Glassheart

Chapter 23

CHLOE'S POV
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When I awoke in the morning, Red was still fast asleep. I had risen quite early, so I wasn't surprised. I found myself lying on top of her, her arms wrapped around me. A pressing need to use the bathroom compelled me, so I carefully extricated myself from her arms. Yet, as I entered the bathroom, a wave of nausea overwhelmed me, and I was sick. Seriously? Again? Tears welled in my eyes as I slumped onto the bathroom floor, feeling weak, and I retched a few more times. After rinsing my mouth, I steadied myself using the counter for support. I peeked out of the bathroom and saw Red still asleep. Taking a deep breath, I returned to the room and settled back down, which seemed to stir her awake.

"Good morning, princess," Red murmured, barely opening her eyes.

"Hi, love," I replied softly.

"Why are you awake?" she inquired.

"I had to use the bathroom," I explained. Red rubbed her eyes and focused on me.

"Chloe, are you okay? You look unusually pale, and your eyes are a bit red," she noted, sitting up. Fear gripped me; I didn't want her to worry. I didn't want to be a burden.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" I insisted, attempting to smile.

"Chlo, are you sure?" she pressed. I nodded, but a wave of nausea surged again.

"Hang on," I said, rushing out of bed and into the bathroom. Red quickly followed me as I leaned over the toilet.

"Oh, baby," she murmured, coming to hold my hair back. She slid her hand beneath my shirt and gently rubbed my back.

"I'm fine, Red," I replied, trying to downplay the situation.

"No, you're not, Chloe. Don't even try to pretend," she said. I looked back at her, fighting back tears, but I couldn't hold it in.

"Come here," Red said, wrapping her arms around me. I clung to her tightly.

"I thought this was over," I cried, sinking into her lap as she hugged me.

"I know, but it's going to be okay. We need to see a doctor again, though," she said.

"I—no!" I protested.

"Shh, it's alright. Chloe, you want to get better. I want to make sure you don't have to deal with a pregnancy," Red reassured me. Panic surged through me. How the fuck had I even let that slip my mind?

"Red, I don't want this to happen. I'm too young!" I sobbed.

"And it won't happen. You took all the pills, right?" she asked, to which I nodded.

"Okay then. This is just a side effect. But for our peace of mind—and your parents'—we need to see the doctor again." Red's calm demeanor eased my anxiety, and I took a deep breath, finally agreeing. She smiled and tucked my hair behind my ears.

"Okay. I'm going to call your parents and the doctor. Are you alright to get ready?" Red asked.

"Mhm. I'll be fine," I assured her. She smiled and kissed me, and I returned the kiss. We both stood up, and I rinsed my mouth again. I changed into sweatpants and one of Red's oversized hoodies, which smelled like her. As I exited the bathroom, I saw Red in red sweatpants and a black sports bra, speaking on the phone. I admired her physique—she had the most perfect body and impressive abs. I settled onto her lap.

"I'm going to put you all on speaker; Chloe is here now," Red announced, switching the phone to speaker mode.

"Hi, sweetheart," my mom's voice chimed.