Chapter 8 I'm pregnant

Zara

I walk in a daze up to my apartment and slot in the key. Everything in the background is a blur. I drop my bag and keys on the kitchen island and slide down to the floor, my back resting on the wall. This all seems like a bad dream. Maybe if I sleep and wake up, it'll be gone.

I stare down at the tiny photo card in my hand. The Sonogram...

Dr. Meyers had handed it to me on my way out. I stare at the black and white image of what seems like a blob. So, this tiny human is currently growing in me.

I move my hand to my stomach and rub unconsciously . I don't have it in me to get rid of an innocent life but I am at a loss of what to do. Maybe the girls can help...

I push myself up and walk to the bag I discarded earlier on the island. I fish out my phone and dial Valerie and Emily. Valerie answers first in that chirpy tone of hers "what's good, mama?"

I immediately burst into tears. " Help me"

It is Emily that says " We're on our way"

***********

Less than an hour later, the girls arrive at my apartment. Once I let them in, they engulf me in a tight hug. Emily looks at me with concern " What's wrong, Zee? Did something happen?"

I burst into fresh tears, fully crying. Valerie leads me to the couch in my living room and walks to the kitchen to pour me a glass of water. She hands me the water and I accept it gratefully, taking a small sip.

" Are you ready to tell us now?' Valerie asks

I look at them for about a minute before whispering " I'm pregnant"

The girls are quiet for a while. Probably mulling over what I just told them.

" I wasn't feeling really good at work today. So, I went to the hospital, thinking I had a stomach bug or an ulcer, since I haven't been eating properly. Turns out I am pregnant. My period hasn't come in two months and I wasn't really worried because it skips sometimes. I'm so stupid "

Emily Chides me " You're not stupid baby. You're the smartest person among us and that is an understatement"

I offer her a grateful smile.

Valerie speaks up from my other side. " Are you going to keep it"

I chew on my lip in contemplation. " I want to but I can't raise a child alone. I don't know how he would feel about his news too"

"Who? The guy from the club?"

I nod

" You can't just conclude that he wouldn't want the child without letting him know. Call him first"

I smile a sheepish smile. " The thing is ...I don't have his number."

Emily replies, " It's okay. You at least got his name, right? The internet is a big place ,you can find anybody in a matter of seconds"

I scratch my head. " I don't know his name either"

"Zara Parkinson ! How could you sleep with a man whose name you don't know?", Emily exclaims

" Leave her alone Em. It was a one night stand. How was she to know this would happen?"

Emily collapses on the couch with a weary sigh.

Valerie pats my thigh. "We'll find him for you and even if we don't find him, you have Em and I"

Emily glances at me and nods. " I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier. I know you must be feeling so conflicted right now.

"I forgive you, Emily"

Valerie jumps up from her position by my side and claps " Alright, ladies. Enough with the gloom. We are having a baby. I'm going to be an aunt. I can't believe this!. There's a lot to be done; shopping, choosing baby names, decorating..."

I find myself smiling. The girls always know how to brighten my mood. The only problem is my parents. I relay my concern and I am waved off. Before I know it, I'm being dragged to the bedroom and into a warm bath while the girls fix me dinner.

After my shower , I change into a loose shirt and shorts. I had not noticed it before now but my boobs had increased a bit and they felt tender to the touch.

I make my way to the living room when I am stopped in my tracks by a picture of the screen.

That face...I would recognize it anywhere. I walk faster into the room, pointing frantically, "That's him! That's him!"

" you're right babe. Marcello Andres is HIM"

I look at Valerie in confusion. " I meant that's the guy I met at the club"

The girls just look at me with mouths agape. " The guy you met that night was THE Marcello Andres?" Valerie erupts

" I see it now. It was him!" Emily exclaims

" How did we not notice it that night. Oh my fucking god!"

While the girls are still beside themselves with shock, a moment of epiphany hits me. Marcello Andres...son of Hernandez Andres of Paradise Group? The new client I just got? It's official , I'm going to lose my job.

It was an unspoken rule at work to not get involved with the clients in a personal way outside of work but here I am, pregnant for the client before I even sign the contract.

I place a shaky hand on my forehead and drop on the couch

" I'm doomed".