The thought lasts only a moment before I realize how silly it is. Nathan has made no effort to hide how much he would love to get me pregnant, going so far as to steal my birth control. And while the others haven’t exactly commented on it, they haven’t said anything against it when it was brought up.
Addy is going to have a brother or sister!
“Mommy, are you okay?” A smile pulls at my lips as I look down at her big blue eyes that shine with concern for me. She’s going to be such a great big sister.
“Yes, I’m wonderful, Addy.” I smile down at her and see the tension visibly drain from her.
She’d hung out with Vince while I was at the doctor; they went and got ice cream, and she excitedly tells me all about it. Originally, I’d planned to take her with me, but I’d been feeling sick and just off overall. I was waking up at odd hours, having a hard time falling asleep, and everything smelled so strong.
Now it made sense.
I’m also beyond grateful that Vince insisted on keeping her with him.
The paperwork from today's visit is tucked under my left leg, opposite the side Addy’s on, and it feels like it’s burning a hole in my leg.
Panic turns to excitement, and suddenly I wish we were headed home instead of out for the evening.
This time, when I look up and meet Vince’s gaze, the smile I give him is genuine, and while he still seems concerned, he gives me a small smile in return.
I should tell them all together. I want us to all do this together, as a family.
I hug Addy to me and press my free hand to my stomach as I try to remember the last time I had my period.
My period has never been trackable. Sometimes I have one, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes it’s three days long; other times it’s ten.
The doctor thinks I’m a little further along than most when they realize and ordered me to go for an ultrasound to be sure.
Despite how sudden this all is, I realize I’m happy, like,really happy.
“Fuck.” Vince hisses, and before I can ask what the problem is, the world explodes around us.
Tires scratch and squeal; the sound of shattering glass and the crushing sound of metal on metal fill my ears, but even worse, Addy’s scream grips my heart.
I grab her and clutch her close, unsure what else to do. I hope that I’m enough to keep her safe, even if at my own expense.
The world spins too fast but also in slow motion before we come to a sudden stop, jerking me to the side, taking Addy with me. I’ve got her tight against my chest, and while she’s not screaming anymore, I’m not sure if that’s better or worse.
I can’t stop the groan that falls from my lips when I attempt to lift my head. I don’t know which way is up or down, and the pain in my head isn’t helping. My vision swims, and I’m suddenly drained, but despite that, I know Addy needs me.
“Addy?” My voice sounds hoarse and strained, but at least it’s working, so I'll take it.
She doesn’t answer, and panic grips me for a moment before I feel her chest rise and fall against my own.
She’s alive.
Thank God.
“Vi—” I start to call for him but cut myself off when I hear voices outside of the car.
“Help!” I do my best to yell, hoping they hear me. Addy might be breathing, but she needs to be seen by a medical professional to ensure she’s actually okay.
The voices get louder, and I try to yell out for them again but stop myself when I hear the door open…above me?
That’s not right.
Did the car roll?
It doesn’t matter; all that matters right now is getting Addy out of here, and I’d really like to know that Vince is okay, too.
