Pregnant

Chapter 23

August, Gabby, Avalon, my parents, and I were sitting at the stand of the Superbowl. The Rams made it to the Superbowl, and you better believe I was there. My mother had Avalon so that I could focus on the game. We had taken a group picture, okay many group photos thanks to my mother. We were all annoyed at how many my mother wanted to take, but we secretly loved it and would treasure the pictures forever. I'm so glad I made up with my parents; I don't regret it.

Watching the game was so intense I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. When Odell got hurt, I jumped to my feet. I started to panic, and then I felt a hand on my back. I jumped, startled; I turned and looked and saw it was August. He was my best friend, and he always knew when I needed him. I gripped his arm.

"He's okay," I whispered, more to convince myself.

I watched as he got back up and walked off the field. I also watched as they took him to the tent. The game had resumed, but all I could do was watch the tent. It didn't help that they showed his injury on the big screen many times. After a while, they took him out of the tent, and he went back to the sidelines. I sat down in relief, and he was okay. I smiled, thank the heavens. He did not go back in the game, so it must have been severe.

The Rams won the Superbowl, and while I was so excited, my thoughts returned to Odell. I know he wanted to play in the game, but he did his job; he got a touchdown earlier.  After the game, my family and I made our way down to congratulate the team. It was very crowded when we got down there, and I did not even want to stay. There were reporters and the teams, and a lot was going on. I stayed with Gabby and my mother while August and my father went to look for Odell. He was probably in an interview or a team huddle. I know they had to be excited that they won.

Avalon was sleeping in my arms, I do not know how she could sleep with all this noise, but maybe she got used to it.

"Ash!" someone yelled.

I turned and saw Odell on crutches; he was making his way over to us. I smiled when I saw him; he was still in uniform and looked sexy. I walked up to him so he didn't have to walk so far. I hugged him, then kissed his lips.

"Congratulations, baby, you did so well," I told him.

"Thank you; I'm glad we won" he smiled. Then Gabby and my mother joined, and they all started talking. Odell kept looking at Avalon and me the whole time he talked, making me blush and smile.

"So, what should we do to celebrate?" August's voice came from behind me. We all turned and looked at Odell.

"We could go out to dinner, and then I want to be alone with my daughter and Fiancé," Odell spoke. I smiled and rubbed Avalon's head.

"Sound good. You ladies can go get the car, Dad and I will help get Odell packed up," August said. Everyone nodded, then walked away, giving Odell and me some space.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Odell," I told him, rubbing his arm.

He smiled, but it was a sad smile, "You know me too well. I just wish there was more I could have done. I could have played better, played more".

I frowned at him, "You did everything you were supposed to. You got that touchdown, gave the team six points, and you all won the Super Bowl. Don't ever feel like you didn't do enough; you did plenty. I'm proud of you."

He nodded; he opened his mouth to answer, but his mother and sister walked up, and so did other reporters asking questions. I took a step back to allow them to have their time. I had previously met both his mother and sister already. They were sweet and friendly people. They wanted the best for Odell, and so did I. I looked down at Avalon and smiled. She had been staring Odell down.

"Daddy?" Avalon spoke.

"Go get daddy, Avy." I encouraged her. She smiled and then got out of the stroller. She wobbled her way over to Odell. I watched as she tapped on his leg until he looked down at her. When he realized who it was, his eyes lit up. I loved watching him with her; he instantly looked in love. It was amazing what a child could do to a man. Odell picked Avalon up and held her. Then he continued talking to the reporters.

"He is amazing, isn't he" a voice called out. I turned and looked, but I didn't recognize the female, nor did I want to.

"And you are?" I questioned. She was dressed pretty flashy. She wore a black and white crop top with skinny blue jeans that had rips from her ankle to her thighs. So much skin was showing that she didn't leave enough for imagination. To top it off, she had on black heels, and I know her feet had to be killing her. She was dressed for attention, and she sure was getting it.

"My name is Danielle. Odell got me pregnant," she exclaimed. I looked her at, speechless. I'm sure my mouth was hanging open. She didn't look pregnant, but she was very skinny. If she were pregnant, she wouldn't show until her seventh or eighth month. "You're his fiancée, right?"

I could say anything but nod; what could I say. I was in shock.

"Could you tell him for me. Here's my number; I don't want to go to press and make this public. I came to you as a woman. I expect him to be there for his kid, though". And with that, she turned and walked away.

"Who was that?" A familiar voice spoke. I turned and saw August standing there with Odell's bag in his hand.

"Danielle, Odell apparently got her pregnant," I said. At least, I think I said it. August dropped the bag and started to go to Odell, but my father stopped him. I didn't even notice that he was back. I just stood there looking straight at Odell.

"We do not need to make a scene, son. I understand your anger; I feel it too. But there are so many cameras around. Let's wait until we're in private," my father spoke. It was like I was getting further and further away from them. Sounds became distorted, and I felt dizzy.

I made eye contact with Odell, he smiled at me, but all I could do was look. His smile turned to a frown, and I took my first step back away from my father and brother. Could this girl be telling the truth? Did Odell sleep with someone else while he was with me? I couldn't think straight; I just turned and ran, not bothering to look back.