The Last Night

Gabe

I spent the night tossing and turning. The more that I drank the more memories tried to plague me. I ended up stumbling into my apartment at midnight thinking I could sleep.

Now it's nine and I'm late for work. I skip my morning cup of coffee and start up my computer. I turn the news on and wait.

"This is Eve Wilson reporting with WRIX Channel Seven. I come to you today with a heartbreaking announcement. I was contacted personally by Lydia Levine. Beloved District Attorney, father and friend Mark Levine is suffering from stage four renal cancer. Treatment is no longer an option. I had the opportunity of speaking to quite a few people and they've all said great things about Mark Levine. He was a loving and doting father friend and husband. A shark in the court room. At this time the family asks for some privacy. Mark is home to live out his days with his son, wife and daughter. There will be a vigil held in town square for Mr. Levine this weekend put together by family friends Eli Masters and Ebony Cruise."

I turn it off and sit back in my chair. Letting a million emotions roll over me before stuffing them down where they belong.

Throwing myself into my work I make sure Nancy my assistant clears my schedule for the vigil this weekend.

A quick peek won't hurt anybody and if Lydia gave my name then maybe she's ready to let bygones be bygones. After all I did what she asked. Even if it's haunted me every day since.

Clearing my throat I call Mallory to see where we are in the wedding. The sooner I get that out of the way the better.

I make a few notes as she jabbers on. Then I end the call and enter them into my computer so Nancy can see them as well. At this rate we'll be hitched by winter.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. Business and pleasure. Though I hardly get the second but I prefer it this way. I always have that's what got me into the mess a decade ago. Closing my eyes the memory assaults me.

"We need to talk." Molly says worrying her lip between her teeth. Something isn't right.

She leads me to the shack but something tells me this isn't a hookup.

"What is it?" I ask softly taking her hand in mine.

She swallows gruffly. Closing her eyes. As if looking at me causes her great pain.

I give her a minute to collect her thoughts but now I'm getting anxious.

"I'm pregnant."

Her words stop my heart. I must have heard wrong.

"What?" I hiss stepping away from her. Hurt flashes in her features.

"I just found out. I came here as soon as I told my parents." She says glancing down at the floor.

"I'm going to college. I'm leaving. You're getting rid of it right?" I ask hysterically.

"I haven't thought about it yet. I just found out." She whispers.

"You cannot consider keeping it. You're sixteen!"

I close my eyes and work my jaw side to side before looking at her.

"Why are you telling me?" I ask roughly.

"I thought you should know." She states.

"So you can trap me here?" I boom making her flinch.

"No. I wasn't-"

"Do whatever you want molly. But keeping that baby won't ruin my life. I won't let you. It was a fling. It never meant anything!" Then I stalk away slamming the door on the shack.

Opening my eyes I force the scene away and get to work.