“Wait, I’ll have to check my diary. I think—I was supposed to have it last week. But sometimes this happens when I’m stressed. They come a week late sometimes. It’s no big deal.”
As the words are coming out of my mouth, a strange panic is beginning to settle in at the knowing look in her eyes. “Whatever you’re thinking, that’s not it. It’s not.”
I’m not an idiot. I know what she’s trying to imply.
No way. It’s just been three weeks. There is no way that?—
“Did you and Ethan use protection?”
“Mrs. Wilder!” My face feels hot enough to fry an egg—OhGod, there’s that nausea again. “I-I hardly think that’s something you should be?—”
“We are all women here, Natalie,” she laughs before lifting her head when the door opens. “And it seems we’ll be able to find out soon enough.”
Mrs. Brown has returned with a small paper bag, and when she empties the bag on the table, I see multiple pregnancy tests.
My blood runs cold, like ice water has replaced everything in my veins.
“You’re both wrong. It’s just been three weeks. Nothing happens in three weeks.”
The two women exchange a look, and Mrs. Brown stuffs the tests into my hands. “Go. We want to see each one.”
I stare at them before heading into the washroom.
They’re wrong.
They have to be.
Positive.
They are all positive, except for one.
“This can’t be possible,” I breathe, my hands shaking. “I-I can’t be pregnant. How can I be pregnant?”
I’m sitting outside now with Ethan’s mother. Caroline had some customers to deal with, so she went away after giving me a happy congratulations. She also gave a disappointed look towards Brody.
“You and Ethan are old enough to know better,” Helen says lightly, but she doesn’t look upset. “I know having a child is terrifying, but?—”
I look at her, tears swimming in my eyes. “You don’t understand, Mrs. Wilder. I don’t have a job. Nobody will hire me if I’m pregnant. I?—”
“Why do you need a job?”
“I need money to raise this child, don’t I?” I stare down at the sticks in the paper bag before me. “Children are expensive. And?—”
Helen’s voice is gentle as she takes my face in her hands. “Do you think Ethan will let you and his child become destitute? You’re overthinking everything. It’s very normal. I understand that this is a shock.”
“Ethan,” I echo his name in a dazed voice. “I’ll have to tell him. Oh God, I’ll have to tell him.”
“Well, I would certainly recommend it.” Helen comforts me. “It will be fine. And if he says anything upsetting, you will call me. Nothing will happen to you or the baby, Natalie. You are not alone. I’m right here with you.”
A ball of thick emotion gets stuck in my throat as I gaze at her. Her eyes are warm and affectionate and filled with happiness at this news.
“I wish my mother would react like this,” I whisper, tears spilling from my eyes, the words ripped from me. “I wish she would try to comfort me like this. I can’t even tell her.”
Helen wipes my tears, her fingers tracing gently over the healing scratch marks on my face. For a moment, her eyes harden with a fierce protectiveness that reminds me of a mother bear defending her cubs. Then her expression softens again, but I can tell she’s made some silent determination about my mother.
“I don’t claim to know the relationship you have with your mother, Natalie, but I am here for you, whatever you need. My son loves you, and I love you because you hold his heart in your hands. I will be here with you every step of the way. Do you understand? There is nothing to be afraid of. This little peanut growing inside of you is already very loved. His grandmother couldn’t be more excited for him.”
I press my lips together, trying not to cry, and she makes asound, pulling me into her arms. “It’s okay, my dear. It’s okay to cry. I’ve got you.”
