MERRIMENTS

Whoa! A very tight knot just formed in my abdomen. That means Deep and I will be a pair that day. Great! Just... "Well, Gia?"

Huh? And this one is not helping either. Strong. Courage. I can do this. I don’t know about him and I don’t know how our situation will be in a month’s time, but I trust that some magic will happen "Don't worry. We will be fine." I say.

"Does that mean you are going to iron things out with him?" She enthusiastically asks. She is getting way ahead of herself.

"What I mean is, Deep and I are adults. We can set our differences even just for that day to make sure your day is colorful and blissful." I explain things clearly.

"You are impossibly stubborn!" She says it with a tinge of letdown.

"I know. Congratulations once again, and if you ever need any help with the preparations or anything, I will be willing to help." I say.

"We too, Sheryl, can count on us for any help. Congratulations. We are so happy for you." Fionna says this on behalf of the girls. I didn't notice them circling us.

"Thank you so much, girls." She says.

"See, Sheryl, I don't think you even need wedding planners. We might not be professionals, but we can do this, right, girls?"

"Yay!" They chorus together, making Sheryl almost tear up out of joy.

"I don't know what to say. I..."

"Perhaps thank them, love?" Paul says, emerging from the girls with Ajay.

This Ajay, huh! I haven't seen him in a while. Whatever he is doing with his life, it must be really good. He looks bright. And promising. "Hi, Gia! Hi, everyone!"

"Hi." I and the girls respond to his greetings with smiles. I love this mood. I love the atmosphere around me today.

"I see that you have them, love." He asks his girlfriend, wrapping an arm around her waist. She nods her head, a smile appearing on her face. I admire them. "Okay. So, Gia, have you given your approval? Do you approve of me being your best friend's life partner? I promise nothing but happiness to her." He says.

This guy deserves to be the patience-award-winning gentleman of the century. What he did for his great love for Sheryl is admirably unbelievable. They are both true examples of patience. "You have my full approval, and I don't need to ask anything because I know my friend is and will always be safe and happy with you. I'm happy for you two." I say.

"Thank you, Gia. Someone else wants to talk to you." He let go of Sheryl, pulling Ajay forward.

Ooh dear! I don't think I can handle more. And I hope he is not leaving because, well, he has been nothing helpful all alone. I am so attached to him.

"They have something to tell you." Paul adds.

That snaps my sixth sense with curiosity. "They? Him and who?" I ask.

"Me." Bernie walks forward, standing beside Ajay. This young couple really amazes me. How they managed to pull off this affair without that monster suspecting a thing, and how they have come this far despite all odds, is something so mind-blowing.

"Bernie? What's up?" I ask, and they both bow down. Now this doesn't seem like good news, or maybe I'm being paranoid. They always faced me with heads held high, but not today. They always looked happy, smiling at each other all the time. But today, it's like they are afraid of something. They can't even maintain eye contact. "Ajay? Is there a problem?" I ask, anxiety getting the best of me.

"If you don't mind, Miss Gia, we would like to speak to you in private." Ajay speaks, his head still bowed. Today he even remembered to use the title on me. This must be very deep!

"Girls, please leave us alone. And I think we have had great news today so far. That calls for a celebration. Sheryl, please order some pizza and drinks." I say, and they all walk into the house happy and cheerful, while I am crossing fingers that these two won't ruin this. I have looked at Ajay and Bernie for ages. No one seems to be ready to talk, and I am getting impatient. "Well then? Are we going to stay like this? Ajay, what's the issue?" I ask.

He clears his throat, trying to lift up his face, but it seems so heavy, or something is gluing it downward. "I'm sorry, Miss Gia!"

Sorry? For what exactly? "Listen, Ajay, I don't like the direction this conversation is taking, but alright. Just spit it out at once! What is it?" I ask.

"I messed up! I couldn't control myself anymore, and... things just slipped out of control." He explains in riddles, scratching his head.

At least they are not bowing their heads down like cowards like they were doing, but I don't need his riddles. Slipped out of control, huh? I throw a glance at Bernie, but she avoids my gaze, turning her head to the side. "I'm still waiting for an explanation, Ajay. What do you mean by things slipping out of control? What couldn’t you control?

"I... she...we are pregnant, miss Gia! Sorry!"

Shoot! I think I am having a heart attack! I couldn't have heard that right, right? They can't be pregnant! I mean, come on now!

"I think I didn't hear that right. Can you repeat it again more clearly, Ajay? Who is pregnant?" I say, holding my breath.

"You heard it right, Gia. I am three weeks pregnant. We are sorry!"

"Pregnant? A baby, Bernie??!" I'm hysterical, but I try to control myself. This is not happening. This better be a bad joke. They can be pregnant if they want, but with something else and not a child, for God’s sake!

“Yes. Ajay and I are expecting our first child."

I am choking. I felt like my ears were playing tricks on me. "What?"