Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 106: Saturday Morning

Chapter 106: Saturday Morning

Saturday mornings had always carried a sense of calm, a quiet pause in the relentless pace of the week.

Today, however, was anything but calm. It was charged with anticipation. Because I was getting ready to pick up Ella’s mother from the airport, a task I’d taken upon myself, knowing how much this visit meant to her.

I was finishing up the last few details of getting ready.

Fastening the knot on my tie in the mirror, making sure it was straight. When Ella’s voice broke through my focus.

"I really want to come with you," she said from across the room, her tone carrying a mix of boredom and determination.

I paused, frowning slightly. Ella was supposed to rest. That had been the arrangement

I sighed, and glanced at her from the mirror. "Ella, you need to stay back and rest. You need to take it easy."

She stepped closer, arms folded across her chest, her expression a blend of exasperation and defiance.

"Arec, all I’ve done since moving in here is rest. Do you know how boring that is? Let me come with you." Her lips was set in a stubborn pout.

"Ella, it’s not about boredom," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. "It’s about you taking care of yourself and the baby.

I just don’t want you to overexert yourself."

She scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "I’m not made of glass, Arec. I’ll just sit in the car, and you won’t even know I’m there.

Stop talking as if I’m about to run a marathon, Arec. I just want to ride in the car and see my mom. Is that too much to ask?

All I’ve been doing since moving in here is resting. I’m going stir-crazy. Let me come with you."

I paused, torn between protecting her and giving her what she wanted. After a moment of deliberation, I exhaled heavily. "Fine. But you’re taking it easy. No rushing."

Her entire face lit up, her grin as wide as I’d ever seen it. "I’ll take it slow, I promise!" she said, dashing toward the closet with far more energy than I was comfortable with.

"Ella, slow down!" I called after her. "Remember, you’re pregnant."

Her laugh echoed from the closet. "Yes, doctor!"

I shook my head, muttering under my breath as I bent down to tie my shoelaces. It was then that I noticed a leather-bound photo album sitting on the coffee table.

My brows furrowed; I hadn’t seen it before and I didn’t recall seeing it last night when I got home.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to pick it up.

The cover was worn but sturdy, and as I flipped it open, I was met with an image that stopped me in my tracks.

It was me, no older than seven, drenched from head to toe, holding a water gun. Joanna stood next to me, equally soaked, her arm draped over my shoulders as we both grinned at the camera.

"Ella," I called out, my voice tinged with surprise.

She peeked her head out from the closet, her hair partially tied, a curious look on her face. "What’s up?"

I held up the album. "Where did this come from?"

Realization dawned on her face, she smiled, before replying. "That was from Joanna.

I forgot to tell you yesterday. She brought it over. She thought it would be nice for me to know more about your life. Isn’t that thoughtful?"

She disappeared back into the closet before I could respond, leaving me alone with the album.

Thoughtful?

I stood there, staring at the album in my hands. Joanna and I had shared countless memories growing up, but I never expected her to compile them into something like this. It wasn’t like her to be sentimental.

I sat down on the couch, flipping through the pages.

Each photograph was a fragment of my past, school excursions, birthday parties, moments with my grandmother.

Joanna was in many of them, her presence a constant thread in my childhood. My smile grew as I turned each page. The memories came flooding back, and with them, a deep sense of gratitude.

Ella used to be cautious around Joanna, after their initial misunderstanding. Their relationship strained.

But recently there had been an improvement in their relationship, Ella even take care of Joanna when she was sick. And this... this album was proof that they were finding even more common ground. It was more than I could have hoped for.

Lost in the nostalgia, I barely noticed Ella emerging from the closet until she stood before me, fully dressed. She wore a light blue dress that accentuated her growing bump, her hair cascading in soft waves.

She looked radiant, a picture of grace and strength.

"Ready to go?" she asked, smoothing her hands over her dress.

I set the album down and walked over to her, pulling her into a tight hug. The smell of her floral perfume filled my senses, and for a moment, I just held her, my emotions bubbling to the surface.

"What’s that for?" she asked, her voice muffled against my chest.

"Just... thank you," I murmured.

"For what?"

"For being here. For making everything feel... right."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at me with a quizzical expression. "Okay?" she said, her tone unsure but playful.

I chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Let’s just say I’m grateful."

Her lips curled into a soft smile. "Well, you’re stuck with me now."

"And I wouldn’t have it any other way," I replied.

She stepped back, glancing at the clock. "We should go now. We don’t want to keep my mom waiting."

"Right." I grabbed the car keys and followed her out of the room, leaving the album on the table.

We made our way down the hallway, the sounds of our footsteps echoing in the quiet penthouse. Ella was walking ahead of me, sure. I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked in that moment, more so than I ever thought possible.

I caught up with her just before we reached the front door. "Do you need anything before we head out?" I asked, glancing at her to make sure she was comfortable.

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No, I’m good. Just really excited to see my mom."

I nodded, feeling a wave of warmth sweep over me. I could understand that. Ella’s relationship with her mother was so important to her. They’d been through a lot, and I knew how much it meant to her that her mom was here for the wedding.

As we stepped into the elevator, Ella rested her head on my shoulder, her hand instinctively finding mine. I squeezed her fingers, feeling the connection between us grow with every passing second.

---

The drive to the airport was uneventful, the streets bustling with activity. Cafes were crowded with early-morning patrons, and the hum of life in the city filled the air.

The morning sun filtered through the car windows, casting a soft, golden glow over Ella. She leaned back in her seat, looking out the window, lost in her thoughts. Her delicate features reflected a mix of calmness and anticipation. I stole glances at her when I could, wondering what was running through her mind.

"You’re quiet," I said, my voice breaking the comfortable silence.

She turned to me, a soft smile forming on her lips. "Just thinking about Mom. I can’t wait to see her."

I nodded, my hands gripping the steering wheel. "She’ll be glad to see you too."

When we arrived at the airport, the terminals were bustling with people. Families were reuniting, travelers hurried to catch flights, and the air was alive with the energy of arrivals and departures. I parked the car and turned off the engine, then glanced at Ella.

"You ready to see your mother?" I asked, offering her my hand.

Her eyes sparkled as she took my hand, her fingers fitting perfectly in mine. "More than ready."

We walked into the arrivals area together. The buzz of voices, the click of heels against tiled floors, and the distant crackle of announcements surrounded us.

It didn’t take long to spot Mrs. Davis.

She stood near the exit, her suitcase neatly placed by her side, her posture as composed as ever. She had an air of elegance, even in a simple travel outfit, cream trousers and a pastel blouse.

Ella’s eyes lit up the moment she saw her mother, and without hesitation, she broke away from me, her steps quickening.

"Mom!"

"Ella, slow down!" I called after her, but she was already halfway across the room, her arms outstretched.

Her mother’s face softened into a warm, radiant smile as Ella threw her arms around her. "Oh, my darling girl," Mrs. Davis said, holding her tightly. She pulled back, brushing Ella’s hair from her face. "Look at you! You’re glowing."

Ella laughed, her cheeks pink with joy. "Mom, I’ve missed you so much."

I hung back for a moment, letting them have their reunion. Mrs. Davis held her daughter’s face in her hands, her expression full of pride and love.