Just Pretend

Chapter 68 - This Is Where I'm Supposed To Be

The week has spun from calm to chaos in the space of a few days. The post gained insane traction and I refuse to read any more comments knowing my own thoughts will get the better of me. I've seen enough already to know that some people will make wild accusations and hate me just for being with Noah. Not all but the small few that do will get to me and I'm too hormonal to deal with that right now, even the thought makes my skin itch.

"Hey, you okay?" Noah asks his voice low and steady as I refold my hands in my lap for what must be the millionth time.

"Scared." I whisper back my voice barely carrying in the too quiet waiting room. The air smells like antiseptic and lemon floor cleaner, the clock on the wall ticks too loud.

"I know. Me too." He places his hand over mine his touch calming me instantly.

"What if somethings wrong?" I barely utter the words but Noah catches them and I feel his body shift next to me.

He doesn't say anything just rubs his thumb over mine, slowly as he gathers his thoughts.

"I know nothing will be wrong but if there is we'll deal with it, whatever it is." He looks to me, his chocolate eyes locked on mine. "Neither of us are doing this alone."

I nod slowly in reply. I want to believe him, I do believe him but the fear is irrational. It bites at me under the surface.

The door swings open and I flinch at the sudden movement.

"Miss Brown." The nurse calls and I stand too quickly, Noah grabs hold of my arm to steady me. The nurse offers a kind smile but my discomfort is evident. I try to mirror her smile but it's too forced and barely reaches my eyes. "This way." She guides us down the far too long and bright hallway, my feet squeak against the polished floor.

My palms are sweating by the time we reach the room, it smells just like the waiting area. Clean and chemical but it's quieter somehow, like the walls are listening.

"Go ahead and take a seat, I'll run through some routine questions and then Dr Ellis will be in to see how everything is progressing." The nurse smiles sweetly and I perch on the end of the bed, my jeans scratch against the paper on the bed.

Noah stays close by my side, his hands shoved in his pockets, his gaze flicking between the equipment and the door. His nerves are written across his face, his jaw clenched, his brows slightly furrowed. It's not often that I see him like this and it makes my chest twist with something I can't quite name.

He takes his warm hand in mine as the nurse pulls up a chair sitting in front of me.

"So Margo, how you feeling? Any nausea? Bleeding?"

"Just nausea, constant nausea that doesn't seem to really settle. I don't think I've lost any weight though." I answer nervously.

"That's totally normal. It will likely ease up in the next couple of weeks." She replies and I glance to Noah who lightly squeezes my hand his eyes staying on the nurse, sharp and attentive like he's memorising every word she's saying. "Any cramping or unusual pain?" She adds and I feel instantly Noah tense beside me.

"Just dull aches. Nothing sharp. Almost like period pains." I rush the words trying to ease Noah's obvious worry that radiates off of him.

"That's very common. Your body's changing and going through a lot at the moment. Your uterus is growing and your ligaments are being stretched. Remember if these are accompanied by severe cramps and bleeding you must let us know and go to ER." Noah exhales and relaxes slightly at her words, moving hid thumb back over mine slow and steady. "How are you sleeping Margo? How's your appetite been?" She asks as she takes notes and I shrug in reply.