AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Paying more attention to the TV since it’s right there and playing, I start watching the episode and quickly regret it. This one just so happens to be about a runaway who finds out she’s pregnant.
Christ, it’s like even the television has it out for me.
Dad comes and sits down as the food heats and pats me on the knee.
“So, you feeling any better, kiddo?”
I laugh at the nickname and sigh.
“A bit.”
“I’m sure Noah is missing the help while you’re out, but I hope he’s not pushing you too hard.”
He doesn’t seem overly concerned beyond the typical worry of a dad.
“He’s not. He’s actually out of town to work on that Hawaii resort deal, so I’m off until he comes back.”
“Oh, good. That’ll give you plenty of time to rest. I was worried you’d have to go back tomorrow. You’ve been working so hard over there, and I know it’s paying off. Noah talked about how much of a difference you made with Elijah. I’m proud of you.”
The nonchalant happiness my dad has for me and my career pulls at my heartstrings. He’s proud of me, and here I am, pregnant with Noah’s child.
I look back at the TV, and as the characters talk about the woman’s fetus, tears prickle in my eyes.
“You all right, babe? I’ve never seen you cry at a crime drama before.”
I shake my head and sniffle up the tears. “I’m fine. It’s just that time of the month.”
“Oh, got it.”
He goes back to watching, and I internally scold myself. It was the only thing I could think of to explain the surge in emotions.
I try not to focus on the show anymore, and it’s pretty easy when I let my brain wander. Given the opportunity, my thoughts easily fill with questions and worries over whether leaving or staying would be the right thing.
I know what Becca said, and I do care, but staying wouldn’t be a simple “everything’s better” situation. Noah and I would still have to figure out just exactly what it would take to be together and what parts of our lives we’re willing to give up.
And then there’s Natasha.
She’ll destroy Noah’s business if I don’t leave, and I can’t ask him to give it up just for me. That’s wrong and unfair.
There’s no part of me that wants to do this alone, and the thought of being a single mom makes my chest ache.
All of a sudden, Dad is up in my face with stuffed shells, and I have to choke them down as we eat dinner. My stomach is tight, and the stress is draining the usually delicious meal of any joy.
Every second of holding in my thoughts and feelings is draining me, so I fake receiving a text and pick up my phone to see if Becca is willing to put up with me for the evening.
Of course. I can be your sounding board. Come on over.
I thank her and then bring my plate to the sink. Before returning to the living room to say goodbye to my dad, I swallow down some water, hoping it’ll settle my stomach.
When I go back into the living room to find him, my dad is on the phone, and I have to stand there and wait for what seems like forever before I can speak to him.
“Sorry, work. What’s up?”
“I’m going over to Becca’s. I’m feeling a bit better, and she wants the honor of taking care of me a little.”
My dad laughs. “I hope she still feels that way if you puke on her. Just text me your plans, so I know what’s up. Okay?”
“Can do. Love you.”
