Paths Cross

{13}

I felt sick. I was nervous.

It wasn't a good time to be pregnant.

It had been a month. I missed Jesse like crazy, and all I wanted to do was see him. I was so bored sitting in my cell staring at my chubby reflection of the computer screen.

Ever since they had learned I was pregnant, they had been keeping me well-nourished. But that wasn't why I was chubby. I was gaining weight, and not because of food, but because of me being pregnant.

What did I do to deserve this all? I wanted to save the people by showing the plans to World War III to them, not be locked up for it! Now they would never know my aunt's evil plans to wreak havoc and destruction over them.

I was sixteen, pregnant, in jail for a something not worth being locked up for. I stole for the good of citizens.

Before I could think any more about my sorrows, I was jolted out of them by a sharp knock on the glass sliding door.

It was Chiseled Jaw, the cop that was constantly on my tail during the chase. He stepped in, with a firm expression plastered across his face. He nodded to me and opened his mouth, ready to speak.

"Miss Rokhlin, you have a visitor."

"Who?" I asked, perking up. I sat up from slouching.

Not speaking any more, he gestured someone in, a tall figure with nicely-combed dark brown hair and just what I wanted to see --

-- those big feet in those nice, spiffy Vans.

They were still clean like before.

Barely able to contain my excitement, I squealed as Jesse came over and sat beside me, running his hands through my hair and kissing me, making up for that long month's time.

I laughed, happier than I'd been in a while.

Finally, Jesse pulled away and scanned his eyes over me, smiling the biggest smile he ever had, his teeth exposed and all. "You're so beautiful, Nina. I missed you so much."

I threw my arms around him, squeezing him tight. "I love you."

"I love you too," he mumbled, kissing the edge of my jaw. Looking over his shoulder, I noticed we were alone.

Pulling away again slowly, I smiled. "You look very handsome," I remarked.

Jesse laughed, the sound giving me the chills, spreading throughout my body. "Thank you. I decided to actually put some effort into getting ready this morning." He ran his hand along his jaw, breathing out. "Nina, I have something to tell you."

Nervous for what was to come, my stomach dropped. Had he moved on? Was he with another girl? Did he move? What if he wanted to break up?

Swallowing, I asked tremulously, "what is it?"

"Nina. You won't believe this," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "I got a job. I mean, like... a good job that I can actually make a living out of."

"Really?" I asked, relieved and excited for him. "What is it? What's the job?"

"Well, it's an office job managing other companies. Not a huge deal..."

"Hey, it's a job! I'm so proud of you, Jess." I kissed him, and he smiled.

"How is everything?" he asked, rubbing my arms soothingly.

"Okay." I laughed. "Couldn't be worse, actually."

Jesse looked at me, suddenly his eyebrows turned up in worry. He leaned forward, his mouth beside my ear.

"Nina, sometime -- before Jenkins tries to execute you -- I'm going to get you out of here," he mumbled. "Don't you worry. We'll create a revolution. I'll rescue you in a grand escape, and we'll display the World War III plans to the people, and Jenkins will die from shock. And then, a hero will rule the government and we'll live happily ever after with our baby away from everyone."

"Just like the Disney movies?" I said, smiling.

"Just like the Disney movies," he repeated, grinning.

"Time's up," the officer said, stepping in. "You'll have more visitation time tomorrow."

Jesse nodded, turning back to me from looking at the officer. "I love you," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'll be back tomorrow night."

I nodded as he stood up and walked over to the door. "Bye, Nina."

"Bye, Jess. I love you too."

He smiled and walked out, the officer closing the door behind him.

I sighed, lying down, shaking. I didn't want to lose Jesse. I didn't want him to lose me. I was hanging on to him and my life, well... for dear life.