Everything To Lose

Chapter Sixteen

Three days of fun and laughter with my best friends and a lot of fighting between themselves and I am exactly where I ran away from last time. Huddled in the corner trying my hardest to remain invisible. It's funny for years I have fought to be notice and now, now I would give anything to blend in. Sods Law my Grandma used to call it.

'Hello Natalia. How are you?'

'Ruby. Hey honey. I am great thanks you?' She eyes me skeptically, not that I blame her my over eager, little miss sunshine routine could probably fool a blind person but the fact that anyone with functioning eyes can probably tell I am anything but fine really gives me away. My hair is thrown in a loose ponytail and I am attempting to rock sweats. I just don't have the energy to do anything these past few days. I thought it was my moping but maybe I am truly coming down with something because the churning in my stomach is too much to be nerves.

'Yeah, I am actually doing great.' She is practically glowing and I am pleased in the change with her and very, very curious. I am just about to interrogate answer from her when Lucinda shrill voice calls my name. My teeth clench and my ears bleed - well they want to at least - when she calls me again. I turn to face my Darling Sister and attempt a smile although it is probably more of a grimace.

'Natalia. I have some amazing news. Richard and I were talking the other night in bed.' Oh please God spare me, I will pray more, never miss church just spare me the Richard and bed conversations. I beg of you. 

'Did you hear me I said your my Maid of Honor. Be Happy.' She is smiling at me like a predator does its pray as she rests her hand on my arm in a fake display of affection. To everyone watching - or rather gaping - at us, the gesture looks like one of sisterly affection. However they can't feel the talons digging into my arm making me want to flinch yet I refuse to give her the satisfaction.

'Are you feeling okay?' I want to take it back the minute it tumbles carelessly out of my mouth yet its too late. Her talons dig in harder and this time I can't fight the flinch, I am sure she has drew blood.

'Oh you know how pregnancy can be... Well you don't but still.' She remarks resting her other hand on her flat stomach and heaving a sigh. Jesus she isn't even more than two weeks at most. It's pathetic. 

'Thank You for the opportunity to be by your side on your special day.' I say in the sweetest, maybe a tiny bit sarcastic voice I can muster as I shake her hand away subtly.

'Oh Darling think nothing of it, this may be the closest you get to being a bride yourself. It's like charity. You will be paired with Richard's Brother Dante, though he will be bringing a date so I would advise you to do the same. Maybe that Adam, you two looked extremely cosy the other day. What with him cuddled up with you then carrying you off when he had to share. Richard is terrible at sharing.' She giggles at the insinuation and her swarm of bitches all fake laugh at her little joke. However I want to crumble. I can't listen to anymore about her and Richard. The churning in my stomach is worse than ever as I run to the toilet at the back of the store, pushing everyone out of the way so I don't empty the contents of my stomach - not there can be much after this mornings bout of sickness - all over the fancy dresses that probably cost more than I make in a year.

'Looks like your not the only one that is pregnant.' One of the swarm say not that I care to know which one. They are all the same, false and evil bitches. Pregnant! Ha don't be daft. That would mean that I had sex without a cond.... Fuck! No no no no. I was careful, we were careful. Weren't we?

'Adam made shrimp last night, it must have been bad.' I excuse with a shrug. If in doubt blame Adam, never fails. They all seem pacified, well all but Lucinda who is still trying to murder me with her eyes and Ruby who won't even look at me as she storms out the door.