I’ve had to opt for a pair of leggings that still fit
me and a large T-shirt that hides my round
abdomen. As I’m still in front of the mirror
caressing the life that is growing inside of me, I
feel his discreet presence behind the closed door.
I blush, embarrassed, and pull my glance away
from my own image, and pretend to be looking for
something in my purse as I’m sitting on my bed.
“You’re beautiful, Erin,” he whispers and I can
hear his embarrassment too.
“And you’re an incurable liar,” I say, feeling as
if he’s making fun of me.
“Why should I lie to you?” he asks, taking a few
steps towards me.
“Because you know full well it’s not true. I’m
getting fat in a hurry and my hair won’t stay in
place and—”
“—And you’re talking smack,” he interrupts
me, taking my hand and forcing me to look at him.
“You always have been beautiful. The first time
you came to the pub I thought you were
breathtaking. You have a simple, sophisticated
beauty and you are so sweet. I understood in that
moment that I never would have had a chance with
you, that you were out of my league.”
“Out of your league? I think you got that turned
around … You’re the one who always goes out
with beautiful girls who are showy and—”
“Sexy, charming,” he continues. “But none of
them have your character, your brains and most of
