[https://i.postimg.cc/cCxYHKmN/The-Girl-who-could-taste-time.gif]

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A positive pregnancy test was on the centre of the kitchen table. Eske and Nona sat across from each other, staring a the little pee stick displaying two blue lines. Nona looked nervous, fidgeting with her hands. 'So, I am…'; Nona said, her voice shaking.

Eske raised an eyebrow. 'Yeah, it looks like you are….'

Nona smiled weakly and took Eske's hand to calm herself down. Her mind was racing ahead as she tried not to get too excited.

'Yeah, it looks like you are….'; Eske repeated.

'I'm pregnant.'; Nona blurted out, tears streaming down her face. She felt light-headed and dizzy. The world seemed to be tilting around her.

Eske got up from his chair and walked over to Nona. He pulled his wife into a hug that lasted for some time before he finally let go. He wiped away her tears and kissed them off her cheeks. Eske's eyes didn't hide his smile growing. 'You are pregnant!'; he chuckled, happy.

Nona nodded, wiping away her tears. 'So, I was acting weird because I'm… I have bun in the oven? I'm scared.'; Nona whispered. 'I'm really scared. I'm terrified. I don't want to have the baby in this timeline.'

'I know, but we'll get through this together,' Eske replied, rubbing her back.

Nona pulled away from Eske and looked up at him. 'What are we going to do? How am I going to…'; she stuttered, trying not to cry again.

'We're just going to take things one step at a time.'; Eske assured her. 'First thing is, we need to call Robert. Make a plan that keeps you safe and the baby.'; he paused and held her chin up: 'Nona. You created a whole new timeline. You can do this too.'

Nona smiled weakly, feeling a bit better with Eske by her side. 'Thank you, baby.'; she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Eske kissed the top of her head. 'Anything you need, anything you want, love of my life.'

'So, we are happy about it?'; Nona asked.

'Oh yeah,' Eske answered, kissing her forehead. 'I'm holding the shit to not scream out the window that I'm gonna be a dad.'

'We are going to be parents!'; Nona exclaimed happily.

'Yep.'; Eske grinned. 'We gonna have a mini Nona. Fuck, she is going to be so cute.'

'Or a mini Eske.'

'No, it's a girl.'

'How can you be so sure?'

'Because, my beautiful mummy….'; Eske teased with the widest smile.

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Eske woke up early, feeling the sun's warmth filtering through the window shades. As he stretched his arms and legs, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building up inside him. He was going to be a dad!

Eske tiptoed out of the bedroom, careful not to disturb Nona, who was still sleeping. He quickly changed into his running gear and laced up his shoes before heading out the door. The cool morning air was invigorating as he started his jog towards the nearby lake. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the quiet streets as he made his way through the neighbourhood.

As he approached the lake, he could see the ducks swimming peacefully in the calm waters. The sight filled him with a sense of peace, and he slowed down his pace to take in the beauty of his surroundings. The sun was now fully up, and its rays danced across the water, creating a shimmering effect.

Eske continued his run, falling into deep introspection with every step. Part of him couldn't wait to share a family, a big family, with Nona.

But he couldn't stop thinking about all the possibilities of how this could go so wrong. There was a reason why Earth Pi had strict regulations concerning kids travelling. And the answer is they don't. Eske is living proof that no matter the body's development, the ageing process stops as soon as someone performs their first jump. Eske, to this day, cannot grow a beard. Only a couple of pubes would show up on his chin. He had to work out to gain muscle mass, and the choice of wearing suits was not just aesthetic. It also made him look older. He could nowadays trick people into thinking he was in his late 20s. When in reality, his first jump happened when he was 18. Not bad for a... how old is he now? 90? 110? He forgot.

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The other concern was Nona's belly didn't grow. It was still flat. And he was also expecting that her breasts would..., you know. Eske thought that maybe because their timeline was based on Earth Pi, only one day would have passed since the pregnancy test came out positive. But if it was not?

What if the baby was feeding on Nona? The idea was so uncomfortable for Eske. But truth to be told, it would be the daughter of a Vortex, whatever that could mean.

His head started spinning in such a way that he took his phone, called the only person who could call him out, and set his feet back on the ground.

'Allo, Penny speaking.'

'Hey, Penny, How are you?'

'I'm fine. We spoke five minutes ago, remember? You forgot about the time conversion, didn’t you?'; Penny chuckled: 'Anyway, missing me already, Schrodinger? Yes? A tiny bit? No? What's on your mind, Eske?'

Eske sighed and said, 'I don't know, Penny. Nona's not growing a belly like she's supposed to. It's been a few months now, and I can't help but worry that something might be wrong.'

Penny put a reassuring tone and said, 'Eske, every woman's pregnancy is different. Some women show up early, and some don't show up until later on. It's all normal.'

'We are talking about Nona.'

'She is still a woman. Is going to be fine.'

Eske nodded but still seemed apprehensive. 'But what if there's something wrong with the baby? What if I'm not doing everything I'm supposed to? What if she...'

Penny interrupted him: 'Eske, you and Nona are doing everything right. You're caring for yourselves and the baby, and that's all that matters. And besides, you have regular check-ups with your favourite doctor, right? Bobby told me it was going smoothly. There is nothing to worry about. You're just a drama queen.'

Eske chuckled, but he still sounded worried.

Penny continued: 'Eske, I know this is all new to you, but you have to trust that everything will be okay. You and Nona are going to be great parents, and you'll figure everything out together. And if you ever need any help or support, I'm always here for you.'

Eske smiled and took a deep breath. 'Thanks, Penny. You're right. I just need to trust the process and enjoy these exciting uncertainties of the universe and beyond. And I fucking hate it.'

Penny grinned and replied, 'That's the spirit, Mr drama queen! Let go of control, you freak. You and Nona will be amazing parents, and I can't wait to see the little one when he or she arrives!'

'It's a girl.'

'Oh, you sure? Men are usually wrong about these things.'

Eske smiled, feeling a sense of relief: Yeah, I'm mathematically sure, it's a beautiful girl.'

'Do you have news?'

'About?

'Ava.'

Eske swallowed dry: 'Nothing changed. She said no, she is keeping her answer. I...'

'I know, I know.'; Penny lowered her tone: 'Come on, Schrodinger, you must have a plan. Vihann is completely devasted. He is putting on a superhero front, but... gosh, that guy deserved a break.'

'If you have an idea, I'm all ears because I'm feeling like the hugest loser in this fucking timeline.'

Eske could hear Penny inhaling: 'I don't. Only a fucking miracle. I wish the fucking cat died.'

'No.'

'You killed before!'

'Not a fucking cat!'

'No one would blame you. It switches timelines and happy kitty in the streets. Just a twist in its neck, and we are done!'

'Have you met my wife?'; Eske didn't know if he should take Penny's suggestion as a dark humour joke or not.

'Fucking cat.'; cursed Penny. 'Think about it. It is just a cat.'

The run eventually came to an end, and Eske made his way back to the apartment. Nona was still sound asleep when he quietly opened the door. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her peaceful form. He tiptoed to the bed and leaned in to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead before whispering in her ear, 'Good morning, love of my life.'

Nona sat up, spreading a smile across her face. She hugged Eske tightly: 'Where is my coffee?'

'We spoke about that.'

Nona's face grimaced into a cry: 'Why you don't love me anymore?'

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[https://i.postimg.cc/6q9LFb4w/The-Girl-who-could-taste-time-2.gif]