Not everything is as it seems.

The bowling alley was crowded when we got there. There was a bunch of young professionals who had made a decision to get together over the weekend. The majority of the alleyways were reserved, but fortunately we found one. I sat with June while the lads went to get the drinks.

"Okay, out with it," she murmured as she met my eyes directly. What's on your mind?

I said defensively, "Nothing's upsetting me.

You recognize the look I'm talking about, right?

No, I don't.

Okay, go at your own pace.

Drinks started to come, and question time ended. I'd missed my opportunity to talk to June. Oh well, perhaps she wasn't supposed to know. I sipped my beverage and nibbled on a crisp package. Suddenly, I had that rush of nausea once more. I'm curious as to why they refer to it as morning sickness although you can become ill at any time of the day. Happy womanhood! Thankfully, nothing took place. June flashed me a sly glance. Please zip it up, I gestured.

Hey everyone, the next round of drinks is on the way, June said.

We need to chat, she said, pulling me aside.

I was dragged by her toward the bar. All right, spit it out. That's a command! Although June might be a bully, there were moments when I needed that.

I informed her of my pregnancy.

What's the big deal, then? For the love of God, you're married. It's not like you're an adolescent whose boyfriend just broke up with her, June said.

I said, "You don't understand. "I am unable to inform Paul.

She questioned, "Why on earth not?"

Well, I just cannot. It's difficult. I'm sure he'll want to know how I became pregnant," I defended.

After June's startled gasp, there was a pregnant pause that may have resulted in triplets being born. When they started talking again, it became unexpectedly profound.

Paul suddenly approached us.

"Ladies, is everything all right? I wanted to check on you since you're taking too long.

We took a silent route back to the Bowling Alley.

June grasped both of my hands in hers.

"You have to be honest with Paul."

I detested it when she went all "perfect" on me.

"He will comprehend. He's a decent guy."

"I am aware of his character, June. If he weren't, I wouldn't have married him."

"Then, what's the issue?"

It's a lengthy tale.

"I have time,"

Paul is the youngest of three brothers, as you are aware.

"You mentioned it, and I recall it. You said that he had a disagreement with his older sibling."

"That's accurate. Paul never wanted us to have a third kid, though, because of that circumstance. Two company, three people are a crowd. He would often tell me, "I know, I went through that horror. It appears that his family essentially exploited him as the deciding factor whenever they couldn't come to an agreement."

"I get that, I get that part. What you meant when you stated Paul would want to know how you became pregnant is what I want to know."

"Yes. that section I'm approaching it. I had a cancer diagnosis before we had children. We frozen some embryos since it seemed highly likely that I would never be able to conceive and have a child. We had a lot of discussions about it and were ready to use surrogacy.

Fortunately for us, I was able to get better and carry my two babies."

"Oh wow. That's incredible. I had no idea. But you must have found that really difficult."

"Indeed it was. Anyhow, Paul and I gave the clinic the order to exterminate the remaining embryos. I should clarify "I was furious about the entire situation, and we argued over it, not "we."

"Then, I went and informed them we had changed our minds behind his back. I, you know, couldn't take the notion of killing my babies.

June gave a sympathetic nod.

"I genuinely didn't think anything would result from it. The mere fact that I was carrying a baby made me feel better. simply letting nature run its course

I must now be honest with Paul. Oh God. What am I planning to do in June? What if he becomes so upset that he decides to leave the boys and I? How will I respond?

Paul's expression turned gloomy. In an effort to digest what his wife had just told him, he collapsed onto the closest chair.

Why did you not inform me?

That night, I slept sporadically. Paul's response to the news surprised me. I wasn't sure how to interpret that. Around 10 in the morning, June rang the doorbell. She had been messaging me, but I had been ignoring them, so I knew it was her. I only desired some solitude.

After taking the boys out immediately after breakfast, Paul had slept in the boys' room. I had no idea when they would return. There was no reason to worry. I needed some time to get used to my new situation. I cried into my pillow as I snuggled up in bed.

I was startled by footsteps in the hallway. I wasn't sure who was behind the door as it swung open to my bedroom.

"All morning, I've been attempting to contact you. What is happening?"

I had no idea June had an extra front door key. I came out from beneath the covers with my face and hair covered in tear stains, like if I had been dragged through a bush. I started crying as June collapsed into the bed.

Oh, sweetheart, are you all right?

"No. Yes, I am, in a sense."

June frowned as her brow furrowed. How is Paul doing?

"He's left,"

June interrupted me before I could complete.

He left you, why?

She yelled, "He kidnapped the boys?" as soon as she realized the home was abnormally silent.

Yes, but...

Her horrified expression told it all.

The front door clicked, and the lads' yells as they sprinted up the stairs filled the home. Paul entered the bedroom and gave me a cheek kiss.

"Do you feel better?"

I blinked.

"Now stop. Simply put, quit!" June yelled. She spit out, turning to face Paul, "She's carrying a baby but you're abandoning her and everyone's cool with that?"

"Who claimed I was relocating? I cherish my wife, "Paul retorted.

"I didn't get a chance to explain to June. In order for me to get some rest, I was attempting to tell her that you had gone out with the lads."