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Chapter 13 - Morning Sickness Strikes

The morning sun streamed through my bedroom window, casting a warm glow that felt oddly comforting. It was a brand-new day, and for a moment, I let myself believe I could tackle whatever came my way. But as I sat up in bed, the familiar nausea hit me like a freight train, rolling over me with a vengeance.

"Oh no, not again," I groaned, clutching my stomach. I took a deep breath, willing the wave of sickness to pass. I had hoped that, by now, I'd have a handle on the morning sickness, but it seemed to have other plans.

After forcing myself through my morning routine, I finally made it to school. Each step felt like a victory, but the nausea lingered like an unwelcome shadow, always ready to strike. As I entered the bustling hallways filled with chatter and laughter, I felt out of place. Everyone else seemed so carefree, and here I was, navigating a reality that felt worlds apart.

By the time I reached my locker, the queasiness was intensifying again, and I could feel the sweat gathering on my brow. I quickly grabbed my books, trying to ignore the warning signs my body was sending me. I had a few minutes before my first class, and I needed to make it through without drawing attention.

As I approached my classroom, I heard Tara's cheerful voice call out to me. "Mia! Over here!"

I plastered on a smile and waved back, forcing my legs to carry me toward her. "Hey!" I said, trying to sound upbeat. "What's up?"

"Just trying to keep up with this insane homework load," she replied, rolling her eyes dramatically. "But I'm glad you're here. We can get through it together!"

Just as we started talking about assignments, a sudden wave of nausea washed over me again, and I struggled to keep my composure. "Tara, I—"

Before I could finish, the world spun around me, and I bolted down the hall toward the nearest restroom. I barely made it through the door before my body rebelled.

I leaned over the nearest toilet, the contents of my stomach rising quickly, leaving me gasping for air between heaves. "No, no, no," I muttered, tears stinging my eyes as I clutched the cold porcelain. It felt like the world was closing in around me.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally caught my breath, sitting back on the cool tile floor and trying to calm my racing heart. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and leaned against the wall, feeling utterly defeated.

Just when I thought I was alone in my misery, I heard the bathroom door swing open, and Tara's voice called out, "Mia? Are you in here?"

"I'm fine!" I shouted, even though I knew it wasn't true.

But she must have sensed something was off because she pushed open the stall door. Her expression shifted from cheerful to concerned in a heartbeat. "You don't look fine."

"I just—had a moment," I mumbled, embarrassed and exhausted.

Tara crouched next to me, her eyes softening. "Is it the morning sickness again?"

I nodded, swallowing hard against the nausea that threatened to rise again. "I thought it was getting better, but it just... hit me out of nowhere."

"Do you need water? Or something to eat? I have crackers in my backpack!" she offered, her voice full of concern.

"No, it's okay," I said, still feeling the aftereffects of what had just happened. "I just need a minute. I'll be okay."

She stayed with me, offering quiet support as I slowly collected myself. The moment felt heavy, like the weight of my reality was finally sinking in. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this," I said, feeling vulnerable. "You shouldn't have to deal with all this. It's not fair."

"Mia, stop," Tara said, her voice steady. "You're my best friend, and I'm here for you, no matter what. I can't imagine what you're going through, but you don't have to go through it alone. You've got me."

I blinked back tears, the warmth of her friendship washing over me. "Thank you, Tara. I really don't know what I'd do without you."

"Okay, enough of this mushy stuff," she said with a teasing grin. "Let's get you back out there. Just take it slow, and if you need to run back here, I'll cover for you."

I managed a small smile, feeling a flicker of gratitude mixed with the lingering nausea. "Deal."

We stood together, and with one last deep breath, I stepped back into the hallway, determined to face whatever the day had in store.

The rest of the day was a blur. Classes felt endless, each one dragging on as I fought to keep my mind focused and my stomach settled. I found myself avoiding lunch altogether, fearing that eating might only trigger another wave of sickness. But as the afternoon wore on, I knew I couldn't keep ignoring my body's needs.

After the final bell rang, Tara and I headed to the cafeteria. The aroma of food wafted through the air, making my stomach twist in knots. I hesitated at the entrance, suddenly unsure if I could handle it.

"Mia, you okay?" Tara asked, looking at me with concern.

"I think I might just grab some water," I said, my voice wavering. "Maybe I'll just wait outside?"

Tara nodded, her expression understanding. "Okay. I'll grab something, and we can sit out back. Just take care of yourself."

"Thanks, Tara," I said as I turned away, heading toward the exit.

Outside, I leaned against the cool brick wall, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath of fresh air. I needed to clear my mind. I needed to figure out how to manage all this—school, pregnancy, everything.

But just as I felt the sun on my face and the cool breeze easing my tension, I spotted Justin across the parking lot, laughing with that same blonde girl. They were standing close together, their bodies angled toward each other again, and I felt the familiar knot in my stomach tighten.

I turned away quickly, the nausea rising again, mixing with the pain in my heart. I took a few steps back inside, reminding myself that I was stronger than this, that I had to focus on what mattered most—my health and the baby.

As I leaned against the wall, I realized I had to accept that Justin was no longer a part of my world, at least not the way I had once hoped. My heart ached, but I knew I couldn't let him steal my peace or my strength.

With each breath, I reminded myself that I was moving forward, one step at a time. I would face whatever challenges lay ahead—morning sickness included. And no matter what happened, I would always have Tara by my side, ready to support me through it all.