Chapter 170: Fetal Movement
Monday, July 17 — Week 14, Day 5
Today was my prenatal check-up.
Since my next appointment will be at a general hospital in another prefecture where I’ll be giving birth, this will be my last time coming here.
The twins on the ultrasound had grown into little two-headed figures with human shapes. Each of them was said to be about the size of a large egg.
And not just that—they were kicking their legs and even sucking their thumbs.
…They’re alive.
“By the way, how do you tell the baby’s sex?”
The question suddenly crossed my mind, so I asked the doctor.
“We check with the ultrasound. If you can see a penis, it’s a boy. If not, it’s a girl.”
“Uh… that’s how it’s determined?”
I thought there would be some kind of method using genetics or blood tests or something.
“Yeah, we go by sight.”
I stared closely at the twins’ groins on the ultrasound screen, but I couldn’t see anything that looked like what he described.
“It might be a bit early. You’ll usually be able to tell around 16 to 20 weeks.”
“Week 20, huh…”
“Depending on the baby’s position, the penis might not be clearly visible on the ultrasound, so sometimes we can’t tell right away. Don’t stress too much about it.”
“O-oh, I see…”
I’m confident I can love them no matter what gender they are, but if I had to choose, I think I’d prefer girls.
Alicia’s soul had been female. I don’t know if any memories will carry over, but if the child is the same gender, it might make things easier.
And then there’s the matter of names. Naming a boy Alicia would feel… off.
Well, whatever happens, happens.
After the check-up, I went with Mom to a baby goods store. I knew there were a few chain stores like this in town, but this was my first time actually going into one.
“…There’s so much stuff.”
Baby clothes, toys. Formula, baby food, snacks. Cribs and strollers.
And so much more.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of products lined up across the spacious store. Apparently, you can get pretty much everything you need for pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing all in one place here.
Up until now, I’d never had a reason to go to one of these stores, so I always wondered what they were really for—but now I understood.
Today’s main goal was maternity underwear.
My belly and hips had grown with the pregnancy, and the underwear I’d been wearing was starting to feel tight.
I picked out a pair of maternity shorts that gently wrapped around my stomach without using any elastic.
They were huge and purely practical—absolutely zero sex appeal. Even Souta probably wouldn’t react to these. Probably.
…He wouldn’t, right?
My breasts had also grown, and—shockingly—I actually had cleavage now. Apparently, most women go up two cup sizes on average by the time they give birth.
Still, I didn’t stand a chance size-wise against Suzuka or Hisui, or even Yuna… Let’s not compare myself to others. Yeah.
I usually wear non-padded half-top bras, so I haven’t felt much discomfort yet, but I went ahead and bought a maternity camisole with cups in preparation for what’s ahead.
The kind with an opening at the chest so you can breastfeed without taking it off.
I wondered if I should buy one for Hisui too and give it to her as a gift. It’s summer now, but since she’s always got the AC on, leaving her chest bare all the time must be kind of cold.
But if I’m with Mom, I can’t really buy it.
I mean, I can’t exactly tell her the reason… Ugh.
“How about this outfit?”
What Mom held up was a loose-fitting, pale pink dress. The size looked roomy enough to be worn during pregnancy, and the design was cute. But…
“…Isn’t this for kids?”
They did have maternity clothes here too, but this didn’t look like one of them.
“It looks good on me, so what’s the problem?”
“I think there is a problem…”
It looked good on her—that’s exactly why it kind of bothered me, or felt… weird.
“And it’s cheap too.”
“Oh, you’re right…”
National chains shouldn’t be underestimated.
But… children’s clothes, huh…
“If you like it, I’ll buy it for you.”
“Um… in that case… yeah…”
Clothes can be pretty expensive when you buy them yourself, so having Mom offer to pay was a rare chance.
And unless I go out of my way to mention that it’s for kids, no one’s going to notice… probably.
That night, Yuna found out it was a children’s dress and made me try it on. She said it looked super cute, which I appreciated—but it left me feeling conflicted.
“Next time, I want to go with you! I want to help pick out your kids’ clothes!”
That’s what she said, but… I’m not taking her, okay?
Thursday, July 20 — Week 15, Day 1
Today was the closing ceremony for the first semester.
After the ceremony, during homeroom, I announced to the class that I would be taking a leave of absence. I said I’d be temporarily returning home due to personal reasons.
I’d already told Jun from my class beforehand, but most of the other classmates were hearing it for the first time, and they were clearly shocked.
We had only spent one semester together, yet so many of them expressed regret at my departure. I was happy, but at the same time, I felt sorry for keeping everything a secret.
I’ll probably be able to return after giving birth—sometime next year.
Thanks to Mr. Saeki and the school nurse, they arranged for me to make up the attendance requirement through assignments and tests, so I wouldn’t lose the school credits.
I thought I’d have to repeat the year, so I’m grateful.
I hope I’ll be able to graduate with a smile.
Thursday, August 3 — Week 17, Day 1
I’ve entered the fifth month of pregnancy, which marks the beginning of the stable period.
My belly carrying the twins had noticeably grown. Even wearing loose clothing, it’d be hard to hide it if I ran into someone I knew, so I try to stay home as much as possible now.
Today, I came with my family by car to visit Souta’s family home for a certain occasion.
There’s a traditional custom called Inu no Hi Mairi—“Visit on the Day of the Dog.”
Dogs are known for having many offspring and easy childbirth, so they’ve long been considered symbols of safe delivery. On the Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy, people pray for a smooth birth.
Since Souta’s family home is a shrine, they perform these prayers as part of their work. So naturally, with me carrying Souta’s children, having the ceremony at this shrine made perfect sense.
The main hall was reserved for our two families.
First, Uncle Mitsuhiro purified me and read aloud the norito—a ritual Shinto prayer.
After that, Hisui performed a miko dance as an offering, and at the end, she wrapped the maternity sash around my belly.
It was a little embarrassing, lifting my top in front of everyone and exposing my round belly.
The maternity sash, or haraobi, is used to support the growing belly. The one I received today was the traditional sarashi type, wrapped around the stomach.
But I’d heard that these days, belly bands and underwear-type supports are more common, since the sarashi style is hard to wrap properly and a bit of a hassle.
I had brought a few of those more modern types to get them blessed for everyday use.
“Alice-san. I pray that both you and the babies will have a safe delivery. Normally, it’s not proper to mix personal feelings into a ritual, but… I’m a parent myself.”
Uncle Mitsuhiro said this with a firm yet gentle gaze.
“Yes, thank you. Uncle.”
I’d heard that Souta’s mother passed away soon after giving birth to the twins.
Knowing that, I could feel just how deeply Uncle Mitsuhiro worried for me—another woman now carrying twins.
Still… to think that Uncle Mitsuhiro is going to be the grandfather of my children—it feels surreal.
“Alice, here.”
Hisui handed me a good luck charm for a safe delivery.
It had a more luxurious embroidery than the ones sold at the gift counter.
“Here’s one from me too.”
Souta handed me another charm, with a different pattern.
“…Thank you, both of you.”
After that, we had lunch at Souta’s house, which also serves as the shrine office. The atmosphere remained peaceful and relaxed throughout, and I felt totally at ease.
We’d been close as families before, but after everything that’s happened recently, we’ve grown so close we might as well be one big family.
Even our unusual declaration that the four of us would raise the children together as a single household—none of the parents denied it. They just quietly accepted it and watched over us.
If the babies in my belly are born healthy, things will only become more lively and fun.
I honestly can’t wait for that day.
Saturday, August 5 — Week 17, Day 3
Today was moving day.
That said, we were leaving all the furniture behind at home, so “preparations” really just meant packing a few changes of clothes and study materials—nothing too complicated.
Souta and Hisui saw us off as we left the house, and my dad drove us to our new place.
Until school started, Yuna was coming with us too, so we were moving as a full family.
We took the expressway, making stops along the way for breaks.
We even bought snacks at a souvenir shop to eat during the ride. It kind of felt like a little trip.
By the time we arrived at the temporary apartment, it was already evening.
We were understandably exhausted, so after unpacking just the essentials, all our motivation was drained.
We took turns in the bath, and dinner was just delivery pizza.
No need to go shopping, no need for dishes. I could see why pizza had become the go-to meal for moving day.
At night, I shared a semi-double futon with Yuna. The temporary apartment was a 2LDK layout, so there weren’t enough rooms for everyone, and I was already used to sleeping with Yuna anyway.
“Munya munya… I can’t eat anymore…”
Yuna, worn out from the trip, seemed to be sleeping soundly.
My body was tired too, but my mind was restless, and I couldn’t fall asleep.
“…We’ve come a long way.”
Not just in physical distance—but in circumstances too.
I have no regrets about who I am now.
I do feel sorry—for causing trouble for so many people—but I’ve made up my mind to be selfish for now, even if it means burdening others. And someday, I’ll repay every kindness I’ve received.
“Alicia…”
Would she be angry with me…? Yeah, probably.
I’ll be ready for that lecture when the time comes.
“Even so… I still wanted to see you again.”
I murmured softly.
It wasn’t meant for anyone to hear.
But—as if in reply—I suddenly felt a soft thump from inside my belly.
“…Huh?”
Another thump.
A strange sensation, coming from within.
“…Was that a kick?”
The babies in the womb move around a lot. That movement is called fetal movement, and they say mothers can start to feel it in the second trimester. Was that what I just felt?
“Alicia…?”
Thump.
“Was that… an answer?”
Was it a yes? Or a protest at me getting the name wrong? As I wondered that, I felt another thump—but this time from a different spot inside my belly.
“So this one is Alicia, maybe? Or… the baby?”
I couldn’t tell which was which.
“But… do you both want to see me too?”
Thump. Thump. The sensations continued inside me.
“Alicia and the baby…”
I gently stroked my belly.
Once I know their genders, I should pick their names soon. It’s hard to talk to them without a name.
Maybe I was just feeling a bit homesick in this unfamiliar place.
But those feelings were blown away—thanks to the babies’ gentle encouragement.
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