Choosing Sarah

Chapter 5

Sarah got up the next morning and tried to pretend that she hadn't heard the twins' conversation. Greg must have left for his trip early because his bags were gone and so was Grant's truck. Grant must have given his brother a ride to the airport. Sarah didn't care if she saw Greg again for a while. She may as well face the fact that the father of her child was an immature jerk. And the uncle of her child didn't want to be burdened by her. So she would try to make the best of things by not being a burden.

Sarah was more subdued than usual for the next few weeks. Grant was busy working on a deadline for a project so he was quite preoccupied and didn't notice how withdrawn Sarah had become. He ended up working late quite often and Sarah ended up eating dinner alone.

Her morning sickness was mostly gone, but she still felt tired in the afternoons. She went to the doctor for her checkup and got to hear the baby's heartbeat. That was reassuring. The first time she felt the baby kick was a bittersweet moment for her. She had no one to share it with and didn't think Grant would care.

She had to go shopping for some new clothes because her regular outfits no longer fit her petite figure. She was starting to look pregnant. Her belly was starting to stick out a little bit. Some of her clients were already suspecting that she was pregnant when they met with her lately. She wasn't trying to hide it. She just wished she had a husband or a boyfriend to share it with. Lots of women were single mothers nowadays. She would just have to suck it up and make the best of it.

One night Grant came home and found Sarah eating dinner alone in the dining area.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, sitting down to eat.

"That's okay," she replied. "I think the food is still warm enough."

They sat in silence while Grant dished himself some food.

"Is something bothering you, Sarah? You seem really quiet," Grant noted, making brief eye contact with her.

Sarah shrugged.

"I'm fine," she said, trying to smile.

"No, you're not," Grant refuted, still looking at her. He didn't touch his food.

Sarah chewed her food, trying to avoid Grant's probing gaze. She wasn't very successful.

"I didn't take a nap this afternoon so I'm probably just tired," she finally said, hoping Grant would accept her explanation.

He seemed satisfied because he began to eat his meal.

They made small talk while they ate. Sarah finished first and started to do the dishes.

"Just leave those, Sarah," Grant said. "You cooked, so I'll clean up."

"It's okay. You worked hard all day. Besides, I don't want to be a burden to you."

With that, she picked up her dishes and went to the kitchen. Grant stood up and followed her.

"Why did you just say that?" he asked, putting his hands on his hips.

Clearing her throat, Sarah turned to face him. The look in his eyes was intense. He looked almost angry.

"It's the truth, isn't it? You and Greg are putting up with me because I'm pregnant and you think you're being honorable and doing the right thing."

"Don't go putting words in my mouth, Sarah."

"Really? How about the word leftovers, Grant? Isn't that what I am? Just some pathetic one night fling that meant nothing. Do you think I want to be a single parent? I always thought I'd have a husband first. Now I never will. And all because of a night I can't even remember."