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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017. 11:20 am. • • •
It's been two weeks since my pregnancy was announced and the hate mail, hate calls, and overall atmosphere around me have shifted once again. Perry granted me the option to work from home. He only gave it to me because I demanded it and he didn't want me to show up to the office, not with all the threats. I needed to do something or my thoughts were going to drive me insane. He allowed me to proofread and edit articles. I didn't mind the grunt work - liked how tedious it was and it helped. As I sat on the couch with my laptop perched on my lap and a movie playing, I settled into my routine. Two hours of work. A doctor's appointment at 3, which was thankfully virtual, a nap, and then another hour before I sent in the edits, and then I'd relax. At least that's what I tell Clark. I haven't been able to relax since I got the news that I was carrying Ben's child.
My bruises were healing well, and I no longer flinched when I saw them in the mirror. Still had a bit of discomfort around the healing wound on my abdomen. They removed my stitches yesterday. Bruce had come by to take them out himself since he didn't want me to be in public too long. Overall, my body was sore, and I was exhausted and would nap the majority of the day. I knew the stress, and this pregnancy was taking all my energy. I also haven't taken the time to decompress and really think about what happened to me.
Sighing, I set my laptop aside and shut the screen. My heart wasn't in it today and so I turned my attention to the movie on screen. It only took a few moments for my mind to drift again and for my hand to settle on my stomach. It was almost natural at this point for my hand to drift there, but each time it did, I felt a wave of anger and guilt.
Would I carry this baby to term? His baby? With how much lead it was exposed to, would it even live a normal life? What's the point? I glanced at my phone placed next to my half-drunk and very much lukewarm tea. I picked it up and dialed the one person I knew could help me with this situation.
"Hey, sweetie,"
My mom's warm voice made me smile, and I pulled my legs up and wrapped them around my knees as I leaned my chin on them. My fingers were a bit chilly, and I smiled back.
"Hey, I need help with something," I sucked in a breath and let my eyes settle on the movie on the tv. It was Breaking Dawn Part 1, and the baby had just broken Bella's back. Cringing, I continued, "I don't know what to do with it."
"I was wondering how long you would take to call me," she laughed nervously, "What do you feel like doing?"
"I don't know. I called you so you could tell me."
"Annie, I can't make this decision for you..."
"I know the news hasn't said everything. Bruce has helped with keeping the truth from them, but I was exposed to lead,"
