Web Short #2- The Exception (Sweet Burden Series) Pt. 5 (The End)

Read what happens after the finale, Fateful Echoes (Sweet Burden Series Vol. 3)...

(**SPOILERS**)

Pt. 5

The Exception

(Sweet Burden Series)

Pt. 5

Obi drummed his pen on the desk as Asher continued his report. He knew he should be paying attention, but his mind was elsewhere. It was with Hitomi. He wondered what she was doing at the moment and where she was at. For the past week she’d been disappearing into the woods for so-called meditation. Hitomi did seem more relaxed, but Obi was beginning to doubt what she was truly doing. He noticed every change about her over the week since her visit with her father. Her skin was more flushed and softer. She also seemed to be taking more interest in what she was eating. And the humming…Hitomi could be heard humming whenever she was in the palace. When Obi asked her about it, she flashed him a smile and shrugged. She was being secretive, but also giddy and happy. All he wanted was for her to be happy, but he needed to know what was going on.

“Sir?”

Obi’s attention was brought back to the angels and protectors in front of him. Asher, Sophie and Finn looked at him expectantly while Liam appeared bored. Obi knew how he felt.

“Everything sounds fine,” Obi replied and turned around to the window. “Things are going as expected. You all can go.” He listened to the shuffling of them leaving and the door shut quietly. Sighing, he rubbed his forehead and stared out to the gardens. Where was Hitomi and what was she doing?

“Obi?”

Surprised by the voice, he spun back around finding Sophie standing in front of his desk.

“I’m sorry to be informal…” she started.

Obi waved his hand dismissing her apology. “Sophie, please. You can always call me Obi. Was there something else you needed to talk about?”

“I’m concerned. Is everything alright? You’ve been very quiet the past few days. And well, you really weren’t paying attention during the meeting.”

He smiled slightly at her worry. “I’m fine, but thank you for your concern.”

Sophie moved back and sat down in the chair she previously occupied. “Obi, I know something is distressing you. And knowing you, there’s only one thing that would cause you to worry. Is everything alright with you and Hitomi?”

His eyes turned down to his hands. “I think so.” As he said the words he realized how much doubt he had concerning his answer. “Honestly, I’m not sure. She’s been disappearing for long periods during the day. I haven’t wanted to pry into what she’s doing, but it’s hard not to think…” He trailed off not wanting to say anymore. Obi didn’t want to admit to himself what his mind was already thinking.

“Think what?” Sophie looked at him perplexed as she tried to decipher his train of thought. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she thought. Suddenly her jaw dropped as she managed to frown at the same time. “Obi! You can’t actually think that. She would never chea…”

“Don’t say it,” he snapped. He didn’t want to hear the word aloud. He knew the thoughts were a product of his overactive imagination and pure ridiculousness. “I know it’s not true. I just don’t know what to think.”

Sophie relaxed back in the chair. “Obi, Hitomi loves you.”

“I know,” Obi replied as he looked away ashamed of how crazy his suspicions became.

“You should probably ask her what’s going on. But don’t ask her in an accusatory way. Ask her in a caring way. Basically, don’t be you.”

He couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Is that any way to talk to the God of Light?”

She shrugged. “I’m trying to be honest with you. You should go talk to her now. Don’t keep wondering and inventing crazy ideas in your head.”

Obi nodded. “You’re right.”

“Finally, you notice.” Sophie grinned and stood up smoothing her hands down her uniform.

He grinned and moved from behind his desk rushing out the door. Hurrying down the hallway, he made it to the patio and practically ran into Guri and Kerry. He knew that Guri had spent a lot of time with Hitomi recently trying to work on getting her powers under control.

Obi grabbed Guri’s arm. “Where’s Hitomi?”

“Why? What’s the matter?” Guri obviously sensed the urgency inside Obi.

“I hope nothing. I just need to know where she is.”

Guri grinned and nodded. “Out by the waterfall.”

Obi didn’t waste any time taking off into the air. He landed at the beginning of the woods to give himself some time to try to think of what he was going to say. Starting up the path, his mind raced to find the right words. She was his wife and he should feel comfortable asking her anything, but sometimes the reality was still hard to take. He still feared that one day she would walk away from him. He knew it was silly and it was nothing he could blame her for. It was simply his own insecurities he still needed to overcome.

By the time he made it to the end of the path he still had no idea what to say. As soon as he saw Hitomi all thoughts fluttered from his mind anyway. Everything except for her. She sat on the edge of the water swaying her feet back and forth creating soft ripples. He noticed she was focused on a book in her hands. He watched her for a few minutes. Sometimes the realization that she was his hit him hard. And this was one of those moments. He wanted to smack himself for even thinking she would be doing something behind his back. It seemed she just needed some alone time away from the palace.

Obi pushed back a branch and stepped out from the coverage of the woods. Hitomi heard him and instantly looked up.

“Obi, what are you doing here?” She closed the book and put it to the side.

He stepped closer unable to contain the smile she elicited. “I wanted to check on you, make sure you’re alright.” Obi sighed while continuing to watch her. She tucked her hair behind her ear as the sun glistened off her wedding ring. Even the beauty of her ring was nothing compared to her.

“Obi, I…”

“You are so beautiful,” he interrupted. “And strong and amazing.”

Hitomi slightly rolled her eyes even as her cheeks brightened. He kicked off his shoes and rolled up his pant legs before sitting next to her and dropping his feet into the water. Obi took her hand weaving his fingers between hers.

“I hope you understand why I worry about you so much,” Obi stated. “Especially since you’ve been refusing to take guards with you.”

“I think I’ve proven I can handle myself.” She nudged him and smiled. “I’ve needed some time to myself. There’s a lot I’ve had to think about.”

A knot formed in Obi’s gut. “Like what? Things are alright with us, aren’t they?”

Hitomi squeezed his hand. “Obi, please,” she replied as if he was crazy. “Of course we’re alright. It’s nothing like that. I wish you would stop thinking the worst about things.”

“Force of habit.”

“Maybe it’s a habit you should change. A lot of good has happened to us. I don’t want the bad to overshadow it.”

He pulled her hand up to his lips and kissed it. “I know good has happened to us. Sitting here holding your hand is proof of that. But you have to understand that my worry for you doesn’t stem from all the bad stuff. It comes from the fact that I love you. Before, I never imagined the love I have for you even existed. You are a part of me.” He pressed her hand to his chest. “You are the best part of me. You’re my heart.”

She drew in a shaky breath. “I hope you’re able to make some room in your heart for someone else.”

Obi’s brows drew together in confusion. “No one will have my heart except you.”

“I think you might change your mind.” Hitomi lifted her eyes meeting his as he braced himself for what she was about to say. “Obi…” She squeezed his hand and took in a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

The words didn’t make to sense to him at first. Did he hear her right? No. She must have said something else. Maybe, she’s poignant? Or perfect? Everything stilled as the words echoed inside his mind. He no longer heard the crashing of the water or the insects humming around the flowers. Did she say she’s perplexed? Pretty? He would have even understood pungent more than…pregnant.

A rapid thudding started in his ears. Was this actually happening? Maybe it was a dream. That had to be it. He must have fallen asleep at his desk. That was a more reasonable explanation than her being…His thoughts even stumbled over the word. She couldn’t be. They were technically dead.

“Obi? Say something.” Hitomi grabbed his arm and shook him.

His body swayed back and forth as his eyes fixated on the water. The glimmer of the ripples seemed to hypnotize him and it was the only thing he could focus on. This was a dream. A very crazy dream. He would wake up in a few minutes. Anxiety still coursed through him as he realized he didn’t want it to be a dream. As much as the possibility of a child terrified him, it also excited him. It was definitely a dream. A child was impossible.

“Obi, I know you’re probably wondering how. I wondered the same thing. My dad is looking into it, but he said it probably has something to do with you being a Phoenix. Obi? Are you listening to me?” She grabbed his face and made him look at her. “This is real. It’s not a dream. This is really happening.”

He focused on her and noticed the glistening in her eyes. Her expression was filled with joy and excitement. This was really happening. Hitomi’s hands trembled against his skin. “I wanted to tell you sooner, but I didn’t want you to think I was insane. Obi, please say something.”

Obi stared at her as fear rose up his throat. Doubts filled his head. If this was real, how could he be a father? He didn’t know the first thing about being a dad. He couldn’t be responsible for another being. But then he focused back on Hitomi. He was the God of Light, but she was his strength. She was the reason he could do the things he did. He was responsible now for hundreds of beings. If she was with him, he knew he could do anything.

A smile formed across his lips and he pulled her into a hug. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispered as he buried his face against her neck.

“Say something,” she begged.

He couldn’t come up with any words. There was no way to verbally describe how he felt. His heart raced as too many emotions flowed through him. “This is amazing and unimaginable. Unexpected and scary, but thrilling and joyous.” Obi pulled back looking at her as his lips quivered. “This is the most wonderful news I’ve ever heard.”

Obi hadn’t noticed the worry that clouded her face previously until now, but it quickly lifted. “Do you mean it?” she asked. “You believe me?”

“Of course I believe you.” He wrapped his arms around her again drawing her to him. “I’m sorry you ever doubted my reaction.”

She clung to him grasping the fabric of his shirt. “I’m scared Obi. But I’m also so overjoyed. I can’t even explain it.”

Obi ran his hand along her shoulder and down her side until it settled on her stomach. It was surreal for him to think about a child- their child under his fingertips. Hitomi slid her hand over top of his as she sent warmth radiating through him. They sat there silent for a while getting used to the new roles they would be taking on.

“How long do we have?”

Hitomi looked up at him questioningly.

“How long do we have to wait?”

“Oh.” She smiled widely. “About another 35 weeks. At least, that’s according to human standards.”

“35 weeks? There’s going to be so much to do. And we need to announce it to the Heavens. I need to tell Zeric and Jinx.”

Hitomi let out a laugh. “Slow down. There’s time for all of that.”

Obi smiled as he sat there marveling in her beauty. She was radiant, practically glowing. He was angry with himself for not noticing the change earlier. It was practically impossible for him to take his eyes from her.

When she noticed his expression her cheeks reddened and she bit her bottom lip.“Why are you staring at me?”

“Because I don’t know if you’ve ever looked as beautiful as you do at this moment.” He reached up brushing her hair from her shoulder. “We can do this. I know we can be good at being parents.”

Hitomi nodded with tears in her eyes. “I love the fact that I’m going to have a family with you. I never thought it could happen and it really, truly is.”

Obi grinned at his amazing wife. “Yes, it is.”