Can we love again?- A Reddie Short Story

Chapter Three

Rachel shot him a questioning look, she didn't understand. How could the baby not be his?

"He was born early, 32 weeks, but he was full term. I did a paternity test as soon as he was born, behind Melissa's back. I got the results back a few weeks later, and I confronted Melissa, she didn't deny it. He's not mine Rachel. She was pregnant before we even got together"

Rachel stared at him, taken aback. The little boy had been born almost 6 months ago. Eddie hadn't told her any of this. She'd had no idea. He'd probably, if not definitely tried to tell her, but she hadn't wanted to listen. All those times he'd come up to her office and asked her if they could talk, he'd really needed to talk. But she hadn't wanted to listen.

But she was listening now.

"I- I don't understand. Where have you been living?"

"I moved back into my flat full time as soon as I found out he wasn't mine. I haven't had any contact with Melissa since"

Rachel felt guilt creeping in as she listened to Eddie. She was furious with Melissa, for lying, for breaking them apart. She'd tried to do the right thing, and it had blown up in her face.

"I'm sorry, Eddie" she whispered

"You have nothing to apologise for. This is all my fault. I should have known better than to fall for Melissa's lies. In fact, I never should have gone near her in the first place. I should have waited until you were ready to take that next step"

He pulled her into his embrace, feeling her relax instantly. She breathed in his familiar scent, sighing contentedly. She'd missed him so much.

She looked up, staring into his soft brown eyes. Her lips connected with his. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, her heart pounding against her chest as they kissed passionately.

They smiled as they pulled apart.

"Why don't we try and get out of here and I'll take you out for dinner?" Eddie suggested

Rachel nodded, smiling

Eddie tried the door again. As expected, it didn't budge. He sighed.

"Do you have your phone on you?" Eddie asked

Rachel patted down her pocket, hoping it was there, but it wasn't. She'd left it in the car this morning.

She shook her head.

Eddie groaned. He didn't have his either. It was their only chance of getting help. It was gone four o'clock now. Majority of the staff had gone home, as well as the kids.

"I think we're stuck in here for a bit" Eddie mumbled

Rachel sighed

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her stomach, radiating around to her back. Her breath hitched in her throat. She couldn't stop the whimper escaping from her lips.

"Rach? Are you ok?" Eddie asked, looking at her with concern

She didn't answer him, all she could concentrate on was breathing through the pain and the fact that she had to tell him the secret she'd been keeping from him, from everyone.

The pain finally ceased, allowing Rachel to breathe normally again. Eddie sat down beside her.

"What's going on?" He asked

"Nothing, I'm fine" she insisted

"You're not. Tell me what's wrong" Eddie pleaded

She sighed. She had to tell him, he'd find out soon anyway.

A million scenarios were rushing through Eddie's head. Only one thing stood out to him. And it made his blood run cold.

"Rachel, are you sick?" He asked

"What? No!" Rachel exclaimed

Eddie breathed a sigh of relief, but it didn't ease his anxiety.

The pain came again. Rachel groaned, instinctively grabbing Eddie's hand, squeezing it tightly as she once again, breathed through the pain. Eddie's concern was growing by the second.

Enough was enough, she had to tell him.

"Eddie, uhm- I think we need to talk" Rachel mumbled once the pain had melted away

"Ok" Eddie nodded

She looked at him painfully, her heart hammering against her chest.

"I've been keeping something from you, from everyone actually" she admitted

Eddie frowned, urging her to continue.

She stood up, letting go of his hand.

He watched as she took off her oversized cardigan and unbuttoned part of her blouse so her stomach was exposed. Except, it wasn't exposed, it was covered by an elasticated material. She rolled it down until her stomach was completely exposed. Eddie's jaw dropped in shock. The large curvature in her stomach stared right back at him.

She was pregnant, heavily at that.