The Royal Contract

If she wanted the baby to grow healthy and strong, she would have to change her lifestyle as the doctor had suggested, just like eating breakfast which she usually skipped almost every day. And then again, eating on time for lunch and dinner.

But it seemed her body was learning by itself as her stomach churned as if seeking food. She barely touched the Chinese food Evan ordered last night, finding it hard to eat. But this morning, she found herself quite hungry.

“Good morning!” Angela greeted her as she stepped into the kitchen to look for any leftovers.

Being a person, always on the go, cooking was the last thing on her mind. She either ordered out or ate out rather than placing herself in front of the stove and cooking her meal.

Although she had learned to do those household chores while growing up, she could not find the time to perform those mundane tasks when she had other things lined up for her.

“Good morning, Angela.” Eida greeted back as she stood before the kitchen counter.

.....

She finally glanced around the kitchen, seeing it thoroughly for the first time with the bright lights coming from the windows. It looked beautiful, clean, and well used. She surmised that Angela must love to cook.

“Why don’t you sit down. Breakfast is about to be served.” Angela offered as she moved around the kitchen like a pro.

“Can I help?” She asked, although there was not much she could do inside the kitchen. She still would like to do something.

“Well, you can pour me a coffee, but I prepared a fresh glass of juice for you in the fridge,” Angela told her, reminding her that she also was not to consume caffeinated drinks.

It was a bummer since she loved her coffee. She needed to consume it at least four or five times a day. But for the baby, she had to comply.

She walked towards the other counter on the corner and poured a glass of that delicious aroma of the newly brewed coffee. It was like being tortured. She could smell it, but she could not even taste it.

Then, she turned to the fridge, took out the pitcher of the freshly made juice, and poured herself a glass. It did not look appetizing unless she could add a touch of gin or something to it. But that was not an option either.

“Don’t worry. It is just for nine months.” Angela smiled at her, shaking her head. She could only assume she had noticed her expression upon seeing the juice.

“Yeah, I guess.” She had no choice anyway. She turned around, handed Angela her coffee, and took a sip of her juice, which was tasty and refreshing. “Where are Amelia and Evan?” She asked, noticing she had not seen them yet.

“Evan is out on his morning run while Amelia is doing some errand. She said she would be back soon.” Her sweet host answered as she placed some delicious muffins on a plate and placed them on the counter to cool down.

“That looks so delicious,” Eida uttered hungrily, sniffing the delightful aroma from the freshly baked pastries. “By the way, thanks, Angela, for letting me stay here for a few days.”

It was kind of funny.

She only lived a few floors down from this apartment, yet she was here, staying with this lovely woman that she barely knew also lived in this building.

“It is me who should be thanking you and Amelia for staying as my guests. It is nice to have some company once in a while.” Angela smiled at her sweetly. “Besides, it had been a while since I last cooked for someone else or baked, for that matter.”

She grabbed two small saucers, placed a slightly hot muffin on them, and put it on the table. “Come on, Eida. I know you are hungry because I am. Let us start breakfast. I am sure the two are on their way back.”

She moved to join Angela at the table, bringing the juice with her as she made herself comfortable on the seat opposite the sweet lady. She suddenly missed her aunt, who also loved to care for her.

“Oh, this is to die for.” She complimented Angela’s baking skills, savoring every bite of that delicious tasting sweet pastry.

“I told you, I like to brag about my talents.” Angela proudly said, happy to see that she was enjoying the food.

“What are your plans today?” Angela turned serious as she studied her.

She had been thinking about that all night. She wondered if she should go to the hospital and check on Lance. But she doubted she could ever pass the guards.

“I might go home after eating and get some things. Then, ask Evan if he could sneak me into Lance”s room.” It was the only thing she could think of at the moment.

She truly wanted to see him. She did not mind if he would not see or talk to her yet, but she only wanted to look at his face. See for herself that he was going to be ok.

“You do what you feel you must do. But remember, whatever happens, we are here, ready to help.” Angela extended her hand on the table and grabbed hers.

With a friendly smile on her lovely lips, she squeezed her hands to assure her that she was not alone.

She suddenly felt lucky to meet a new friend to depend on in times like this. However, she could not abuse their kindness. So, the sooner she could decide what to do with her life, the earlier she could stop bothering these kind people.

“Good morning, Angela. Eida.” Amelia walked into the kitchen, greeting them with a lovely smile.

“Good morning, Grandmama, Eida, Amelia.” Not a minute longer did Evan walk behind her friend.

It made her look at Angela in question, suspicious of the way the two were behaving. But she had her problems to worry about at the moment. She should not be meddling with other affairs unless it was necessary.