𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝟒𝟓

Sadira lay still in the bed, the soft sound of Davis breathing next to her. His arm was draped over her waist, his warmth radiating against her skin, but tonight it was almost suffocating. The room felt so hot, her body clammy, her stomach in knots. She stared up at the ceiling, eyes wide open, her mind racing.

She wasn't okay.

Davis had fallen asleep earlier, completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. The nausea had come and gone in waves, but this time it hit harder than before. Her body ached, her head spun, and she could feel the familiar rise of sickness clawing at her throat. She carefully shifted out from under his arm, trying not to wake him, but he stirred slightly, mumbling something in his sleep. Sadira bit her lip and tiptoed toward the bathroom, her heart pounding with every step.

Once inside, she didn't even have time to close the door before she was bent over the toilet, her body wracked with violent heaves. She felt her insides twisting and turning, as if everything was fighting to escape. She couldn't even catch her breath, each wave hitting harder than the last. She heard a soft knock at the bathroom door and turned to see Davis standing there, his face full of concern, his eyes sleepy but alert.

"Sadira..." His voice was groggy, but gentle. Without hesitation, he came to her side, kneeling beside her and pulling back her blonde hair. His touch was so familiar, so comforting, yet it only made her feel worse. Guilt gnawed at her insides as she emptied her stomach once again, tears stinging her eyes.

When the sickness finally passed, Davis grabbed a towel and wet it with cold water, gently pressing it to her forehead. She leaned back against the cool tiles of the bathroom wall, her body trembling from exhaustion.

"You okay?" Davis asked softly, brushing a few strands of hair from her face.

Sadira nodded weakly, but she couldn't meet his gaze. Her throat burned, and she felt the bitter taste of bile lingering in her mouth. She brushed her teeth again, scrubbing desperately to rid herself of the taste, then gargled mouthwash until the cool minty flavor overpowered the acid. Davis stood behind her the whole time, watching her carefully, his eyes filled with concern.

He didn't ask too many questions, though. He never did. Instead, he started the bath for her, his movements slow and deliberate. The sound of the water filling the tub was calming, but it did nothing to quiet the turmoil inside her. She felt Davis' hands on her shoulders, guiding her to the tub, helping her step in. The warmth of the water was a stark contrast to the cold sweat clinging to her skin.

Sadira sank into the water, closing her eyes as the steam surrounded her. It should've been relaxing, but all she could feel was guilt. It weighed on her, heavy and unbearable.

Davis left the room for a moment, and Sadira could hear him in the kitchen. The faint sounds of clattering dishes and the unmistakable smell of chicken noodle soup filled the air. Her stomach growled weakly, but she wasn't sure she could even keep it down.

When he came back, Davis placed the bowl on the counter and sat down next to the tub, watching her with soft eyes. "I made you some soup," he said gently, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Sadira gave him a weak smile, but inside she felt like she was drowning. She didn't deserve this-his kindness, his care. She didn't deserve any of it, not after what she was hiding from him.

He helped her out of the tub, drying her off with the same gentle care he always had. His hands were steady, his touch soft, and he even helped her into her new nightgown, pulling it over her head and smoothing out the fabric. She felt so small in that moment, standing there in front of him, the weight of her secret crushing her.

Davis tucked her into bed, setting the bowl of soup on the nightstand, but she couldn't bring herself to eat. She turned away from him, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared blankly at the wall.

He must've sensed something was off because his voice broke the silence, soft but probing. "What's wrong, boo?"

Sadira felt her breath hitch, tears burning at the back of her eyes. She couldn't hold it in any longer. She had to tell him.

She turned to face him, her fingers trembling as she reached for the drawer of her nightstand. Her heart pounded in her ears as she pulled it open, her hand searching blindly until her fingers wrapped around the capped pregnancy test. The cold plastic felt heavy in her palm as she pulled it out and held it between them.

Davis's eyes widened as they flicked from the test to her face, confusion and concern swirling in his gaze. He didn't say anything, but his expression said enough.

"I lied," Sadira whispered, her voice barely audible. Tears blurred her vision as she stared down at the positive pregnancy test in her hand. "I'm not okay, Davis. I'm pregnant."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy and thick.

Davis's face softened, but his eyes remained fixed on hers, trying to process what she was saying. He didn't speak right away, and for a moment, Sadira's heart stopped, terrified of what he might say or do. She had been keeping this from him, afraid of what it meant, afraid of how it would change everything between them.

"Pregnant?" Davis finally said, his voice low and steady, though Sadira could hear the shock beneath it.

She nodded, her tears falling freely now. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know how to tell you. I didn't mean to lie, but I just... I was scared."

Davis was silent for a long moment, his gaze never leaving hers. Then, without warning, he reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "Sadira," he whispered into her hair, his voice soft but firm. "You don't ever have to be scared to tell me anything. We're in this together, no matter what."

His words broke her, and she sobbed against his chest, clutching onto him as if he were her lifeline. She had been so afraid of how he would react, of what he would think, but now that it was out in the open, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She wasn't alone in this anymore.

"I'm sorry," she cried, her voice muffled against his shirt. "I didn't want to lie to you."

Davis gently cupped her face, lifting her chin so she could meet his eyes. "Don't apologize, Sadira. I understand. This is a lot to take in. But we'll figure it out together, okay? You and me."

Sadira nodded, her heart swelling with love and relief. She didn't know what the future held, but in that moment, wrapped in Davis's arms, she knew one thing for sure-she wasn't facing it alone.