~~~A MONTH LATER~~~
Gabriela stepped out of her car and into the warm atmosphere of Lumi's Kitchen, a cozy restaurant she'd visited many times before. She made her way to the counter and smiled at the familiar staff. "I want to see Chef Michelle, please," she said.
The chef nodded and pointed down a corridor. "Her office is that way, Gabi. Go on in."
Gabriela knocked on the door, and a warm voice called out, "Come in!"
Michelle looked up from her notes, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Gabriela! Oh, it's so great to see you!" She leapt up from her chair and enveloped Gabriela in a tight hug.
They exchanged warm greetings, catching up on each other's lives before Michelle gestured for Gabriela to take a seat. "So, how's life been treating you?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Gabriela settled into the chair, feeling at ease. "Really good, actually. Flores Corp has been keeping me busy, but I'm loving it."
Michelle's eyes lit up. "Ah, yes! I heard you were working on some exciting marketing projects. What's the plan?"
Gabriela pulled out her phone, scrolling through her notes. "We're looking to revamp our brand image and reach a wider audience. I'm thinking social media campaigns, influencer partnerships..."
Michelle listened intently, nodding and offering suggestions. "Have you considered partnering with food bloggers or local influencers? They could help showcase your products in a more organic way."
Gabriela's eyes widened. "That's a great idea, Michelle! I'll definitely look into that."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and just as they were getting into the nitty-gritty,
Gabriela grinned, teasing her friend. "Ah, how is Damien doing?"
Michelle's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and blushed, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "Oh, speaking of him, he's calling," she said, answering the call with a giggle.
"Ooh..." Gabriela's formed a mischievous O.
Michelle's smile softened, her eyes sparkling.
"Hi!"
"Hey, babe, what's up?" Damien greeted.
"Thinking about you." Gabriela beamed when she heard Michelle's reply and her happy smile.
"Wow. I also just recalled the way I slammed so hard into you last night - "
"Fuck, what?" Michelle's cheeks was a bright shade of pink, embarrassed.
"I can't stop hearing your moans in my head."
"Stop, Damien. I have a guest." Michelle yelled at him.
"Who's there? Miguel?"
Michelle handed the phone to Gabriela.
"Damien, hi!"
"Gaby, holy cow. It's been a while. How have you been?" Damien was excited to hear her.
"Life's been treating me so well, what about you?"
"Amazing, with your pretty friend by my side." Gabriela chuckled.
"You guys are so cute."
"How's that crazy dude? He doesn't give a fuck about me now."
"No, Damien. He talks about you all the time. He misses you a lot. He's been really busy. Maybe we should meet sometime for dinner together." Gabriela suggested.
"That would be really great. Can you give Michelle's phone back now? I'd like to tell her a secret. We'll talk more when we meet."
"Okay, then. Bye!" Gabriela returned the phone to Michelle.
"My beautiful chick, just wanted to tell you I love you."
"I love you more. Bye." She hung up.
"Now where were we?"
As the months went by, Gabriela's pregnancy became the center of their universe. Miguel was beaming with pride, taking on the role of caring husband. He attended every prenatal appointment, cooked healthy meals, and even took over most of the household chores.
Gabriela, meanwhile, was radiating happiness, despite the occasional bout of morning sickness and fatigue. She had to put her job at Flores Corp on hold, as well as her modeling career, but she didn't mind one bit. She was focused on bringing their little one into the world.
Alejandro Flores became a regular visitor, often showing up with a bouquet of flowers or a new baby book. He'd sit with Gabriela, chatting about everything from business to baby names, offering words of encouragement whenever she needed them. Miguel was grateful for his father-in-law's support, especially on tough days when Gabriela's pregnancy was getting the better of her.
Isabella and Rafael, freshly back from their Italian wedding, flew in to visit Gabriela, bearing gifts and love. They cooed over the baby bump, sharing stories of their own experiences as soon as they heard the news.
"I'm so happy for you both!" Isabella exclaimed, hugging Gabriela tightly. "We're going to be the best aunt and uncle ever!"
Michelle was another constant presence in Gabriela's life, often stopping by after work to help with household chores or simply to keep her company. Miguel was grateful for his sister's support, knowing she was a big part of keeping Gabriela's spirits high.
"Thanks for being here for us, Michelle," Miguel said one evening, as Michelle helped Gabriela settle in for a nap.
Michelle smiled, squeezing his arm. "Anytime. I'm so happy to be a part of this journey with you guys."
Gabriela's eyes fluttered open, and she reached for Miguel's hand, but it wasn't there. A jolt of fear shot through her, and she felt a sting in her belly. Her heart racing, she groaned and rose up slowly, calling out his name loudly. "Miguel!"
Her feet touched the ground, and the sting intensified, like a warning signal from her body. She felt a wave of unease wash over her, and her hand instinctively went to her swollen belly.
Just as panic was setting in, Miguel burst into the room, his face etched with concern. "Oh my gosh, I didn't know you were up!" he exclaimed, rushing to her side.
He wrapped his arms around her, supporting her weight as he helped her stand. "What's wrong, love? You okay?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Gabriela held onto him, her fear slowly subsiding as she felt his warmth and strength. "You... you weren't there," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Miguel's face softened, and he kissed her forehead. "I'm so sorry, baby. I was just getting you some water. I didn't mean to scare you."
As he spoke, he gently walked her to the bed, his arm around her waist, holding her close. "Let's get you back to bed, okay? You need to rest."
Gabriela nodded, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. She knew she was being a bit paranoid, but the fear of something being wrong with the baby had taken over.
"I'll never leave you, Gabriela. No matter what. Don't ever get scared again." Miguel's presence calmed her, and she leaned into him, grateful for his love and care.
The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers as Gabriela and Miguel settled into the cozy cushions on their rooftop, gazing up at the starry sky. They'd just returned from the hospital, where the ultrasound had revealed their exciting news: they were having twin girls!
Miguel was still buzzing with excitement.
"Can you believe it, Gabi? Twin girls."
Gabriela chuckled, snuggling into his side. "I know, right?"
"We need to start thinking about names," Gabriela said, her eyes sparkling.
Miguel grinned mischievously. "I've been thinking about that. I think we should name them something starting with M."
Gabriela raised an eyebrow. "No way! They should have names starting with G, like Gabriela."
Miguel laughed. "No, no, no! M is my vote. Mindy and Mia, maybe?"
Gabriela's face lit up with mock outrage. "You think I'd name our daughters Mindy and Mia? You're crazy!"
Their playful argument escalated, with Gabriela's voice rising in mock indignation. Miguel watched her, his eyes shining with amusement, until he couldn't take it anymore. He pulled her into a soft, gentle kiss, silencing her mid-sentence.
Gabriela's laughter bubbled up, and she leaned into him. "Okay, okay. How about we compromise? Names starting with both M and G?"
Miguel's face lit up. "That's a great idea! I've always dreamed of having girls."
Gabriela smiled, a secret glancing in her eyes. "I have two names on my mind already, but I'm not telling you yet. Not until the delivery date."
Miguel chuckled, pulling her close. "Alright then, I trust what you think."
Gabriela's eyes scanned her Instagram feed, a mix of nostalgia and sadness washing over her. She sighed, feeling like she'd lost her sparkle somewhere between the baby bump and the stretch marks. "Ugh, I'm not the same diva I used to be," she lamented to herself, staring at old pictures of her svelte figure.
Just as she was wallowing in self-pity, she felt a sudden gush of water between her legs. Her eyes widened as she realized her water had broken. Panic set in, and she grabbed her phone, dialing the first person who came to mind: Miguel. But he didn't answer.
Desperate, she dialed Michelle's number, tears already streaming down her face. "Michelle... Michelle, please... it's time," she sobbed.
Michelle's voice was calm and reassuring on the other end. "I'm nearby, Gaby. I'm at the grocery store. Stay calm, I'm coming, okay?"
Gabriela tried to respond, but all that came out was a grawling scream as another contraction hit. Michelle's voice was muffled as she rushed out of the store, groceries abandoned.
The door burst open, and Michelle rushed in, finding Gabriela on the floor, tears streaming down her face, her eyes wild with pain. "Oh, Gaby. I'm here, I'm here," Michelle soothed, helping her up.
Gabriela's screams grew louder as Michelle guided her out of the house, into the car. "Miguel... where...?" Gabriela managed to gasp.
Michelle's voice was firm. "I'll call him, Gaby. Just breathe, okay?"
As they sped to the hospital, Michelle quickly dialed Miguel, her voice stern. "Miguel, it's time. Get to the nearest hospital now."
She also called Mr. Flores and her dad.
The hospital was a whirlwind of activity as Gabriela was rushed into the labor room. Damien, Rafael, Isabella, and the others arrived, anxious faces etched with worry.
In the labor room, Gabriela's screams filled the air, her body straining with each contraction. Michelle held her hand, a calm presence amidst the chaos. "You're doing great, Gaby. You're almost there."
The medical team sprang into action, monitoring Gabriela's progress. The room was a flurry of movement, but Michelle's voice remained steady, guiding Gabriela through the pain.
Diana and Carissa rushed in and sat on the waiting room's chairs.
"Any news? Is she in yet?" Diana's words rushed.
"Yes. Michelle is in there with her and she'll be fine." Damien replied, assuring them.
Michelle gripped Gabriela's hand tightly, her voice a soothing balm in the chaos of the delivery room.
"Gaby, you're doing great! We're all here with you, just push!" Gabriela's response was a grawling cry of pain, her body tense with the effort of each contraction.
Michelle's encouragement was met with Gabriela's desperate shakes of her head, her tears flowing as she whispered, "I can't..."
The nurse's firm but gentle voice cut through the tension. "Mrs. Jackson, please push, you can do it!" Michelle echoed the encouragement, her words overlapping with the nurse's. "You're almost there, Gabriela, just push! All this pain will pass, just push, Gaby!"
She was tensed.
Mr. Jackson telling her that she'd die if she ever had Miguel's child rang in her head.
Gabriela's body responded, her head rising from the pillow as she let out a grawled scream. The nurse's praise was immediate. "You're doing well, Mrs. Jackson!" But Gabriela's strength was waning. She hit the pillow, panting, her eyes wild with panic.
Michelle's voice remained a constant, urging Gabriela to keep going, to push through the pain. The nurse's instructions were a steady beat, guiding Gabriela through the contractions. And then, the final push.
"Mrs. Jackson, the babies are almost here, you have to push one more time," the nurse said.
Gabriela's body rallied, her scream of effort primal and raw. She pushed, and then her head hit the pillow, her body collapsing in exhaustion.
Michelle's cry of concern was instant. "Gabriela! Gabriela!!!" The nurse's voice was firm, ushering Michelle out of the way. "Ma'am, please leave, we'll take care of it."
As the medical team sprang into action, Michelle's gaze was torn between the tiny cries of her babies and Gabriela's still form.
"Will Gabriela be alright?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The doctor's response was reassuring, but measured. "We'll do our best, go outside and wait."
They were all standing when they heard baby noises.
"Are the babies okay? Is Gabriela alright?" Miguel asked Michelle, who had a worried expression.
"T...the babies are here, but Gabriela - I don't know...."