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Rain pattered against the windows of Neuvillette’s apartment. The sound fulling the heavy silence between them. Wriothesley leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his usual composed demeanor replaced with a storm of conflicting emotions.
Neuvillette sat on the edge of the couch, his hands clasped tightly together. He’d rehearsed this moment, gone over it in his mind countless times.
Nothing had prepared him for the reality of telling Wriothesley.
“I’m pregnant.” Neuvillette said, his voice calm yet tinged with vulnerability.
Wriothesley’s eyes widened, his mouth opening slightly before closing again. The words hung in the air, pressing down on both of them.
“You’re pregnant?” He finally replied. “And… it’s mine?”
”Yes.” Neuvillette looked down, suddenly unable to meet Wriothesley’s gaze. “I know this is unexpected, but it’s the truth. I thought you should know.”
Wriothesley pushed off the wall, pacing across the room. “I can’t believe this,” he muttered, running a hand through his dark hair. “I mean, how did this happen?”
Neuvillette raised an eyebrow, the smallest hint of irritation breaking through his usual composure. “I think you know how it happened, Wriothesley.”
”That’s not what I meant!” Wriothesley snapped, before sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose. “I mean… this wasn’t supposed to happen. I’m not ready for this, Neuvillette. I don’t even know how to be a father.”
Neuvillette’s heart clenched at those words. Though he kept his expression neutral l. “You don’t have to decide anything now.” Neuvillette responded softly.
“But I’m keeping this baby. I won’t force you to be involved, if you’re not ready. I wanted to give you the chance to know.”
Wriothesley stopped pacing, his shoulders tense. “Do you think I could just walk away?” He asked, his voice low. “That’s not who I am.”
“Then what are you saying?” Neuvillette asked, his clam exterior starting to crack. “Because it sounds like you’re blaming me for something we both had a part in.”
”I’m saying I’m terrified, Neuvi!” Wriothesley burst out. “I don’t want to mess this up. I can’t mess this up.”
The room d fell silent again, the weight of Wriothesley’s words hanging heavy between them. Neuvillette took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.
”I understand that you’re scared,” he said gently. “But you’re not your parents, Wriothesley.”
”I’m not trying to hurt you.” Neuvillette tried to respond with him. “But I need you to see that you’re not defined by their mistakes.
Wriothesley turned away, his mind racing with memories he tired to Burundi his childhood had been anything but idyllic— his parents neglectful and abusive , leaving him and his younger brother to fend for themselves.
The police had eventually intervened, and Wriothesley had been placed in foster care after his parents arrested.
The foster system hadn’t been much better. Wriothesley had spent years moving from one home to another. Each new family more temporarily than the last.
He’d vowed never to repeat those mistakes never to create a life he couldn’t care for.
But here he was, standing in a situation barely above a whisper. Neuvillette nodded, though his heat aches.
“Take all the time you need.” He said, leaving the living room. Wriothesley takes his keys, leaving the apartment. He needs to clear his mind.
Wriothesley found himself at Clorinde’s apartment that night, sitting on her couch with his head in his hands. She placed a steaming mug of tea in front of him before sitting down beside him.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Her tone light but laced with concern.
“I might as well have,” Wriothesley muttered. “Neuvillette’s pregnant. With my child.”
Clorinde blinked, clearly surprised, but she recovered quickly. “And how do you feel about that?”
”I don’t know,” he admitted. “Scared. Confused. Like I’m going to screw this up.”
Clorinde frowned, “This isn’t about your parents, is it?”
Wriothesley hesitated, but her sharp gaze left no room for envision. “I don’t want to be like them. I don’t want to hurt my child the way they hurt me.”
Clorinde placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not your parents, Wrio. Clorinde said firmly. “You’re already proven that.”
Her words struck a chord, and for the first time that night, Wriothesley felt a glimmer of hope.
In the weeks that followed, Wriothesley slowly came around. He and Neuvillette had a long, heartfelt conversation. Where they forgave each other for the tense argument.
Wriothesley admitted his fears, and Neuvillette assured him they would face the future together.
As Neuvillette’s pregnancy progressed, Wriothesley found himself growing more attached to the idea of being a father. One evening, as they lay in bed, Wriothesley rested a hand on his fiancé belly.
A soft kick startled him, and he smiled. “Hey there, little one,” he whispered. “It’s your dad. I promise I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”
Another kick followed, as if in agreement. He chuckled softly, stocking Neuvillette’s pregnant belly.
When they discovered they having a girl, they decided to name her Sigewinne. The name felt right, a symbol of hope and love.
The day Sigewinne was born was blur of emotion and exhaustion. Neuvillette hand being incredible, enduring the long labor with grace and strength. When Wriothesley held their daughter for the first time, tears filled his eyes.
She was perfect— tiny and fragile, yet so full of life.
Neuvillette drifted off to sleep shortly after the delivery, his body work out but his face peaceful.
As he gazed down at her, tears slipped down his cheeks. “You’re here,” Wriothesley whispers to his newborn daughter. “And you’re perfect.”
He glanced at Neuvillette, ensuring he still asleep, before letting himself cry freely. “I promise, little one,” he said softly, “Nothing will ever happen to you. I’ll protect you and your father with everything.”
Sigewinne stirred in his arms, her tiny fingers curling around his thumb as if she understood.
Wriothesley smiled through his tears, feeling an unshakable sense of love and purpose.
Once again, for the first time in his life, he felt truly whole.
⛓️🌧️