Waking Up in Vegas

Chapter 16

“And…all done!” Stormie announced. Carly turned her head so she could see the back of the twisted updo the mother Lynch had created. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she breathed. Stormie grinned as she gestured for Kaeley to take a seat in front of her. “Thank you, dear.” She said modestly. All of the girls were over at the Lynch house getting ready for Kristen and Riker’s engagement party in a few hours. It’d been several days since Carly had confirmed her pregnancy. She’d been doing everything she could to keep it quiet, at least for a little while longer. The inevitability of having to tell Ross and the rest of the family was looming over her like a dark cloud. Fortunately, the engagement party preparation had served as a small distraction. “Alright, Kaeley. Up or down?” Stormie questioned. Her voice cut through Carly’s thoughts. Kaeley pursed her lips thoughtfully as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Down. Ell always talks about how much he loves my hair when it’s curly.” She commented. “Awwwwh.” Julia and Rydel chorused. Rydel’s hair was already pulled up into a sleek bun. Julia’s red-tinted hair was falling in loose waves down her back. Stormie grinned herself as she reached for the curling iron lying atop the antique-style wooden dresser. “Do you think this is too flashy?” Kristen questioned as she entered the room. She twirled around so the others could see every angle of her sparkling gold dress.  The other four girls shook their heads furiously. “No way! You look hot!” Rydel gushed. Kaeley nodded in agreement. “It’s your special night. You’re supposed to stand out!” Carly nodded along weakly. She was beginning to feel a bit queasy; she’d already made about five trips to the bathroom just since that morning. Rydel seemed to sense she was feeling sick. “Carly, come on. I need you to zip my dress.” She urged, tugging lightly on Carly’s arm. Carly stood gratefully and followed her out of the room. Once she was out of the others views she bolted towards the bathroom. Rydel stayed out in the hallway to give her a few moments to collect herself. Once she was sure she’d emptied her stomach she stepped back out into the hall. Kristen had joined Rydel; both were looking at her worriedly. “I’m fine.” Carly assured them. Kristen shook her head. “Carly, you don’t have to go tonight. We can make up some excuse. I’m sure no one will suspect anything.” She assured her. Carly shook her head stubbornly. “No. It’s your engagement party. I’m going. Besides Stormie went to the trouble of buying me a dress.” Rydel sighed. “Carly, this isn’t the time to be difficult. Mom would understand if we told her you weren’t feeling well. It isn’t like you’re missing the wedding.” Carly shook her head once more and stepped around them. “I’ll be fine. It’s been acting up more in the morning and afternoon than at night. I should be okay.” She repeated. She walked into Rydel’s bedroom and pulled her mint green dress off of its hanger. Rydel stepped in behind her and quickly shut the door. She crossed the room to where her own royal blue dress was hanging inside of the closet. “What shoes are you wearing?” she asked tiredly. She seemed to have given up on trying to convince Carly to stay home. Carly smiled wryly and gestured to a pair of tan wedges resting in the corner. “Delly, are you mad at me?” She said quietly. Rydel sighed as she slid into her dress. “No, I’m not mad. I’m just trying to look out for you.” She turned around and gestured to the back of her dress. Carly took a few steps in her direction and quickly zipped the zipper. “I know you are. And I appreciate it, I really do. It’s just… Once everybody knows I’m pregnant EVERYTHING is going to change. I just want a few more nights where I can go out and act normal before my life, before all of YOUR lives, change forever.” Rydel nodded as she fastened the closure on Carly’s dress as well. “I know, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to coddle you. I just want to make sure you and my future little niece or nephew are okay. Just stay away from the shrimp and take a shot of Pepto before the party. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” She assured her. Carly grinned and threw her arms around Rydel’s neck. “Thank you.” She said quietly. Rydel couldn’t help but smile herself as she tightened her arms around Carly. “Yeah, yeah.” She mumbled playfully.