5. Abby
5
ABBY
C arrying a copy of the ultrasound pictures, I hike up the three flights of stairs to the apartment I used to share with my mom. It’s not much and long overdue for an update, but it’s homey and I have a lot of good memories of this place.
Today is one of her rare days off, and I’m excited to see her. Even though she hasn’t had to support me since I was eighteen, she still works two jobs so we don’t get to catch up much. She said she needs to work while she can because she won’t always be able to, and she doesn’t want to work until she’s dead. I’ve reminded her that if she doesn’t slow down, she’s going to work herself into an early grave. That’s when she always rolls her eyes at me and we laugh.
I texted her that I was on my way, so it’s no surprise she’s waiting for me with outstretched arms when I walk inside my former home. I hug her tight, inhaling the familiar scent of her amber floral perfume.
“I have something for you,” I announce as we pull apart. I raise the strip of black-and-white images into the air with a wide grin, and my mom gazes at me with glassy eyes.
“My baby’s having a baby.”
“It’s nothing like how I imagined it, but I’m happy.”
Mom grips me by my shoulders and stares at me. “The best-laid plans don’t always get you laid where you planned, kiddo.”
This is true, and she knows that better than anyone. My mom had big dreams when she and my dad got married at twenty-two. Then I came along, and two years later, some idiot kid texting on his phone while driving took the love of her life away. Leaving my mother widowed with a toddler when she was almost the age I am now.
She was heartbroken. I heard her crying at night more times than I can remember, but she always put on a brave face and did her best to make ends meet. She worked her ass off, which often meant me being alone a good portion of the time. We didn’t have much, but it was me and my mom against the world.
“This baby wasn’t planned, but they’ll be loved,” I declare, determined to give my little boy or girl the best life possible.
“Absolutely.” Mom pulls me in for a kiss on the cheek and another squeeze. “I just made some brownies. Want some?”
“Always.”
I follow her into the kitchen, and for the next hour, we sit at the table stuffing our faces with double-fudge brownies and tall glasses of chocolate milk. I give her an update on everything that’s happened since I saw her last month, and she’s amused to hear about Evan’s overprotective hovering.
“That boy has always been like that with you.” Mom laughs and shakes her head.
“I know he has. He’s the best.” Adoration fills my heart when I think about him. “I’m sure other women might be annoyed with someone calling and texting all the time, but I’m grateful for it since that cheating jerk isn’t around.” A sour expression crosses my face at the mention of Davis. He doesn’t deserve my mercy. He’s lucky I haven’t let Evan loose on him. I’m pretty sure my best friend would give that guy the beating of a lifetime, if I let him.
When I leave my mom’s place, I’m in a fantastic mood. It’s always good to visit with her. I just wish we could see each other more often. I know she feels awful that she can’t be there for all my appointments, but I’ve assured her that Evan has everything under control and that he’s been a wonderful partner.
I’m floating on air as I walk to my car when a sharp pain shoots through my stomach, causing me to double over. I gasp and my body tenses up, but I manage to get inside my vehicle. After a few moments, the pain subsides and I chalk it up to indigestion. I’m just now getting my appetite back after weeks of morning sickness, and I haven’t made the best food choices.
Chastising myself about my current eating habits, I turn onto the main road to head home. I don’t make it more than a few miles before the sharp pain returns, and I pull over onto the shoulder. I rest a hand on my stomach and force myself to take several deep breaths before fumbling around in my purse for my phone.
“Hey, Sunshine.”
Of course, Evan answers right away. He always does.
I try to control my breathing, but the pain is too strong. “E-Evan…” I huff with my forehead resting on the steering wheel.
“Abby? What’s wrong? Where are you?”
“I had to pull over. Something’s…” I exhale short breaths through my mouth. “Something’s wrong, Evan. It hurts.”
On the other end of the line, I hear a door opening and closing, followed by footsteps pounding on the pavement. “Talk to me, Sunshine. I’m on the way.”
“I don’t know. I keep having this pain in my stomach. I’m… I’m scared.”
“Tell me your location. I’ll pick you up.”
He must have run a few red lights because Evan gets to me in less than ten minutes. My mind goes through every worst-case scenario, and by the time he arrives, I’ve worked myself into a mild panic attack. I’m terrified that these are contractions, but it’s way too soon for that. I’m only twenty weeks.
If something happens to this baby, I’ll never survive it.
“It’s okay, Abby. Don’t panic. I called Dr. Cadigan on the way and she’ll meet us at the ER. You’re going to be fine. Everything’s fine.”
Evan’s tone is hushed and his words are soothing, but he’s white-knuckling the steering wheel as he speeds back across town. I know he’s just as worried as I am, but he’s doing everything he can to keep me calm. Evan is my rock. He makes me feel safe in spite of my biggest fear.
As soon as we pull into the circular drop-off in front of the emergency department, he runs around to my side of the truck and scoops me into his arms. I would’ve tried to walk, but I already know he’d never let me, not when I’m hurting like this and crying out in pain.
Evan takes control of everything, telling a nurse what’s going on and demanding that I’m seen right away. I’m barely aware of my surroundings as I’m seated in a wheelchair and pushed down a long hallway. It isn’t long after Evan lays me on the bed when a doctor comes in to examine me.
“It’s probably nothing, but we’re gonna do a few tests just to rule some things out, okay?” He seems nice enough, but I don’t know him and it makes me nervous.
“Her OB/GYN is Dr. Cadigan. I called her on the way and she said she’d meet us here.” Evan holds my hand while stroking my knuckles with his thumb.
God, what would I do without this man?
“I know Dr. Cadigan. She’s a great doctor and I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
Evan never leaves my side as a pelvic exam is performed along with an ultrasound. They have me hooked up to so many monitors, and the sight of it all is somewhat overwhelming. We’re waiting for the test results when my regular doctor arrives, much to my relief.
“I see we’ve had a little excitement today, huh, kids?” Dr. Cadigan smiles at us, then shakes Evan’s hand.
“Is she gonna be okay?” He brushes the hair off my forehead, and for the first time, I hear the concern in his voice.
“I’ve already spoken with the attending physician,” Dr. Cadigan assures us. “Looks like a case of Braxton Hicks. It’s not common, but it happens to some moms this early in the pregnancy and they’re nothing to worry about.”
I blow out a heavy sigh of relief. “So I’m fine? The baby’s fine?”
“Mommy and baby are good. We’ll keep you guys a little while longer for monitoring. Then you’re free to go.”
Evan’s shoulders finally relax. They were almost to his ears. And when I meet his eyes, I see this experience has rattled him too.
Dr. Cadigan turns to Evan with a stern expression. “While not serious, these false contractions are a sign that her body is getting ready for labor. And we do not want that for several more weeks. So, I need you to make sure our patient is taking good care of herself. Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and nothing too strenuous.”
Evan nods in agreement. “Absolutely, doctor. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Okay, kids. I’ll see you next week for a follow-up in my office. Take care.” She pats my blanket-covered foot before leaving the exam room.
“I’m sorry, Evan. I called you away from work in the middle of the day.” Maybe I overreacted, but I’m grateful he came to my rescue.
“Don’t ever be sorry, Sunshine.” He leans down to kiss the top of my head. “I’ll always be here when you need me. In fact, I have an idea.”
I see the wheels spinning in his head and I’m curious as to what he’s about to suggest.
“You’re moving in with me.”
Is he crazy? “What? You can’t be serious.”
“I’m dead serious. I don’t want you to be alone.”
I tilt my head and smile at him. “I’m not alone. I have you. At your place, while I’m at mine.”
“What if something happens again? What if you pass out and no one’s there? What if you’re hurt and can’t get to your phone in time?”
I admit he paints an alarming picture. “You don’t want to live with a pregnant woman, Evan. I’ll just be in your way.”
“You’re never in my way, Abby.” He stares at me with pleading eyes, and part of me wants to cry.
Stupid baby hormones .
“Maybe I’ll just stay with my mom for a while. I could fix up my old room and?—”
He shakes his head. “No. I don’t like that either. She works two jobs, and you know she’s not around enough to keep an eye on you. I work from home most of the time now, so I can be there whenever you need me.”
I chew the corner of my bottom lip. I don’t want to impose, but I still have half of this pregnancy to get through. And he’s right. What if something like this happens again? Or worse?
“Are you sure?” I worry I’m taking advantage of my best friend or that he’s only doing this because he feels bad for me and he’ll regret it later.
“Yes, I’m sure,” he huffs. “You’re moving in, and that’s that.” He crosses his muscular arms over his chest with finality.
“Temporarily,” I amend, wanting to make sure he knows that I’m not planning to take over his entire life. At least not forever.
“Sure, temporarily,” he repeats, and the way he says it has me looking at him from the corner of my eye. “You’ll move in tonight.”
Pretty sure this has disaster written all over it.