Edwin was definitely a morning person; relaxing, appreciating, enjoying and taking complete pleasure out of the simple things in life. After minutes of observing him, he unexpectedly looked up at the house. I removed my unprotected eye from the window and waited to learn my demise. My heart raced a quarter mile before I finally I heard the roar of his truck engine, as he motored off to work. I gasped for a breath. I had been holding it ever since I thought Edwin had caught me spying on him.
Edwin was gone but I was frozen in place for a good ten seconds before I took another deep breath and raced out to my car. Edwin had done a good job of making it look so pleasant outside. I was not expecting to be slammed with a wall of humidity. Being miserably faced with the sticky heat of summer that was locked up in my car, I jabbed my keys into the ignition and cranked my air conditioner on full blast. As I sped out of the driveway at record speed, I eased my windows down, to let out the stifling heat.
With a light knock on Maddie’s door, it opened; before I had even removed my knuckle from the hard surface. I walked into her living area and took a seat on the oversized blue suede chair, avoiding the mis-matched couch with a mountain of used tissues piled up on it. Apparently I had come in at a bad time. Maddie looked like she was on the brink of bawling again.
"It's gonna be okay," I said. "You don't even know for sure that you’re pregnant."
"I do know that my period's late and the damned tests all say that I am. And since when did I cry like a blubbering fool?" she squealed. "I am so pregnant."
"You should probably get a blood test done to be sure, you know, before you start announcing it to everyone."
She broke down in a flurry of cries and sniffles. "I feel so alone," she sobbed.
I reluctantly transferred myself to the couch and rested a hand on Maddie’s shoulder. "You’ll tell the man who did this to you and you won't be alone anymore," I explained, but the look on Maddie's face told me all I needed to know. "You are gonna tell the father Maddie. You have to.” After a pause, "Who is the father anyway? Please tell me you know."
"That's the problem!"
I gasped. "You don't know who it is? Maddie!"
"No, Abby! Give me some credit! The problem is I know exactly who it is. It can only be one."
I thought to myself for a minute and was stunned when I came to realize who it could be. Jay? Hunter?
I gasped again. "No."
"Yes," she cried.
"You didn't! No protection Maddie, for God's sake… what did you think was gonna happen?"
"It wasn't supposed to happen like that, but it just did. It was special, and not just for me, Hunter thought so to."
I was speechless. I knew I was there for Maddie at this very moment, but it was hard for me to stay on her side when Aliah was going to be so hurt by this new information.
"The thing is, I've only talked to Hunter a couple of times since then. I was hoping we could go on a date, but he never really showed any interest. I gave him my number, but he didn’t call."
"Yeah, it's called a booty call for a reason. You know? A one night stand,” I said, wishing I hadn’t used such harsh words.
"It was more than that," she stammered.
"Really, then why hasn't he called?" I asked softly.
"Well, maybe he'll rethink that, now that I'm pregnant."
"You can hope. But you knew that night that he and Aliah were sort of an item."
"Whatever. He couldn't have cared too much about her if he spent the night with me… the whole night. It was amazing. He was so sensitive to my needs."
"I'm sorry, but I really don't want to hear this. I'm in too deep already. How do you expect me to keep this from Aliah... and Edwin? You better figure this out and quick."
"What's there to figure out? I'm pregnant and Hunter's the father. I'm gonna tell him today."
"It’d probably be a good idea to go check in with your doctor first. Those tests have been known to be wrong. As soon as they confirm you're plus one, then you can tell him."
"Fine, let's go.”
"What? I have to go to work."
"I think you can make this one exception," she insisted sourly.
I was hesitant. Missing work was a bad idea. Both of us missing work was a disastrous rumor just waiting to happen.
"Please Abby? I don't want to go alone."
"Well, you really shouldn't have to do this alone,” I said, feeling sorry for her. “I guess I can tell Owen I'll be a little late."
Maddie immediately leapt from the couch for the kitchen phone, knocking tissues all over the floor. She dialed her Doctor's number, as I rummaged through my purse for my cell. I dialed Owen's direct line and his voicemail picked up immediately. I couldn't fathom the thought of stretching the truth anymore, even if only on voicemail, so I dialed 0 and my call was transferred to reception.
"They can take me right at 9:00," Maddie chimed, as she returned from the kitchen.
Taylor's phone rang and rang until her voicemail finally picked up. I left her a message, begging a favour, that she tell Owen I have an appointment and I'll be a little late.
The doctor’s office turned out to be only a few short blocks from our office. That made me incredibly anxious. I prayed that no one from my office would see my car parked in the small, open parking lot. That would cause even more trouble for us both. I followed Maddie into the small, white entrance, and down the long, white corridor. The waiting room was crowded but, to my surprise, when Maddie walked up to the secretary, she was welcomed right in to an examination room.
"I'll wait out here," I said, as Maddie looked back to me expectantly.
"Please come in Abby. I'll owe you big," she begged.
Not wanting to fight with a pregnant lady, I agreed. "Fine." I sighed and followed her down the short, narrow hall to her room. The nurse smiled at both of us warmly and thoughtfully closed the door. We both took a seat in one of the grey padded seats.
"I changed my mind. You should tell Hunter now, so I don't have to do all this crap," I said sarcastically.
"It's a little late for that I would say. Seriously Abby, I'm lucky to have a friend as good as you."
"Sorry, but I have to admit, I was a little surprised that you called me," I admitted.
"Well this situation is a little sticky. Not exactly something I want to call and tell my mother about… or even Sam for that matter. She wouldn't know how to deal. You really are the only one that knows the atmosphere from that night… you understand what happened," she said, dragging me deeper into the mess.
"What do you mean exactly? I knew you hung out with Hunter and went for a walk on the beach. The only reason anyone thinks otherwise is because he was in your room the next morning. I just figured it out for certain last night, when Ally called him out on it and he didn't deny having slept with you."
"I guess I just felt like you would be more understanding. I guess I was wrong."
"Hey! I'm here aren't I?"
"Yes. And I thank you for that."
There was a light knock on the door. A short, large woman with fluffy, plain brown hair, and a long white overcoat entered the room. "Maddison! What brings you in today my dear?"
"I'm pregnant," she replied, cutting to the chase.
Her doctor chuckled heartily at her expression. "Congratulations."
"Thank you. My friend just thought it would be a good idea to get my blood tested. Can you do that now?" she asked, foot to the metal.
"Absolutely. But first I'll need a urine sample. You can take this cup to the washroom and I'll have a nurse prep you for the blood work. We can take a look at the calendar when you get back."
Maddie's mouth frowned and her eyes were empty, sad.
I directed a quizzical look at her to amuse her. "You can do that yourself," I teased, and her doctor chuckled heartily again.
Maddie sheepishly left the room and suddenly I was very alone with her doctor. Without warning, as the doctor scribbled feverishly on Maddie's chart, a hit of je
alousy knocked me over my skull. Dizzy and confused, I tried to push those thoughts aside, but it was all too much for me. Sitting in the smallish exam room, I realized I was a selfish, jealous beoch. In an attempt to be a half decent friend to Maddie, I tagged along with her, but never did I imagine that it would drum up this response from my subconscious. It's no secret among my close friends that I want a baby. Prior to our Southwind trip, it was all I could think about. Find a man. Convince him to marry me. Demand a baby.
It seemed all too easy in my mind, but I didn't consider the latest development. Edwin. Though I've tried to find a good time to talk to Edwin about having children, I’ve learned that no time is ever a good time. This put a whole new spin on things. Now that Maddie is going to have Hunter's child, I would have a situation to compare to. No more waiting. It's time.
Maddie’s doctor had just finished reading her own chicken scratch and was smiling at me across the desk.
"Abigail?"
I shook my head confused. "Huh? What?" I replied.
Maddie was not only sitting next to me, but announcing the news. "Did you hear that? I'm due April 2nd! Can you believe it?" Maddie squealed overjoyed.
No, I can't believe I managed to block out a whole conversation while I drowned in my own thoughts. “Wow, congrats," I said, faking a smile.
Her sudden joy was depressing and I was sure my jealousy was written all over my face.
"We'll call you when your blood work comes back, but the urine test seems to indicate that you are indeed pregnant."
"Thank you doctor," Maddie chimed, as she was escorted to the exit.
The walk to my car was quiet. Then, "Are you heading in to work?" I asked.
"No I think I better go pick up some prenatal vitamins. And have a talk with Hunter. This isn't the sort of thing you put off. I already called Miller and told him I was taking the day off because I wasn't feeling well. Suddenly I'm feeling a whole lot better." She smiled softly and rested her hand on her flat belly.
I didn't notice, I growled to myself sarcastically.
WASTING NO TIME AT all, Maddie called the fire station. Apparently Hunter was at work. I wasn’t even going to ask why she had his work number on speed dial. Despite that, he was on the phone in a matter of minutes. Their discussion was short.
“Well, here goes nothing,” Maddie said. “Hunter will meet me at the café up the road in 15 minutes. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” I said.
"Thanks again for understanding Abby. I knew I could count on you. You really are a good friend."
"Such a good friend that you'll let me tell Edwin tonight?” I begged. “It's only a matter of time before everyone knows anyway."
"I guess it'll be okay, as long as you wait until you get home to tell him. I want to be sure Hunter is the next to know."
"Deal," I said, exchanging a friendly hug. “Congrats, by the way.”
"Okay, thanks. And thanks for the ride," Maddie said, as she whirled away toward the café.
"Don’t you want me to wait with you?" I asked.
She kept on walking. "I've wasted enough of your time. You should probably get to work. I can ask Hunter for a ride home and, if that doesn't seem like a good idea, I can always call a cab."
"Okay, if you're sure… let me know how you make out."
"You know I will.” She smiled and disappeared behind the next building, totally optimistic and utterly annoying.
Why couldn't I be brimming with sunniness? I should be happy for the girl. More confused than ever I headed straight for work.
"Good morning," I said to Taylor, as she greeted me at the office lobby.
"Oh, hey Abigail. Owen was just looking for you a minute ago. I never told him that you were gonna be late. I thought you might get away without him knowing," she said.
Worriedly, I rushed to my desk. Why did she have to do that? I frantically clambered around my space, starting my computer and pulling out the pile of new work that lined my mess of a desk. My anxiety sharpened when I briefly checked over all of the deadlines.
"Just the girl I've been looking for," Owen said, as he peered in my door. My computer beeped, and on flashed the monitor, perfectly publicizing my lateness.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine. Why do you ask?"
"You're half an hour late. That's unlike you. You usually you tell me when you're going to be late."
"Actually, I did call. You weren't in your office, so I left a message on Taylor’s voicemail. I’m sorry you didn't get it. I was at the doctor’s."
"Okay. Do you know where I might find the Jaxon file? I can't seem to find it anywhere."
It was such a relief to hear that he wasn’t going to dwell on it. "Did you check the vault?"
He nodded. I stood from my desk, brushed past him and crossed the hall to the vault. He followed at a distance and stood in the doorway as I slid the large shelves of files on rollers aside. Three shelves deep, I located 'J' and thumbed through the files.
Jacklin, Jacobs, Jasmine, Jasper. Ah ha! Jaxon. "Here it is," I said, pulling it from the cabinet.
"Huh! I looked there twice and couldn't find it."
"I guess you just needed a fresh set of eyes," I said, hoping he'd forgive my tardiness.
It seemed to work too, because he took the file from me and headed for the door. "Thanks Abigail," he said, before rushing back to his office.
A few hours later, I rested my head on the table in the staff lunch room. I had to get away from my heaping desk. After munching on my flavourless snack, I closed my heavy eyes. It was an oddly lonely lunch hour, everyone else having either gone out or worked straight through theirs. I crumpled up my wrapper and figured it'd be smart for me to get back to business too but, before I could lift myself from my chair, Edwin appeared in the door and approached me with dangerously naughty eyes.
"Doctors appointment, eh?" Edwin growled, cool and sexy.
"What are you talking about?" I asked cautiously.
"I overheard you talking to Owen this morning. I was in the copier room."
"Of course you were. So you were listening in on my conversation, were you?"
"Quit changing the subject. You told me you were going to Maddie's house for a hair emergency. So which is it?" Suddenly his tone was as sharp as a razor blade, making my knees knock under the table.
"I won't lie. I was at the doctor’s. But it wasn't for me. Please don't make me break my promise. I have to keep my mouth shut for now. I will tell you all about it later."
"You can trust me. This is me were talking," Edwin pressed, testing my secrecy.
I sighed, closed my eyes tightly, and considered the consequences of telling Edwin before we got home. "You know I was at the doctor’s office. You figure it out," I said, without giving him any more hints.
“Maddison?”
My eyes widened. "Very clever of you; now zip your lips before someone else hears you. I told you: I'll tell you all about it tonight."
"Tell him all about what?" Aliah asked, as she entered the room.
Great. Maddie's only fear was playing out right before my eyes. I'm a freaking gossip whore. Aliah was the last person who should be finding out about this from me. It's not my place. It's not my job.
"I can't deal with this right now," I exploded, and then thrashed past Aliah in a moment of senseless frustration.
"Okay then. Happy day to you too," Aliah replied, as I stomped off down the hall.
Back in the lunch room, Edwin and Aliah stared at each other for a long time, until they both agreed that it must be that time of the month.
"So… you and Hunter… you good?" Edwin asked.
"Yeah, I think Hunter and I are on the mend. We had a long talk yesterday and kind of figured things out. It'll take some time, but I think it might be worth the work."
"Good to hear. Hunter's a good guy."
"Yeah. That’s what they keep telling me. Well, I gotta get back to w
ork. I was just coming to say hello, but that didn't exactly go over very well." She smirked at Edwin.
"Yeah. I'll go talk to her."
"Good man," Aliah said. She hopped out of her chair, patted Edwin on the shoulder and scurried back to her desk.
Edwin veered for mine and found me frozen in my chair. My hands were covering my face, as I contemplated my crazy life. I spun around, worried that it might be Owen hovering in door, and then sighed.
"Don't worry. I'm not gonna ask you any more questions. Tonight… I get it."
I took a deep breath and sighed again, this time with relief. I leapt from my chair and wrapped my arms around Edwin's neck. "Thank you," I whispered softly.
Edwin pried my arms off of him and smiled at me playfully. "As much as I like this; it's not appropriate business etiquette," he teased. “Later.”
When he smiled my heart warmed. And when he pecked my lips, even though they were the only part of his body touching mine, it still ignited all of my senses.
"I'll see you at home then?" I asked. The sooner I could get the news off of my chest the better.
"Absolutely… ahh… uhh… actually,” he stuttered. “Shit. I totally forgot. I have a dinner meeting right after work with Miller. It’s an important client. Looks like you're on your own for dinner tonight."
"No," I pouted.
"Yes. I can come home right after, if you want. They'll probably do drinks though."
I was done being a selfish beoch for the day. "No, it's okay. Stay as long as you like. We'll talk later. Love you."
"Love you too baby," he replied. And after another quick smooch, he disappeared down the hall.
Just then, Aliah peeked around the corner. "I don't have any plans, if you want to do something," she suggested.
Startled, I jumped back for a second, and looked around to see who else I was missing. "What is wrong with this place? Everyone's so damn nosy."
"S-o-r-r-y. Another time then. You're obviously having one of those days."
"Yeah, maybe. I'm actually not feeling all that great. I'll probably just pull on some PJs as soon as I get home and lay around the house; maybe even hit the hay early." I couldn’t bear to spend another minute with her, knowing the secret hanging over our heads.
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