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"Nicky," Marcella giggled. "I need to breathe."
Nicky had just tucked the duvet around Marcella.
"I know that," Nicky replied. "I just want to make sure you aren't freezing."
Marcella placed her hand on Nicky's arm.
"I'm not freezing," Marcella replied. "It's just a stomach bug that makes my tummy hurt a bit."
Nicky sat down on the bed.
"Let's hope that," Nicky replied. "Are you sure you're not uhmm, you know..."
"Pregnant?" Marcella asked. Nicky nodded. "No, I'm not pregnant, because I have lived like a nun since Mike left me for that bimbo."
"Thanks for the new image in my head," Nicky replied. "I won't forget that for a while."
Joe entered the bedroom.
"I found it," Joe said, showing them the thermometer. "Open up, Marcella."
Marcella crossed her arms like a defiant child.
"Before you stick that thing in my mouth," Marcella said. "Have you used it on my brother here?"
"No, that is not necessary," Joe replied. "I know when my man gets too hot to handle."
They all laughed before Marcella let Joe take her temperature.
"Good news, you don't have a fever," Joe said. "So, maybe all you need is a good night's sleep."
"Let's hope that," Marcella replied. "I don't want to miss out on work. The children are having a Christmas market next week, and I promised to help them."
Marcella worked as a school teacher.
"Listen," Nicky said. "If you don't feel any better next week, I can go instead of you. And I'm also sure Joe would love to help."
Joe nodded.
"Thanks for the offer," Marcella said. "But if I'm still sick next week, I'll buy a hazmat suit so I can go."
"Okay," Nicky replied. "You might end up scaring the children if they see you in one of those things."
"I have thought about that, too," Marcella replied. "I'll get Joe to turn the hazmat suit into a Santa Claus outfit."
"Uh, a new art challenge. I love it," Joe replied with a big smile. "But before you order a hazmat suit, could we agree that if you don't feel better by tomorrow, we'll call your Mama? Her chicken soup cured my cold last winter, so maybe it will cure your stomach bug, too."
"Great idea," Marcella replied. "If it's okay, I would like to try to get some sleep."
Nicky kissed Marcella on her forehead.
"Do that," Nicky said. "And if you need anything, call us, okay?"
"I promise," Marcella replied. "Night."
After making sure Marcella had a hot bottle and water to drink, Joe and Nicky left her alone.
"Hi," Joe said. "What's wrong?"
Joe wrapped his arms around Nicky.
"I'm just worried about Marcella," Nicky replied. "She is never sick."
"I promise you, she will be fine again soon," Joe replied. "Especially because I know she wants to be there to prevent you from eating all the Christmas cookies by yourself."
"Yeah, you're right," Nicky replied. "Listen, I'm going to brush my teeth. Love you."
Nicky kissed Joe on his cheek before going out into the bathroom. Nicky had just put the toothbrush in his mouth when he heard Marcella scream, and both he and Joe ran towards the guest room.
"Marcella?" Nicky asked. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know, Nicky," Marcella replied. "But my tummy. It hurts so much when I move. And I think I have peed on myself."
Marcella started to cry while Nicky lifted the duvet.
"I think the water came from the hot bottle," Nicky said. "Marcella, where is your tummy pain located?"
"All over," Marcella cried. "It hurts when I move."
Nicky looked at Joe.
"Call our parents," Nicky said. "And an ambulance."
"On it," Joe replied. "I just need to get my phone."
Joe ran out of the guest room, leaving Nicky with Marcella.
"Don't leave me, Nicky," Marcella begged. "I'm scared."
"I'm not going anywhere," Nicky promised. "Is it okay if I change you into some dry clothes? It will make you feel better not to be wet."
Marcella nodded, and by the time Joe returned, Nicky had gotten Marcella into a pair of sweatpants.
"The ambulance is on its way and will be here in less than five minutes," Joe said. "And your parents will meet you at the hospital. But they are in the summer house, so it will take them around two hours to get there."
"As long as they are on their way, then I'm happy," Nicky replied. "I'm going with Marcella in the ambulance. Could I ask you to follow us?"
"Of course," Joe replied. "I'll let the ambulance people in."
Ten minutes later, Marcella, together with Nicky, was on their way to the hospital with Joe after them in the car.
"I need to ask," Frank said, who was one of the ambulance people. "Are you pregnant, Marcella?"
"Not unless the damn Holly Ghost visited me," Marcella snarled. "Sorry, I'm not usually like this."
"I know," Frank replied. "Have you had your appendix removed?"
Marcella looked at Nicky.
"You're older than me," Marcella said. "Do you know that?"
Nicky thought for a moment.
"The only time you went to the hospital was when you broke your arm as a child," Nicky said. "That was over fifteen years ago."
Frank gave Marcella some more painkillers.
"Since you haven't had your appendix removed," Frank said. "I think that is the reason for your tummy pain."
Nicky hoped Frank was right because he didn't want to lose Marcella to cancer like they had lost their aunt earlier that year. When they reached the hospital, a nurse asked Nicky to wait in the waiting room, and it didn't take long for Joe to find Nicky.
"I hope Frank is right about the appendix," Nicky said. "I really don't want to go through the nightmare again."
Joe knew what Nicky meant by the word "nightmare."
"Hi, hi, don't go there in your mind," Joe said. "It won't help you or Marcella."
"You're right," Nicky replied. "Please hold me."
Joe held Nicky until a doctor named Susan showed up and told them what was wrong with Marcella.
"I'm sorry, what?" Nicky asked. "She is pregnant? And having the baby tonight? She doesn't even have a pregnant tummy or what it's called."
"Marcella has what we doctors call a cryptic pregnancy, or stealth pregnancy," Susan explained. "A cryptic pregnancy is when someone doesn't realise they are pregnant until very late in the pregnancy, sometimes not until labour begins, due to minimal or misinterpreted physical signs, such as a small bump, infrequent bleeding mistaken for periods, or a lack of typical morning sickness."
Nicky looked confused at Joe.
"I can't process that information right now," Nicky said. "Could you do it for me later?"
"I can try," Joe replied. "So, what will happen now with Marcella?"
"We need to examine her closer, but she won't let us get near her," Susan replied. "Could I ask you to see if you can calm her down since you're the father?"
If Nicky hadn't been in panic, he would have laughed over being called Marcella's boyfriend.
"I'm not the father," Nicky said. "But I'm Marcella's big brother."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Who is the father then?" Susan asked. "Is it you?"
Susan looked at Joe.
"I'm married to Nicky," Joe replied. "Marcella has been single ever since a nasty breakup with her ex six months ago. I don't even know where he is."
"Neither do I," Nicky added. "Now, could I see my sister?"
"Of course," Susan replied. "This way."
Nicky looked at Joe.
"I'll wait here for your parents," Joe said. "And try to figure out what that pregnancy thing is."
"Thanks, you're the best," Nicky replied. "Oh, and maybe you could also search for baby stuff because if what the doctor just told us is true, Marcella is going to need it for the baby."
"I'll add it to my list," Joe replied. "Go."
Joe kissed Nicky's hand before he left with Victoria.
"I'm so sorry about before," Susan said. "I think the misunderstanding happened because Marcella has only listed her parents as her emergency contacts."
"I understand," Nicky replied. "Could I ask you not to tell my parents about Marcella until they get here soon? I prefer they don't get that kind of news over the phone."
"Of course," Susan replied. "I hope you can calm Marcella down, because ever since we found out she is pregnant, she has refused to let anyone touch her."
When Susan let Nicky into the room, where Marcella was, he found her curled up and crying.
"Marcella," Nicky said. "Please look at me."
Marcella looked up at Nicky, and he dried away the tears.
"They are lying, Nicky. I'm not pregnant, I know it because I'm still on the pill," Marcella sobbed. "And if I had known I had been pregnant, I wouldn't have partied like I did this summer. I drank cocktails last weekend. And I haven't been eating healthy food."
Nicky got Marcella to look at him.
"Listen, Topo," Nicky said. "I know you're scared and a million thoughts are going through your mind right now, but it's kinda important that you let the doctors do their work so they can help you."
Marcella buried her head in Nicky's shirt and cried.
"I want, Mama," Marcella sobbed. "I want her now."
"She will be here soon," Nicky replied. "And Joe will show her the way when she gets here."
Marcella looked at Nicky.
"If I'm pregnant," Marcella said, looking scared. "You can't tell Papa."
"Why?" Nicky asked. "He will love getting a grandchild."
"But I'm not married," Marcella replied. "I'm in so much trouble."
Nicky wrapped his arms around Marcella and held her tight.
"No, you're not in any trouble," Nicky said. "Not with me, Joe or our parents, and if anyone ever makes any comments about you, I'll deal with them."
"Thanks," Marcella replied. "But I know I'm not pregnant. I know it."
Marcella squeezed Nicky's hand when she felt a pain in her tummy.
"Marcella?" Susan asked. "Could we please scan you now? We need to know what's wrong with your tummy."
"Okay, but I'm not pregnant," Marcella replied. "And my brother stays."
It wasn't a problem with Nicky staying, and while Susan scanned Marcella's tummy, she didn't let go of Nicky's hand.
"I need to show and tell you something," Susan said. "Look here."
Susan turned the screen around so she could show Marcella and Nicky the baby. Marcella quickly turned her head away from the screen, while Nicky stared at the baby moving.
"No, no, no," Marcella protested. "That is not my baby."
Marcella buried her head in Nicky's shirt, and he knew he had to ask an important question on behalf of Marcella.
"The baby?" Nicky asked. "Is it healthy?"
"We can't give you an answer to that before the baby is born," Susan replied. "But we need to move Marcella up to the labour and delivery ward."
Nicky looked at Marcella.
"Could it wait until our Mama is here?" Nicky asked. "I think it will help to keep Marcella calm if she is here?"
"I'm sorry, but if your mother is not here within the next ten minutes," Susan replied. "We're taking Marcella up to the ward, no matter how hard she protests."
Susan and the nurses left the room, leaving Nicky and Marcella back.
"I'm not ready to have a baby," Marcella sobbed. "My life is a mess, Nicky."
"No, your life is not a mess, Marcella," Nicky replied. "And you have us to help you with the baby, so you're not alone in this."
Marcella glared at Nicky.
"For the last time," Marcella said. "I'm not pregnant."
Marcella turned her back to Nicky before curling up and crying again, and all Nicky could do was run circles around Marcella's back, because he didn't know what to do or say. When the door opened, Nicky saw his Mama Guilia.
"Nicky," Guila said. "What happened?"
Nicky told what he knew while Guilia took off her jacket.
"We both saw the baby, but Marcella keeps on saying she is not pregnant," Nicky said. "I think she is more scared of what you and Papa will say about the pregnancy than the thought of having a baby does."
Guilia sat down on the bed, and Marcella buried her head in her Mama's blouse, while crying.
"I think you're right, Nicky," Guila said. "Leave your sister to me and wait with your Papa and Joe."
"Okay," Nicky replied. "Call if you need anything."
Guila promised, and Nicky left. When Joe saw Nicky, he got up in a hurry and welcomed him with a warm hug, something Nicky needed. Then, Nicky told Joe and his Papa Mario about Marcella.
"Please, Papa," Nicky said. "Don't be mad at Marcella for getting pregnant and not knowing it."
"I'm not mad at her," Mario replied. "Do you know why she is thinking that?"
"Maybe because of what happened when she was sixteen," Nicky replied. "Remember, she was found in a car she didn't know was stolen by the police."
"I never blamed her for what her so-called friends did," Mario replied. "And when I talk with her later, I'll tell her that until she understands that."
"Thanks," Nicky replied. "Just one question. Is it normal that my finger looks like this?"
Nicky held up his hand and showed Joe and Mario his finger with the bone sticking out.
"No," Mario replied. "Just like your Mama broke my finger when she was having you, your sister has broken your finger during the birth of her child."
"Oh," Nicky replied. "Then it's good that I'm in a hospital."
Mario looked at Joe.
"Could you go with him?" Mario asked. "Then, I'll keep an eye on things here."
Ten hours later, Guila found them all sleeping. Nicky had placed his head in Joe's lap, while Mario was leaning up against Joe.
"Hi, wake up," Guila said. "There is someone who wants to meet her Nonno and Uncles."
They all sat up and looked at the baby, who was sleeping.
"Marcella wanted you to hold her first, Mario," Guila said. "Is that okay with you?"
"More than fine," Mario replied. "Let me have a look at my grandchild."
Guila placed the baby in Mario's arms.
"Is the baby okay, Mama?" Nicky asked. "I understood it was one of the doctor's concerns."
"She is more than fine," Guila replied. "A bit small, but there are no problems with her."
"Good to hear," Nicky replied. "And Marcella? How is she doing?"
"She is scared, but give her time, and she will be herself again," Guila replied. "Marcella asked if she could stay with us, Mario, until she has figured everything out."
"She is more than welcome," Mario replied. "And so is the little one."
Mario placed the baby in Nicky's arms.
"I talked with my sister," Joe said. "She had a girl six months ago and is more than happy to give Marcella all the baby clothes she has. Plus other stuff for free."
"Say thank you to her for her kindness," Guila replied. "It will help Marcella and the baby a lot."
Nicky placed the baby in Joe's arms.
"Marcella asked you to go home and get some sleep, Joe and Nicky," Guila said. "She promised to call you tomorrow."
"Okay," Nicky replied. "Papa, you're welcome to come with us."
"Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll stay here for now," Mario replied. "Go."
When Joe and Nicky got home, they went straight to bed. When they woke the next morning, they sat down and talked things through.
"I think I understand a bit more what happened to Marcella," Nicky said. "The last day has been one of the craziest in my life. What started as a stomach bug ended with a baby girl."
"Yeah, I know," Joe replied. "But when the baby grows up, she is going to have one heck of a Christmas story to tell to her friends."
Joe looked at Nicky's broken finger.
"And this?" Joe asked while pointing at the broken finger. "Are you in any pain?"
"No," Nicky replied. "I'm just glad that I didn't break the finger where my wedding ring is on. Imagine if the nurses had to cut it off my finger."
"I would also have been sad about it," Joe replied. "But if the choice stood between you losing your wedding ring and a finger, I would prefer the wedding ring."
"I agree with you," Nicky replied. "Okay, you said my Mama sent you a list of stuff Marcella and the baby need. Can I see it?"
Joe found the list on his phone before handing it to Nicky.
"You know what?" Nicky asked. Joe shook his head. "I think my Mama is secretly hoping that by leaving all the baby shopping to us, it will convince us to have a baby."
"I also think the same thing," Joe replied. "And I think we should have the baby talk once things have calmed down a bit more."
"I agree," Nicky replied just as his phone rang. "It's Marcella. I'd better take the call."
"Do that," Joe replied. "Then, I'll prepare something for us to eat."
A week later, Marcella was ready for Joe and Nicky to visit her and the baby.
"I'm glad to see you smile again, Marcella," Joe said. "Can I hold my niece?"
"Of course," Marcella replied. "Do you want to know her name?"
Joe took the baby with a smile.
"Is that even a question?" Nicky asked. "I want to know what I should call her whenever I want to feed her baked goods."
"Her name is Gabriella Victoria, but I call her Gaby," Marcella replied. "And I hope you are also planning on feeding Gaby some vegetables between all the baked goods."
"Vegetables are Joe's department," Nicky replied. "But I do love her name. It's beautiful."
"Thanks," Marcella replied. "I'm still sorry about how I acted last week."
Nicky pulled Marcella in for a hug.
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Nicky replied. "But I have to admit I still don't understand completely how you could be pregnant without knowing it."
"I'm also trying to understand it all," Marcella replied. "When Mama gets home, she will tell you something I didn't know before I gave birth to Gaby. It will help you to understand it a bit more."
"Okay," Nicky replied. "I need to know. What did Mike say when you told him you had a baby?"
Marcella huffed.
"When I finally tracked him down, which wasn't easy, he said that Gaby wasn't his and the only thing that could convince him otherwise was a DNA test," Marcella replied. "So, we're doing that next year."
Joe looked at Marcella.
"I know what happens after the result of the DNA test is there, and that means Mike will drag you to court so he can get out of paying you child support," Joe said. "So, promise me you'll call my Granduncle Ibrahim and let him help you, Marcella. Granduncle Ibrahim has helped so many Mothers and Fathers throughout the years whenever the other party has denied knowing their children."
"Thanks, Joe," Marcella replied. "But I don't have the money for a lawyer."
"I'll happily pay the bill for you, and it isn't up for discussion," Joe replied. "Right, Nicky?"
"Yes," Nicky replied. "Let Joe's Granduncle help you, so you can concentrate on being a Mama for your little girl."
Marcella looked at Joe and Nicky.
"Fine, okay," Marcella said. "But how can I repay you?"
"You don't have, too," Nicky replied. "Just let's spoil our niece like we're doing with the rest."
The baby started to cry.
"Feeding time," Marcella said. "Joe, now that you're holding Gaby, could I ask you to change her diaper? Then, I'll prepare a bottle for her."
"On it," Joe replied. "Come, Gaby."
Joe left the living room with Gaby while Nicky followed Marcella out into the kitchen.
"I don't have milk enough in my..." Marcella said as she gestured towards her breasts. "The doctors say it has to do with my body and the way I found out I was having a baby."
Nicky nodded.
"You know," Nicky said. "If you want to stay somewhere else, you're welcome to stay with us."
"Thanks," Marcella replied. "But I got my own plans for us when Gaby gets a bit older. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes," Nicky replied. "Let me know if you need anything."
Marcella promised, and when Joe returned with the baby, he handed her to Marcella so she could get something to eat. It didn't take long for Guila and Mario to return home, and when the baby was asleep, they sat down to eat dinner.
"Marcella isn't the first in our family to not know she was pregnant," Guila said. "Your Grandmother's Grandmother had her first one under the same circumstances as Marcella."
"I didn't know that," Nicky replied. "Why haven't you told us that before?"
"Because my Mama told me the story when I was pregnant with you, Nicky, and I wanted to do the same thing," Guila replied. "Well, that was the plan until last week. Because I have to admit I never imagined it would happen again."
"I understand, and thanks for telling me," Nicky replied. "It helps me to understand everything a bit better."
Nicky took some more potatoes.
"About Christmas," Nicky said. "Should we stay home?"
"No," Marcella replied. "I want you and Joe to join the rest of us, so that we can celebrate Gaby's first Christmas together."
Joe and Nicky promised they would be there on Christmas Eve, which turned out to be a fun evening with a lot of great food and talks.
"Gaby is sleeping," Marcella said. "I hope it's for more than four hours."
Mario placed an arm around Marcella's shoulders. After talking things through, the relationship between Mario and Marcella had improved, something Guilia and Nicky were really happy about.
"Give her time," Mario said. "And she will be sleeping like a teenager."
"I hope so," Marcella replied. "Thanks again for letting Gaby and me stay here."
"Don't mention it," Mario replied. "Now, it's time for Christmas gifts."
They exchanged Christmas gifts.
"It's not that I don't like my new blouse," Marcella said. "But my unexpected Christmas gift is the one I love the most."
Everyone said that they understood what Marcella was saying. A few hours later, Joe and Nicky were home again.
"Before going to bed," Joe said. "This is for you."
Joe handed Nicky a small Christmas gift.
"Thank you," Nicky replied. "What's it?"
"Open it," Joe replied. "It's something you have wished for."
Nicky opened the Christmas gift and found a box containing a key.
"It's the key to our new front door," Joe said. "The house deal went through on the day Gaby was born."
Nicky threw himself into Joe's arms with a big smile.
"Oh, Joe, that's fantastic," Nicky said. "Thank you for the key."
Nicky kissed Joe's face over and over again, which made Joe giggle.
"Tell me," Nicky said. "When can we move in?"
"As soon as the renovation is over, so in the spring if things go to plan," Joe replied. "I need to tell you something I spoke with your Papa about."
"Okay," Nicky replied. "Tell me."
"Your Papa wants to buy our flat and renovate it for Marcella and Gaby. It has the perfect size for a small family," Joe replied. "Is that okay with you?"
"More than fine with me, because I love that idea," Nicky replied. "But what did Marcella say to the plan?"
"She loved it," Joe replied. "And can't wait to move in."
Nicky snuggled into Joe while holding onto the key.
"You know what, Joe?" Nicky asked. Joe shook his head. "I'm so happy."
Joe kissed Nicky on his head.
"So am I," Joe replied. "So am I."
For the rest of the evening, they talked about their new house and other plans they had for the future while looking at the Christmas tree.