Chapter 24
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ZENA (28YRS)
“You look like shit.”
I looked up as Katy entered my open-plan studio unit and handed me a bag. “You don’t say.” Fanning my face as my stomach suddenly somersaulted, I pulled in deep breaths to stay the nausea tickling my throat.
“Does he know?”
Shoving my hands into my hair, I shook it from side to side. “Idon’t even know if I am,” I muttered. She dropped next to me on the bed and rubbed my arm lightly. “My breasts are so fucking tender, they’d give Thanksgiving turkey a run for its money. And what’s with the fucking need to pee all the time. I’m half tempted to stick a catheter up my pussy.” I groaned and Katy chuckled.
“Weren’t you on the pill?”
I looked at her and rolled my eyes. “You know that one percent possibility of falling pregnant while on the pill?” She nodded. “Well, if Iwason the pill, I would’ve probably been part of that one percent,” my voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Then he should be okay with you falling pregnant?” She arched a brow.
“We use condoms.”
She frowned. “Really. You’ve guys have been together a long time...” she trailed off and I understood her skepticism.
“I’m not interested in taking the pill and since we’ve been on and off so often, we decided it was best.” I shrugged, not really wanting to share my relationship details. “And condoms do tear—”
My words stalled as my stomach flipped again. Vaulting off the bed and almost tripping in my rush to get to the bathroom, I threw open the lid of toilet, barely aiming before I threw up. The sound and sickening smell of vomit hitting the water, squeezed my insides, making the exertion more disgusting. I retched for what seemed like ages, flushing continuously as I did so. When I finally sat back and my breathing slowed, I rubbed a hand down my face.
“Here.” Katy handed me a wet towel. Leaning my head against the wall, I covered my face with it and pulled in deep breaths. “Come on. We have to get this done before you chicken out.” She grasped my arm. Pulling off the towel, I got to my feet. “Did you pee yet?” I shook my head. “Good. My sister says your first pee for the day is likely to get better results and she would know. She’s got four monsters.” She chuckled holding out the drugstore bag.
“Thank you for coming today.” I smiled, grateful she was there to help me when my mother was a two hour drive away in Granger Valley.
“No need to thank me. I’m sure you’ll return the favor one day.” She laughed at my shocked expression. “No. I’m not planning to fall pregnant any time soon.”
Sliding out a box, I tore it open and looked at the device almost the size of palm. So small yet it had the ability to change the rest of my life.
“Pull off the cap, stick it between your legs and let it rip.” Katy leaned against the basin and crossed her arms over her chest. “Make sure you get most of it on the part sticking out.”
Grinning, I dropped my shorts, sat on the toilet, and position the stick where I assumed it would catch the most liquid. Done, I held it out to her, catching her excited expression as she took it. At least one of us was enthusiastic. The silence was killing me and when she finally looked at me, it felt like hours had passed instead of a few minutes.
“You’re pregnant.”
“What?” I shouldn’t have been surprised but the confirmation was frightening.
