Of course, I do. Yet I feel the disappointment of his refusal all over me.
"If you don't come, you'll miss something incredibly important," I announce the big revelation. The joyous celebration of the miraculous wonder growing inside me, the one that will turn my life upside down—hopefully in the best way possible.
Unconsciously, I place my hand on my lower abdomen. Perhaps I'm still grappling with it, but I feel how significant what's happening to me right now truly is.
Maxime and I are going to be parents.
"Next year, I'll be there. I promise," he replies with finality. There's more firmness in his tone than I'm used to, and suddenly, I'm certain that something is wrong with him.
"Listen..." I say, wanting to put my concerns into words.
"I have to go," he says before I can speak further. "We'll talk soon."
I don't have enough time to respond; he ends the call immediately.
What was that?
Lost in thought, I push myself away from the house wall. I'm almost late now, so I hurry. I slip through the entrance door of the studio, where some participants of today's Yin Yoga session are engaged in animated conversations. I spot Sky by the coatrack.
She waves and smiles, taking my yoga bag from me. "Finally! I was afraid you wouldn't make it."
The door to the studio opens, and the participants flow into the room.
"Sorry, I was on the phone with Vico and lost track of time." I quickly take off my jacket and hang it on the crowded coatrack.
Sky unpacks my yoga mat and the two yoga blocks. "Alright, shoes off, and let's get started."
"Yes, ma'am," I reply with a grin. Here, outside the academy, with Sky by my side, I feel wonderfully carefree. No one looks at me judgmentally, and no one blames me for anything.
I know exactly whom I have to thank for that.
She must know. Before Sky turns away, I hold her back.
"You're the best friend anyone could wish for," I tell her, as this is long overdue.
Not only because she found this new yoga studio for us, so we won't risk running into anyone from the academy. But also because she's there for me in every situation. Although I'm looking forward to my life with Maxime, it pains me tremendously that I'll be moving out after the French Championship.
As if she knows what's going on in my mind, she briefly pulls me into a hug. "Won't you reconsider? My offer still stands."
No one is more generous than Sky. As fantastic as her suggestion is, I can't accept it. "If Maxime moves in with us, we'd intrude on you." I nod significantly toward my belly. "Besides, we'll soon be three."
It just wouldn't work. We can't live with her.
"I know." She snorts, throwing her arms up. "It's just that I'll miss you terribly."
"We'll stay friends. Nothing can change that." Besides, it's only a thirty-minute walk between our apartments.
For a moment, which feels too long, she looks at me wistfully. Then she nods. "We won't allow it."
"Never." Once again, I have to blink back tears. This pregnancy is changing me. It's making me far too emotional.
While I try to keep my emotions in check, Sky links her arm with mine. "Come on, the class won't wait for us."
A few seconds later, we slip into the solemnly quiet room. Thick curtains hang in front of the windows, and the indirect light creates a cozy atmosphere. I take a deep breath and look forward to forgetting the negative energies I encounter daily at the academy for one evening.
