Gotta Have You, Cowboy (Ford Brothers Book 2)

Chapter Ten: Charlotte

  It has been a couple of days since I got sick at Nate's family supper. His bright pink hair is fading into a pale pink. It does not seem to bother him anymore. He still comes in everyday to check up on me. I cannot remember a time when someone cared for me other than my parents. Mark and I worked together in the same space, and I never saw him. He never took the time to just stop by and see me. No one has ever stopped to make sure I was doing okay. It is a change that I am not used to, having Nate come by just to see me.

The worry in his eyes when I would get sick. Checking on me throughout the night. Even though he has to get up early. Driving all the way into town for me. Never once accusing me of wanting attention or wasting his time. My feelings are growing for that man. I am falling hard, and I do not want to stop falling.

I cannot explain what is wrong with me. I hardly ever get sick and when I do it is constant. Not random periods of the day where a smell would make me nauseated. Only certain odors and foods are making me sick to my stomach. Most of it being my favorite foods, and the deli, the aroma coming from that tore my stomach up big time.

The hot box is only a few feet away from me, but it might as well be placed right in front of me. It is strong and fills my senses, chicken, and grease. My stomach is queasy, body heating up, and sweat collecting on my forehead. Throwing my hands over my mouth, I took off in a run, passing Bella on my way to the restroom.

"What is wrong with me?" I asked my reflection above the sink.

I did not recognize the woman staring back at me. Her face is pale. Her hair is falling out of the band holding her hair back. Black and purple under her eyes like she has not slept in weeks. This could not be me. What is happening to my body? My body ached with pain and all I wanted to do was go home and sleep the day away. I have to get better soon; it has almost been a week with this stomach bug.

"What is wrong with you?" Bella questioned as I dragged my feet across the room, still not feeling my best.

"I have no idea. Sometimes I am fine and others I am vomiting my guts out." I said as I sat down on the stacked crates behind the counter.

"When was the last time Aunt Flow came to visit?" she asked from beside me. I gave her a confused look as I stared at her. Her face is all business.

"They are not normal. I cannot keep track of them. Why do you ask?"

"Do you think that you might be pregnant?"

"What?" Freezing in my place as my brain caught up with the program. When was my last period? Could I be? No, that is impossible. I am always careful.

"Only one way to find out."

"I can't be." I whispered out. I could not handle it anymore. I could not raise a baby. I am not ready for that. If I am, I know that it is not Nate's. Would he have anything to do with me? Would he still want me? Would he leave me?

I have to hold these tears back. I cannot let them out now. I must be strong. I cannot hold back the thoughts and voice in my head screaming at me. I began to shake, I could feel the sweat on the back of my neck, and my stomach twisting into knots.

Hearing the bell above the door ring brought me meeting Nate's eyes as he walked in. I could see the worry covering his handsome face. What would he think of me now? The feelings from early came rushing back. Staying front and centered in my mind.

I could not hold back the urge to run away. This time I would have an excuse. I ran straight past Nate; I did not meet his eyes this time. Slamming the door behind me, I fell to my knees and broke down. I let the tears fall as my world came crashing down around me. How could this have happened. I have let myself and my parents down. I have become a disappointment to them.