Hotel Secrets

Chapter 4: Shai

It has been one month now, since "the incident". I'm stressed, anxious, and scared. I am only twenty-three years old. I can't be pregnant. Not now. I'm not ready to have a family. I can barely take care of myself. I'm lying in bed, staring at the blank, white ceiling. I heave out a big sigh and push myself up to a sitting position. After a couple more seconds of thinking, I stand up. I drag my lifeless body to the bathroom. I feel nauseous. I almost collapsed when I entered the bathroom. I quickly grap onto the sink counter and regain my balance. What is wrong with me? I make my way to the large mirror. My complexion is pale, and green. My face looks bloated. Then I feel my stomach lurch. I scrambled towards the toilet, bend down, and open my mouth. Almost everything I ate last night came out. Now, I could tell something was wrong.

I don't bother calling Theo, as I rush to my blue 1997 Toyota Camry. I reach open the heavy car door and slam it. I'm going to the drug store. I don't quite know what I'm getting, but I keep going. I park the car and briskly walk into the building. The cool air blows in my face. I head over to the pharmacy section, not even realizing it. I turn into the aisle with medicines to help with an upset stomach. I pick up two bottles of Tylenol. I don't know why, but I find myself strolling over to the "Family Planning" section. I twist my head around, seeing if there was anyone there. No one. I scan through the products. Condoms, toys, lubricant, and pregancy tests. Pregnacy tests. My eyes couldn't leave the boxes. I pick up and examine one. There are simple directions on the back. I have to know. I take two, just in case I messe up or something the first time. I check out, and I can tell the cashier is eyeing me. I don't look up, but I can tell that old lady is judging me. I walk out of the store, and drive home.

I jiggle the keys into the door, and step in. I am so anxious, I don't remove my shoes. Trudging to the bathroom, I close the door behind me. I take the test out of the plastic bag, and start ripping open the box. I follow the instructions. I sit on the toilet. A few seconds later, I look down. Two lines. I can feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. My lips are quivering. I check the box for reference.

"One Line: NOT pregnant."

"Two lines: Pregnant."