Stripped

by Harms, C. A.

  I felt Evan’s hand brush the side of my face, “Kylie, I don’t want you and Emma staying here alone. We should pack some things so you two can come and stay at my place. We’ll rent you a car for now and figure the rest out later.” I couldn’t respond, instead I just nodded my head.

  The drive back to Evan’s was quiet and he didn’t push me to speak, instead I stared out the window and cried. Hadn’t Brad put me through enough already? I turned to face Evan as he pulled into his driveway.

  Once the car was placed in park his eyes connected with mine. I blinked back the new tears that began forming. “He has to be back on drugs. He gets aggressive when he’s high. That has to be the reason for all of this. He gets really angry and forceful.”

  Evan pulled me to him and kissed my forehead. “Has he ever hit you Kylie?” I let the tears fall again as I nodded my head into Evan’s shoulder. He squeezed me a little tighter. I could feel his jaw tensing against my forehead. Evan carried Emma in from the car and he stopped at the spare bedroom door. I was about to ask him if he moved rooms when he opened the door and stepped inside. From the light of the hallway I could see the outline of a bed. I followed behind him and found that not only did it have a twin bed, but also now held a toy box and small dresser.

  Evan placed Emma carefully on the bed and reached down to rise up an adjustable side rail. I attempted to swallow the emotion that his kindness caused; I failed drastically as the waterworks once again took over. I was such an emotional mess. I felt so weak and turned quickly, leaving the room. I rushed out the slider door and crumpled into one of the loungers by the pool. I curled into myself and just let the deep sobs take over.

  “Kylie, come here, beautiful. Everything’s going to be okay.” Evan pulled me into his arms and held me securely. I felt his lips rest on my temple as he slowly rubbed my back. “Brad is sick baby, but I’ll get him help. I promise.”

  I was shocked at what Evan said, pulling back, I looked up at him. “Why would you do that? Why would you help him?” Evan brushed the hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear. I watched his eyes closely as he scanned my face.

  After a short silence he spoke, “Because you love him Kylie.” I felt the need to explain but before I could organize the necessary words he continued. “Brad is Emma’s dad and he needs help. I know you love him; he was your first love. I don’t want to see you hurting anymore.”

  I let Evan carry me to bed and when his body curled around mine I felt calmness ease through me. I buried my face into his neck and fell asleep in his arms, breathing him in.

  ~Thirty Eight~

  (Evan)

  I’ve spent the last three days arguing with Kylie about moving in together. I’ve provided her a million reasons why moving in with me was a good idea. She could only give me one excuse for not moving in with me…she was still married.

  After overhearing the conversation between Kylie and her lawyers this morning, I knew her only excuse would no longer be valid; the divorce was finalized. The papers had been filed and it was a done deal, she was single again. I pretended to still be asleep when she hung up her phone. I wanted to see if she would tell me.

  Kylie crawled out of bed and left the room.

  The other day we received a call informing us that Brad had been released from jail. Although we had been trying to reach him by phone we were unsuccessful. Kylie even contacted his boss, only to find out Brad had not returned to work yet. I know Kylie was stressed and worried about his absence. What could possibly be the reason; did he start using drugs again?

  Emma was getting to know her daddy and now the fear of him disappearing out of her life again hung over Kylie. She was blaming herself for giving him false hope. I didn’t question her too much about why she thought this way. I wasn’t really sure I wanted to know what may have happened between them while we were apart.

  I slowly slid from the bed and slipped on a pair of shorts. When I walked into the kitchen I found her looking out the window in a daze. She held her coffee cup as Emma played with her food on her plate. I reached over to Emma and brushed her little blond curls back, tucking them away from her face. Her giggles brought Kylie back to the present and she turned to face us. I winked before taking the bite of Emma’s toast she was offering. Emma laughed as I pretended to bit her finger. “Yummy…your mommy makes some good toast doesn’t she?”

  Emma continued to eat her breakfast as I made my way to Kylie. When I reached her, she leaned back into the countertop still holding her coffee cup with both hands. I placed my hands on each side of her, caging her within my embrace. Looking into her eyes I tried to gage her mood. When she smiled up at me I caved and kissed her softly. I let my lips linger over hers a moment before pulling back. Our eyes reconnected, “Good morning, beautiful.”

  Kylie kissed me once more before I released her and she pulled out another cup from the cabinet. After filling it with coffee she brought it over and placed it into my hand. She rose up onto her toes and kissed me once more. “Good morning.”

  Things had been really stressful between us since the day we came home from her mother’s house. I know she was worried as well as confused because I kept drilling her about moving in together. I hated the distance forming between us and I needed to fix it.

  I knew later today, when her present arrived, she was going to lose it in a fury. I already had prepared myself for her temper tantrum since I knew she would throw one. Now I needed to get out of the house and do something to ease her stress. “I need to go into work for a little while. Do you need anything before I go?”

  She just shook her head as she lifted Emma from her chair. “No we’re fine. I think I need to go to the bank later.”

  I wasn’t sure I wanted her to run around town by herself but I knew I couldn’t stop her. “I could do it for you.”

  She glared at me and I fought my smile. “I’m a big girl Evan; I think I can handle a trip to the bank on my own.” Kylie carried Emma toward the bedroom and I followed holding my cup tightly. “I need to take June the rent check and pay a few other bills. My check from the Café was automatically deposited into my account today.”

  Here it goes. I closed my eyes and squeezed my cup just a little tighter. “Um, baby, I already took care of all that for you.”

  Just as I had suspected, she spun around and the look on her face told me she was pissed. Emma was leaning over the toy box in the corner and Kylie took a step toward me. “Damn it Evan…I never asked you to do anything for me.” I tried to place my arm on her shoulder but she shrugged away. “Just go to work. We’ll talk about this later.” She turned from me and walked towards Emma. She kept her back to me as I exited the room.

  I let out a deep breath when I reached my bedroom. Pissed Kylie is hot but I hated how things were among her and I. I never even stopped in Emma’s room to say goodbye before I left. I told her I was going to work but I was actually going out to look for Brad. I had a few friends in the police department who also were on the lookout for him. I know the rocky road Kylie and I are on has a lot to do with stress from everything that has happened lately. I had every intention of relieving that strain on our relationship today.

  I spent the day driving around, showing a picture of Brad and looking for his truck. When my phone began ringing from the passenger seat I grabbed for it quickly. Kylie’s beautiful smile filled my screen. “Hey baby.”

  She went off and I held the phone away from my ear. Obviously her present had arrived and as I expected…she was pissed; “Take it back Evan…have them come back and drive the damn thing away. I didn’t ask you to buy me a car. I already have a car. I don’t need this…whatever it is.”

  I fought the urge to laugh, “Kylie, it’s an Audi A6.”

  “I don’t give a shit, Evan. Tell them to come and get it. Stop smothering me with kindness…please.”

  Before I could say any more she hung up. I sat in my car staring at my phone. Letting out a deep breath and I allowed my head to fall back onto my headr
est. Maybe I should stay away from the condo for a little longer.

  When the call came in informing me they had located Brad, I became somewhat hopeful. Maybe I would be able to calm Kylie’s stress level a bit. In turn maybe that would remove the strain on our relationship.

  ~Thirty Nine~

  (Evan)

  I jotted down the address of Brad’s location; I was surprised; I really hadn’t expected to find him. I was sitting in the parking lot of “New Beginning’s Rehabilitation Center” in Houston. I slowly climbed out of my car and debated if I should call Kylie before I went inside. After a few minutes of battling with my thoughts, I decided to go in alone.

  “May I help you sir?” The young girl behind the counter asked.

  “Yes you can. You have a patient here by the name of Brad Sanders. I was hoping to see him today.”

  The young girl didn’t take the time to look up Brad’s name before she spoke in return. “I’m sorry sir; unfortunately I can’t disclose any information regarding our patients. If you aren’t on the visitors list then I’m unable to let you in. Are you on the visitors list?”

  I knew the answer to that…Hell no. The last time Brad and I saw each other we were throwing punches. “Probably not, but can you check and see if my girlfriend is on that list?”

  I walked out of the front doors running my fingers through my hair. Of course he put Kylie on the list. I walked back to my car and decided I needed to go home. I needed to tell Kylie where Brad was located. I took the long way home, running the impending conversation over and over in my mind. I knew she was mad about the car but maybe this would help ease her anger. I hoped so anyway.

  When I entered the front door, I did so with caution. The house was quiet and I felt a sense of panic. The silver Audi and the rental car were still parked in the driveway, so I knew she hadn’t left the house. At least she didn’t drive herself anywhere. As I approached the bedroom I heard her crying from behind the door. My chest tightened and I felt instant guilt. I should’ve talked to her about the car instead of buying it without her knowledge.

  I pushed open the door slowly and realized she was in the attached bathroom with the door partially open. I slowly approached the door and lightly knocked. “Kylie, can I come in?” The words she muttered were mixed with her sobs and I wasn’t sure exactly what her response was. The sounds were muffled and they broke my heart. “I’m coming in okay?” I waited to see if she said no and when she didn’t I pushed open the door.

  She sat on the edge of the tub with her head in her hands. Emma was playing near the tub with a roll of toilet paper she had strung everywhere. I made my way to them and knelt next to Kylie. I brushed her hair away from her face and placed my hand onto her knee. “I’m sorry; I never should have bought it without talking to you first.”

  Kylie mumbled beneath her hands and I still couldn’t make out what she was saying. “I can’t hear you, baby.” She slowly raised her head and her eyes connected with mine. They were so red and she looked exhausted. My heart shattered just a little more.

  “This isn’t about the car, Evan. I’m sorry I acted that way about it. I was such a bitch to you today. You are so good to me and Emma; I was terrible to you. I’m so sorry.”

  I pulled her into my arms and whispered into her ear softly. “I love you so much Kylie. I just want to take care of both of you. I should’ve talked to you about it. I told you that I was going to take care of you both…and I meant it.” I paused for a moment before I asked, “If you’re not upset about the car…then why are you upset?”

  Kylie pulled back and placed her face into her hands once more. “I’m so stupid, Evan. I did this before and now I’ve done it again. I’ve ruined everything. Things are going to change and I’m so sorry I ruined your life.” Okay, what the hell? Ruined my life…she didn’t ruin my life; she saved it.

  I took her face into my hands and looked directly into her eyes. “Kylie, you’re not making any sense, baby. What do you mean you ruined everything? Please talk to me.”

  She never said anything, she just pointed toward the sink counter. I couldn’t draw my eyes away from hers; I was too scared. I wasn’t sure what she was about to confess but it had my heart racing. I fought back the nauseated feeling in my stomach and watched her eyes.

  “I didn’t plan this Evan, I promise. It was an accident and I should’ve been paying more attention. I should’ve kept track of everything better.” She continued to sob as her eyes flipped to the sink once more.

  I slowly rose to my feet and took a step back. Emma rose from the floor and wrapped herself around my leg. On instinct, I immediately picked her up and held her close. I think I was attempting to find any comfort in her embrace before I acknowledged what was behind me. Kylie watched me closely as I turned toward the sink. I looked directly into the mirror until my eyes glanced over the counter. After taking a deep breath, I let my gaze fall to the sink. My pulse raced and my stomach fluttered.

  My eyes filled with tears as I stared at the item laying on the edge. It appeared like a big neon sign lighting up the dark.

  Unbelievable, Two Pink Lines.

  ~Forty~

  (Kylie)

  “I’m sorry. I never intentionally got pregnant, Evan. I promise you I never set out to trap you.” I wasn’t sure at all how he felt about this new development. I was so worried of what he may think. I know he thought all my stress and irritability was related to Brad, but this situation has been eating at me for the last two days. I had to wait for him to leave the condo long enough for me to take the pregnancy test. When the two lines appeared, I thought I was going to pass out from the panic that engulfed me.

  Evan pulled me in into his arms. Holding both Emma and I tightly I felt his body tremble against mine. I heard his light sniffle before he spoke against my neck. “Thank you Kylie.”

  I was speechless. He was actually thanking me for getting knocked up. He was thanking me for being stupid and irresponsible. “Evan, how can you thank me?”

  Evan rose his head up and looked directly into my eyes. Seeing the tears in his eyes and the wetness on his cheeks caused my chest to tighten.

  “Kylie, how could I not thank you? I’ve told you I want to build a life with you…with Emma. This is it. So what if it’s a shock…a surprise. This is the best kind of surprise. You’re making me a father and that is the greatest gift you could give me.” His lips crushed against mine.

  He kissed me with such force I was disoriented. When he pulled back, his smile was contagious; he was beaming. “I’m going to be a daddy.” He laughed lightly and spun around with Emma in his arms. “Let’s got out to dinner, I want to celebrate.”

  Before I could answer, he was out the door and down the hall. What in hell just happened?

  Evan was like a giddy high school girl. He was constantly smiling to every person he saw, telling them all about my pregnancy. He told the waitress at the restaurant, the couple standing outside waiting for their cab…anyone who would listen. Every single time he said it I felt the need to hide my face in embarrassment.

  We had just returned home and were driving into the driveway when his phone rang from his inside pocket. When he looked at the screen his happy expression fell. I could hear the voice coming through the phone and jealousy struck me. “Evan, I’m out with Lany and Matt and they’re dying to see you. I thought you could meet us for a drink. Just the four of us together again, like in college.” Evan’s eyes found mine and he watched my reaction.

  “No Alexis I can’t, you know that. Why are you even calling me? I thought I made myself clear about where our relationship stood.” His lips were pressed together firmly.

  “You’re really confusing Evan, because just last week we spent four hours together getting drunk and now you can’t talk to me again.” I spun around in the seat and glared at him.

  “I got to go Alex…don’t call me.” I waited for him to hang up before I said what I needed to say.

  “You’re an asshole.” I push
ed open the door and opened the door behind mine. He quickly got out and came around the front. He tried to help me get Emma out but I pushed his arm away. “I’ve got her.” I walked through the open garage door and into the condo. I refused to talk about this right now. I was so pissed off I knew I would say things I would later regret. I didn’t think he slept with her, but the fact that he was willingly with her was enough. He didn’t lie, but he didn’t tell me about it either.

  He tried to follow me into Emma’s room but I spun around and made it clear he shouldn’t come any further. “Don’t you dare follow me! I’m not talking about this right now. I’m too damn mad to even look at you.” I turned back around and walked into the bedroom, slamming the door behind me.

  I ended up sleeping in my clothes in Emma’s bed with her. I heard him moving around the house for hours but I refused to go to him. I wanted him to worry; I wanted him to feel guilty. He should’ve told me.

  When I woke up the next morning, I found Evan sleeping outside of Emma’s room on the floor. Now I was the one that felt guilty. I chose to push that feeling to the back of my mind as I remembered why I was mad in the first place. I stepped over his body holding Emma securely and went to the kitchen.

  ~Forty One~

  (Evan)

  Stretching my arms above my head, I slowly opened my eyes. Realizing what happened wasn’t some nightmare, I let out a groan. I really had pissed off Kylie last night. I needed to stop screwing up and making things worse between us. I rose up from the floor and looked into the opened bedroom door. Emma was already up which meant Kylie was too. As I stood up and turned toward the kitchen another thought hit me. Fuck…I forgot to tell her about Brad.