Decay In Her Bones

CHAPTER 26

Bobby's stomach clenched like a fist inside him as he heard what Joey had just said. A replay of what happened to them a few weeks ago flashed back and he paid a closer attention to every detail. Could it be possible? He remembered very well how he had had his release outside her. Yes, he was drunk, but he knew better than to have it while he was still in the act of penetration. The arched walls around him seemed to have collapsed down on him, squeezing him flat out of consciousness. A stream of sweat thundered down on his cheeks as his skin lost its ability to recognize any feeling. Bobby's blood drained as chill went down his spine.

Bobby, I'm pregnant.

No!

For quite some time, he had remained incapable of communicating both verbally and non-verbally. Seeing his blank expression, Joey let out deep sobs as a sign of defeat. She rested her head on the surface of the pew in front of her. After what seemed like forever, Bobby finally spoke: "How?" It came out as a sigh.

This wasn't the response Joey wanted to hear, but she knew it was to be expected. She said, "I don't know." Her words were almost lost as she spoke under her arms.

"I..." Bobby did not know what else to say.

Outside, the world shook after a blinding white flash from the sky.

Bobby inched closer to Joey and sat beside her. The image of God appeared in front of him as he gazed towards the direction of the altar. Still, everything felt out of focus. A packet of tears formed on the edge of his eyes, blurring his sight almost completely. The only sensation he felt were his shaking hands and the sickening condition inside him. A strong urge to throw up weakened his state, but his body remained rigid.

A river of tears joined his sweat.

Technically, what was causing Bobby to feel all of these was fear. What would be his parents' reactions? What would Joey's parents say? What about Mylene? Was he ready to support a family? He literally was not finished studying yet. What about his future? Everything was ruined. Bobby's life had become pointless.

And the worst part was: he didn't even love Joey. What had happened was totally just an accident.

All of a sudden, Joey raised her head and exposed her face soaked with tears. Her eyes were already crimson and it was painful to look at. She whispered, "Say something."

"I..." Bobby began, but he was still clueless as to what he could say. "I'm sorry Joey."

But before Joey could utter a reply, the lights around them suddenly went out. The interior of the Transfiguration Chapel instantly darkened; even its wide openings had done nothing because the outside world was also dark. The sky was still continuously growling like a hungry monster, but no lightning flashed.

"BOBBY!" Joey screamed in a high-pitched voice. Her right hand was pointing at something towards the opposite end of the building ― towards the altar.

Back at the cottage, it started to drizzle. Good thing, the dense volume of leaves of the trees above them hindered the raindrops from reaching them. Their conversation remained lively even with the abrupt passing of time, but Mylene started to worry about her boyfriend's absence as another flash of lightning was let out from the purple sky. What's taking him so long?

Someone tapped Mylene's shoulder and she turned in time to see Lance offering her a smile, "Are you alright?"

Mylene nodded and beamed in return.

"Wonder why Bobby hasn't come back yet."

"Me too."

"Don't worry babe. He's probably on his way back."