Upside Down

Chapter 11

After the two confessed their love for each other, they had sat in a comfortable silence, with their TV preoccupying them. Simon was lying down with his head placed on Cheryl's lap. Cheryl was sitting upright with her hand stroking Simon's head. They were watching cartoons and laughing hysterically at the most childish scenes.

Cheryl's phone rumbled violently on the coffee table, breaking both their trances off the television. Cheryl leaned over and was surprised to see Kimberley's name flashing on the screen. Kimberley was one of the five girls from the band Girls Aloud, which Cheryl had participated in before they all went their separate ways. However, the girls all remained close friends.

Cheryl slid her thumb across the touch screen mobile phone and placed the phone against her ear, not caring that Simon would hear their conversation.

"Hello," Cheryl cheered merrily.

"Oh thank god you've answered." Kimberly said, her tone of voice not quite matching Cheryl's.

"What's wrong Kimberly?"

"Cheryl I know that we've got a surprise tour coming up, but I can't do it."

"What? Why?"

"Something came up."

"But we've got months before the tour."

"I know. Something's coming up."

"What?"

"A baby!"

The confusion on Cheryl's face was now replaced with a frown. Had this phone call been at any other time, she would've been jumping with joy. But given the time and the recent events, an unfamiliar feeling of jealousy shot through Cheryl's heart.

"Oh, you're..."

"Pregnant!"

"Yeah,"

Cheryl's attempt at enthusiasm failed, upsetting her best friend from the other end of the line.

"Are you not happy for me?" Kimberly asked.

"No I am. Of course I am."

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing. Anyways how far along are you?"

"Nearly two months. I couldn't believe it."

"How long have you known?"

"Just found out today."

"So I'm the first person you called?"

"Yep."

"Aw, I'm touched."

"But what are you going to do about the tour?"

"We'll just tell the girls and then cancel it. It can wait. I mean it's not like anyone's paid for tickets yet anyway."

"Why don't you and the rest of the girls do it without me."

"No; never. Either all of us, or neither of us."

"But..."

"No buts!"

"Oh Cheryl I love you,"

"Love you too Kim."

"Well I've got to go now. But is it possible that you can come over to my house. I haven't seen you in ages we need to catch up."

"Yeah sure."

"Great, I'll see you soon then."

"Ok bye."

"Bye."