Stilettos in the City

Chapter Three

Three weeks had passed since Caden and I started hanging out. We'd grown close, and I found myself feeling grateful for his company. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He'd been dealing with my unpredictable mood swings, and I was starting to notice changes in my body. My clothes felt tighter, and I'd been experiencing strange cravings.

A nagging thought had been lurking in the back of my mind, but I tried to push it away. Could I be pregnant? The idea sent a shiver down my spine. If I was, it would mean...no, I couldn't even think about it. I made a mental note to take a pregnancy test later that day.

But I wasn't about to let uncertainty ruin my plans. I was supposed to spend the day with Caden, and I saw no reason to cancel. I'd take the test later, and chances were, it would come up negative anyway. I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the day ahead, looking forward to spending time with Caden.

My phone rang, breaking the silence. I answered, and Caden's voice came through the line. "Hey, Liz. Are you ready to go? I'm on my way over."

I glanced around my room, making sure I had everything I needed. "Yeah, I'm ready. I'll be waiting."

"Alright. See you soon. Bye," Caden said before hanging up.

As I waited for Caden to arrive, I couldn't shake off the thoughts that had been swirling in my mind all morning. I had a pregnancy test waiting for me at home, and I was planning to take it after our movie date. If the result was positive...I didn't even want to think about it. But I knew I needed someone to talk to, someone who could offer me support and guidance. And that someone was Caden.

I planned to tell him about the test while we walked at the park. And if the result was positive, I was going to ask him to stay the night with me. I needed someone to lean on, someone who could help me process this life-changing news.

Before I could worry anymore, I heard a knock at the door. Caden had arrived.

As we waited in line at the yogurt shop, I pondered my toppings. "I think I want extra mangoes," I said, weighing my options.

Caden smiled. "Whatever you want, I'll get."

I protested, feeling a twinge of guilt. "You don't have to do that, Caden. You've been paying every time we come here."

Caden's smile turned sarcastic. "Well, I'm going to. I'm just that sweet."

I giggled, rolling my eyes. "Yeah, sure. Whatever floats your boat."

As we ordered and received our yogurts, my mind began to wander. What if I am pregnant? What will I do? I bit my lip, a habit I'd developed whenever I was deep in thought.

Caden noticed my distraction. "What are you thinking about?" he asked as we walked to a table.

I brushed it off, not ready to share my concerns. "Oh, nothing."

We enjoyed our yogurts, and then headed to the park for our usual stroll. But today, I wasn't feeling my usual self. The queasiness had returned, and I asked Caden if we could skip the swings.

Caden looked at me with concern. "You okay? You seem a bit off today."

I forced a smile, not wanting to worry him. "I'm fine. Just a little tired, that's all."

I looked up at Caden, my eyes locking onto his. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about. It's been weighing on my mind."

Caden's expression turned curious, and he nodded for me to continue. "Alright."

As we strolled through the park, I took a deep breath and began my story. "I dated this guy, Toby, for three years. We broke up recently, and it's been tough." My voice cracked, and I paused, fighting back tears.