Chapter 19
My eyes flutter open to the pale morning light filtering through the blinds. I stretch under the covers, relishing the soft warmth of my bed, when a wave of nausea hits me. I bolt upright, clapping a hand over my mouth as my stomach lurches violently. Staggering from the bed, I barely make it to the bathroom before vomiting into the toilet.
I sink down onto the cold tile floor, leaning my head against the wall as I wait for the nausea to pass. Whats wrong with me? I havent felt this sick in years. Was it something I ate last night? Martha and I shared the same takeout, I’ll have to ask her.
A dull ache throbs in my belly, and I lean my head against the cool porcelain, trying to catch my breath. Then a thought crosses my mind - when was the last time I had my period? I grab my phone to check my period tracking app. My heart sinks when I see that I am over a week late. That has never happened before - it has always come like clockwork.
A nervous knot forms in my stomach as a terrifying possibility enters my mind. I couldnt be... pregnant, could I? I could be. I did let Dimitri fuck me raw. I enjoyed how his skin felt while rubbing the inside of mine…
Sara focus! No matter how much I like Dimitri, I don’t think pregnancy is what we need right now. I shouldn’t have let him cum inside me, oh god. I shouldn’t have let this happen.
There is only one way to find out for sure. I have to get a pregnancy test immediately.
With shaking hands, I dial Marthas number. She picks up after two rings.
Hey Sara, whats up? Marthas bubbly voice greets me.
Hi Martha, I say, trying to sound casual. Sorry to call so early but I need a favor. Im not feeling well at all today, maybe a bug. Any chance you can take notes for me in our classes? I think I need to take the day off to rest up.
A stomach bug? Martha clucks sympathetically. Those are the worst! Of course Ill take notes for you, dont worry about a thing. Just focus on feeling better, okay?
Thanks, youre the best. I knew I could count on you. I try to inject some energy into my voice.
No need for thanks my darling. Martha says warmly. Get some rest, hydrate, and let me know if you need anything else!
Will do, thanks again. I really appreciate it.
We exchange goodbyes, and I end the call, leaning my head back against the wall with a heavy sigh. One hurdle down. Now for the scary part - finding answers.
I cant risk taking a test here on campus. Too many watching eyes and loose lips.
I take a deep breath, put on my baggiest sweatshirt and jeans, pulling my hair up under a baseball cap. I wear my sunglasses for good measure and slip out the door.
At the bus stop, I keep my head down, avoiding eye contact with the few other people waiting. The first bus heading off campus arrives, and I quickly hop on, sliding into an empty seat near the back. As we pull away, I feel my heart racing and palms sweating. Im taking a huge risk skipping class, but this cant wait.
After fifteen minutes, I’m in town. No one will recognize me here.
I hurry down the aisle onto an empty sidewalk when the bus stops. I spot a pharmacy down the block. Taking a deep breath, I walk quickly inside the store.
Its quiet, just an older man at the counter reading a newspaper. I avert my eyes and go straight to the womens health aisle, grabbing the first two pregnancy tests I see. Clutching them tightly, I approach the register and place them on the counter.
The man raises his eyebrows at me over his glasses but says nothing as he rings me up. I pay cash and rush to the dingy bathroom in the back. With shaking hands, I take both tests, then force myself to wait, pacing the small space.
After an agonizing few minutes, I take a deep breath and check them.
Two pink lines stare up at me from each test. Positive. Im pregnant.
The confirmation hits me like a freight train, and I grab the sink to steady myself. Tears spring to my eyes as a swirling storm of emotions floods me - shock, uncertainty, fear.
I wash my face and take a few minutes to collect myself before leaving the bathroom, the positive pregnancy tests stuffed deep in my bag.
My hands shake as I exit the pharmacy bathroom. I feel lightheaded with shock. What do I do now?
I stumble outside. The few people on the sidewalk pay me no mind as I head for the bus stop on autopilot, lost in anxious thought.
I have to get back to campus before anyone notices Im gone. But the idea of returning there, of facing my new reality, fills me with dread.
My paranoia grows as I wait for the bus I cant trust anyone. What if Lorenzo sent someone to follow me? What if he already knows? The murder victims on campus flash through my mind, and a chill runs down my spine. The rumors are the third victim was another guy from the frat house, Lev. Could Lorenzo be behind them? Hunting me and anyone that comes in contact with me down?
No, I cant think like that. And for all he knows I went into town to run an errand. But still, I shrink into the corner of the shelter, eyeing each passing person with suspicion.
When the bus finally pulls up, I scramble on board, choosing a seat in the back. As we bump along, I compulsively check over my shoulder, certain Im being watched. As the bus pulls away from a stop, a prickling on my neck makes me turn. A man stands under the shelter, face obscured by a hoodie. My breath catches. Could it be the person that has been threatening me?
I spin back around, heart hammering. Can he recognize me through my disguise? Impossible. Im just being paranoid again. Still, I sink down in my seat, pulling my hood lower.
As we near the campus, the bus empties until Im the only passenger left. I feel relieved. Almost safely home.
But a strong hand clamps down on my shoulder when I step off at the terminal. Before I can scream, a knife blade presses against my throat.
Dont make a sound, a low voice growls. Mikhail. Oh god.
He drags me into the shadows by the bathrooms. I struggle wildly, but he holds the knife tighter, nicking my skin.
I wouldnt do that if I were you. His breath is hot on my ear. Unless you want me to slit that pretty little throat.
I go still, heart hammering against my ribs.
Mikhail spins me to face him, eyes narrowed. I know its you. Are you doing the killing on your own or is it Daddy Dearest paying someone? He asks.
Killing? He thinks I...?
I dont know what youre talking about, I gasp.
He presses the knife harder, and blood trickles down my neck. Dont play dumb. Three bodies in two weeks? The three guys that were with us that night?
My mind reels. He thinks I killed Boris and the others? Is he the one who left those messages on my door? It must be him!
I force a sarcastic laugh. You really think Id ever tell my father anything? Let alone ask for his help? Dont be stupid.
Mikhails eyes blaze. You little– He cuts off, mouth twisting. Then he grabs my arm, yanking me toward the street. Were going on a field trip.
I struggle against him. Get off me!
He slams me into a parked car. Shut up and get in.
Soon, were speeding towards Dimitris frat house. Mikhail drags me inside and down the creaking steps to the dark basement, and my cries echo off the concrete walls.
He shoves me down onto a sagging, stained couch. I scramble back against the arm as he looms over me.
Please, I beg hoarsely. I dont know anything about those murders.
Mikhail sneers. Save it. I will get the truth out of you. He leans in close, twisting my hair around his fist. Maybe Ill have my own fun first. A dirty little tease like you would enjoy that, wouldnt you?
Revulsion sweeps through me. Go to hell, I spit.
His hand connects with my cheek in a burst of pain.
I slump back, head spinning. Blood drips from my swelling lip. Still, defiance rises in me.
You want the truth? My voice wavers with false bravado. I wish I had killed them. I wish I was the one who slit their throats. They deserved it for everything they did. Im glad theyre dead.
Mikhails face contorts in rage. He raises his fist again and hits me.
I crumple to the ground, my hands instinctively curling around my belly as if to shield the fragile life growing inside me. Pain explodes across my face again, and I taste blood in my mouth. I cry out, tears streaming down my face. Please save me. Please.