Chapter 21
***Casey***
A baby. Ethan’s baby, growing inside me. I’m getting used to
the idea. I won’t need his shirt anymore because I’ll have an actual part of
him with me… forever. I wonder if his mother knew, would she still push me
away? It is her grandchild, after all. I lay my palm flat on my stomach
as I stare up at the moon. It’s not full yet, but I figured my situation
warrants a quiet, moon-watching night. Is it a boy or girl? What will I name
him or her? If it’s a boy, I’d love to name him Ethan. Ethan Jr.—everyone
would probably call him EJ. If it’s a girl, definitely Katherine, after my mom.
Girl or boy, I hope the baby has his eyes. I feel the little flutter in my
tummy and wonder if this is what it’s always been—the baby. The thing is, it
only seems to happen when Ethan is around.
A sound comes from the bushes, and I turn to see if Sheriff
has come to visit. When he emerges, I sit cross-legged, smiling at him as he
trots over. I reach out to pet him, and he excitedly licks my palm.
“Hey, boy.”
His ears perk up, and he looks around before circling me
carefully. He looks around once again then lies down tentatively, placing his
head in my lap.
“It’s just you and me, boy. And look.” I point to my face. “For
once, I’m not crying.”
Panting, he gazes up at me, his tongue hanging out of his
mouth.
“I mean, I could be, but I’m not. I have this situation… but
I’ve decided to look at it in a good light… a blessing.” He cocks his head to
the side as if waiting for me to continue. “You’re a good listener, you know
that?”
He whimpers as I run my fingers through his fur and lean
close. I wonder if he was someone’s pet before. He’s so tame and… smart.
“Wanna know a secret? You can’t tell anyone, okay?” His
ears perk up once more, and he wags his tail. “Got your attention, did I? Well,
I’m….”
He jerks his head toward the bushes, but when I look up, I
see nothing. Jumping to his feet, he whimpers, looking at me then back to the
bushes. Something’s happening, and I don’t know what, but it seems like he
needs to go.
“Go on. I’ll tell you another time.”
When he runs off into the trees, I pick up my blanket and
head inside. I can’t be sitting outside all night anymore. I do have a
baby to think about.