Awakening Abigail

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Andrew felt a rush of adrenaline as he drove faster. His face was a painting of determination. He had 100 miles left to go, until he reached his destination. The window was open, and his black hair was a mess with wind.  

He went to Abi's apartment before he left, but didn't get out. Instead he sat in his car, secretly hoping she would come out so he could get a glimpse of her. Andrew felt ashamed at the way he was doing things. He didn't really understand, but he knew that asking Abi about her past wasn't the best idea. Instinct told him to be extra sensitive with her. He sensed a radius of "back off" around her and knew she wouldn't let him breach it, yet. But why drive 500 miles to an unknown town to find out about a student's shady past?  

Andrew didn't know. But something about Abi White made him do strange things. He had a drive inside of him, pushing him towards her. Yes, she was 8 years younger than him, but he had an idea that she might be more mature than he'll ever be. Andrew skipped the song on the radio. He was going to Abi's hometown, and he would find out what exactly happened to her the night of the 23rd of December. Then he would go back and help her trust him. The thing was, Andrew knew that he and Abi White, aka Michelle Matthews, was connected, and he was planning on tightening that connection.

Andrew slowly navigated through the streets of Port Shepstone. It was a windy day, and the sea looked like a fisherman's nightmare. He kept his windows rolled down, and inhaled the salty air. The air was taut with a brooding storm. He parked his car in front of a weathered hotel. He needed a place to stay after the long trip. He stretched his legs, and lifted his arms above his head, allowing his back to adjust. Casually he walked towards the door, taking in his surroundings. Inside it was a bit warmer, but it also looked old and worn. He stopped at the reception desk, noticing a layer of dust on the counter. No one was visible. Andrew cleared his throat. Suddenly a bewildered, heavily pregnant girl entered the room. 

"Hi mister! So sorry, was just in the loo." She gestured to her swollen stomach. "Ya know, baby and bladder!"  

Andrew just nodded. As if he should know that? 

"You want a room? You’re lucky it's out of season, we have rooms available." 

She smiled at him, and he was shocked to see how young she looked. He eyed her left hand. No ring.  

"A room would be nice, thank you. For about 5 nights." 

He got out his credit card. She took it eagerly. In return she handed him a form. 

"Just fill this in for me, would Ya?" She swiped the card. "Straight or budget?" 

"Straight Please."  

He filled in his relevant information and handed her the paper. She glanced at it. 

"You’re a doctor? How wonderful! So if this baby comes tonight, you'll catch it?" 

Andrew felt like climbing back into his car.  

"No mam, I'm not a medical doctor. I can do research on catching your baby, but really catching it? No way." 

She looked confused.  

"Then why did you lie on the form?" 

Andrew lifted his eyebrows, staring at her in disbelieve. He shook his head. 

"I'm an academic doctor. Its a degree? You understand?" 

"It sounds stupid. Anyway, here's your key. Room 101." 

Andrew took the key from her outstretched hand. His eyes dropped to her belly again. Maybe he should go before she really did pop. Quickly he made his way to the rooms. Before he entered the door leading to the bedrooms, he turned to her.