Taming River

Chapter Forty One

KAILEE POV

It was lunchtime and I sat in my classroom with Bri and Cam. Since I've been back at work for two weeks now, after taking three weeks off, the two girls started having lunch with me. To say it was an emotional day when I told everyone I was pregnant, wouldn't suffice. It was like a slitter of hope came back to everyone. We were still obviously heartbroken but knowing we had something of her on the way, eased that pain.

"Here, Ma sent lunch for you." Cam said with a small smile, as she placed the food down.

I returned the smile she gave and took it. "Thanks, Cammie."

"How are you feeling?" The small brunette asked.

"I'm alright, I miss her but I need to pick myself up for our baby." I looked at her as she leaned on a desk.

She looked sad and tired. The usual sparkle all the Matthews' eyes held, were no longer there. When I told them about the baby, that was the first time mom spoke to anyone. It was the day Cam smiled again and it made me feel better knowing we had this part of River.

"That's good." She said as Bri came up to us. She placed an arm over Cam's shoulder and the girl leaned into her. A pang of envy shot through me at the comforting gesture.

I couldn't have that anymore.

"How's your parents?" I asked softly.

She shrugged. "Mom isn't speaking much and Ma disappears a lot."

"Losing their child couldn't be easy." I mumbled looking down.

I knew the pain I felt but they all lost a part of their family. That wasn't something that you just accepted and got over. I saw Cam bury her face in the crook of Bri's neck, as the taller girl rubbed circles on her back.

"It doesn't feel real." Bri said quietly.

"I know." I whispered looking down.

I reached for my buzzing phone and felt a sense of comfort when I noticed the text from Angel. The other woman would check up on me often, ensuring I was okay and that I was taking care of myself and the baby. River was right about her and her way of showing she cared. It was done with an awkwardness but the sentiment still showed.

After school was over, I went to the cafe. I didn't want to go home until I had too. I sat sipping on my herbal tea while grading some tests from this week.

"Mind if I join you?" A voice asked.

I looked to see Jennifer standing there, coffee in hand. "Sure." I shrugged looking back to my work.

She sat down as I continued grading, occasionally taking a sip of my drink. Just like that my mind wandered off.

"Come on baby, please." She begged.

I turned back around. "Riv, I said no."

She was giving me her best puppy dog eyes, hands clasped together under chin and an exaggerated pout on her pink lips. "I'll hold your hand all the way down. It's fun, I promise."

I turned my head away from her, trying not to give in. "You know I'm afraid of heights." I muttered, on the verge of cracking.

Her strong arms circled my waist. "But I'll be right there, holding your hand." She whispered huskily, too close to my lips.