News, news, and quickly too—Grace has a doctor’s appointment and then she and Con are going out to dinner, so I want to be there for both.
Grace is doing well, still no sign of increased blood pressure. Pressure of other kinds is on her, though—she is at thirty weeks, three-quarters of the way through her pregnancy, and according to Con’s app, little Truman is as big as zucchini. He is making his presence felt, which is a joy to everyone, but also has been keeping Grace from sleeping well. She also does not enjoy the comments and stares that she gets from strangers now that she is so very visible, not to mention everyone who wants to touch her stomach. I have taken to nudging these people away whenever I am with her. Added to all this, Con and her father are in something of a feud that has lasted for the past few days: both of them want to be the one to drive Grace to the hospital when the times comes. I have been trying to mediate, but it is difficult because both of them feel very strongly about it while I admittedly do not feel that the disagreement serves much purpose. In the end, I believe it will come down to who is closer, and the tension is doing Grace no favors.
Ted and Elaine have begun exploring the physical side of their relationship. It surprised me, somewhat, the level of joy and the depth of connection they are finding in one another. Both are accustomed to quick, easy meetings of bodies with no lasting connection, so to find both attraction and affection in one another is a surprise and a delight. It is something that neither of them really believed they would find at this stage of their lives. I am glad that they are taking the time to savor it and enjoy it. At the same time, however, Ted is still communicating with Cole. They are becoming good friends, but I am beginning to wonder if the possibility with Cole is worth risking what Ted has now with Elaine. He has not considered a relationship with Cole for the same reasons that I have come up with—the distance between them being the main one. But he rarely goes a day without reaching out to Cole, and that makes me wonder.
Harrington has talked to Isabella and Jared in turn, and he has a phone appointment with one of Arthur’s teachers tomorrow to discuss hiring Arthur as an intern in his office. He is still uncertain about the arrangement, but Jared heartily approved the idea, and Isabella told him not to let his own doubts keep him from offering an opportunity to Arthur. So I think that in a week or so, Arthur will begin his first job, working for his father. How that will work out…we will just have to see.
Inca has spent more time with Gabrielle in the past few days than I have, so there is not much to tell. I hear that she keeps Inca hopping, and that she does not think of Nick often, which worries me a bit. I will have to go and see her myself soon and try to gauge her heart.
Finally, I have news of Freya! I have been to see her twice since my restriction was lifted—just brief visits each time, but each was such a joy. I have also spoken with Lubos so that he may tell me her news. He has taken my advice and is beginning to draw her away from Peter. She no longer calls him every day, nor does she agree to every meeting he suggests. It is a difficult process, however, for Peter has realized that Freya is pulling back from him, and he is resisting. I would be pleased at this development, except that Lubos says, and I have seen for myself, that Peter is not following Freya out of any real wish to be with her, but more to continue to fan his pride with her regard. That regard, also, is still quite real, and while Freya is beginning to realize that Peter does not feel as strongly for her as she does for him, it is hard for her to halt her own feelings. She loves so fiercely, after all, and a flame once started can be difficult to stifle.
Lubos and I agree, however, that we can bring Freya’s own pride into play. If we can show her that Peter enjoys being the beneficiary of her affection more than he does simply being with her, perhaps that will sting her into putting some distance between them.
Speaking of distance, I am being careful not to repeat the mistake I made before. I have informed Lubos of my intentions every time I went to visit Freya, and if I have any ideas or questions about her welfare, I take them straight to him. As much as I admire and wish good for her, I have no desire to stand in my brother’s way. She is under strong wings, and I am grateful only to be able to stand in her light again.