TIFFIN 3

45

The jelly felt cool on my warm skin. I watched in fascination as a nurse ran a curved wand across my abdomen. Turned out, I really didn't need to have anything inserted. This worked just fine.

My muscles clenched as the small blip appeared on the grey screen. It was so unsuspecting, so precious. The baby in my body was no bigger than a tadpole, but I wanted to cherish it. I smiled, allowing a tear to run down my cheek.

Tawnee stood by my side, keeping ahold of a hand tightly.

"You're really pregnant." She said barely above a whisper.

"Yes," I choked out, "I mean... I'm so happy, but... what will I do? I've never had to go through this."

She shook her head.

"Don't fret your little head about this. At all. Your parents and I will handle this."

The doctor surveyed our conversation from the side of the room.

"Definitely only a few weeks. I'll need to get you some vitamins and Tylenol. We'll make an appointment with our most trusted OBGYN. Do not worry, Mrs. Tiffin. Everything will be fine."

Even as she said this, I wasn't quite sure.

"And you're sure that you're not mistaking me for another patient?"

The doctor smiled.

"Absolutely not."

Later when I had been discharged from the hospital, Tawnee dropped me off at the front of my house. I tried fighting her on it, though all my attempts were useless.

"You're a new mother; it's a lot to take in," She'd said, "You need rest."

"What about the company?" I'd demanded.

"Hell with the company!" She'd spat. "They'll be able to survive your absence for one day."

I mulled over this fact as I settled myself at the kitchen table. True, they could survive one day without me. I mean, it wasn't like they could fire me from my own business. Perhaps another vacation, yes, but I did call all the shots.

Oh no.

What about my next interview? The tabloids?

They would eat this up like it was fresh off the presses.

Crap.

Wherever Hero was... did he ever read the magazines? Did he watch the news?

Ugh. Why would he? As much as it hurt to think about it, he was probably holed up with some striking model, sucking him off.

Jack ass.

I couldn't sulk like this. It wasn't healthy. I would need someone to talk to.

E?

No. He couldn't know about this yet. I'd only known him a few days but I knew he would take it seriously. He needed to focus on Kylie and Kylie alone.

Could I tell my parents?

No. Not yet.

Josephine.

I'd neglected my dear friend for far too long. I would put a stop to it.

My heart pounded in my chest as I heard the incessant rings. Come on, Jo. Pick up. Forgive me.

I was about to throw in the towel after the third set of rings until I heard some breathing on the other end.

"Kristina?"

She sounded wary. Crap. I really had messed up.

"Jo, yes. It's me. There's something I need to tell you, but you can't freak out."

I wasn't aware of her response to the two words I uttered until I heard her screech from the other end.

"Pregnant? I don't even care anymore! I'm coming over with a celebratory cake!"