New Life : A Second Chance

Kyle had always wanted twins. Rather, Kylie did. Even though Kyle was a twin himself, the thought of raising twins was exciting.

Unless if they were both like him. If they were like Kay, then that's different.

"Twins," Sayuri repeated, her eyes wide. No wonder she was bigger than normal.

"Am I going to be gaining even more weight?" Sayuri asked Dr. He.

"Most likely," Dr. He replied, "You're going to need more regular check-ups to do the ultrasound scans. Your folic acid intake must also increase to 1 milligram from the 0.4 milligrams that you are currently taking."

Kyle nodded, understanding. 

Folic acid was taken to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, which is a congenital defect of the spine. There would be a gap in the backbone that would expose a part of the spinal cord and its meninges. This can cause paralysis of the lower limbs of the baby, and in some cases, learning difficulties.

"Will I become a huge whale?" lamented Sayuri.

"Well, naturally, with twins, you would gain more weight as compared to a single pregnancy," Dr. He patiently explained, "However, you should not gain more than 54 pounds, or about 24.5kg."

Kyle turned to Sayuri and said, "I'll get a nutritionist for you. You will need the added calories but not to get too fat."

"ARE YOU SAYING I'M FAT?! This is YOUR fault, you know!" Sayuri shouted at Kyle, smacking him on the arm.

"No no no," Kyle said soothingly, "Not at all and I wouldn't care even if you did, but like Dr. He said, you can't gain more than 54 pounds. I don't want you to suffer more than you already are, carrying our babies. Heartburn, backaches and all that will be worse if you put on too much weight."

"You're still saying I'm fat," Sayuri pouted.

"No one is more beautiful than you in being fat," Kyle said with a grin.

Sayuri rolled her eyes while Dr. He just sat there silently, watching the two bicker. He could see how loving the couple were and his heart was warm. Scenes like this are what made his job so rewarding.

"You're going to have to be less active in the final trimester," Dr. He continued after the young couple stopped teasing each other, "Unlike single pregnancies, you'll be giving birth in the 36th or 37th week rather than the 40th week."

"I would also go so far as to advice bed-rest, though it's never been proven that it actually helps," Dr. He admitted, "But it certainly doesn't cause harm."

"Why? Is there something wrong?" Kyle asked worriedly.

"No, that's what we're trying to avoid," explained Dr. He carefully, "The risks associated with pregnancies are higher when it's multiple pregnancies. Thus, pre-eclampsia and  diabetes are more likely to occur in twin pregnancies."

Kyle nodded, feeling more worried than ever.

Pre-eclampsia affects the blood flow to the placenta, which can result in smaller or prematurely born babies. That was the 'best' case scenario. 

It is a condition that can severely affect unborn babies. Their kidney and liver function would be impaired, there can be blood clotting problems, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and seizures.

Worst of all, in severe forms or if left untreated, the life of the baby and the mother would be in danger. They could die.

"Also," Dr. He paused, and looked at the young couple seriously, "I am not an alarmist, but I believe in laying out the facts so that you're mentally prepared."

"I understand, Dr," Kyle said, listening intently, "I appreciate it. Please, what else must we be aware of?"

"The twins, even when carried to term, will be premature," Dr. He said, "But generally, they would be fine. However, the danger of pre-mature labour and delivery is also very high."

"As a result of this, the babies may be born at low birth weights and has a higher chance of more health problems than those born weighing more," De. He said.

"That's it," Kyle said, "You're …"

"I am not," Sayuri replied, glaring at him, "If you dare make me stay at home all day long until I give birth, you've got another thing coming."

Kyle sighed, his shoulders slumping, "Fine. But at least take it slower, okay?"

Sayuri rolled her eyes.

"I know, I know," Kyle said, taking her hand in his, "You're taking very good care of yourself and our babies. I'm just worried."

It took some time for Kyle to appease Sayuri, but at least, he managed to. He made a mental note to hire more people to ensure that Sayuri remained healthy and safe. His respect for his small-framed mother who had carried him and Kay to term grew even more.

After that, Dr. He gave a few more instructions on how to care for the pregnancy and set the next appointment. Kyle checked his calendar and noted that some changes had to be made. Not a big deal.

"You don't have to come if you can't," Sayuri said to Kyle.

He frowned and looked at her, "It's the least I can do, you know. You're the one who has to carry our babies to term. Re-arranging my schedule is nothing. I'm the boss after all."

Sayuri looked down at her bulging tummy, smiling and feeling warm inside as she rubbed it. For now, at least, she had his complete attention and care. So what if it was temporary.

She'll take one day at a time. 

Like always. 

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Kyle looked through the surveillance footage intensely that night. 

At first, he focused in the general direction of where the gaze had come from when he and Sayuri left the building. Then, he checked the other cameras, looking at the spot from different angles.

He rubbed the space between his eyebrows, shaking his head once he confirmed that shadowy figure behind the pillar.

Sarah.