The Fighter Pilot’s Baby

She pulled him to her and Alex took that to mean she wanted more.

Bianca managed a weak nod and closed her eyes, drifting to sleep almost instantly.

*****

Alex watched Bianca from the doorway for a moment as she drifted off to sleep. Gathering his clothes he slipped from the room, making sure he had his phone with him when he went. He had several important phone calls to make and wanted to make sure he did it before she woke up.

Dialing the number from memory, Alex waited for the person to answer. “I’ll take the job,” he said without even saying hello.

“Good,” the man said, “I knew you’d come around.”

After a few more minutes of small talk and setting up the time for Alex to begin training he hung up. For the first time in three weeks Alex felt like everything was falling into place. Finally.

*****

Bianca woke up and it was getting dark, which in late October in the Northeast could mean it was five o’clock. She sat up, slightly disoriented from her long nap. Where was Alex? She hopped off of the bed and shivered, the floor was freezing. Remembering that she was naked, Bianca located her sweats and t-shirt and threw them on quickly followed by a fuzzy pair of socks. Finally warm, she went in search of Alex. She thought about their encounter earlier and smiled. Something had shifted inside of her and it left her feeling calm, and at peace. Maybe it was the way they connected again, for the first time since she lost the baby, which made her feel like she wasn’t so lost any longer. Whatever it was that helped Bianca, she knew she felt better. She would never stop grieving the loss of the life that she was never able to hold in her arms or watch grow up, but she suddenly felt like she would be okay.

As she approached the kitchen, Bianca could hear banging of pots and pans and muted cursing. Stifling a laugh, she walked in. Alex was attempting to cook dinner. There was a pot of boiling water hissing as it splashed scolding water onto the flames, and something on a back burner smoking. Alex was rinsing another smaller pan in the sink; the contents were unidentifiable, and swearing under his breath.

“What’s for dinner?” Bianca asked holding a hand over her mouth so he wouldn’t see the smile that was spreading there.

Alex turned to her, embarrassment shining in his eyes. “I was trying to make spaghetti and meatballs. My sister assured me that it was a simple dish. Looks like I may have to call her back and tell her what she can do with that simple dish,” He said wiping sweat from his brow.

A small chuckle escaped Bianca’s lips and she slapped her hand over her mouth.

“This is funny to you?” Alex asked, feigning anger.

Bianca nodded, tears escaping her eyes. God, it felt great to laugh again.

“I’m sorry, babe. Is there anything I can help with?” She finally asked, approaching the stove with bewilderment. Nothing looked salvageable.

Alex shook his head. “I think it’s a good thing I have the take out menu to a great Italian restaurant,” he said, waving the menu in the air.

Bianca laughed again. “I think you’re right.”

Alex placed the order for their food and Bianca began to clean up the kitchen, trying to save her pan that had some sort of black charred substance stuck to the bottom.

“I’m sorry about your pans,” Alex said as they dug into their spaghetti and meatballs later that evening.

Bianca waved a hand in the air. “Don’t worry; I was due for a new set anyway.”

They ate the rest of the meal in comfortable silence. This was the best evening they had together since the miscarriage. Bianca almost cried with relief as they both cuddled under a blanket on the couch later that night, ready to watch a movie. All wasn’t lost and her relationship with Alex wasn’t beyond repair. Sighing, Bianca relaxed against Alex’s chest as the movie began. Finally, she felt at peace.