Chapter 17 #3
“You have to stop by when you have the time and show me. I’m so happy for you, Lyric. You deserve this. Plus, we will have babies in the same year. What a coincidence?”
“Right. There’s also the thing about telling Luca and Laike. I’m ready, now.”
“I knew you would be soon. These things aren’t easy, Lyric. I get why you waited. I would’ve done the same. But once they know, just think of how much freedom you’ll have and how much better you’ll feel. Just try not to stress it. That’s not good for you or the baby.”
“It’s hard not to. And not to mention that Keanu and I are still on ice,” I reminded her.
“I know. I think that once you guys talk it out, everything will be fine. You guys aren’t beyond repair. Just got some hurt feelings and bruised egos. That’s all. Let this be your first lesson. There will be more of them,” Ever expressed.
“I know,” I sighed, “I just pulled up to Maple Berries. I’m about to go in and have a bite to eat. Call me tomorrow? Or I’ll call you, maybe?”
“Sounds good to me. I love you, honey.”
“I love you back. Kiss Lucas for me. Tell him I’m coming to see him when you give me the green light, again.”
“You never had any other color,” she chuckled, “but, okay.”
“Later.” I ended the call, stopped at the valet booth, and slid out of my truck.
The same pain I’d felt in my back when stretching, I felt as my feet touched the pavement. I made a mental note to add random aches to the list of questions I’d began in my notes to ask Ever about pregnancy the next time I saw her.
“Good evening. Are the keys inside?” the attendant, who’d opened my door, asked.
“Yes. They’re inside.”
“Great. Simply text us when you’re ready for your vehicle. The number is on the slip that I just gave you. Have a great day,” he finished as I accepted the slip that I was handed.
I knew the process and the number was saved in my phone.
I’d been serviced at Maple Berries Brunch House enough to have it down pact.
When I stepped inside, the smell of delicious food hit me hard.
I rejoiced inside when I didn’t feel the urge to puke my guts up.
I made it to an empty table and had a seat.
Before I was situated, a waitress greeted me with water from a glass pitcher and a smile.
“Welcome. Can I get you started with anything to drink?”
Your best mimosa, please, I wanted to say. But, I settled for, “Orange juice will be fine. I also know what I’d like to order.”
“Alright. What can I get for you?” She pulled out a pen and pad.
Her big, curly hair was stunning and so was her lean figure. The chocolate skin that set it all off was agonizingly beautiful and made me wonder what the hell her face routine was.
“I’ll have a chicken and cheese omelet, hold the bell peppers. I want some, but just a few. And a side of hashbrown and grits.”
I wasn’t sure where my appetite had come from but I wanted a little of everything.
“Add a side of fresh fruit and two slices of turkey bacon.”
“Got cha,” she replied, still scribbling in her notebook. “I’ll be right back with that orange juice.”
In the pit of my stomach, a deep, lingering pain appeared.
Closing my eyes, I held the bottom of my stomach where it had surfaced and waited patiently for it to subside.
I didn’t realize how long it had lasted or how intense it actually was until I noticed my bouncing leg and clenched fists once it subsided.
“Are you okay?” I opened my eyes to find my waitress standing beside me with my orange juice in her hand.
“Yes,” I told her, conjuring a smile that I didn’t even have to offer.
“Okay. Here’s your orange juice. Your food should be out shortly.”
“Thanks.”
I loosened the grip on my stomach and relaxed my body, happy that whatever pregnancy pain I was having had subsided. Nevertheless, I unlocked my phone and opened the text thread for Keanu and me.
Pregnancy isn’t for the weak. Paralyzing lower abdomen pains are going to take me out, I sent him.
“Lyric?” a familiar voice called out.
I snapped my neck in its direction after looking up from my phone. It wasn’t exactly anyone I wanted to or expected to see, but I still mustered a smile. I assumed that smile was inviting enough for them to slide into the booth that I was occupying – but on the opposite side.
“Collin, how have you been?” I asked as if I cared.
I didn’t. I’d successfully offboarded him as a client and referred him to an amazing accountant. I was doing the same for all of my clients. Once March ended, the only people on my roster would have the same last name as me.
“Decent, I guess. Did you get a number change? I’ve been hitting you up from time to time.”
“No,” I admitted, “I didn’t get a number change. After I explained that I didn’t want to be in a relationship and why, I assumed you wouldn’t attempt to contact me outside of business. So, when I see your number on my phone, I’m always conflicted. I’m in a relaaaaaaaaaa. Oh my God.”
With my hand pressed against my stomach, I hunched forward and closed my eyes once again.
The pain that I’d felt a minute or two ago was nothing in comparison to what I was feeling this time.
My ears rang loudly as everything around me disappeared.
Suddenly, I nauseousness flooded me. I wasn’t sure if I needed to puke or find medicine to halt the throbbing of my head.
All the energy I’d had seconds ago was depleted as I felt my body weaken.
Small beads of sweats lined my forehead.
I could feel the moisture as it seeped from my pores.
I swallowed the lump in my throat as I opened my eyes and stared at the water on the table.
I wanted it, desperately, but didn’t have the strength to grab it.
Neither could I form the words to ask Collin for it.
With every ounce of strength I could muster, I unlocked my phone using face recognition and clicked Keanu’s contact.
I’d never experienced pregnancy, but I knew that whatever I was experiencing wasn’t normal.
In fact, it was the scariest thing I’d ever experienced.
Unable to put the phone to my ear, I activated the speaker.
By the time his voicemail came on after ringing out, the pain was subsiding.
“Lyric? Lyric!” Collin called out to me.
“Huh?”
“What’s the matter? Are you okay?”
Fear sat in as I retried Keanu’s number.
“No. I need to reach my boyfriend,” I cried as fresh tears fell down my face.
Again, his voicemail followed a series of rings.
Frustrated and fearful, anxiety crept in.
The urge to go to the bathroom caused me to raise from my seat.
The thought of destroying the area around me and other’s dining experience pushed me to my feet.
But, as soon as I stood, I regretted my attempt immediately.
The restaurant began to spin and the realization that I couldn’t manage my body weight hit me simultaneously.
“Lyric,” Collin called out, “you’re bleeding.”
Instinctively, my hand grabbed the back of my dress, throwing my balance off completely. Darkness followed. Silence was right behind it.