This feeling was so different than the last time. I stood, my back leaning against the bathroom wall for support as I held the pregnancy tests in my hands. Both tests read the same results. I grinned as one hand moved down to my belly, holding it. I wondered how to play this out. Should I tell Aaron as soon as I saw him later that day? Or should I wait? Christmas was in a few days. I could wrap the tests up and give them as a gift. What better present for the man who had everything?
My smile grew at the thought of waking him up on Christmas morning with a stocking that held the positive pregnancy tests. In that moment, I decided that’s what I’d do. I placed the tests on the porcelain sink as I went back into the bedroom. As soon as I made it over to the bed, my cell phone rang.
I gave a perplexed look at the name of the caller. “Moira, hey,” I answered.
“Patience, thank God you answered.” She sounded breathless.
“What’s going on?”
“I need you.”
I frowned. Moira never sounded this dramatic.
“We had to move the Secret Santa to today instead of tomorrow. The children from the school are on their way over and there are still gifts to be wrapped and the food isn’t set up. Can you–”
“I’m on my way,” I assured her.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed.
“You’re welcome. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
It was just after nine o’clock. I had plenty of time to make it to the library to help set up and stay for a little while before I needed to pick up the children. We had to stop home anyway so the children could change and drop off their belongings. I mentally recounted everything I needed to get done as I moved around the bedroom, pulling on a pair of skinny blue jeans and a grey sweater to head over to the library. It was my day off, so I didn’t think Moira would be too concerned with my choice of clothing.
Once again, I was piling in the car, directing Daniel to the library. Unfortunately, as soon as we left the gates of the secured community we lived in, that eerie feeling settled over me. I shook it free, reminding myself that I was safe with Daniel. Nothing could get to me. I held my hand over my abdomen and inhaled deeply. I was sure my nerves were due to the confirmation of my pregnancy. Considering what I’d gone through my last pregnancy, I was probably reliving those events.I’ll be fine, I told myself.
“Shit!” I cursed, realizing then that I’d left the two pregnancy tests sitting on our bathroom sink. I told myself it would be fine, I’d be home long before Aaron would be. I’d still be able to pull off my surprise.
****
Two and a half hours later, I was spent. I forgot how tired pregnancy made me. Between wrapping gifts, setting up tables and chairs, and then celebrating the Secret Santa giveaway with the children from the local public school, I was beat. And I still had my own children to pick up in the next hour.
“I really appreciate you coming in on such short notice, Patience,” Moira stated as the children sat around the tables, eating Christmas cookies and playing with their new toys.
“You’re so welcome.” I yawned. “Excuse me,” I stated, shaking my head.
“Tired? I know how busy this time of year can get for moms.”
I laughed. “A little, but it’s all worth it. I’m going to run to the bathroom and then head out.”
Moira nodded. “That’s fine. We’re just about done here. Thanks so much. I’ll see you after the break.” She pulled me into a hug.
“Enjoy your holidays. See you in next year,” I joked. The library was closing for the week between Christmas and New Year.
Parting ways with Moira, I stepped out to tell Daniel I’d be right there, that I just needed to make a bathroom run. He nodded and waited by the car.
I went back inside and saw that there was a line of children waiting for the main bathroom. Luckily, I knew there was a second bathroom, closer to the back office, that most employees used. I headed toward the back of the library, weaving between bookshelves as I went. The bathroom was at the far end of a long hallway that led to a rarely used back entrance of the library. I paused just before pushing the door of the bathroom open, looking around. The hallway was empty. I could still hear the laughter and talking from the festivities that were happening out front. Brushing my hesitation away, I entered the bathroom to do my business. I moved quickly, not understanding my nervousness but not questioning it either. After washing my hands once I was finished, I pulled the bathroom door open.
My head swung in the direction of the back door for some reason; I didn’t see anything there. However, as soon as I turned my head in the opposite direction a dark figure towered over me. I opened my mouth to scream but it was covered with a hand holding a cloth. I felt the back of my head being gripped, pushing it into the hand at the front of my face. I struggled and fought, using my nails to scratch at the man’s face. Unfortunately, it was covered by a ski mask, but somehow I was able to break free from the man who obviously meant to do me harm. I gulped in air, but when I tried to run for the nearest exit, I was spun around by my shoulder and the next thing I saw was a large fist flying my way. The pain was blinding and I passed out almost immediately.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aaron
Something isn’t right. It was a feeling more than a thought. A deep, gnawing feeling in my gut.
“Mr. Townsend, as we–” The man in my office stopped short when I stood from the conference table. I could feel eyes on me, wondering what was happening.
“Get out,” I stated flatly, without preamble.
