Life Straight Up (reposted - feedback wanted)

Chapter Eighteen

     I stirred slightly from my slumber as the sound of hushed voices reached my ears. As I started to awaken even more, I was aware of the fact I was in a moving car I presume. The whole situation filled me with dread and an unwanted sense of Deja vu. Instantly I opened my eyes wide and tried to sit up, only to find myself trapped by Cole's arm as I laid across his lap. Turning my head to face him, I saw that he too was asleep. I tried to move once more, but this only made his hold on me tighter, as he mumbled in sleep.

"He hasn't let you leave his side since we turned up," I heard a feminine voice say.

Turning towards it I saw Celeste sat in front of me, a soft smile on her lips and worry in her eyes. She didn't look her normal pristine self. Her long dark hair was up in a messy bun and her face was pale and free of makeup. Instead of her usual brand name clothing, she wore an old pair of Chris's jog bottoms and a baggy hoody. I almost didn't recognise her, it was clear from the dark bags under her eyes that she hadn't been sleeping.

"It's so good to have you back Ray," she said leaning over placing a hand on my leg.

Both of us jumped as a loud growl escaped Cole's lips, stopping only once she had removed her hand from me.

"Has he been like this the whole time I was out?" I asked, concerned by Cole's over protective behaviour.

"Yes," she simply replied. "He wouldn't let anyone near you, it seems to be getting worse as time goes by. I thought he may have relaxed slightly since he's asleep, but I guess I was wrong. Then again, I don't blame him," she continued, giving me a sympathetic smile, something I realised I would be getting a lot of.

"I understand," I said quietly, as the car fell into silence.

"I'm so glad they found you Luna," I heard Greg say from the driver's seat.

"Me too," I replied.

"Grace will be there waiting for you as soon as we arrive," he said, glancing at me through the rear view mirror with a knowing look in his eyes.

"Thanks," I replied, as the thought I had been trying to dodge slowly edged into my mind.

The images from my dream, vision or whatever you want to call it flashing in front of me. What if that was gone now, what if I wasn't going to have that day at the lake with my little family? What if I have lost those precious little darlings? What if I have lost another child? If I had, could I even bring myself to try again for another child? Before I knew it, tears were falling from my eyes. The sound of me sniffling instantly getting Celeste and Greg's attention.

"Ray sweetie what's wrong?" Celeste asked, looking more concerned than before.

"Nothing it's just that.... It's just....," I tried to answer, but the words escaped me.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head," Greg said comfortingly. "Grace will check you over and make sure everything is ok, I promise. She's the best doctor I know," he continued, turning to face me for a second.

His words comforted me greatly, it was almost as though he had read my mind. I was a little unsure how he seemed to know about my pregnancy. My only conclusion being that Dr Pierce had told him, which is a little wrong of her. That or Cole informed people once he realised I had been snatched. I hope he hadn't, I don't think I could stand the looks of sympathy and everybody pussy footing around me. I knew people were going to at differently around me for a while, but I didn't want to add to it. As the thought of losing my children swam around my head more, I couldn't help but rest my hand on my stomach, praying I'd feel something. I knew it was stupid I was nowhere near far enough along to feel anything at all. I just wanted a sign or anything, telling me everything was ok.