offshore | h.s

68

GENEVIEVE CLARK

I'm in the bathroom, staring at my reflection as I try to focus on the task at hand—getting ready. My mind feels like it's in a fog, everything that happened last night swirling around, but there's this strange calm that's settled over me. I'm not sure if it's because I'm too exhausted to feel anything else or if it's just the pregnancy hormones.

I reach for my phone and notice the nine missed calls from Amber. I take a deep breath and press her name, listening to the ringing.

"Gen! Oh my god, Gen, what the hell happened?" Amber's voice bursts through the speaker, frantic and full of concern. "I saw everything online—what did Archie do? Are you okay? Is Avery okay?"

"Amber, calm down," I say, my voice steady. It's like I'm on autopilot. "We're fine. Avery's fine. It was just... a lot, but we're okay."

"A lot? Gen, that asshole showed up and you're saying it's just a lot? I swear if I ever see him—"

"I know," I cut her off, trying to keep her from spiraling further. "But it's over now. We got out of there, and we're safe."

There's a pause on her end, and I can practically hear her trying to rein in her emotions. "What's going on now? Are you still in New York?"

"Yeah, we're still here. Jeff called Harry this morning. The paparazzi are going to be called around one so we can get photographed together," I explain, keeping my tone even.

Amber lets out a frustrated sigh. "God, I hate that you have to do this. It's like adding insult to injury."

"I know, but... it's okay." The words come out almost automatically. "I just need to get through today."

"Is Gemma still with you?" she asks, sounding a little more composed.

"I haven't spoken to her or anyone else yet. It's just been me, Harry, and Jeff dealing with all this."

Amber sighs again, but this time it's softer. "Alright. Just remember, I'm here if you need anything. And please, don't let that bastard get to you. You're so much stronger than he'll ever be."

"Thanks, Amber. I appreciate it," I say, feeling a bit of the tension ease from my shoulders.

"Take care of yourself and that baby, okay? And give Avery a big hug from me. I love you."

"I will. I love you too," I say before hanging up.

I stare at my reflection again, my hand resting on my belly as I feel the little flutters of movement. I can't believe how calm I am right now. I feel so pregnant, so... heavy with everything, yet oddly detached at the same time. Maybe it's my body's way of protecting me, keeping me from breaking down completely. Whatever it is, I'm grateful for it.

With a final deep breath, I turn away from the mirror and start getting ready. 

I put on a blue gingham top, its soft fabric feeling comforting against my skin, and pair it with some linen pants. I choose a few pieces of gold jewelry—a delicate necklace and small hoop earrings, something simple but enough to make me feel put together. I carefully apply some light makeup, just enough to brighten my face, when I hear the soft patter of little feet behind me.

"Mumma," Avery's sleepy voice calls out, and I turn to see her waddling into the bathroom, her hair a mess of curls and her eyes still heavy with sleep.

"Hey, baby," I say, kneeling down to her level. "Did you sleep well?"

She nods, rubbing her eyes with her tiny fists before stepping closer to me. "Mumma, why are you getting ready?"