But for some reason…this is the first time in seven years I actuallywantto talk about it.
Everyone thinks Bree just snapped and left. That she was unstable. That I did everything I could.
I let them believe that.
“I said something I shouldn’t have,” I admit, barely louder than a whisper.
Karissa looks up again, eyebrows raised. “Must’ve been pretty bad, then.”
I sigh. “Yeah. I don’t want to talk about it. It was enough to make me swear off relationships for good. I’ve come to terms with it.”
She gives a small nod, ending the conversation there and reaching for her water.
Chapter 5
Karissa
Sitting in the waiting room in this OB-GYN has me a little nervous. I don’t like doctors or hospitals or dentists or anything of the sort. Ella’s with me, which makes me feel a little better, I guess. Sheisa nurse and I think I can trust her. Cody had nothing bad to say about her. She’s got a four-month-old baby, so even if we don’t have much in common, at least we’ve got that. The baby thing. That’s something.
She stood at the reception desk for a solid minute telling them to flag my account for security. I’m glad. That’s not even something I thought to ask for.
“When did they tell you your due date was back home again?” she asks, watching me fill out the brick of paperwork.
“June 12th…I think”
“You think?”
“Yeah.” I stare down at the pen and paper.
“Did youwantto have a baby?” she asks, not unkindly.
It still lands heavy, though. Makes me want to shrink back. Hide. Because the truth is complicated and I’m not sure I even know how to answer that.
“Not really,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “It was an accident. We were drunk and…well, you know how it goes.”
The waiting room is so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
“Oh, trust me, I know exactly how that goes.” She laughs.
“I’m guessing Cora was planned?”
“She was. But if it makes you feel any better, we had a scare when we were dating.”
“Oh. Really?” I raise my eyebrows. This family seems too pure for that, too wholesome and God-fearing.
“Mm-hmm. We were in high school. So, we’re talking over ten years ago now, but it was scary. I couldn’t imagine going through all that, knowing what I know now. You know?”
“Yeah. I’m sure. Was Jesse scared? He seems like he’d be so calm.”
“He was calm on the outside but inside I think he was nervous. That’s exactly why he’s my person…I need that.”
“I love that.”
“Yeah, so don’t be scared—you’re not in high school,” she says with a playful nudge.
I try to laugh, but it doesn’t quite land. “I just don’t know anything. It’s overwhelming.”
“You’ll figure it out,” she says softly. “It comes naturally, especially when it’s your own flesh and blood.”
