Alone

Chapter 15

The mornings aren't as warm as they used to be. I pulled the covers tightly over my body, desperately trying to cling to sleep. But I couldn't; I was wide awake. Jenna is expecting me to be at work in less than an hour.

I groaned as I shoved the warm comfort of the blanket away, sliding myself out of bed. My feet carried me to the bathroom. I sighed as the cool water from the sink splashed over my face, before the fluffy hand towel patted my cheeks dry. Since I haven't straightened my hair in a while, I pulled out my flat iron and ran it through my hair. I pulled the cap off my eye liner, rubbing a bit on my eyelid and brushing some mascara over my lashes.

Moving on to my closet, I peeled off my clothes and picked out some jeans. My legs slid into them, my fingers fumbling with the zipper. I yanked at it several times, but it wouldn't budge. Letting out a frustrated groan, I kicked them to my feet, choosing a pair of black leggings instead. I stepped in front of the full sized mirror that hung on the back of my door. I tugged the waistband of my pants down slightly, turning to the side as I examined my bump. My hand was placed gently on the ever-growing bulge before yanking it away. I cannot let myself get attached.

The squeaky drawer of my dresser slid open and I pulled out one of my favorite shirts. Sliding my arms into the sleeves, I lifted the soft material over my head and squeezed into it. My fingers hoisted my bra up. I'd gone up a whole cup size since the pregnancy. I winced at the soreness of my breasts. The stretchy material spread out over my bump. I turned sideways once more, frowning upon seeing how obvious my pregnancy is becoming. I really needed some maternity clothes...or whatever they call them.

As I waddled into the kitchen, my hands cupped my lower back, squeezing firmly; an attempt to relieve myself from the pain of my belly weighing me down. My attention was immediately drawn to a small scrap of paper on the kitchen counter. I inched closer, picking up the small note as my eyes scanned over the words.

Ember ~

My heart fluttered.

We need to continue our talk from last night. Can I take you out at 8:00?

~H

A wave of nausea immediately passed over me. Head pounding, my hands crumpled the paper and threw it down the sink.

What is he doing to me? I don't get him. Everything with Harry is just so...confusing lately. Holding hands, hugging...the almost kiss. Well, it was a kiss. Just not on the lips. My heart skipped a beat as I thought back to that night. That's where it all began. But what I don't understand is why Harry is doing this to me. Just to mess with me? Does he feel sorry for me? I'm messed up. Really messed up. And he's....well, he's Harry. He could get any girl he wanted. I can't date him, or whatever it is he's trying to get from me. He won't get my love, I don't love anyone. I shouldn't even be friends with him. But I really need the money for the hospital bills. Whatever he's aiming at, after the baby is gone, we'll go our separate ways. We have to. We met by accident. This whole thing was an accident.

•••

"Why do you keep holding your stomach?" Jenna grinned with a suspicious smile.

"Huh?" I mumbled, snapping to my senses. My eyes fell down to my right hand, wrapped around my rounded bump; cradling it. I gasped slightly, whipping my hand behind my back.

"I just....I have a stomach ache."

"Kate." She shot me a knowing smile.

"I was pregnant for 9 months, just like any other woman. I know the pregnancy signs. Back pain, waddling, nausea, throwing up, headaches, and most of all, cradling your belly." She grinned, her eyes leaving mine and dropping down to my bump.