Pregnant

Chapter 24: The Talk

"How could I be so foolish to believe that he changed? Why would I allow myself to even love him again after everything he has done to me?" I said.

"Ash, I know how you feel, but we don't even know if it's true or not. You won't even talk to Odell to get his side of the story," Gabby replied.

Well, she was right about that; I had been avoiding Odell for three weeks now. I couldn't even look at him, let alone be in the same room. I paced my living room; Gabby and August sat on the couch. August wasn't putting his two cents in for the first time, which is unlike him.

I looked at August. "What do you think?"

He looked up at me, then dropped his gaze. "Honestly, love, this is something you'll have to figure out on your own. Gabby and I could tell you what you want to hear and what we think you should do, but at the end of the day, this is something you have to figure out on your own. You should at least talk to him and give him a chance to explain."

I nodded; of course, August always knew what to say; he seemed wiser beyond his age. I frowned and crossed my arms. I would have to have a conversation with him, but I was not going to do it alone.

"Fine, I will, but I need someone to be the mediator. Gabby, do you think you can do that?" I looked at her. She looked surprised and probably didn't think I would pick her as the mediator. She was level-headed, and I knew she wouldn't take sides. So having her in the room would work.

Gabby nodded. "Yes. Also, we have news." She held out a box. I walked over to her, grabbed the box, and continued to pace as I unwrapped it.

I stopped mid-pace, turned, and looked at them, smiling. "Are you serious?"

August smiled, and Gabby started glowing. They looked at each other, then back at me, and nodded. I would have known that she was pregnant if I hadn't been so busy with my own issues. Ugh, Odell has caused my life to be so off balance.

"I'm so happy for you two." I walked back over to them and sat between them. I pulled them into a group hug. I was happy for them. I will have a niece, and my brother and best friend were starting a happy family.

******

Gabby sat on the couch, her hands in her lap. She looked highly uncomfortable, but she was here; that was all that mattered. Odell stood by the window, his hands at his sides. He looked broken and sad, but I wasn't going to let his emotions steer me away from getting to the point. I stood across the room, arms crossed, watching Odell. He wasn't saying anything; we had been like this for at least ten minutes.

"So, would you explain?" I spoke up.

"I've tried telling you I don't know anyone named Danielle. And I certainly did not get her pregnant. I don't know why you don't believe me," Odell stated.

"Maybe because you've lied in the past and have cheated on me in the past. So forgive me for not believing you so easily," I told him.

He walked up to me but didn't touch me. I wanted him to touch me, was that wrong of me? " Ashlyn, I freaking love you. I proposed to you. I want only you. Why would I mess that up for some random girl? She can say all she want the I got her pregnant, but it is not true. I understand you are hesitant, but I promise you, she is lying".

Well, when he puts it like that, it sounds like he's being truthful, but I was going to keep my guard up until I knew she wasn't pregnant. I sighed and leaned against the wall. I was so tired of fighting with Odell. Honestly, this was becoming exhausting, and I shouldn't have to put up with this anymore.

Odell grabbed my hands and got down on his knees, looking up at me. "Ashlyn, I promise you. This isn't something I would mess up. I put this ring on your finger because I'm committed to being yours for life. I want to be your husband, and I want to be there every step of the way for you and Avalon. You are my forever."

I hugged him, well, I hugged his head. I didn’t know what to say; he had just poured his whole heart out to me. How could I not believe him? “Okay...Odell. L-let’s just move on.” I saw Gabby get up and gather her things. She smiled at me, then she left. I pulled Odell up to his feet. He pulled me over to the couch and sat down. Then he pulled me down onto his lap and wrapped the blanket around us. I wrapped my arms around him and he turned on the TV. He turned on Grey’s Anatomy and we watched TV in silence. Without even realizing it and feeling at peace in his arms, my eyes drifted closed, and I fell asleep.

******

When I woke up the next day, Odell was nowhere in sight. I was in bed, under the covers. He had stripped me down to my underwear. I rubbed my nose and then sneezed; I was about to get sick. Sneezing was always my indication that I was getting sick. Oh well. I got up and made the bed. I went to the bathroom, stripped out of my underwear, and started the shower. Once I finished in the shower, I got out and wrapped the towel around my body. I didn't even bother with the mirror; I knew it would be too steamed up to see anything. I brushed my teeth and washed my face. Afterward, I lathered my body with some Bath and Body lotion. I then went to my walk-in closet and picked out an outfit.

I went to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, but there was a knock at the door. I went to the door and opened it. A random person stood there, holding a coffee and a bag.

"Ms. Alsina?" he asked.

I nodded, and he handed me the bag and coffee, then started to walk away. "Thanks... I think," I called after him. I closed the door and took a sip of the coffee, a Caramel Frappuccino, my favorite. I looked in the bag; inside was a note and two glazed doughnuts. I pulled the note out and read it: "Morning, I wish I could see you, but I have things to take care of. See you soon. - O." I smiled, then took a sip of my coffee. Alright, time to start my day. I grabbed my purse, keys, doughnuts, and coffee and left my place, locking the door behind me.