A gift from las vegas

Samantha

"Sam, are you there?" Charlie knocked on the bathroom door of the apartment we shared.

My only wish was to pretend it didn't exist until it became real. I sank a little deeper into the empty tub, seeking some protection from reality.

"Sam, you know if we're late we're going to have to put up with Elle picking on us!" his tapping became insistent "come on, it's only two apresentacions today."

"The door is open," I mumbled, opening the third chocolate bar that would probably turn me into a pig.

Well, I would have the size of one sooner or later anyway.

Charlie opened the door, wide-eyed to find me lying in the empty bathtub, surrounded by boxes of assorted treats that my payment for last night's show had managed to buy.

"What the hell is that?"

She cautiously approached the tub as I nibbled listlessly on the chocolate bar. My friend bent down, picking up the reason for my despair in the last few hours from the floor.

Four pregnancy tests, all positive.

"My life is over." I sniffled.

"Sam, I... Is this serious?" she stammered, sounding goofy.

I nodded without bothering to look at her.

"But..."

"I did the blood test, the result comes out today, but I couldn't wait" I explained, settling in the little space I had.

"Who is the father? It's been a while since you broke up with Jack."

I sighed at the thought of my ex boyfriend. It would be much easier if it was him, I knew him, we had a relationship that lasted over a year. But no, I had to make things a little difficult.

"It's not Jack's. You do not know him.

She looked confused by the answer. I've always made a point of introducing all of my romantic involvements to Charlie, with the exception of Theon.

She knew that I had hooked up with someone a few weeks ago and that it was a passing thing since he was just in town on vacation. The only one who really knew him was Elle. It was amazing to enjoy his company,

I just didn't expect that such a silly oversight as the one we had would result in something like this.

"Sam, who are we talking about?" - She sat down next to me, picking up a packet of jelly beans that was on top of my stomach.

"That guy I met at the bar the day we went out together," I explained.

"I think I understand why so many sweets.

"If it were up to me, I'd be surrounded by tequila, but apparently I can't drink any more.

We sat there for a few seconds in silence, just absorbing the news, but, all too soon, Charlie broke it.

"I know you're freaking out, but we realy need to go."

Despite feeling reluctant, I forced myself to shower and get dressed for work. I needed to work, at least while I can still dance without having a huge baby bump getting in the way.

Charlie and I took a taxi to the hotel where our first performance was to be held. Afterwards we would go to an Arab restaurant, where apparently they didn't care about the ethnicity of their dancers as long as they knew how to belly dance and dressed in appropriate attire.

I was in the dressing room separating the clothes I would wear in the presentation when Charlie came in, sitting on a sofa already dressed for the presentation, taking advantage of the fact that we had been the first to arrive.

"How long have you been expecting?" she asked.

"I don't know," I sighed, sitting down next to her, "It's been a few weeks since Theon left, so it can't be more than that. But I think I need to go see a doctor or something. I knew one thing was wrong. , but I didn't want to accept it."

"I noticed you were acting weird, but I thought you had the flu from Milly." She watched me.

"I don't get sick," I sniffled, "but I also considered the flu, even though my period is a few days late.

"Denial?

"Could be," I admitted. "I felt cramps, so I thought it was just that, a delay.

"But it was not.

I shook my head, laying down on her lap. I felt lonely, it was ironic to say the least, since technically, I would always be accompanied from now on.

"What do you intend to do?" she asked.

"Well, I'm going to try to dance all night without throwing up on anyone, and then eat the rest of my candy."

"Sam..." she sighed.

"And maybe call Theon and say, 'Hi, remember me? So... I hope you like kids, because we're having one.'" I cringed into his lap. "I'll be lucky if he doesn't disappear."

"He's not going to disappear" she assured me, touching my hair 'and if he does, we'll find a way, you can always ask your father to hunt him down and make him pay alimony."

"If I ask my father to hunt you, he'll take it seriously, you know hunting is his favorite pastime. Last thing I'm getting is alimony," I joked, feeling a new terror rise in me.

How would I tell my parents this? I would have to tell them at some point!

"Sam, are you crying!?" Why?" Charlie's eyes widened when I got up from his lap, trying to wipe away the stubborn tears that insisted on appearing.

"I don't know, can I blame the hormones?" I forced a smile, trying to change the subject when I heard voices approaching the door "please don't tell."

I didn't want to talk anymore about how terrified I was about the situation. I just wanted to try to maintain a normal routine. She wrapped me in an awkward hug trying to comfort me, but that seemed impossible to me at the moment.

A baby!

"Come on, you need makeup," Charlie declared, leading me over to the mirror, "let's make you pretty."

She worked on me as the girls buzzed around me, unaware of the chaos engulfing my mind.

The first part of the night passed without incident. The routines were simple and the main attraction was a cover of Elvis that was performing. Due to the tight schedule, I didn't have time to check the result of the blood test, although I already knew what it would be. When we arrived at the restaurant, there was no suitable place to prepare for the presentation, so we took turns in the manager's room.

I was the last one to get ready, sitting on the chair, picking up my cell phone to confirm the test result.

That's it... I'm having a baby, the son of a guy I don't even know well!

What do I know about him? He's Greek, he lives in Colorado, and his cousin is getting married. In fact, he must have been married already. It's been a month since Theon left.

"That damn goodbye party," I cursed, throwing the phone on the table and burying my face in both hands.

A knock on the door had me looking up in time to see Elle walk in with a worried look on her face.

"Sorry I'm late Elle, I'll be right...

"Sam, are you okay?" She approached.

I was fine? I just realized that I got myself into the biggest mess of my life.

"Sure," I lied, forcing a smile, "any problem?"

"The owner of the restaurant saw you earlier and well, he has some special plans for you" she commented evaluating me "you don't have to accept it."

"What plans?" I frowned.

"What is your experience with snakes?" She grimaced.

I blinked in a daze at that sentence.

Snakes? Why would I have experience with snakes?

"What kind of snake are you talking about?"

"That it's disgusting and crawls around.

That information made my stomach churn, forcing me to run to the bathroom. Elle followed close behind, holding my hair in an attempt to comfort me.

"I'm sorry, you don't have to go near any snakes," she assured when she heard a small uncontainable hiccup from me.

"That's not the problem," I assured, wiping the tears that had escaped.

Will I be able to stop crying at some point?

"So you're going to dance with the snake around your neck?" She frowned.

"No way!" I raised my voice, getting up and going to the sink.

"Sam, you've been weird since we met," she sighed, stopping beside me and eyeing me suspiciously.

I looked away, not sure what to say next.

"Sam..."

"I'm pregnant," I blurted out at once.

"How is it?" she returned almost immediately, gaping at me.

An uncomfortable silence fell between the two of us, I didn't want this story to spread so quickly, but I don't think it would be so easy to hide.

"Who's the father?" she approached gently.

"Theon" I looked away, not having the courage to meet her eyes" you know, the Greek guy.

"What the fuck, Sam!" she cursed.

It seems she also thinks I've made an already bad situation worse.

"What do I do?" I begged for a magical solution.

"What? I don't know, Sam. Will you carry the pregnancy forward?" she got straight to the point.

"Yeah, I couldn't do otherwise," I sniffled.

Despite the dread that the situation created in me, I never thought about aborting that baby.

"Then you need to tell him. Do you have any contacts?

"I have his number, but what am I going to say? I can't call someone out of the blue and tell them we're going to have a baby!

"And you have another option, Samantha?" She rolled her eyes.

"No but..."

"Look, you better take the rest of the night off. I think May will go along with the snake idea, and it won't be good if you throw up on some customer" she sighed "then we can see together what you need.

"Will I still be able to dance?" I wiped my eyes.

"I don't know, I've never been in that situation" she admitted "I think until you see a doctor it's better to take a break from work."

"It's so much details."

"I know, but you're going to have to deal with everything" she cut me off " go home and try to get some sleep, we can talk later."

I thought about what she said and it made sense. I could fall, throw up, pass out, anything. Other than that soon I would be too unattractive to wear whatever clothes they gave me, but what could I do? A baby needs money!

And there was still Theon's issue, I needed to warn him. But how?

I'm so screwed!

Samantha

"Are you anxious?" Elle asked as she sat next to me in the clinic's waiting room.

"Of course she's anxious, I don't know how she managed to wait a week for this appointment." Charlie rolled her eyes. "I would have already knocked on every available doctor in Vegas until I found one."

I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. I was nervous about what awaited me behind the closed door, but I didn't want to show it. I could handle a little anxiety.

"Actually, I've spent the last week getting used to the idea" I shrugged "I guess I needed that time.

"And how is it going?" "Elle was interested.

I shifted uncomfortably in the chair, thinking about my answer.

"Well, I have to adapt. At first I was lost and not knowing what to do" I admitted it "but now, I know I have to keep going, I just don't know how to tell Theon."

"Haven't you called him yet?" Charlie watched me.

"I thought it best to wait for the appointment." I shrugged.

"Miss Hurst, the Doctor is ready for you," the receptionist warned me.

The three of us got up and entered the office, to the doctor's surprise, she greeted us without knowing exactly how to react.

"Miss Hurst?" She looked back and forth between the three of us.

"It's me" I held out my hand "I know this must be unusual, but we're in a special situation, and..."

An expression of understanding crossed her face, and she assumed the most natural tone possible, reaching out to my friends, smiling in a warm manner.

"Oh, I understand. Are you mates of miss Hurst? I'm Doctor Miller."

My eyes widened at his conclusion, making Elle laugh.

"Ohh no, it's not that kind of special situation," she assured, "we're not romantically involved.

"No, no," I completed, "they're my friends, they're here to support me, this is all new to me and the baby's father left a few weeks ago."

"Ahh yes" his smile turned sympathetic "please have a seat. Miss Hurst, I understand that this can be a delicate and frightening time, but I assure you that you will be able to handle it and I am here to answer any questions you may have."

"Thank you." I return her smile without much enthusiasm.

As much as she claims she understands me, I doubt she knows what's going on inside me right now. On the emotional part, I mean, I suppose she must know about the other parts.

I handed my blood tests to the doctor and waited while she carefully evaluated everything.

"Well, I'm going to examine you, order some more tests and we can talk later, all right?" She smiled encouragingly.

I tried to remain natural while being examined, despite hating every second of those exams, the doctor herself tried to ease the discomfort in every way.

"So, are you having a lot of morning sickness, Sam?" she asked with a smile.

"She gets sick at night, is that normal?" Charlie answered for me, while the doctor prepared the ultrasound machine.

She laughed as she got me into the proper position to take the exam.

What does that mean? Is it normal or not?

"Nausea is the result of increased hormones, the vast majority of women feel them in the morning, but there is no problem in feeling at night" she assured "are you ready to meet the baby?"

"Please!" Elle smiled, placing herself next to me, both of them looking anxiously at the device while I wasn't sure what to expect.

A few spots appeared on the screen, until everything came into focus and a small figure appeared in the middle of an empty space. The small being moved frantically, fascinating me.

Yes, that was the word. I didn't feel emotional or anything like that, I was fascinated by him, I couldn't look away for even a second.

"This one is the fetus. Look how he moves. It measures one and a half centimeters."

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, a muffled sound filled the room, making me look scared at the doctor.

"What is it?"

"It's his heart," she explained, smiling.

The girls beside me cheered as I blinked dazedly back to staring at the screen.

"But he doesn't even have two centimeters, how can he have a heart!?" I make the doctor laugh.

"The heart is the first thing that develops," she explained.

"Sam, this is amazing." Charlie took my hand.

Elle was saying something, also supporting me, but in the end, I could only concentrate on the image. It was terrifying and incredible. I couldn't believe what was happening, but in a way, it felt good.

And I knew that we would be fine.

Theon

I walked out of my sister's restaurant watching the sun sinking behind the snowy peaks that surrounded Aspen. My family and I settled in the city twelve years ago when we came from Greece at the invitation of my father's aunt, Nia Evangelous, who owned a Hotel and ski resort on the outskirts of Aspen. Since then, my parents had been opening a network of shops there.

I managed the snow sports stores, while Callie managed the restaurant with my mom. Lara had returned from Portland a few months ago when she graduated from college, and to our surprise, she had a daughter in her arms.

This was a big shock for everyone, especially as we didn't know anything about the child's father. Anyway, we did our best to support her in raising that little girl, we would never leave her alone. I can't even imagine what I would do if I were in the same situation as her.

And Evangeline, who was about to graduate, came back regularly to visit, often bringing a few friends along to enjoy all that Aspen had to offer tourists.

I tightened the overcoat I was wearing a little. We were in the second week of September and the temperature started to drop, especially in the late afternoon, when the wind lowered the thermal sensation even more. I loved the life there, and a few weeks ago it got even better.

"Honey, wait for me" Harper called me, then leaving the restaurant, holding my arm, making me smile.

"You were so excited talking to my sister that I thought you'd rather stay," I explained, putting my arm around her.

Harper and I had started a relationship after my cousin Gregor's wedding in mid-August. The two of us were old friends and I always knew her feelings for me, but I was a little reluctant to start something that could spoil the friendship we've cultivated all these years. However, I was wrong, we had been together for almost a month and I couldn't be happier.

It's to be expected that the beginning is like that, at least.

"I was making plans with her for the weekend. We're thinking of going down to Denver to do some shopping." She smiled, snuggling up to me.

"Are you going tomorrow or Sunday?" I questioned, leading her down the street, heading in the direction of my house.

"Tomorrow, and we're leaving very early" she broke away from me when she reached the corner that would lead to her apartment "so I'll sleep in my bed tonight, honey."

I frowned at that response, I had some plans for the evening and my sister had screwed up, but I had already been warned not to interfere with their friendship so I decided not to protest.

Harper was my older sister's first friend when we arrived in town. The two were the same age and soon identified each other. The fact that my sister was dating Harper's cousin, Adam Goodwill, brought them even closer together.

When I told Callie about Harper and me, the first thing she did was warn me that if I hurt her friend, she would make me sterile. Not that she needed to worry about that, I would never think of disrespecting or cheating on my girlfriend for growing up with so many women. In truth, I wasn't one to do crazy things, my brief fling with Samantha in Las Vegas had been my biggest and only exception.

"Come on, I'll walk you home" I pulled her back into my arms waving to old Mrs. Peterson who was leaving the grocery store.

We walked into the lobby of his apartment when my cell phone started ringing. I disentangled myself from her, reaching for the smartphone in my pants pocket. I frowned when I saw Samantha's picture plastered across the screen. We haven't had any contact since I returned to Colorado, and despite the assurance that I would be in touch if I returned to Las Vegas, I didn't understand the reason for the call.

"Who is it?" Harper asked casually, reaching into her purse for the key.

"Nobody." I rejected the call before putting the phone on silent.

I couldn't answer in Harper's presence anyway. If Samantha called me back, I would explain my new situation and ask her not to call again.

"What's up? Is Casper calling you?" she scoffed before leaning over and kissing my cheek.

"Kind of like that," I offered a wan smile, "but it's not relevant at all."

"See you tomorrow night?" She accepted the answer without question, much to my relief.

"Of course." My smile widened a little, despite the fact that I noticed that she hadn't invited me inside.

We said goodbye and I walked alone, watching the sky turned orange by the sunset. The wind ruffled my hair as I watched the sky.

I took out my cell phone to check the time, but found three missed calls from Samantha there.

I noticed Adam and Gregor coming towards me down the nearly deserted street and decided to end the mistery at once. I was about to return Samantha's call when my cell phone rang again.

Is she in Colorado? Why would she call me after so long?

"Adamos."

"Theon, hi!" her voice sounded anxious "It's me, Samantha. I don't know if you remember me, we met..."

"In Las Vegas, yes, of course I remember you, Samantha. How are you?" I interrupted her, nodding to the two young men who stopped beside me.

"I'm... fine..." she spoke quickly, "no... I'm not fine, I'm... I don't know!"

She let out a nervous laugh, increasing my confusion.

What is happening with this woman!?

"Are you okay or not?"

"And how are you, Apollo?" She ignored my question.

"I'm fine," I reply, not knowing how to continue that conversation.

Samantha and I got along really well during our time together. She was beautiful, sexy, fun and very hot. So hot that we barely had time to talk that week. But, the most personal thing I knew about her was her last name!

Silence prevailed on the other side of the line, making me wonder if she had hung up on me.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have called," she groaned, before ending the call without giving me a chance to say good-bye.

"Who was it?"Adam asked as I stared at the smartphone with a confused expression in my face.

Weird call!

"Samantha."

"The dancer who stole you from your friends?" Adam mocked.

"She didn't steal me from anyone," I muttered, walking again, followed by the two.

"I disagree. It was my bachelor party, you were supposed to be with us the whole time, and we barely saw you after the first night" Gregor joked "I only forgave you because she was so hot!"

"You shouldn't call her. Callie would kill you if she knew," Adam scoffed.

"It wasn't me who called, it was her. And Callie doesn't have to know anything because I have no interest in anyone but Harper."

That's when my phone rang again.

"Someone's been missed," Gregor crooned beside me. "You've made quite an impression, Cousin.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring him as I answer the call.

"Sorry I hung up, but I need to talk to you" Samantha released even before I said anything.

"You can talk, but " I started, thinking of letting her know I was in a new relationship, but decided to reconsider.

Maybe she just had a problem.

"Theon, I've been avoiding this call for the last fortnight and it's been hell for me." I thought I heard her sniffle.

"Are you crying?"

"I'm sorry, I just don't know how to start and... I'm so sorry." All my doubts were gone, she really was crying.

I stopped walking, worrying about her. Samantha had a serious problem and if she thinks I can help her in any way, I must listen to her request.

"Samantha, what happened?" I tried to convey some safety to the girl.

"Can you come to Vegas this weekend?" she pleads.

"Samantha..." I sighed.

"Please."

"I can not."

It doesn't matter what problem she thinks she has. I can't get involved like that.

"Theon, I really need to tell you something, and it would be best if you came," she insisted.

"If you want to tell me something, it's better to say it right now" I took a deep breath "I don't intend to return to Vegas anytime soon."

"I'm pregnant," she blurted out at once, leaving me speechless.

I blinked in a daze as my mind processed what she had just said, unable to find my voice to formulate a coherent response.

"You are What?" was all that came out as my heart rate accelerated.

"I know this is unexpected and you hardly know me" she continues "but I assure you that you were the only person I've been with in the last few months."

"You are kidding me. Is this your idea of ​​a prank?" I forced a smile.

That was it, it had to be a joke!

A joke in bad taste!

"I'm not" her voice cracked a little "look, I'll send you the photos of the tests and... If you have any doubt that it's yours, I don't mind doing a DNA test, I just don't want to have to deal with this alone!"

I felt a dizziness come over me as I listened to her words, I collapsed on a bench that was on the edge of the sidewalk, making Adam and Gregor, who I had even forgotten the presence of, look at me with concern.

My mind wandered to our last meeting at that club. I hadn't even remembered the condom at that point.

"I know you must be freaking out, because I am. And I don't know what to do." The desperation crept back into her voice.

"Okay, look... Calm down" I managed to formulate "I'll... I'll digest this and call you back, all right?"

"Are you okay?" she asked apprehensively.

"I just need some time, I'll talk to you soon" I insisted, hoping she would accept that answer, while mentally doing the math of how much time had passed since the bachelor party.

"Okay, just don't disappear, please." Her voice sounded desolate.

disappear? What does she think? That I would pretend it didn't happen, and live my life quietly ignoring a probable child of mine?

I would never do something like that!

"I won't disappear, just give me some time," I assured before hanging up.

"Is Everything fine?" Gregor questioned, sitting down next to me.

I put the phone in my pocket, resting my elbones on my knees, hiding my face with my hands.

This is a nightmare!

"Theon?" Adam stopped beside me "You're pale."

"What did she tell you?" Gregor put a hand on my shoulder.

Not! This can't be Happening!

"Theon?" Adam insists.

"She said she's pregnant." My voice came out in a muffled whisper.

I lifted my face the tiniest bit, mouth still hidden in my hands staring dazedly into nothingness.

"Did you say pregnant?" Gregor raised his voice.

"Wait, that doesn't mean you..."

"She said it's mine, Adam!" I moaned, throwing my head back and hiding my face in my hands.

That's the worst thing that could happen right now. Children were not in my plans for the next few years!

"Hey, that's what she said. But that doesn't mean it is" Gregor tried reliev me.

"May not be yours!" Adam completed "You don't even know her! To get the girl pregnant, both of you managed to put your guard down, and you've always been methodical in that area."

"Exactly, that's a great point," Gregor considered.

"Well..." I rubbed my throat, "we got a little careless last day."

"What the fuck, Theon!" Adam snorted in disbelief.

"We got carried away by the moment," I justified myself.

"Now enjoy this moment," Adam muttered.

"Whatever! It still might not be yours," Gregor tried to reassure me.

"She offered to take the DNA test. I don't think she would do that if she wasn't sure the son was mine".

And now I'm already referring to this child as my son!

"And you'll take the DNA test, right?" Gregor questioned.

"Yes, of course, but... I don't know, I need to think about what to do." I sighed.

"Well, I need to meet your sister at the restaurant. Will you be okay alone? "Adam ask me.

I took a deep breath, standing up and letting the icy wind clear my mind.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I just need to go home. I'll have to talk to Samantha later, she was terrified."

"I believe, she looked pretty young." Adam frowned.

"Only twenty-five years old," I groaned, thinking of what her mind must have been like all this time.

She said she'd been thinking about calling me for the last fortnight. I think she must have found out about that time.

Shit!

"No wonder you're terrified. I would freak out if Agatha got pregnant and we're married!

"Good luck," Adam said goodbye.

"Don't tell Callie," I asked to Adam, who responded with a wave as he walked in the opposite direction from me.

Gregor hurried to catch up, leaving me alone with my thoughts.