CHAPTER 11
Kaya
Every muscle in my body is achy reminding me of last night’s escapades.
This morning’s bathroom trip is not nearly as enjoyable as Maverick taking me against the sink.
I throw up and then quickly rinse off in the shower.
I did shower last night after I got home, but puking makes me feel sweaty and disgusting so a another was definitely needed.
I really hope this morning is one and done. Some mornings I puke multiple times, while others I’m only nauseous for an hour or two. I’ve read morning sickness can last all day for some women, so in that respect, I’ve been lucky.
Thankfully, I’m able to find an outfit since my laundry never got done last night.
I dress quickly in a pair of tan slacks and a loosely fitted white button-down shirt.
It’s comfortable, yet professional. I complete the outfit with a simple pair of brown flats.
I grab a travel size mouthwash and throw it in my bag, just in case.
I’m sure smelling like vomit would be a huge turnoff for the partners that are meeting me at the office.
I grab my purse and messenger bag and head to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I’m surprised to see Gretchen sitting at the table.
“What are you still doing here?” I ask as I pull my travel mug from the sink.
“I have a doctor’s appointment this morning.”
I busy myself rinsing my cup and filling it with the liquid gold that will keep me going today. “For what? You’re not sick.”
Gretchen smiles. “No, but most people make these yearly appointments to make sure they stay healthy. Maybe you should try it.”
I roll my eyes. “I went like two years ago.”
“Probably more like four,” she says as she scoops a spoonful of cereal into her mouth.
“Whatever. I’ll make an appointment soon.” I likely will, but not for the reason she is thinking.
“You were in bed when I got home.”
I shrug. “I was tired. What time did you get in?”
“Around ten. Saw Maverick when he came from the Petal.”
My cheeks instantly flush as I remember last night.
When he drove me home, we spent a few minutes together in the parking lot and for once, I didn’t push him away.
I allowed him to hold me for a few minutes before we walked upstairs.
The moment was quiet. After I told him I would see him today he was more willing than normal to leave.
He left me with a sweet kiss before going on his way.
I’m not sure what any of this means, but I don’t think I’m strong enough to keep pretending as if there’s nothing going on.
There is. I know it and so does he. The issue is, beyond him acting all caveman, we’ve made no promises, or even talked about much of anything at all.
I mean God, I didn’t even know he had a sister until Jessica showed up.
Gretchen beams at me. “So, you guys hooked up again? Where? At the bar?”
“Maybe.” I drawl.
“Damn girl! I need details. That mark on your neck is telling me it must have been pretty hot.”
“No can do. I have to run.” And run I do. I grab all my stuff and head out leaving Gretchen with nothing but a wave.
The job went by smoothly without any hiccups.
By one o’clock, I’m parking outside the pharmacy.
I figure at this time of day I should be clear of running into anyone.
Sophia and Gretchen should both be at work.
I didn’t ask Gretchen but, knowing her, she likely went to her appointment and then straight to work.
It’s how she is. She would never take a full day off unless she really needed to.
I glance around at all the cars and none seem familiar.
I put on my sunglasses like Clark Kent trying to hide the fact that he’s Superman, only it’s just me trying not to be noticed buying a pregnancy test, because I will absolutely die if I see anyone I know. Explaining this entire situation is not something I care to do right now.
I make my way inside and rush past the candy displays, greeting cards, and hair products to the healthcare aisle.
I scan it quickly, walking past cold remedies, tampons, and condoms, before finding them.
I freeze. I stare. I read the fronts of the boxes.
Digital? Plus sign or words? Do I buy one or twelve?
What if the first one is wrong? Is there a such thing as a false positive? What about a false negative? Holy shit.
I pick one up and read it. Simple enough.
Pee on the stick and wait three minutes.
Read results. I can do that. I put the box back down.
Is one test better than another? Maybe I should Google.
As I go to pull my phone from my pocket, I can feel eyes on me.
My spine stiffens and I turn slowly to find Arianna fucking Gannon watching me.
I paste on a smile. “Hey. Shouldn’t you be at school?” I ask with red cheeks. I have never felt embarrassment so many times in a twenty-four-hour period.
She grins, a wide shit eating grin. No. No. No. She walks toward me and picks up a test with no name brand. She hands it to me. “No need to waste money on one of the other ones. These are just as good.”
I take the test with my jaw hanging open. Words. I need words. “Uh. Thanks?”
She chuckles. “I never had to take one, but I have friends who have. This is the one they use. One ended up being pregnant and this test gave her the result when she was only two days late.”
“Ok.” I say in a whisper. “Please don’t—”
She waves me away. “I won’t say a word. It’s not my place.”
I reach down and grab a second test. I’m not screwing around.
I meet her eyes and smile. She looks so much like Lexi.
They are both beautiful with blonde hair, hazel eyes, long legs, and curvy bodies.
Arianna stands next to me wearing jeans and a grey crop top sweater.
She’s probably about a foot taller than me.
There’s no doubt what Riley says is true about the guys in school falling at her feet.
I study the boxes in my hand, before reaching down and grabbing a third one. Ari chuckles. “Want to be sure?”
I nod. “I’m afraid I’ll screw it up or drop one in the toilet.”
“Use a cup. When my friend Hailey had to take one, she peed in a cup and just dipped the stick.”
“Hm. Good idea.”
“You’ve never had to take one before?”
I shake my head. “My birth control has never decided to stop working before.”
“Oh shit. Sorry.” She gives me a sympathetic smile.
“What can you do?” I clutch the tests, wanting to escape this awkward as hell conversation. “Alright, well I guess I’ll see you later. I’ll be at the clubhouse in a few hours. And please,” I gesture a locking motion to my lips.
“Don’t worry. I won’t even tell my mom or Hannah.”
“Thank you.”
I turn from her and rush to the register before I chance running into anyone else I know. With my bag in hand, I put my sunglasses back in place and jog to my car. This is ridiculous. It’s not like anyone can see through the damn bag, yet I’m hiding like someone around might have x-ray vision.
Now that I have them, the urge to take them right away hits me.
I’ve already waited two weeks so I’m not sure why waiting another day would hurt.
But knowing the answer is on my passenger seat right now is making my heart thrum.
I need to know. I did read that the first morning urine is the best bet for the most accurate test, but I have a feeling that’s more for people that are sitting around waiting to be one day late to test. Not someone like me who has been ignoring the situation for weeks.
I drive home and with my bag in tow, race up the nauseatingly strong, floral scented stairway.
I drop my purse on the couch and continue to the bathroom.
It’s wild to think about last night’s bathroom visit compared to this one.
That one changed my life in one way while this one will likely change it in another.
Last night, I finally came to the realization that I can’t keep pushing the burly caveman away.
Who knows, after he finds out about this situation, he may be the one pushing me away.
It’s not like we’ve ever had a conversation beyond him claiming me and even that I’ve continuously denied, until now.
I take out the first box and remove a foil packet and a folded-up sheet of directions. I skim over them. They say the same thing the rest said. Pee, wait, read results. Okay, easy peasy. I grab a paper cup from the kitchen and return to do my business.
Besides a few dribbles on my hand which is gross, the cup holds enough for me to dip the stick.
I do. I then lay it on the foil packaging and prepare to wait for the longest three minutes of my life.
Only it doesn’t take three minutes. Shit.
It doesn’t even take one. That second line was lit up before my pee even filled the entire control window.
Two lines. Two. Just like I knew there would be.
But confirmation is a totally different animal.
The fetus is no longer potential. It’s real. And the reason, I was holding off in the first place is now upon me. What the fuck do I do now?