Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
“You know I just want to protect you and our baby, right?” She looks up at me, her tiny angelic face sated and smiling like I am her everything.
“I know babe and I love you for that. But you can’t control everything you know.” I do know that. That is what scares me the most.
Chapter Seven
Ripley
Four Weeks Later
Four Months Pregnant
“Hey you. Long time no see.” My best friend, Heather, says taking a seat next to me on the bench outside.
“I know. I’m sorry. I have been a bad friend.”
“It's okay. I get it. I was upset you didn’t call me and tell me you were engaged. I had to find out when everyone else did, but I get it.” I so suck.
“It happened so fast and to be honest I tried to not wear it to school but Cobi had a fit and made me.” I can’t help smiling when I say his name.
“I’m happy for you, Ripley. I just miss hanging out, you know.” I do know. We used to do everything together, but then Cobi happened, and it was all consuming and you know what, I welcomed it with no regard to the people in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I check on my mom, but she hasn’t been there lately. As far as I can tell the lights are still on so someone is paying the bills. She hasn’t looked for me though. “Do you want to make it up to me?” she asks, with her mischievous laugh.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Nothing serious. Let’s get dressed up and go to your man’s game. I have been to everyone and never see you there.” all sorts of alarm bells are ringing in my head right now. I should say no and leave it at that, but I do owe her, and I mean he has to let me go out sometimes. Right?
“I know. Cobi doesn’t like me in crowds, but sure why not?”’ She claps her hands and hugs me.
“This is going to be so much fun. Should I pick you up at say, six?”
“That sounds perfect.” Everyone will already be at the game, and I can slip in without them noticing.
On game days Cobi has to stay after school so I normally Uber to his house. When I walk in the house is empty. Not hungry or thirsty, I walk upstairs and start trying to plot what the heck I am going to wear tonight. Cobi and I both noticed a few days ago that I have a small little pouch. It is not really noticeable to everyone else, but to us, it is visible and proof of the life inside of me.
I look through and see the beige sweater dress I haven’t worn since I got it at the discount store. With the way it fits, I won’t be able to wear it for long without everything being seen. That would make Cobi happy. He is dying to tell people and now that I am in my second trimester I don’t think I can hold him off any longer.
I see my brown heeled Ugg boots and feel a little giddy at the thought of looking a little sexy for him. By the time I have picked out some cute earrings and a necklace, I start yawning and decide to nap. That is the best part about being pregnant. I have an excuse to sleep all the time.
“Perfect.'' I say to myself looking in the mirror. I turn to the side and see the small evidence and it makes me nervous for a moment but then I remember I am going to have on a coat. I put on a little eyeliner and some blush. I don’t like lipstick, so I add some liquid glass. Once my hair is up and curled around my face, I grab my fall jacket and walk out of the room. Right as I come down the stairs I hear her car horn. Making sure to set the alarm, I lock the door and walk to her car.
“Wow. Rip, you look amazing,” she says when I get into her car. I definitely feel amazing, aside from the puking in the morning.
“Thanks. So do you. Are you ready to have fun?” I pull my seatbelt and note how snug the fit is. I try not to let it show on my face since Heather still doesn’t know, but damn is it hugging my almost belly. She smiles at me while I buckle, and I immediately feel like a shitty friend for keeping something else from her. Cobi is like a puppy with a new toy, eager to spill the beans. But considering I am in my second trimester now; I can’t hold him off for long.
“Alright, let’s go.” She puts the car in drive and cranks up the radio. Miley Cyrus’s Party in the USA comes on and it is like old times. I missed this with her. Singing in the car at the top of our lungs, without a care in the world. “So,” she begins, turning down the radio. “Do you guys have a date in mind or is this like we are engaged for ten years sort of thing?” I look at her quizzically, not sure what she is talking about in terms of the ten-year remark, but I overlook it and answer her question.