“Nothing.” She smiled looking at him as he sat on his bed. “You’ve been a perfect boyfriend. I just—I’m not ready to make that step.”
With that, he got up and walked to her. Kissing her passionately, he smiled. It was true; he had been perfect in just about every way possible. He had been everything he had claimed to be. Never failing to open doors for her, he always walked her to class, and so forth. But there was just one thing she couldn’t get past.
He wasn’t Mitchell.
Mitchell had been perfect for her. Granted they had a tiny age gap, but nothing too gaping. They’re connection went way beyond physical. There were days where they could just lie in each other’s arms without saying a word, but know what the other was thinking. She was sure he would forever be the love of her life even though she showed otherwise. But at least his life had gone back to normal like his father had promised her.
“Then I’ll wait ‘til you are.” He said kissing her softly and she groaned.
“Tummy still bothering you?” he asked grabbing her waist.
“Yeah, just on and off. I’m hungry.” She muttered.
“Do you want to grab something to eat?” Jaxon insisted.
“Can’t, I need to get to work. Can you give me a lift?” she asked.
“Sure.” He replied grabbing his keys.
She had him drop her off at a nearby bar because she hadn’t told him she was a stripper. For all he knew she was a bar tender. Being that he was popular in school, and his parents were hard workers, she was sure if he knew her true profession that he would run. But lying to him was exhausting. Easy yes, but very exhausting. As the night got underway, she had grown tired. When it was her time to preform, nausea had taken hold of her, cutting her routine short. Running from the stage, she barely made it to the bathroom before puking her guts out. Honey had noticed and had been waiting for her when she made it to her locker.
“You ok?” she asked as Nevaeh sat on the bench.
“Yeah.” She nodded softly. “Just over working myself I guess.”
“So, you think it’s just you being tired?” Honey pushed.
“Yeah, what else would it be?” she smiled.
“I don’t know. You’ve been tired the past couple of weeks and sick to your stomach. Maybe you’re pregnant.” She pushed.
“Pregnant? Me?” Nevaeh asked widening her eyes in amazement. “You have to have sex to be pregnant.” She chuckled.
“So you’re not sexually active then?” Honey pushed.
“No.” Nevaeh said biting her bottom lip. “I mean not for a while.”
“A while as in?” Honey inquired.
“A month or so.” She answered thinking when the last time her period paid her a visit.
“I have a pregnancy test on me if you want it.” Honey replied looking down at her.
“I’m not pregnant.” Nevaeh protested as her stomach did a flip.
Hopping up, she ran back to the bathroom only to heave again. Honey grabbed the test and waited until Nevaeh returned.
“Take it just to be sure Hun.” She insisted, handing the box to her. “But don’t let the girls in here know. They’ll pounce on you for it.” She offered as advice.
“Thanks.” Nevaeh nodded nervously.
Jamming the box in her book bag, she changed her clothes.
“Fantasy, you alright?” Jimmy asked stalking to her.
“I think I’m coming down with a bug.” She insisted.
“You must not want your job.” Jimmy snapped.
“Why would you say that?” she frowned.
“Because you cost me a shitload of money tonight.” He grumbled.
“I’m sorry. I’m just not feeling well.” She insisted.
“Take the night off, but you better come back in here ready to work or you’re fired.” He snapped walking off.
Nevaeh sighed as she put on her book bag. Being fired wasn’t an option because she needed the money. Leaving, she walked home cautiously in Mitchell’s coat. It was the only thing she had left of him. The moment she got into the house, she made dinner. Her father had been planted on the couch, with a beer as usual. After handing him his plate, she disappeared into the teeny bathroom. Opening her book bag, she pulled the pregnancy test out. Sighing, she sat the box down on the sink.
There was no way she was pregnant. She made sure Mitchell used a condom every time they had sex. Their first time together suddenly popped into her head, and she cursed. Being caught up in the moment, neither of them stopped to ensure one was put on. Shaking her head, she refused to believe that notion. She was just tired, nothing more. Turning on the shower, she stripped off her clothes and stared at herself in the mirror. Her breasts were a tad fuller and had been sore for a week or so. Looking at the box again, she grabbed it and tore it open.
There was no harm in knowing that she was right, and Honey was wrong.
After peeing on the stick, she sat it down and hopped into the shower. The hot spray of water should’ve been calming, but all she could think about was the damned test sitting seconds away. She knew it would explain all of the symptoms she had been feeling as of late. From being tired, to having a huge appetite but not being able to eat. Not to mention the sudden puking. Washing herself off, she tried her best not to get too carried away. She was sure that she was fine. Just stressed over her and Mitchell’s breakup. Hoping out of the shower, she wrapped herself in a towel before grabbing the test. Swallowing hard, she stared at the results. He jaw dropped as she saw the positive mark on the damn thing. Looking down at her stomach, she couldn’t imagine it growing.
There was no way she could be a single parent, especially living with her alcoholic father. If he found out, she wasn’t sure what he going to do. Not only that, she had immediately began dating Jaxon after leaving Mitchell. She was sure after the way she ended things with him, that he would never believe he was the father. Hell, she wouldn’t blame him. But that also made he r think what was going to happen because he was back with Kate, and they were getting married in a few weeks.
What the hell was she going to do?
Chapter Sixteen
Nevaeh sat nervously on the examining table as her doctor walked back into the room. She had taken it upon herself to skip a day of school, and make sure that she was in fact having a baby. The mere thought scared her. Her doctor was carrying her file and reading it. Looking up, he pulled off his glasses and smiled.
“Congratulations, you are in fact having a baby.” He informed and her heart hammered against her chest.
“So, I’m really pregnant?” she muttered.
“Yes, you are. Can you lie back so I can do an ultrasound?” He insisted.
Nodding, she sucked in a breath and did as she was asked to do. The doctor had her pull up her gown and began the ultrasound. Looking at the screen she was floored to see a heartbeat.
“There’s your baby.” He smiled, pointing at the screen.
“Oh my God.” She exhaled breathless.
She was a ball of mixed emotions, but the one that was most apparent was the fear of being alone. She wished Mitchell had been there alongside her to witness the very first moments of his child’s life. She knew he would’ve made her feel more at ease with the situation.
“You’re a little over five weeks. The heart’s beating strong. I’m going to give you some pictures of your baby, and prenatal vitamins.” Dr. Davis replied.
“What if I’m not sure I want to keep it?” she whispered, and hearing the words horrified her.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t even give you your options.” He said regrettably. “There’s always adoption, but if you wish to terminate the pregnancy—”
“I want it” she immediately shouted.
Hearing the conversation out loud had torn her apart. She couldn’t fathom killing the baby, even though the thought did seep through her briefly. But there was no way to keep it.
“Adoption is the next best option. You can always have an open adoption wh
ere you’re a part of the child’s life. What does the father think?” he asked.
“He doesn’t know, I just found out myself last night. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I’m going to tell him.” She sighed.
“Here are your pictures. I’m going to go write your prescription.” He offered handing her the sonogram.
After getting her prescription, Nevaeh left the doctor’s office. Standing in the lobby, she went to the payphone and dialed Mitchell’s cell phone number. There was no way in hell she was going to hide this pregnancy from him. She didn’t operate that way. Even if he wanted nothing to do with her or the baby, she felt he needed to know. So, she was going to call and hope he would meet her for dinner. Hearing the phone ring, she ran the way the conversation would go through her head, searching for the right words.
“Hello?” Kate asked answering the phone and Nevaeh’s heart immediately sank.
That definitely wasn’t one of her scenarios.
“Hello?” Kate asked again, frustrated this time.
“H—hi.” Nevaeh replied gripping the phone tighter as her nerves ate at her.
“Who’s this?” Kate asked suspicious.
“Nevaeh. I’m looking for Mr. McCallister, is he around?” she inquired softly.
“Nevaeh? As in the girl who nearly ruined my relationship with Mitchell?” Kaitlin snapped.
“That would be me.” Nevaeh replied swallowing hard.
She was hoping that Kate didn’t know anything about her. But it was obvious Mitchell must’ve told her. There was no doubt how good of a guy he was.
“Why are you calling my fiancé?” Kate pushed. “Whatever you two had is over! He’s not interested in you.”
“That’s not why I was calling.” She protested embarrassed.
“Then why are you calling?!” Kate snapped. “We are in love and don’t need a tramp hanging around to ruin what we have.” She barked.
“Then maybe he shouldn’t be marrying a whore like you! You’re nothing but trash! You never loved him, you just want his money.” Nevaeh snapped before hanging up.
Stalking out of the office, she stood and tried to catch her breath as a car pulled up alongside her.
“Nevaeh?” she heard a husky voice call.
Looking over, she saw Adam.
“Hi.” She smiled drying her tears.
“You need a lift?” he offered.
“I’m ok.” She shivered.
“Girl, get in this car before I come out there and get you.” He smiled slyly and she smirked.
Hopping in the car, he pulled off as she got warm. Looking over at her, he could tell something was wrong. Especially for her to be standing outside on a cold day crying. Sure, she’d broken his best friend’s heart, but he wasn’t an asshole. She obviously needed help, and he would offer it, knowing Mitchell would’ve done the same for her regardless of the situation. She told him where she lived and he put it in the GPS.
“Thanks for the ride.” She smiled, and he could see the sadness etched behind her eyes.
“Don’t mention it. What are you doing outside? It’s freezing.” He responded.
“Needed to take care of some business. Adam can I ask you a favor?” she asked uneasily.
“Depends. What is it?” he asked driving straight.
“I need you tell Mitchell that I need to talk to him.” She insisted.
“Nevaeh, don’t.” he sighed.
“What?” she frowned looking at him.
“He’s in a good place with Kate right now. They’re trying to fix stuff and if you come back into the picture you’ll ruin it.” Adam said truthfully.
Nevaeh looked into her lap as more tears instantly dropped. She wasn’t a huge crier, so she thought maybe it was hormones.
“I just need to talk to him about something.” She sniffled. “I swear it’s not to ruin what they have.”
“I like you Nevaeh, I do.” He said taking a right. “But you broke Mitchell’s heart. He’s my best friend, and I’m going to protect him any way I can.”
“Good. He needs that.” She nodded drying her tears. “Make sure Kaitlin doesn’t hurt him again.”
“Again? What do you mean by that?” Adam asked narrowing his glare at her.
“He didn’t tell you? Forget I said anything.” She replied seriously.
“Spill you guts.” He insisted.
“Please stop the car!” she shouted covering her mouth.
Not willing to ruin his upholstery, he did what she asked. Opening the car door, she threw up all over the sidewalk. Adam grimaced and handed her his handkerchief.
“When I said spill your guts, I didn’t mean literally.” He replied as she cleaned her mouth.
“I’m sorry.” She said embarrassed. “I live down the street, I’ll just walk. Thanks for the ride Adam.” She insisted hopping out of the car.
“Nevaeh!” he shouted as she hustled off into the distance.
He wanted to know what she meant, and he was going to damn sure find out. He was supposed to meet up with Kate to discuss a party just for Mitchell. He noticed his best friend had been in a slump, and wanted to lift his spirits a bit. Kaitlin agreed, and they had been planning for about a week.
Nevaeh walked in the house to see her dad in his usual place. He glared at her as she walked to her room. The room was trashed and he had obviously gone through her things. Grabbing some clothes, she packed her book bag and started for the door.
“Where you going?” he asked standing in her way.
Sucking in a breath, she stopped before getting to him. She couldn’t afford any type of fight in her condition. There was no way she was going to let him harm her or her unborn child.
“To work.” She muttered.
“Work? You mean whoring on the streets?” he barked.
“I don’t do that dad.” She answered softly.
“I heard you throwing up last night. Are you pregnant?” he snapped.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said trying to bypass him, but he stopped her.
“You think I’m stupid? You been sleeping all day, and throwing up a lot lately.”
“There’s a bug going around at school dad.” She insisted, hurt by the way he talked to her. “I have to go to work.” With that she left.
The next day, Nevaeh had skipped school again. She opted to stay at the hotel for the night to avoid her father. Being sick damn sure wasn’t sitting well with her. Running back and forth to the bathroom was a pain in the neck. She’d stood in the full length mirror of the hotel room she’d stayed in to imagine herself as a “huge blimp”. Resting the most part of the day, she went to the strip club that night. There was no way she could stay there, so she’d made the decision to quit. Jimmy damn sure didn’t take the news well, and wanted her to clean out her locker and never return. Heading to the locker room, she saw Honey.
“There’s a guy here looking for you.” She smiled. “He’s definitely rich.”
“Me?” she asked, and Mitchell instantly popped into her head.
Adam must’ve told him she was looking for him. That sent excitement along with fear through her.
“Yeah, he rented out the upstairs VIP room. He’s waiting for you.” Honey smiled.
Not wasting another minute, she hustled up the stairs to the private room. Opening the door, she saw Bruce sitting on the love seat. A smile spread over his face as he saw her.
“Nice to see you again.” He said getting up the moment he realized she had no intention of being in the area with him. She hadn’t even entered the room.
“I’m not talking to you.” She said turning to leave, but he caught her by the arm as he entered the hall with her.
“This will only take a second.” He sneered tightening his grip on her wrist.
“You’re hurting me.” She winced.
“Just tell me something.” He insisted. “Your dad called me and told me some news I could’ve lived without.”
“Whatever
he said is none of your business.” She snapped struggling to pull free from him.
“So, by your answer I gather you are pregnant.” He barked.
“Let me go.” She snapped.
“Answer me!” he shouted, sending fear through her.
“Yes!” she screamed back.
“Is it my son’s?” he asked disappointed, not letting her go.
He wasn’t giving her the opportunity to run.
“What do you care?” she cried. “We’re not together anymore.”
“And I’m here to make sure you keep it that way.” Bruce made clear. “I’m not giving you the opportunity to get another dime from my family.”
“I never took money from you!” she shouted.
“True, but I’m going to pay you to get rid of this child.” He offered.
“You’re a monster.” She cried. “You have no right to ask me this.”
“It wasn’t a question. You will get rid of that—thing inside of you!” He snapped.
“Stay away from me!” she shouted as she pulled to try and get free of his grip.
Tussling with her for a moment, he lost grip on her and watched as she stumbled back and tumbled down the stairs. Dread seeped through him as he stared down at her. There was so much blood seeping from her.
Adam fixed his tie as he drove up to Kate’s apartment building. Parking in the lot, he headed inside and up the elevator to her floor. She was of course in a high rise and had a stunning view. Hopping off the elevator, he headed down to her apartment only to hear voices in the hall. As he got closer, he realized they belong to Kate and Bruce. Stopping, he peered around the corner as he listened to their conversation. He didn’t want to be rude and interrupt. Truth be told he wanted to know why he’d dropped by so late to see her.
“Bruce, she called him today. Thank God he left his cell phone home.” Kate snapped.
“Look, I’m sure we won’t hear from her again.”
“I just want this nightmare to be over with! I never expected him to leave me for someone else. You promised he wouldn’t.” she responded.
“He hasn’t has he? You’ll be wearing his name in a couple of weeks. Just be patient.” Bruce insisted.
Heart of a Stripper Page 12
