Rita held her breath as she performed her bimonthly ritual of dipping a strip in her urine. She had put Troy through the torture of everyday sex, he was beginning to call her a nympho, a name which she detested and even though he stopped saying it with his lips, she observed that he didn't like the idea of ritualistic intercourse for the sole aim of procreation. She hoped that for his sake, the second line would appear and take away her worries.
One line appeared and she waited patiently for the second, nothing! She peered closely, she could see it, the line was faint, but it was present nonetheless. Rita was not sure what to do, she needed confirmation and she needed it ASAP. She went into the room, Troy was still sleeping like a child, she envied him. She could not remember the last time she slept peacefully. She didn't want to disturb him so she dressed up and took the car keys. She stopped by her brother's room, he was already awake and looking at his phone screen "pls drive me to the lab, I want to do a quick test" he understood and didn't want to ask her any embarrassing question "gimme a sec" he said as he wore his shirt and began to look for his footwear.
Kenneth drove her straight to the lab. On getting there, the scientist, was not surprised to see her so early, on days like this, she comes very early to have her test done, he only hoped that the result would be favourable to her this time around.
"Congrats ma, the result came out positive" he said, handing her a sheet of paper. She perused it as tears welled up in her eyes, she thanked him and began to go home.
"You have been smiling and looking out of the window" Kenneth observed during the drive back home "it is positive, isn't it?" "It is" she said smiling. "Congratulation!" "Thanks but don't tell anyone please" "Sure" he replied casually.
Troy was still sleeping when they got back, she looked at the wall clock, 8.50am. She thought of the most romantic way to wake him, a kiss, a song or perhaps breakfast in bed. She fancied giving him breakfast in bed, it's been ages since she did that for him. The last time was about a year ago, then her scholarship was approved due to his expertly written application.
She knew what he would love and she got busy. She beat the eggs, cut the onion, ground the pepper, sliced the bread and proceeded to add a pinch of salt. She went on and on until everything was set, she put the egg mixture between the slices she made and then began to put them inside the toaster. She proceeded to make the coffee, Troy liked his coffee hot and so she had to leave it for last.
While still at it, she felt a hand tickle her waist, she was pleased but tried hard to hide it, "T! Why would you sneak up on me like that?" She feigned annoyance, but he knew her too well "what's the goodnews?" He asked unbothered by her question "What do you mean goodnews? Is it strange to find me in the kitchen?" "Well it's strange to find you making my favourite food so early in the morning, you haven't done that since your scholarship application was approved last year" he said looking at the slightly burnt toast which she just brought out of the oven. It was exactly the way he liked it.
"Well, I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed, but you have ruined it. Why did you wake up now?" She asked rolling her eyes at him, "the aroma filled my nostrils, dragging me to the kitchen". She laughed delightedly. She always loved the way he hyped her food even when she knew he was exaggerating.
He kept staring at her, waiting for her to answer his question but not wanting to rush her, she was testing his patience and he didn't mind, it was goodnews afterall and there was never a wrong time for goodnews. When she had finished preparing the meal, she served it and took it to the dining. As they ate, she blurted "I missed my period" he pretended not to hear her, he expected her to tell him about the urine dipstick test or the laboratory confirmatory test, but when she was not forthcoming he had to ask "and?" "I went to the lab, it was confirmed positive" she said giving him the sheet of paper she was given at the lab.
He smiled broadly, what a way to start the day, he stood up and hugging her tightly he said "this calls for celebration" "no, I don't want to let anyone know yet". He understood. The last time they celebrated with the neighbours, it ended up in a miscarriage and some of the neighbours made jest of her, rubbing salt on her injury. It was part of the reason why she sought for a child desperately, as a consolation and so she didn't want to announce the child before the child announced himself or herself as the case may be.
"Well, celebrations or not, we have to raise a toast" he was smiling ear to ear, she had not seen him so happy, and it made her even happier "yes, lets raise a toast" she agreed. They raised their cups simultaneously, "to safe delivery..." "Let me call Ken", she said, interrupting him.
When Kenneth came, he volunteered to raise the toast himself and after a brief back and forth with Troy, it was agreed that Ken should be the one to raise the toast. An extra cup of coffee was poured for him to participate with.
"I am so happy to see you guys this happy, I mean, your happiness is contagious. This pregnancy was highly anticipated, and I think there's no better time than now. I wish you safety in pregnancy and in delivery and I wish you fullness of joy. Cheers!"
After the toast, Kenneth took his coffee and left the couple to enjoy themselves, he was already making plans on what to buy for the baby.
