Never Let Go

Chapter 44: Fire Water

They should call this stuff fire water, although water is a lot easier to drink. It tastes horrible and burns your throat. Vodka isn't one of my favourites, but tonight I need something with a high percentage. Wes puts down another shot in front of me and I pull a face. I haven't gotten over the burn of the last one yet and just thinking about downing that is making my stomach turn slightly.

"Drink up! You need it after the news you got today, hell, so do I." He raises his eyebrows and takes his shot.

He's right, I do. I knock back the shot quickly feeling the liquid heat up my mouth and throat before the warmness temporarily graces my stomach as the alcohol makes it's way down. I suck my teeth and pull a face from the strong taste lingering on my tongue.

The word pregnant keeps going round in my mind. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I couldn't believe what Monique was saying... I wasn't in the mood to come out with Wes after that phone call, but he persuaded me to. What else would I be doing right now? I'd just be sat on my own going out of my mind... I suppose I'm still doing that, except I'm with Wes trying to drown my sorrows.

I sigh and run my hands through my hair before rubbing my face. I'm so confused and stressed out right now. Wes puts his hand on my shoulder and shakes me gently.

"It's alright, Mike."

"It's not." I frown. "Me and Mon have just broken up and now there's a possibility she might be pregnant."

"Yeah, that's the key word, might. You don't know if she really is pregnant and neither does she!"

"But if she is, then what am I going to do? I'd love a child one day, but not with an ex girlfriend, that's not how I wanted to start a family. And I don't even know if I'm ready to be a father yet."

"Don't freak out about all that right now, it ain't worth stressing over. Firstly, you need to get her to take a pregnancy test, that way you'll know for sure, and if she is pregnant then, you'll just have to cross that bridge when you come to it."

"So, I'm supposed to be calm about this? This is a serious thing, Wes!"

"Then why hasn't she done a pregnancy test yet?"

"She's working late tonight, so she can't-"

"Bullshit. You know, I'd bet all my money on her not being pregnant."

"I don't know." I shake my head. "I don't know what to think right now."

"Mike, you're supposed to be smarter than me. Y'all have just split, so put two and two together, man! She's just saying this to manipulate you into getting back with her. She's trying to trap you. If she's pregnant, then so am I!" He laughs.

"Yeah... maybe... but that's a serious thing to play around with. If she's lying about it that's twisted." I frown.

"I know, but some girls go to extreme lengths, trust me. And think about it, she said she thinks she's pregnant, so why did she wait all this time to say anything and conveniently tell you days after you break up?"

"Yeah... you're right." I nod slowly.

"And why the hell would you tell someone you think you're pregnant? That's what tests are for. If she thought she was then she should've taken a test before saying anything. She just wants you to run back to her, don't do it."

"I'm not going to..." I sigh and rub my forehead. "But, if she is, then I'll need to stand by her regardless of our situation. I couldn't just turn my back on her."

"Of course not and I know you'd do the right thing because you're a good guy, but you'll have to tell her that you'll be there for her and the baby, and nothing more. You need to make it clear that there's no romance between you and her."