11

I was just zoning out with my coffee.

Maddie watched me, treading lightly.

She was scared to hit a sore spot.

"Thinking..."

"...maybe having a few pretty guys over tonight might be a better idea."

Maddie: "...Okay then."

12

Bummer.

Before getting around to inviting the guys, I barely walked in when—wham—body checked hard.

I hit the deck, and got soaked in booze.

Then, out of nowhere, killer cramps ran up my stomach.

"Oh, sorry, miss... totally didn't mean to..."

She scrambled to help me up, but froze mid-gesture when our eyes locked.

Then, Mr. Late-to-the-Party makes his entrance.

He pulls her in, all worry and furrowed brows, "Vanessa, you good?"

He then turned to me, icy as hell, "What's your deal? Walk much?"

But he did a full double-take when he saw it was me.

I couldn't help but smirk

This whole mess was straight out of a freakin' drama.

"Babe."

"This the 'overtime' you've been racking up?"

13

Before this mess blew up,

I thought I could brush it off.

So I kept everything calm and cool.

Not now.

It's glaringly obvious.

I can't do it.

I can't just smile and wave it off.

I can't act like it doesn't cut deep.

14

The drive home? Cold as a freezer.

I just stared out at the city lights, all lit up.

This city's done a total 180, with no trace of its gritty past.

Today, it has descended into sheer decadence, a stark departure from its humble origins.

"She and I ain't a thing."

"Don't sweat it."

Jack shattered the silence.

He sat quietly, waiting for me to bite.

"And?"

What am I supposed to say?

Play the fool, act like all's well, spewing lies I can't stomach?

Or go nuclear, demand he kicks her to the curb?

15

I mean, come on, I've always had a bit of a spark, a total diva at times.

Jack's had me on cloud nine forever.

How could I not snap sometimes?

He pulled me in close, his grin all lovey-dovey, "Honey, you'll always be my princess."

So when Jack started those marathon work nights, I threw tantrums and sobbed my heart out.

I did whatever to pull him back early.

I wanted more of him.

But I'll never shake off that look he gave me when he was plastered.

No warmth, no softness.

Just an icy dismissal.

At that instant, He felt like a stranger.

"Ella, you ain't a princess anymore."

See?

When you're not cherished, you don't even get to be headstrong.

Just like right now.

16

I shifted gears, "Stomach's in knots."

"Get me to the ER."

Jack paused but then got it, and turned the car toward the ER, "Time of the month?"

"Got some sweets in the car, try one."

I kept mum, unwrapping and popping the candy.

Eh.

My period had gone for days.

Besides, I'm not one for sweets.

17

We never made it to the hospital, and pulled over halfway.

I bailed out.

A hint of guilt flickered in Jack's eyes, but his phone rang, and he steeled up.

"Trouble with Vanessa."

"Need to check on her."

"What about me?" That was my follow-up.

Jack didn't expect that.

His brow creased, his tone chilled, "Ella, this ain't the time for your drama."

I was dumbstruck, barely squeezed out, "So, for another gal."

"You'd strand me roadside."

"Right?"

18

"Ella, what's with the theatrics?"

19

"Hospital's just down the road."

"Catch a cab."

"But Vanessa, she's too young."

"She needs me."

20

Even when I finally made it to the hospital solo, couldn't snap out of it.

My mind was racing, trying to make sense of all Jack's words.

I looked down, and peered at the pregnancy test in my hand.

Maybe it's the whole "baby brain" thing. My brain cells were on holiday.

Trying to decode his words became tough work for me.

Tears dropped and blurred the ink on the paper.

Then, like a rainstorm, they just kept coming.

21

After that day, Jack guessed he'd overstepped.

He spent the next few days cutting out early to be with me.

He even picked up a bunch of gifts, aiming to win me back.

"Babe, your favorite coffee."

"Snagged your fav coffee on the way home."

Jack moved closer to hug me.

We were super close, and I caught a whiff of some sweet perfume.

Not mine.

My stomach turned over.

I stepped aside.

"Hmm." My response was thin.

Seeing my chill, Jack's smile dimmed.

He backed off some distance.

And then he clammed up.

I knew he was ticked.

Used to be, I'd be all over him, cuddles and kisses, dialing up the charm.

"What was up with her that night?"

Jack hesitated, then figured out who I meant.

His lips twitched into a smirk, quickly stamped it down.

"Vanessa's all good."

"Just got spooked by the dark, that's all."

I watched Jack's face closely.

No lies there.

But pure adoration.

Just not for me.