Chapter 293
“Inhale through your nose,” she continues. “Slowly. Deeply. Let your ribs expand p>
I breathe in.
“For four… three… two… one. Hold. And release p>
The room fills with the sound of synchronized exhaling and honestly, it’s strangely powerful.
We move through gentle stretches, supported child’s pose with bolsters beneath our chests, slow hip openers, seated twists that don’t strain.
Every movement is intentional.
“Stress lives in the shoulders,” the instructor murmurs at one point. “Roll them back. Let it fall away p>
I don’t realize how tight I’ve been until I feel the release. At one point we’re asked to turn slightly toward our partners, knees angled inward.
“Place one hand on your own heart,” she instructs, “and one hand over your belly. Now breathe for the life you carry p>
Elena mirrors me, our movements are in sync.
“Inhale for yourself,” the instructor says. “Exhale for your child p>
My chest loosens and for the first time in days, maybe weeks, I don’t feel like I’m bracing for something. For the first time in a while, I’m in the present, breathing.
Near the end, we lie back against bolsters, eyes closed and just center ourselves and I swear I feel the stress and strain leave my body, like water flowing out.
When the soft chime signals the end of class, I sit up slowly my body feeling lighter. Like someone quietly lifted something heavy off my shoulders.
Women begin rolling their mats, murmuring gentle goodbyes.
I step outside into the late afternoon air and for some weird reason, it feels brighter somehow. Hell, everything feels so much brighter and lighter.
Elena falls into step beside me. “You looked lighter toward the end,” she says.
I smile faintly. “Honestly, I felt lighter… I really needed this p>
We walk slowly down the stone path toward the parking area.
“Do you come here often?” I ask.
“Every Thursday for about a month now,” she replies. “What about you p>
“It’s my first time here, but honestly I might just start coming in more.” I reply, thinking about the membership offer Adrian mentioned.
A small comfortable silence settles between us.
“How far along are you?” I ask.
Her hand instinctively covers her belly.
“Almost six months… What about you p>
“Almost eight months p>
Since it seemed like we were both waiting for our rides, we sit on the low stone wall near the entrance to wait. We talk about cravings. Back pain. The strange fear that creeps in at night for no reason.
“It’s terrifying,” she admits quietly. “Loving someone you haven’t even met yet p>
I nod slowly, “Yeah, but it makes that the most genuine pure love there is, don’t you agree p>
She studies me when I say that, like she’s filing it away somewhere.
After a moment, she replies ”You’re right p>
I smile just as a sleek black car pulls up to the curb.
She glances at it. “That’s my ride p>
She stands, brushing her leggings as the passenger door opens from inside.
I can’t see who’s in there, just tinted glass and shadow.
Elena turns back to me and gives me a small smile. “I’ll see you next week p>
“Next week,” I echo.
She gets in and the door shuts just as Adrian’s car turns into the drive. He parks behind them and steps out.
Adrian helps me get in, his eyes scanning my face like he’s checking for something, then we are off. The two vehicles pass within a feet of each other as we pass them.
I glance at the black car as we roll past them. Sunlight flashes across the window, but it’s too dark to see through.
“You look different,” he says.
“Is that good p>
“Very good… You look less like you’re preparing for war p>
I laugh softly as I settle comfortably into the seat.
“So,” he asks casually, “did you make a friend p>
I glance back at the black car, that’s some distance behind, then back to him.
A small smile curves my lips. “Maybe p>
He smirks. “And did you enjoy yourself p>
I nod vigorously, making him laugh, “Absolutely. It was amazing… Thank you Adrian p>
“It’s settled then, I’ll call them back and get you the membership p>
I smile, my heart swelling and as we drive away, I realize something terrifying and beautiful all at once…I’m already falling, and I’m not even trying to stop myself anymore.