Page 79 of Revenge
“If anything changes before I get to you, call me.”
“Okay. Hurry, please. I think Max might pass out, and I can’t do this alone.” I look at Max, and now he looks green.
“What a punk.” Oliver laughs. “I’m coming.”
“Hurry.” I end the call. “Max, you better sit down. I’m going to run a bath. It’s supposed to help with contractions. Oliver will be here soon.” I start walking toward the bathroom.
“You didn’t need to call him. I just needed a few minutes to compose myself.”
“It’s okay. Oliver is all business. I need someone who isn’t emotional. Someone who can keep me calm.” But I’m not so sure that is the truth. I really want Viktor. But I can’t call him, not after everything.
I’ve done so much research, and a bath is supposed to help with contractions. I set my labor gown and undergarments on my bed. Hopefully, these small tasks will distract me from the pain of the contractions. I’ve never been happier that my bedroom is next to the bathroom. Max being here doesn’t exactly make me feel comfortable. Slowly I get in the tub. The water is hot, but it feels good. I can do this. Oliver will be here soon. Everything will be fine.
“Ava, I’m okay now. What do you need?” Max asks from the bathroom door, which I left open.
“Nothing. But I prefer you stay in the living room if you don’t mind. I’m naked.” I say even though it is stating the obvious. I try to sink a little in the tub to cover my body. I’m kicking myself for opening the front door to him. Max shouldn’t be here. It feels so wrong.
“Are you sure?” He takes a step closer.
“Yes. Wait for Oliver. I’ll yell if I need anything.”
He leaves reluctantly. I wish I could say I feel bad, but this is an intimate moment, and I don’t want to share it with him.
I’m contemplating if I should call Viktor after all. He deserves to be here. I want him here. But I can’t call him. I think that’s why I called Oliver. He will make me feel like Viktor is here. Even though I have not always been nice to Oliver. I remember a conversation we had shortly after I went to the cabin.
“You promised, Oliver. You lied.”
“I didn’t lie. I wasn’t the one who told him.”
“Someone did. He barged into my home and demanded I explain why I didn’t tell him. Then Fiona showed up,” I scream.
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t need anything from any Manarch.”
“You’ll need someone with you.”
“I won’t need anyone. I can take care of myself. I have to go.”
Max shouldn’t be here. Viktor should be here, but it’s my fault he isn’t. If I had stayed in this apartment and not gone to the cabin, Viktor would be here holding my hand. I’m robbing Viktor of this moment and feel guilty. My mind wanders to the day I first met Viktor. It feels like a lifetime ago. He was so arrogant. Looking back, I fell for him instantly. He was like no one I had ever met.
“I love your daddy so much.” I rub my belly. Shortly after, it tightens with another contraction. I cry in pain.
“Ava, are you okay? You need me in there?”
“No. Stay where you are,” I order. “Fuck.”
I breathe in and out until the contraction subsides—they’re getting closer together. I’m tempted to call out for Max but I don’t. I feel he will freak out, which will only make me freak out more. Instead, I think of another memory of Viktor and me.
“You’re cheating,” I giggle.
“I never said I’d play fair.” We’re sitting on our bed playing checkers.
“Let me win.” I bump his leg lightly, making the board move.
“And lose the deal? You know me better than that.” I woke up not feeling great. Viktor wants to call a doctor.
“I don’t need the doctor. It’s a stupid deal.” He made a deal with me. If I win, I could stay in bed and take care of myself. If he wins, I have to see a doctor. I was surprised he didn’t command me to. He always wants to control everything.
