Evelyn

Chapter 19

I woke up a bit groggy. There was a pinching sensation in the back of my hand and I had a killer headache. I slowly started to open my eyes and took in my surroundings. Everything was white and there was a faint constant beeping coming from a machine beside me.

"What the hell?" I slurred and tried to sit up, but when I did my head pounded and I felt extremely weak. Where in the world am I?

Just as I was starting to panic the door swung open and in walked James. He was wearing his scrubs. "Oh." And I realised that I was in the hospital.

My voice startled him and he rushed to my side. He was so close to me that I noticed the bags under his eyes and the paleness of his skin. His hair was dishevelled and full of paint splatters.

"Evelyn, how are you feeling? You gave me a fright." He said as he shone a small torch in one eye and then the other.

"I'm okay I think? I have a headache though. What happened?"

"I was in the back garden waiting for the paint to dry, listening to music. When I came back inside to change the cd you were--" he gulped, "on the floor. I didn't know you were there or for how long!" He rushed, searching my face for God knows what. "You passed out from inhaling the paint fumes."

Terror shot through me and I grabbed my stomach. "Is the baby okay?!"

His eyes softened, "yes, he's fine."

"H-he??" I stuttered, "I'm having a baby boy?"

"No." He said as he grabbed my hand, "we're having a boy."

-----------

Almost a week later we were just about finished decorating the nursery. The walls had been painted a pale blue--I wasn't allowed near the house for the whole day. The crib was set up in the corner with a yellow blanket and a musical mobile hung over the top. Violet and Mark had bought me the wooden rocking chair. He was starting to accept the fact that myself and James were having a baby together, but not before warning me about him, on more than one occasion.

"Just be careful Evie, he's not very reliable."

I was so frustrated. "What do you mean? You can't just say that and expect me to believe you. I need cold hard facts."

"Never mind," he sighed, "you'll find out soon enough."

"Ugh!!" I stormed out of the house onto the back porch. I had no reason to doubt James whatsoever. He's been helping me since the day he found out. It wasn't fair on him or me that Mark was shit stirring about his own cousin.

But unfortunately he did plant a seed of doubt. That's all I really need, something else to obsess over.

For his own flesh and blood to try and put me off of him, it must be something big.

----

The next day myself and Violet were strolling down the beach. It was pretty empty and seeing as it was spring, there was a slight chill in the air but a beautiful day none the less. It was nice to get away from everything that was happening and I missed spending time with my friend.

"So how are you and Mark going?" I said, wiggling my toes into the soft sand.

Sighing she said, "Good--when we're not talking about you and James." I could see the exasperation in her eyes, "He just doesn't know when to quit. I mean--we're supposed to be in the honeymoon stage right? It just sucks."

"He keeps telling me to be careful with James, that I shouldn't trust him...but he's being very vague about the whole thing. How am I supposed to just take his word for it you know?"

Violet suddenly tensed up.

"Do you know why he's being like this?" I said, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

"I'm sorry Evie, it's not my place to say. I think you should talk to James."

I knew I wouldn't get anything out of her, I knew her like the back of my hand.

"Fine." Shrugging my shoulders I turned to face her, "how do you bring something like that up in conversation? Like-- hey, been shady lately?"

I decided while I was on Facebook that night that I'd have a look on James page. I was scrolling down through his photos when I came across a handful of wedding photos. The bride was stunning, chocolate brown hair, piercing blue eyes and a figure to die for. Her dress was simple and elegant, exactly how I imagined mine would look one day. There were a few pictures of her with bridesmaids and what looked like her parents, and then there was a picture with the groom. He looked just like James.

It is James!!