from the hospital. I wanted to tell you that I had feelings for you but I didn't know how to say it. My intentions were only to kiss you but things went out of hand and we ended up doing a lot more than I planned."

"And then you stabbed me."

"It was an accident." I laughed. "I didn't mean to."

"I know Sophia. Besides that, I really enjoyed the encounter." He teased.

"Um..." I cleared my throat and ignored his comment. But I'm sure it looked like I suddenly applied red hot blush makeup on my cheeks. "That night when I got home I was happy. I day dreamt about our next encounter because according to you, we were going to 'finish what we started'... whatever that mean. That was until I got a text message from someone."

I pulled out my phone and opened the message which I still had up till this day. I showed him the pictures I had received in the message.

"What the fuck?" He frowned. "Who sent these to you?"

"Charlene, your ex-girlfriend."

"That fucking-" He refrained himself from cursing any further.

"At the time I didn't know who it was. I thought I was a random girl that you were hooking up with right after I kissed you because it was the same day."

"I'm so sorry Sophia. Let me explain. She had spare keys to my apartment. I got home and found her there. I told her I wanted nothing to do with her and that I only want you. She broke down crying and I consoled her. It's not what it looks like we're doing in the picture. I didn't even know she had a secret camera taking pictures!"

"It's okay Adam. Don't be upset because I'm over it now. At the same time my mum called me with the bad news about my dads stroke. I had to leave New York the next morning."

"The reason for my hostility towards you throughout your first time in Virginia and in Michigan was because of the pictures. I hated you so much because of them. I'm sorry for all the times that I slapped you and I'm sorry for almost killing you in the pool. I should never have done that. What if you couldn't swim?"

"Apology accepted." He said.

"When you went out that night, I was still angry with you. And I was still bothered about the pictures. I decided to call the girl, find out who she really was, and confront her if the pictures were real or fake. When I dialed, it went to voicemail and that was when I found out it was Charlene."

"I knew you stopped liking Charlene way before the accident so I began to doubt the legitimacy of the pictures. I wanted to find out directly from you so I waited all night for you to return, only for two bodyguards to bring you home by 3am in the morning. You were so drunk and your clothes were tattered with cigarette burns. You were out all night placing bets on me. I didn't know that my actions had such an effect on you. I'm so sorry. Also, in your drunken state you were talking to me and being very honest about some certain things."

"Oh really? Like what?"

"Um... just weird stuff."

Like how much bigger my boobs have gotten since I was a teenager.

"I want to know. Did I say anything stupid?"

"No actually. I asked you a few questions and you answered me quite well. Firstly I asked happened between you and Charlene and you told me the same thing that you just did. But you phrased it differently because you were drunk. And then you told me you were in love with me before you fell asleep."

"You really took advantage of me. You could have asked me all the passwords to my account and I would have given them to you." He said.

"I know and I'm sorry. I should have had the conversation with you when you were sober. But the next day when you woke up, you didn't want to talk to me. You treated me badly and I almost cried, because I woke up with the intention to tell you about my feelings for you."

"I'm sorry Sophia. I had made a decision to stop chasing you and forget about you." He said.

"I'm guessing that's why you rejected me the night we got back, after I kissed you in my apartment."

"I was only trying to realize my decision."

"But you completely disappeared from my life. Why didn't you at least call or text? Or rather send a professional email?"

"I- I wanted to see how long I could do without you. I wanted to prove to myself that I didn't need you."

"Well, it worked. You went away for a really long time."

"No Sophia. It didn't work. I was thinking about you all the time when I was away. There were no other women." He said and I breathed a sigh of relief.

"But I was hurt during that period. I thought you hated me. I thought you never wanted to see me again. I thought I would make it easier for you by resigning."

"That was the worst decision you made Sophia. I needed you."