Chapter 9 - Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: successful surgery and baby shower The hospital room was calm, sunlight spilling through the window. Victorine held her brother's hand gently, her heart still racing from the news she'd received earlier. "Daniel, you're awake," she said softly. He smiled weakly. "I feel… amazing, Liv. Like a weight has been lifted." "You did it," she whispered, tears forming in her eyes. "The surgery went well. Everything's fine." The doctor peeked in with a smile. "I can confirm it — the transplant was a success. Your body responded perfectly, Daniel. Just follow our instructions, and you'll be fully recovered soon." Daniel laughed softly. "I can't believe it. I was so scared, but… you were there, Liv. You kept me calm." Victorine squeezed his hand. "Of course, Danny. You're my brother. I couldn't let anything happen to you." Juliana, standing beside them, smiled. "You've done brilliantly, both of you. Now it's time to rest and recover." "Rest sounds perfect," Daniel said, glancing at Victorine . "But I'd rather stay with you all. Hospital walls are nice and all, but home… home is better." Victorine laughed softly. "Then home it is. Alex and I will make sure you're comfortable. You can stay as long as you need." The doctor nodded. "Recovery will take time, but with family around, it'll go smoothly. He'll be stronger every day." And just like that, months seemed to fly. Daniel left the hospital after a few weeks, moving in with Victorine , Juliana, and Alex. He settled into their home easily, laughter and chatter filling the rooms. Morning coffees, shared meals, quiet talks — life returned to a calm rhythm. Victorine would often glance at him, smiling. "You're finally okay, Danny." "And it's all thanks to you, Liv," he said softly. She smiled, resting a hand on her stomach. "And thanks to a little help from others… everything's turning out just fine*************************************************************************** Months went by slowly and steadily. It was eight months of her pregnancy. The morning sun spilled gently across Victorine 's small flat. The warmth brushed her cheeks as she leaned back in the chair, hand resting on her swollen belly. It was a peaceful morning — quiet, except for the occasional chirping of birds outside. She smiled softly. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down. A message from Juliana: "All set for today. Are you ready?" Victorine typed back, laughing softly: "As ready as I'll ever be. Nervous and excited at the same time." Juliana's reply was instant: "Don't worry, darling. Everything will be perfect. Just enjoy yourself." --- By midday, Victorine was carefully walking into the Richardson estate, her dress flowing lightly around her. She was nine months pregnant now — a gentle curve in front, a testament to the life she carried inside her. Juliana greeted her at the door with a warm smile. "There she is! Our glowing mama-to-be," Juliana said, hands reaching out to steady Victorine . "I'm glowing more like a tomato," Victorine joked, her cheeks red from laughter and effort. Juliana laughed. "Perfectly fine, dear. Come inside. Everyone's waiting." The moment Victorine entered the living room, she was met with a burst of colour, laughter, and cheerful voices. Balloons floated near the ceiling, pastel ribbons hanging everywhere, and a large table stacked with gifts. Friends and family chatted in small groups, glasses clinking, smiles all around. "Oh, Victorine !" a friend called out, rushing forward to hug her. "You look amazing!" "Thank you," Victorine said softly, tears of joy welling in her eyes. "It's… really beautiful." Juliana came up beside her, voice gentle. "You deserve this, darling. All of it. We wanted to make sure you feel special today." Victorine glanced around, seeing Alex standing near the doorway. He had his hands in his pockets, but his eyes were soft, watching her with a mix of pride and protectiveness. "Hello, Victorine ," he said quietly, stepping closer. "You look… incredible." Victorine laughed lightly. "I think it's mostly the baby doing the work." "You've done all the work," Alex said. "Carrying them, keeping everything together… you're remarkable." She shook her head, smiling. "I couldn't have done it without you all. Juliana, you've been incredible. Alex, your support… it's made everything possible." Alex's smile softened. "We only did what we should have. You've carried more than just babies — you carried hope for the family too." Victorine 's eyes glistened. "I… I never thought I'd be celebrated like this. Really." Juliana chuckled. "You've earned it. You've given everything — it's only fair we give back a little." --- The chatter around the room was warm and casual. "Twins, Victorine ! Can you believe it?" a friend whispered as they handed her a small gift. "I'm… I can't believe it myself," Victorine admitted. "Two tiny lives, growing inside me… it's… amazing." Alex came over, crouching slightly to speak at her level. "Have you decided on names yet?" Victorine shook her head. "Not yet. Too much to think about. I don't want to rush it." "You've got time," Alex said. "You'll know when it's right." Juliana walked up, carrying a tray of tea. "Here, love. Sit down, relax. Enjoy the moment." Victorine took the cup, hands trembling slightly. "Thank you… it's just… all of this feels so surreal." "You deserve surrealism," Juliana said softly. "You've been through so much, endured so much, and now… you get to enjoy this." The room filled with light laughter as people continued to arrive. Friends cooed over the gifts, commented on decorations, and asked Victorine a hundred questions about her pregnancy. She answered softly, enjoying the warmth and attention, not for herself but for the little lives she carried. --- A little later, Alex came closer again. "Are you tired?" he asked. "Just a bit," Victorine admitted. "Nine months is… quite a lot." He smiled, offering his arm. "Lean on me when you need to. That's what I'm here for." Victorine laughed lightly, linking her arm with his. "I will. Thank you." Juliana came by, whispering with a grin. "You two look adorable together. Everyone's smiling just watching you." "Adorable? Us?" Alex said, raising an eyebrow. "We're pregnant and carrying babies, not a romance movie." "Exactly why it's adorable," Juliana teased. --- The doctor from the fertility clinic, Dr. Spencer, was also invited. He came forward, smiling warmly. "Congratulations, Victorine . Everything looks fantastic. You're healthy, the babies are growing strong… couldn't ask for better news," he said. Victorine laughed softly. "It's nice to see you outside a clinic, Doctor. Less beeping, less stress." Dr. Spencer chuckled. "I can imagine. But all the hard work was yours. The babies, they're thriving because of you." "You make it sound easy," Victorine said lightly. "Nothing easy about pregnancy," he replied. "But you're doing brilliantly." Juliana put a hand on Victorine 's shoulder. "We told you, darling. You're stronger than you think." --- As the afternoon went on, people mingled, shared advice, and laughed at small jokes. Victorine opened gifts slowly, enjoying the gentle chatter rather than rushing. "Diapers, bottles, blankets…" she said with a laugh as she peeked into a gift. "Don't worry, you'll have enough," Alex said, smiling. "By the end, the twins will have more than we need." Victorine laughed softly. "I hope so. They'll need it." "And love," Juliana added, squeezing her hand. "Don't forget love." "I know," Victorine said. "I'll give them everything I have." --- Later, Alex and Victorine stepped aside for a quiet moment. "You've been carrying so much," Alex said gently. "Not just the babies, but everything else too. I hope today reminds you that it's all worth it." Victorine smiled. "It does… it really does. Seeing everyone happy, seeing my brother… Everything's better now." Alex nodded. "You've been incredible. I just want you to rest, enjoy this, and remember… we're all here for you." "I will," Victorine whispered. "I feel safe. Really safe." --- The baby shower continued late into the afternoon, with laughter, light chatter, and soft music. Victorine moved around gently, talking with friends, opening gifts, sipping tea, and occasionally laughing at Alex's teasing comments. By the end of the day, she sat back in her chair, exhausted but happy. Juliana leaned beside her. "You've had a long day," Juliana said. "But I hope you feel loved." Victorine 's hand rested on her belly. "I do… more than I ever thought I could. Twins, my brother, this family… it's all… it's perfect." "And you," Alex added quietly, "are the heart of it all." Victorine smiled softly, closing her eyes for a brief moment. "Thank you… all of you. For everything." Juliana and Alex exchanged glances. "Rest now," Juliana said. "You've earned it." Victorine nodded, feeling warmth, love, and hope surrounding her. Twins growing safely inside her. Her brother is thriving. A family — strong, happy, and ready for whatever came next. And in that moment, Victorine finally let herself breathe fully, knowing the future was bright.