The next four weeks went on, as eventful as could be.
Though there was no word about the swat sting yet, both Eli and Cole kept me on my toes.
I knew it was wrong of me- especially as an employer- to accept their courting, but I couldn't say no.
I chalked it up to pregnancy hormones.
Perhaps I could go along with it all, convincing myself that it was a gathering between friends.
None of it was true.
I'd caught myself masturbating after seeing Hero's face on my dates a time or two. This was what I had to do to get through life.
If I couldn't be with Hero in the present, I needed to find a way, strange or not.
I could remember the last date I went on with Cole as clear as day...
____________________________________
I sat across from Cole as he sipped on his ice-cold glass of wine. I watched as the condensation ran down the side, making me lick my lips. It was embarrassing craving alcohol, especially while pregnant, but I couldn't help it.I imagined that it would taste like crisp apples and grapes-
When I noticed Cole eyeing me over the brim, I tore my eyes away.
He must have mistaken my guiltiness for shyness with the blush covering my cheeks because he released a wide grin.
"Kristina, I am so pleased that you decided to join me tonight. I'll be honest:I never thought I'd get the chance. What made you change your mind?"
I shrugged, taking a long sip from my very own apple cider, patting my round belly.
"You were right the other day. Hero isn't here and I thought, hey, I'm sure I can make a few... adjustments..."
Cole dug into his steak once more.
"That's great." He paused to chew his food. "You know, you look absolutely stunning in your pregnancy. Do you know if it's a boy or girl?"
I stilled, not quite sure I wanted to divulge this information, though I didn't have a clue yet.
"I'm so sorry," Cole stuttered, "I have no right to ask this of you-"
I simply laughed.
"No, it's fine. I just don't know the gender yet. I want it to be a surprise."
"Ah," Cole smiled again, "I see."
Then, as if not being able to hold back any longer, he scooted his chair next to mine.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't sit away from you any longer." He took my hand without permission. "Just know, that shall you need a thing, I will drop everything to help."
I cleared my throat, feeling a tightness in my chest. Not because I felt uneasy with this declaration, but because at that moment, I saw Hero's softened face, having come home at last.
But alas, he was not home. It was Cole in the flesh.
I barely held back the tears.
_________________________________________Then, of course, there had been the outing with Eli...
_________________________________________Eli and I trudged our way around the trail of the park, side by side.
"Do you remember what it was like in grade school?" He asked, a faraway expression in his gaze.
I scoffed. I tried hard to not remember but the memories were still fresh.
"Yes, I do. I was the weird fat kid. The students were terrible to me and I couldn't fathom why."
Eli furrowed his brows.
"You weren't weird or fat. As for the bullies, well, they were young and dumb just like we were. Kids do stupid things."
I laughed.
"You have to say that. You were my friend and my protector most days."
Eli's shoes skid on the concrete. He swiveled, grabbing ahold of my shoulders.
"Kristina Tiffin. I actually don't, but I do because I see who you are underneath. It didn't help that I had the biggest crush on you."
I shook my head in disbelief.
"I still will never understand that. You were the cool kid. The one everyone got along with. Plus... I saw the chicks you hooked up with."
Eli frowned.
"First of all, I never hooked up with my girlfriends. I had more respect than that. Second... I only used them as placeholders. I never thought I was good enough for you, Addison."
Once again, my vision was plagued with the sight of Hero. I wanted to jump up and hug him but I couldn't.
it wasn't him.
_________________________________________I was in my own personal hell.
Yet I was doing nothing to change it.
Out of the blue, my office phone rang.
Rolling my eyes out of habit, I struggled in my chair feeling like some overweight penguin.
"Hello?"
"Is this Mrs. Tiffin?" A familiar voice asked.
I instantly sat up in my chair, nearly making the wheels slide out from under me.
"Is... is this the captain?"
"Yes. I am calling to inform you the sting will commence this following weekend. Unless you've changed your mind, we are ready for you."
I gasped taken aback by all that was happening.
"Yes, yes! I'm ready! Just let me know!"
After giving me a few directions, the captain and I bid each other farewell. I sat for what felt like eons, running everything through my head.
This was happening. This was really happening.
As if the world was turning on its axis, I felt my bundle of joy kick inside me.
I grinned.
You can feel a change, too can't you?
Then, like clockwork, my cell pinged with a message.
Unknown: I'M COMING HOME.
Well, well, well..
Who could be texting her??
I promise it's a good thing.
YOU ARE READING
TIFFIN 3
FanfictionKristina's future has never been more certain. After a long journey of finding who she wants to be and what her life could be like, she's gained a wonderful boyfriend, turned husband. Now that her kidnappers are locked away and Hero's childhood ab...