Never Enough Tomorrows: A Zombie Apocalypse Novel By Christopher Hugh Mills.

Ashley

Ashley held her shirt up to her breasts. There was no noticeable bump yet but it had only been about five weeks. She wondered if she would get huge. She couldn't see a bump but she knew the little guy (or little gal) was in there.

She had already gone in for her first check up and her doctor told her all systems were go. Her nipples were a little sore and the fact she seemed to have to pee every five minutes were good indicators also. She hadn't been hit with morning sickness and that was a blessing, but she couldn't smell or taste mustard or she felt ill. That sucked because she loved that particular condiment on just about everything.

Her roommates noticed her strange cravings before she actually did. She had just made a dill pickle and peanut butter sandwich the other day and her roommate Clarice walked in and started laughing. When she noticed, Ashley started laughing herself.

Her three roommates were great. Always asking her if she needed anything or giving her a ride to her check ups, but she missed Samantha. Her big sister was always calm and had a way of making Ashley feel safe.

Samantha had called yesterday to check up on her and as much as Ashley had wanted to cry her head off and demand her sister drop everything and be with her little sister, she knew she couldn't. Samantha was working extra hard at her job and she even sounded a little tired on the phone.

Samantha informed her about their baby sister's failed date with Carl and posed the idea that she and Bree stay with her for a weekend. She had already talked to momma and Patricia thought it was a wonderful idea. So did Ashley, but it would have to be in a few weeks so she could work it into her schedule.

By then she would probably be showing and there would be no way of keeping it from Bree. She wasn't worried about Bree knowing, the little Pooter would just be excited about being an aunt. No, the worry was her baby sister being interrogated by their momma. Patricia had a way of sensing when something was up with her daughters and poor Bree would fold under even the slightest pressure.

She pulled her shirt down over her belly and laid down on her bed. She needed to nap so she wouldn't be so tired at work on the evening shift. Thinking about telling her momma the big news was keeping her awake.

She wanted to share this news with her family. Daddy would probably be a little disappointed but he would get over it and give Ashley his unwavering support. Momma was the complete opposite. She would be disappointed and stay that way for how long Ashley had no idea.

Ashley's phone rang and when she saw who was calling her pulse quickened, "oh joy."

"Hello momma," she said as calmly as she could, "I was just thinking about you."

"Not enough to give your momma a call though I see."

"I don't have to call you just because I'm thinking about you." Ashley answered, "you at home alone?"

"No, Bree is here somewhere," Patricia said, "probably out back target practicing with that crossbow of hers, getting ready for hunting season with her daddy. They had a half day at school."

"Oh, I see," Ashley said, "I heard about her date. Is she alright?"

"Yes, she's fine," Patricia sighed, "I heard that boy was out in the woods with some other girl...making out. That's why I don't want Bree dating so young."

Ashley wondered how her momma heard about teenagers making out in the woods. She said, "you know you can trust Bree to make smart decisions, momma."

"It's not Bree I worry about, it's these small town boys and their horny little minds. Bree's gonna be a fine catch for someone, I just wish it would be later down the road."