Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
A slight hunger nagged at her.
Martha had laid out an extensive spread, making Mia feel like everything was being served to her on a silver platter. This fostered a sense of laziness and indulgence in her.
Mia gently rubbed her belly, wondering about the wealth of information Martha had shared about the essential needs and precautions for expectant mothers.
Taking her pregnancy seriously, Mia acknowledged the significance of Martha’s information. It was not only for her well¨Cbeing but also for the welfare of her unborn child.
After returning in the evening, Timothy observed Mia. She was on a yoga mat, engrossed in an educational video on TV. His eyes narrowed slightly as he continued to watch her.
Mia had been diligently immersing herself in the study of prenatal breathing techniques. She was convinced they would prove beneficial during childbirth.
As Mia turned around, her eyes met Timothy’s gaze. For a moment, she froze but then naturally resumed her position, earnestly focusing on the television.
With a smile, Martha approached them, suggesting, “Mr. Barrett, if you have the time, you could join Mrs. Barrett in expanding your knowledge. Prenatal education is crucial right from the start.”
Mia quickly added, “Martha, there’s no hurry. He has constant work commitments. I’m sure we can cover prenatal education before bedtime.”
In response. Timothy turned and headed upstairs.
After dinner, Mia found herself alone by the bedside, reading about prenatal care.
Entering through the doorway, Timothy casually picked up the book beside her. After glancing at its contents. he commented with a touch of sarcasm, “Quite the impressive performance.”
Keeping a composed demeanor, Mia replied, “Well, as you’ve suggested, if one is going to act, they might as well give a stellar performance, right?”
Setting the book aside. Timothy made his way to the bathroom.
Mia exhaled softly as she placed the books down.
Timothy had no reason to suspect anything at this point. So, why should she feel guilty?
Even if Mia were to reveal her pregnancy now, Timothy would probably dismiss her words as untrue.
Suddenly, the cell phone on the nightstand vibrated insistently.
Mia’s eyes instinctively shifted to the screen, recognizing Maya’s name highlighted as the caller.
At the sight of Maya’s name, Mia looked away, avoiding further scrutiny.
The connection between Maya and Timothy remained beyond Mia’s immediate concern.
As the sound of water from the bathroom faded, Mia quickly pulled the blanket around herself, and adopted a sleeping position.
Timothy emerged, wearing a relaxed, loose¨Cfitting robe.
Noticing a missed call alert on his phone, a frown marred Timothy’s expression, signaling his disinterest in returning the call.
However, moments later, Timothy’s phone chimed with a WhatsApp message from Maya.
Reading the message, he swiftly left the bedroom.
Hearing him leave, Mia slowly opened her eyes, a touch of irony glinting in her gaze.
She gently rested her hand on her belly, steadied herself, and drifted into a peaceful slumber.
The next day, Mia returned to her home to pack for her college enrollment.
With a concerned expression, Patricia grasped Mia’s hand, asking, “Must you stay on campus? If you come back, I can whip up delicious meals for you every day.”
“Aunt Patricia, I’m not a child anymore. I can handle things on my own,” Mia asserted.
Mia was set on her decision to stay on campus.
If Patricia found out she was staying at the Barrett residence, she’d undoubtedly fret, risking an unintentional slip in front of Mia’s brothers.
Mia hoped to avoid complications, especially with Laura’s surgery looming just a week ahead.
After navigating through this week’s charade, freedom would be within her reach.
Mia picked up her suitcase, ready to leave. Connor walked into the room and, seeing her suitcase, had a sudden realization.
“Mia, why didn’t you tell us today was the start of your semester? We would have loved to see you off for college,” he exclaimed.
“Connor, considering everyone’s busy schedules, I didn’t want to cause any inconvenience, so I kept it to myself,” Mia clarified.
“No matter how busy I am, I can always spare a moment to accompany you to college. Let’s get going.”
Mia noticed the dark circles under Connor’s eyes, a clear sign he had been up late due to surgery,and needed rest.
Understanding that refusing wasn’t an option, she chose to leave for campus early to make sure Connor could return home promptly to rest.
Together, they set off.
As Connor drove, his phone buzzed a couple of times. Noticing the caller ID displaying “Maya”, he discreetly silenced the phone.
Seated in the passenger seat, Mia asked, “Connor, you’ve been quite occupied lately, haven’t you?”
“When am I not?” replied Connor, his eyes glued to the road.
“Mia, focus on your studies in college. There’s no need to stress about work or finances,” Connor advised.
“I understand.” Mia replied. “I’m currently working part¨Ctime at a studio, and my monthly income covers my college expenses.”
A subtle sigh escaped Connor’s lips. His sister’s maturity often left him feeling like a redundant older brother.
The car soon pulled up outside Halvard University.
Facing Connor, Mia said earnestly, “Connor, I’ve got this. You look exhausted. Go back and catch up on some sleep.”
Relenting, Connor replied, “Fine, but you better accept the Venmo transfer I’m sending you. Consider it a back- to¨Cschool gift.”
Mia unlocked her phone to find allowances from all six of her older brothers. With a resigned smile, she said, Alright, thanks, Connor.”
“Go ahead, I’ll watch you go in.”
As Mia made her way toward the campus building, Connor pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message in their group chat: “Mia’s officially a college student now.”
His attention shifted to several new WhatsApp notifications from Maya.
“Connor, I heard you’ve left your overseas assignment with the Red Cross. Where are you these days?”
“Can we meet up and talk?”
Connor glanced at Maya’s message and typed his reply, “There are some things I’d rather not discuss.”
Meanwhile, Maya felt deeply troubled by the response.
She just doesn’t get it. Connor was incredibly kind¨Che performed free surgeries for those in need. But when it came to Laura’s surgery, he won’t help. She felt that there may be some resentment he harbored against her.
She couldn’t help but sense that Connor’s attitude had noticeably changed, but the reason behind this change remained a mystery to her.
Maya vented her frustration, muttering, “Connor is avoiding me.
With Mrs. Barrett Senior’s surgery coming up, how am I supposed to negotiate with Timothy if he doesn’t show up?” For Maya, convincing Connor to perform Laura’s surgery was her only bargaining chip.
“Ms. Lane, unfortunately, the doctor Timothy enlisted is no longer available for the surgery,” Kaleb informed Maya.
“Our only feasible option now is to have your brother handle the operation, but it’s crucial not to rush the process,” he continued.
“How can I not feel anxious? Didn’t you witness it that day at the hospital too? I can’t believe Timothy prioritized saving Mia. Besides that, he hasn’t agreed to my conditions and even sought out another doctor for Grandma Laura’s surgery,” exasperation evident in Maya’s voice.
Maya perceived the situation slipping out of her control, particularly with Timothy’s attitude toward Mia, intensifying her sense of crisis.
“Ms. Lane, as long as Timothy has a favor to ask of you, there’s still a chance to turn things around,” he suggested.
“You’re right, but Timothy hasn’t approached me about it yet,” Maya said.
Feeling extremely uneasy and uncertain about Timothy’s potential decision, Maya hastily ordered, “Deploy more personnel to investigate Connor’s whereabouts.” I reached out to a friend at the Red Cross, and it seems Connor hasn’t been there at all,” Kaleb answered.
The top priority was to find Connor and persuade him to perform the surgery for Laura.
As long as Connor consented, everything else would be manageable.
With her suitcase in hand, Mia headed to the campus to register for her classes.
As her gaze swept across the university she hadn’t seen in years, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, “Mia, welcome back!” Gina hurried pg over, embracing her warmly. “Do you know how sad I was when you had to leave back then?” Mia sighed softly. “Things happen, but thankfully, I’m back now.” “That’s fantastic news! Let me accompany you to your dormitory, and afterward, we can share a meal together,” Gina said excitedly.
“Everyone, including Ms. Matterson, our college counselor, is looking forward to seeing you after all this time,” Gina added.
Mia settled her luggage in her dormitory before joining Gina in catching up with old friends.
However, just as Mia stepped into her college journey again, her former classmates were nearing graduation.
“Mia, I’m truly jealous of you. Even after taking a hiatus from your studies, you still managed to win first place in the Fleur International Design Competition,” a familiar voice chided.