Never say forever (Never series Book 1)

by Taylor, Courtney A.

  Abby notices. “Serena, are you okay? You look like you might be a little ill?” She seems very concerned.

  “I haven’t been feeling all that well. I’ll be okay though. I just need to use the ladies room real quick,” I say as I get up.

  “Here let me show you where it is.” She gets up and guides me to the bathroom.

  I enter the bathroom and as soon as I hit the floor, my stomach empties, all the contents of tonight’s dinner in the toilet. I feel like complete crap and I really hope no one knows I just threw up. I don’t even have a toothbrush. Damn it, now I have puke breathe. I wash my hands and I see my tear-stained red face from puking. I dry off my hands and face and wait a few minutes for my face to lighten up.

  I go back to the dining room table and everyone is about done with their dinner. I don’t think I can try to eat more. I may end up in the bathroom again. Aiden leans over “You okay baby?” I nod my head. I don’t want to speak to close to his. He doesn’t need to smell my vomit. I almost get queasy again just thinking about it.

  “Ben and I are going to walk to the corner store and get some things. You girls okay here by yourself?” Aiden asks.

  “Definitely. Take your time. Let us girls bond.” She smiles at them as she shoos them out the door. If I wasn’t feeling sick I would have laughed. Abby walked over to me.

  “What’s wrong honey? I know you don’t know me but I know something’s going on. You can trust me. I won’t say a word.” She seems very nice.

  “Nothing’s wrong, I just have been feeling sick all day. I think I may be coming down with the flu,” I tell her.

  “Have you been emotional lately?” Come to think of it, today I have been extremely emotional. I don’t say anything, I just sit there and stare. That was enough for what she was going to say next.

  “I know this is personal, but know this. I won’t let anyone know your business. I think I know your problem, you just have to help me out here. When was your last period?” Well, no one’s ever asked me that. It is a bit personal but maybe she’s on to something. Shit, I don’t even remember. It’s now Dec 18th. I think my last period was November 8th but I could be wrong. My period is never late. I usually remember my periods too but my head has been so far wrapped around Aiden, I lost track.

  “I don’t remember. I can’t be sure,” I say as emotion and anxiety is taking place in my body.

  “Honey, I think you’re pregnant.” She smiled at me.

  Fuck!!!! What the hell did she just say? I can’t be pregnant.

  “No that can’t be it,” I deny.

  “I have seen enough pregnant people to know. You have all the symptoms. Listen, before they come back. I’m giving you a test. You don’t have to take it here. I have extras. Believe me, Ben and I have had some scares. I know to be stocked on that. Put it in your purse and take it when you’re comfortable. I won’t say a word. I promise you. This isn’t my story to tell if you are pregnant or not. Just promise me, when you take the test. Let me know.” She seems kind of excited.

  “Not sure what I would do. What if Aiden doesn’t want kids? What if it’s too soon? I don’t think I can handle the heartache is he strays.” I’m rambling on, my nerves at high peak right now.

  “Aiden is a good guy. I’ve known him for quite a while. I’ve seen him around kids and he’s great. He would make a great father. From what I’ve seen today, he’s infatuated with you. He won’t get rid of you because of a baby. He would love that baby the way he loves you.” I feel a little bit better knowing that.

  I start to hear the door opening and hurry up and shove the pregnancy test in my purse. I’ll take this later. My mind is reeling right now of the possibilities. I don’t know what the hell to do. I promised myself I wouldn’t end up like this. I stop thinking about this so I don’t give anything away. Later I will know what cards fate has dealt in my hands.

  ***

  Aiden

  It kills me inside to see Serena sick. I know she isn’t feeling well. I’m beginning to think this was a bad idea. I tried to stay home but she wouldn’t budge. She knows how much this means to me, so she put my happiness above her own comfort.

  At dinner, she didn’t look too well. She looked like she was ready to hurl. I should have known to bring her some soup to make instead. This food is probably too heavy for her stomach. I hope whatever bug she got goes away soon. I want to see the sparkle come back in her eyes and see her beautiful smile. I especially want to see her reaction to the present I plan to get her for Christmas. I know she is just going to love it.

  She got up to use the restroom and Abby went along with her.

  “Your girl okay?” Ben asked, concern on his face.

  “Yeah man, I think she got a bug or something. Maybe flu, but not sure. She hasn’t been feeling well. I should have thought and brought her something her stomach can tolerate.” I feel really bad for her. My heart aches because I know she’s in pain.

  “We can go up to the corner store and pick something up for her if you want. We can catch up on old times and we can leave the ladies to bond. They seem to like each other,” he stated.

  “Yeah that’s a good idea,” I said.

  “I know its eating away at you. I know you love her. When they come back we’ll go.” He has always been my best friend. He’s a few years older than me. We used to be neighbors and hung out all the time as kids. He may be older but he doesn’t care. He’s like the older brother I never had. I will always have respect for him.

  Abby sits back down at the table. We all just sit there eating in silence when Serena comes back. She looks worse than she did when she went in the bathroom. I wish she would feel better. We announce that we are going to the store. Abby pretty much shoves us out the door. I guess I take that as a good sign because she wants to bond with Serena.

  Ben and I are walking down the street, going to the store. “So Ben, how’s everything going? You and Abby seem to still be going strong.”

  “Yeah, she is my shining star bro. I can’t live without her. We have been doing awesome. Well, besides the bunch of pregnancy scares we’ve had.” He takes a swig of his drink.

  “You’re still getting those scares? Don’t you use protection or isn’t she on birth control?” I asked.

  “Yeah we use protection, but you know how that is. Every time she’s late, we freak out. I’d love to have a baby with her, but I don’t think now is the time. We are both struggling with money. Hopefully we can keep this house we just bought. Were both working but it’s just not enough. Throw a baby into the mix and were fucked.” I know he would make a great father. He already made a great big brother. Any child would be lucky to have him as a father.

  “Yeah I hear you. I love kids too. I would love to have some with Serena when the time is right. She’s also my shining star. I went without her for a brief two weeks. I tell ya man, that was the worst two weeks of my life, and that was before I told her I loved her. I have high hopes for us though,” I say confidently.

  “That’s good. I’m glad you found your other half. I always knew someone was out there for you and you found her.” He slaps me on the back as he hugs me.

  We arrive at the store and I literally go crazy. I look for anything and everything to make my baby feel better. Ben must think I’m love-crazed based on the items at the checkout. I had soup, crackers, Gatorade, ice cream, teddy bear that says I love you, a dozen roses, some Dayquil/Nyquil, jello and some ginger ale. I’m not sure what she likes so I got everything, so I know that she will feel better at some point. I just want to put that smile back on her face.

  We get back to the house and I see Serena scrambling with her purse. I’m not sure what to make of that. Is she hiding something? Maybe she was just putting Abby’s number in her purse. I bring the bags in and set them in front of Serena.

  “What’s this?” She has a confused look on her face.

  “It’s for you, I bought some things to make you feel better.” She starts opening the bags. Once sh
e gets to the roses and the teddy bear, she starts crying. Fuck! That was not the reaction I was hoping to get. I made her cry.

  “I’m sorry baby, I thought that might make you feel better. I can take it back if you don’t like it.” She looks at me with her teary eyes and my heart breaks.

  “No, I love it. I’m just so happy. No one has ever done this for me. You just melted my heart. Thank you.” Okay. I feel better now. She’s crying because she’s happy. I can work with that.

  “Anytime, Sweetheart.” I kiss her forehead. As I do this I hear clapping. I look up and Abby has got the biggest grin on her face and she’s clapping.

  “Oh my goodness, you guys are so cute. Bennie, you should take some pointers from your boy here.” She winks at me.

  “Aiden, man. You’re getting me in trouble with your romance. You’re not allowed here if you’re going to outshine me in my own home.” He laughs.

  I laugh back at him. “Sorry man, she’s sick.”

  “I know. I’m just fucking with you. Do whatever you need to do to make her feel loved,” he said.

  Before we leave, Abby and Serena exchange numbers. Abby gives her a big hug and whispers something in her ear. I’m not close enough to hear but I’m not worried about it. I don’t need to eavesdrop. She made a new friend now and I’m happy. I walk her to the car and open her door. I carry her bags and place them in the backseat. I start the car and head home.

  I keep glancing at Serena. She still looks ill. She hasn’t really said anything, she’s just staring out the window. I sure hope she’s okay. I feel as if there might be something else she’s not telling me. I wonder if it’s something to do with me. Although, she was really happy when I brought those things, so she can’t be unhappy with me for some reason. I just don’t know what to think.

  We arrive at her house and she turns to me. “Thanks for taking me out. Even though I don’t feel well, I still had a good time. Your friends are really nice. I really like Abby. She’s really sweet.” She goes to kiss me on the cheek. I just want to kiss her on the lips but I know her hesitance with it because she’s sick.

  “Anytime, baby. We can hang around them anytime you want. You’re welcome in their home anytime. Why don’t you go get some much needed rest and get some fluids in you? I want you better as soon as possible. Ill text you when I get home.” I lift her hand and kiss it. “Goodnight beautiful”

  She smiles and says goodnight. I start driving away as she is walking in the house. I had a good time today. I’m really glad that she got along so well with Abby. I still can’t deny the unease I feel because of how sick she is. I hope my baby gets better. Only time will tell. I arrive home and send her a quick text.

  My Violet,

  Get better honey. I love you and I can’t wait to see you smile again!

  I don’t even wait for a text back. I know I probably won’t get one. She’s probably passed out. Still worrying about her, I end up falling

  asleep.

  Chapter 10

  Serena

  I arrived home from our dinner with Abby and Ben. I really like Abby, she seems very nice. She also seems very trustworthy. When I left the house, she gave me her number. She whispered to me to text her when I decide to take the test. I feel I can fully trust her. I am not looking forward to taking this test.

  I have avoided my mother all day today. I feel as if she may be able to see right through me. I sure hope not. I walk in the house and my mom must be in her room, but it’s a good thing because I can skate on through without her noticing anything.

  I enter the bathroom and place my purse on the floor. I sit on the toilet seat trying to collect myself before I take this life changing test. I open the box with shaky hands. I take out the applicator which is in a sealed wrapper. I pull out the instructions. The instructions tell me I have to pee in a cup and then place the applicator in the urine and then it’s the waiting game for two minutes. I don’t see a cup that I can use to pee in. I especially don’t want to use the one on the sink we use to rinse our mouths out when we brush our teeth. That is just gross. Looks like I have to pee on the stick.

  I open the wrapper slowly, not anticipating this at all. I take the cap off the portion I’m supposed to pee on. I lift the toilet seat and lower my panties.

  It’s now or never.

  I lower the applicator in the toilet right under me. I’m trying to hold this still with my trembling hands so I don’t drop this in the toilet. This is my only test, I can’t ruin this. I peed on the stick and placed the cap back on. I set my timer on my phone and put something over the test so I don’t see the result too soon. The box says its two lines for positive and one line for negative.

  I put my hands to my head and silently freak out. I can’t believe I’m even in this position. How can I be so dumb? What am I going to do if it’s positive? Is my mom going to turn on me like Cadence? Is she going to ask me to have an abortion? I won’t be able to do that. If I am, I have to keep this baby. This baby would be a creation of mine and Aiden’s love and I can’t tarnish that. What would I even do? I have no job. Aiden isn’t working. I know I could be freaking out for nothing because it could be negative, but what else can I do? It could also be positive.

  I haven’t told Aiden about the pregnancy test because I don’t want him to worry. What if he doesn’t even want kids? I know he’s a sweetheart but that’s without a baby thrown into the mix. What if he changes? Will I lose my one and only true love over a night of passion? I don’t even know how this is possible. We used condoms every time and none of them broke, to my knowledge. My mind is working in overdrive with what seems like hours for this test result. My phone finally chimes, alerting me it’s time to check the test. I pick up the test and hold my breath as I look at the results. Two fat pink lines! I’m pregnant.

  FUCK!!!

  I sat on the floor with my hands over my eyes just silently weeping, trying not to alert my mom just yet. As I am letting everything out my phone chimes with Aiden’s text. My vision is so blurred from the tears I can’t even read the text, but I know it’s something sweet.

  I finally regain some composure and text Abby.

  Abby, I took the test. It’s positive. I don’t know what to do. I’m freaking out here.

  It feels weird that Abby is the first one that I talk to. Larissa has been my best friend for so long, she should be the one I go to. It’s just that Abby thinks I’m pregnant and she’s the only one who saw right through me. I just need to talk to someone before this gets out. Just then my phone rings and Abby’s name shows on the screen.

  “Hello?” I try to sound the best I could but she can probably hear my strained voice from crying. I am also whispering so my mom doesn’t hear.

  “First off, congratulations. Second, I’m not sure what you are planning to do but I recommend going to the clinic and getting tested there for confirmation. Sometimes tests can give you false positives.” She is so informative and I’m thankful that she is here to help me.

  “I just don’t understand. We’ve used protection every time. We never did it without a condom. Why is god punishing me?” I ask through whisper.

  “Honey, condoms are only 98% effective. You can still get pregnant using those. I understand what you’re going through. I’ve gone through the testing and emotions while you try to decide what the hell to do. Believe me girl, I’ve been there and it doesn’t feel pretty. Listen, if you don’t want to be by yourself, I can take you to the clinic tomorrow. Completely up to you,” she said.

  “Yeah I’d like that. I don’t want to be by myself. It’s bad enough freaking out in the bathroom by myself.” I wish I had someone here in the bathroom when I took the test. Maybe I wouldn’t have freaked out as much. I really wish Aiden was here. I hope not telling him yet was a good decision.

  “Okay, everything will be fine. I’ll pick you up in the morning.” Thank goodness I met her.

  ***

  I end the phone call with her and go to my bedroom. I attempt to fa
ll asleep but it’s very hard with everything clouding my mind. I don’t want to be in this position, especially alone. I wish Aiden was here, but he can’t know about this yet. I’m afraid to tell him.

  ***

  I woke up in the morning to Abby’s phone call telling me she’s on her way. I know I took like complete crap and I don’t even care. I’m wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt but I’m comfy. I don’t even get ready, because let’s be honest. They aren’t going to be worrying about my face, and who am I looking to impress. I’m pretty sure once they confirm pregnancy I’m going to break down, which will defeat the purpose of getting ready.

  I texted Abby my address and walked out to the corner of the block. She arrived in a truck. This little petite girl driving a truck? I did not see that one coming. I get in the car. “Aww you still don’t look too good. I hope you feel better. Let’s get to this place.”