Abigail’s Second Life (Abigail and Sean)

As everyone settled into the room, Abigail began making tea.

Lina quickly stepped in. "Take your time. I've brought something special for you and Luna."

From their bags, the two elders pulled out elegant red brocade boxes.

Lina handed one to Abigail, while Colby slid his across to Luna.

"These are blessed gold lockets. We had someone chart Larry's future, and this one is meant for him. The other is for your unborn child, assuming all goes well," Lina explained to both Abigail and Luna. Luna, pleasantly surprised that Larry was included, accepted the gift with a smile. "Thank you so much, Grandpa and Grandma."

"There's no need for thanks. We're family, after all." Colby dismissed with a casual wave.

Abigail examined her locket, admiring the intricate craftsmanship.

"So you traveled all this way just to deliver these lockets?" Abigail tucked them away safely, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you for going to such lengths."

"We've been meaning to do this for some time, but catching you two has always been a bit of a challenge..." Lina confessed with a resigned laugh.

Abigail felt slightly guilty. "We've settled down now. Once the baby is born, we'll hold the wedding. The paperwork is already complete."

"Stability is key. With secure jobs, our priority is our children, got it?" Lina affirmed, squeezing Abigail's hand. "I prayed for Analise yesterday and told her about your pregnancy. Oddly, I dreamt of her last night. She told me to look after you both."

Abigail was moved. "Thank you for thinking of her."

"You're always so polite with us. By the way, is it just you two at home today?" Lina scanned the room, noticing the absence of other family members.

"My parents thought you'd be here later, so they went out early to shop for groceries. You've surely not had breakfast, yes? Let's eat together," Abigail commented, standing and taking Lina's hand.

"I'm actually quite hungry. I had just a nibble before the flight to avoid feeling queasy," Lina admitted, standing up alongside Abigail.

Luna smiled and guided Colby toward the dining area.

"Why didn't you let Sean know you'd be arriving now? He had to leave early but mentioned he'd pick you up once you called." Abigail settled into a conversation with Lina at the table.

"Although we're old, we're quite accustomed to flying on our own. Your grandfather traveled a lot in his younger days, and I often joined him. These days, traveling is so convenient. We really don't need much help," Lina replied with a warm smile.

Lina's eyes often drifted toward Abigail's belly during breakfast.

"It's just starting to show. You can have a closer look once we've eaten." Abigail chuckled, guessing Lina's thoughts.

Perhaps it was the delay in getting pregnant that made everyone so affectionate toward her belly. From Sean to her parents, and even Josh, they all enjoyed a moment with it, and now two more were eager to join in.

Post-breakfast, Colby gingerly touched her belly while Lina couldn't help but lovingly stroke it, murmuring to herself, "Only four months and it's already so big. Seems like the little one is thriving." "Do you think so?"

Abigail couldn't help but chuckle.

Since her pregnancy, she had developed a robust appetite, gaining nearly fifteen pounds, and her face was noticeably fuller.

"I wonder if twins run in our family?" Colby pondered aloud, deep in thought.

"No guesses needed, Grandpa. We checked, and it's not twins. I just indulged a lot during the pregnancy," Abigail responded playfully.

As they conversed, there was a stir at the door.

"Don't let them be alone together. They'll just bicker!" Eilane announced as she walked in.

"Why are they already arguing? They

Iné

were supposed to be childhood sweethearts, yet it doesn't seem to be the case," Damon remarked resignedly.

The room soon filled with familiar faces.

Lina recognized only a few, like Josh, Kevin, and Cameron, among the new arrivals.

"These folks are friends from Capitalis," Abigail introduced them to Lina.

Eilane arrived with her daughter, Yanine Copper, and Cameron came with his son, Calvon Hopkins. Alfie, still unmarried, brought his girlfriend, Shaunee.

Irene needed no introduction.

"Why are you here so early, Old Mrs. Graham?" Kevin entered with a smile.

"Happy Independence Day, Old Mrs. Graham!" Irene greeted.

"You're fitting in well on this side, aren't you?" Lina pulled Irene aside for a chat.

As the room hummed with lively chatter, Abigail gestured for Shaunee to come over and join the group.

Just as the adults were settling in, a small commotion broke out among the children.

"Larry, stop being mean!" Yanine's voice rang out.

"You're the one being mean, not me! This is my car!" Larry retorted, gripping his toy car tightly, his face showing his annoyance.

Nearby, Calvon, always the quiet one, sat quietly next to Isla, watching the others squabble.

"Go and calm her down," Isla whispered to Calvon.

Observing the children bicker, Abigail mused aloud, "It makes me wonder when they grow up, will they turn out like us, lifelong friends?"

"I don't want her to be my friend.

She's always taking my stuff!" Larry

grumbled in a youthful whine,

clutching his toy closer before he

trotted off to find Josh. Content