A month later, Gloria discovered she was pregnant. She had missed her menstrual cycle, and she was sure she was pregnant.
It had all started with the loss of appetite, especially whenever she prepared certain meals. Then, she started feeling dizzy and even vomited at times.
These were signs of pregnancy, she had told herself, and she felt she did not have to go to a physician to confirm. But it started worrying her. She had never wanted to have a child before getting married.
And now she could do nothing about it.
Moreover, Esau had stopped coming to see her.
Esau of all people! How could he behave like that when she was carrying his child? And how could he be so unforgiving or even suspicious? She wondered.
She was willing to forgive him if he came back. Then she shuddered briefly when she remembered she had been unfaithful to him. Was it really Esau's child she was carrying? Who had she last made love to?
Then she recalled she had spent an evening with Jacob almost a day after having made love to Esau. No, she thought wildly. Esau had again taken her to bed a few hours after Jacob had done the same.
And Esau had complained that night that she was not excited in bed. Her head was now in a whirlwind. Jacob had again later made love to her at his house at Changamwe.
Who was the father of the unborn child? Who has fathered my child, she thought as she tried to get the answer.
It was difficult to decide the paternity of the fetus now developing in her womb. At first, she thought it was Esau because he made love to her quite often.
But on careful analysis, she realized Jacob could also be responsible since he made love to her twice in a spell two days. And when Esau stopped coming, he had visited her again and made love to her several times.
But one thing Gloria was sure of was that the child she was carrying belonged to one of the twins. If it was not Esau who was responsible, then it was Jacob. And it never mattered really because the child would resemble them.
She decided to make full preparations for the coming baby. She bought many maternity clothes to ensure she would feel comfortable in all her dresses. Then she also bought some woollen thread to sew the clothes and sweaters for the child.
Her outdoor life was virtually suspended when she realized she was pregnant. Instead, she stayed indoors most of the times especially during weekends when she retired into her bedroom.
On a cool Saturday evening, Jacob paid her a visit. At that moment, she decided to inform him about the pregnancy.
"Darling," she began softly. "I'm pregnant and carrying your child."
For a few seconds, surprise was written all over his face. Then he broke into a prolonged laughter. "What wonderful news! I've been waiting to hear you say just that."
Gloria was taken aback. But she was also serious as she said, "Well, now that I've told you what are your plans? Will you abandon me or…"
"Abandon you? That's impossible! But things can be arranged and we don't have to rush. It's just a matter of time."
"What do you mean, darling? I don't want to give birth to your child when I'm still single."
"I told you to leave everything to me; I'll fix it!"
"What do you mean I leave everything to you? I don't quite understand."
"You don't? How naïve of you! I'm going to marry you very soon."
"Okay Mr. Fix-it, the sooner, the better." She agreed as she saw he looked serious.
Then Jacob seemed to remember something. "Come to think of it, where's Esau these days? Have you met him again?"
"You should know better. He's your own brother. I haven't met him in a long time." She assumed he was challenging her and probably looking for a way out and added, "We've parted ways. And it was all because of you. So you'd better be realistic and play your cards right."
"Don't worry, my pretty." Jacob tried to reassure her. "I'm only busy right now reading for my final professional exams, but just wait and see. I'll fix everything."
He was pleased with the way things were going on between them. He was confident things would end well. Although she had suffered a broken relationship, he would easily fill the gap left by Esau.
He knew he wanted her for the rest of his life in a way he had never wanted any other woman. I am going to marry you sweet Gloria, he said to himself, and also prove to you that I love you.
Your problem of a broken affair will soon be over when I marry you, he went on telling himself.
He decided to spend the night at her apartment. After they ate supper, they watched a movie on TV and then retired into her bedroom. As usual, they made love with a lot of passion.
Later, when their desire was satisfied, they lay in bed as they chatted about their past lives. Jacob was excited when she told him she had been to a university.
A woman, who had attained university education must be quite determined and focused in life, he reasoned. It made him happy and feel prestigious.
"Congratulations! I've always longed to go to study at the university, but my financial position never allowed me at the time," he told her.
"But your academic achievements are remarkable. You should be quite satisfied, my love." She was comforting him, "After all, I think those chartered exams you have been studying privately are the equivalent of a degree. Perhaps they are even better because they are professional. You know there are some degrees which are merely academic and not professional."
"Thanks for your encouragement. I've always tried to forget the idea that I don't have a degree, but I've never been able to shake it completely off. At least what you've told me is quite reassuring."
"I know and think that you're quite capable of obtaining a degree if you are given the opportunity."
"Well, never mind! I'm well off without one. If I don't have one, at least my wife to be has it. Moreover, the company is thinking of promoting me to a full secretary next month." He chuckled as he told her.
"Congratulations!" It was her turn to praise him.
It was obvious to her that in addition to being loving and caring, he was indeed hard working and deserved the promotion.
"But how soon is that? Is the position vacant?" She asked.
"It will be vacant soon because the present occupant is about to retire." Later, they fell asleep in each other's arms.