Timing is Everything

Chapter Seven

                                              Chapter Seven

       I feel an awful sinking feeling in my stomach as I look at the photos of Hudson and Meredith. The way he looks at her with all that love. Why can't that be me? Together Meredith and Hudson look so utterly beautiful it's shocking.

Deep down inside I understand why they're a couple. It isn't just about their amazing good looks. Both Hudson and Meredith are the most caring and sweet people. Their personalities are what makes them overall beautiful people.

I let out a sigh. I need to stop this sulking. I begin to put all seven of the photos into the large frames. The vintage looking photographs of Hudson and Meredith are so gorgeous. It's actually kind of fun.

   "Thank you so much! Aren't these photos just gorgeous? Alex did such a good job."

   "You're welcome. Yes. The photos are wonderful."

Meredith sits down in front of me. She has finally returned from her second mystery trip with Hudson. All of these trips their taking are making me a bit nervous. I really hope that everything will go on without a hitch.

   "How was the trip?" I ask, making the silence go away. I don't want anymore of those. Jamison gives me way too many.

   "It was...exciting," Meredith is quiet. This isn't like her at all. She has this outgoing, loud, and bubbly personality. It's what I love about her. Seeing her being all quiet and secretive is bringing that sinking feeling back.

   "What's wrong? I know something is up. Please tell me everything is okay Meredith."

Meredith looks down at the table. From where I'm sitting I can see the tears falling from her eyes. Instead of saying anything more, I move my chair closer to her and place my hand on top of hers.

   "Mere, please tell me what's going on. Are you and Hudson in a fight? Is the wedding still on?" saying this aloud made me feel like complete shit. Part of me wanted her to tell me that the wedding was off. The other half of me--the good half--wanted everything to continue as it is.

   "I'm not crying because I'm sad. Hudson and I are perfect. I'm not supposed to tell you. Hudson and I are keeping it a secret until after the wedding, but I can't keep this from you any longer, Lorelei. I'm pregnant!" her radiating smile leaves me speechless.

She's pregnant. Meredith and Hudson are going to have a baby. My heart hurts. I feel so selfish right now that I hate me right now.

   "Oh Meredith! Congratulations! I am so happy for you and Hudson. This baby is going to be so beautiful and loved. You and Hudson are going to be the best parents," I ramble. All of this though is true. Hudson and Meredith are going to make a beautiful child. That child is going to be loved by the two most amazing people.

Meredith gives me a warm hug. I return the hug. Out of nowhere I feel myself tearing up. The worst part is I don't know if I'm crying because I'm happy or because my heart was just shattered into a million pieces.