The Boot (Book 1)

Chapter Two

ANGELA

"I'll drive," I say, and Wesley wordlessly tosses me the keys. We get into the car and I start driving.

"Just to make sure we're on the same page, you think Lucy is pregnant, right?"

"It's the only logical explanation. It sounds exactly like both of my pregnancies."

"Okay, so, to the store?"

"Yep."

We arrive quickly and head inside, making a beeline for the pharmacy section.

"Should we get the paper kind, regular, or digital?"

"Digital."

We grab the tests and check out, heading back to our car. I drive to Lucy's apartment.

Wesley knocks and the door is opened by Tamara.

"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" Tamara asks.

"We need to talk to Lucy. It's important."

Tamara nods and silently signals for us to come inside. She wordlessly points down the hall.

Wesley and I walk to the bathroom, and we can hear Lucy puking through the door.

"Poor thing," Wesley whispers.

I knock on the door.

"I asked you to leave me alone, Tamara." Lucy's weak voice croaks.

"It's not Tamara," I say.

I hear some shuffling followed by the door opening. Lucy looks incredibly pale and tired. Her hair and clothes are stained with vomit.

"What are you guys doing here?" Lucy asks. "Did Tamara call you? Tim?"

"No, they didn't. But that's not what matters right now."

She sighs and nods for us to come in. We stay standing while she sits by the toilet.

"Lucy. What's going on with you?"

"Nothing, it's just a bug. I'm fine."

"Don't lie to us. We know your symptoms, and they don't line up with a bug." Wesley says.

"What are you talking about? How could you know my symptoms?" Lucy gasps. "Did Nolan tell you?! That traitor!"

"Hey, calm down."

LUCY

"I will not calm down! I should be able to trust my friends not to go blabbing my business!"

"It's different when they're concerned about you."

"There's nothing to be concerned about! I'm fine!"

Wesley raises a skeptical brow. "Sure, you are."

"What are you guys even doing here?"

Angela lowers herself to sit beside me. "You know I'm your friend, right?"

I nod. "Yeah, of course."

"I need you to be honest with me."

"Okay..."

"Have you and Tim been sexually active?"

"Excuse me?"

"Just trust me."

"Fine, yes, we have. But I don't see how that's any of your business."

"Are you on birth control?"

"What? No."