Life Straight Up (reposted - feedback wanted)

Chapter Twenty Nine

     I walked into my room and quickly pulled off my baggy t-shirt and jog bottoms. Making my way to the wardrobe, I pulled open the doors and grabbed the second outfit Helena and I had planned. It wasn't anything special really, but I knew it was one of Cole's favourites. It was a short sleeved, grey, jersey, hi low dress. Cole loved the way the soft material clung to my growing body and still looked modest. He always told me he thought it made me look sweet and pretty. Which believe me, when you can no longer see your own feet, is a good thing. I pulled the hair band from my hair and shook out my waves, brushing them with my fingers. Going to my dresser I grabbed my makeup bag, a present from Helena, and applied a tiny amount. It gave my skin a nice glow, but it wasn't obvious I was wearing any. I chuckled to myself as I tidied up and walked back to the door. Not so long ago the thought of putting on a dress and make up would make me cringe. The most I ever did with my hair was to put it up into a messy bun, now I do all sorts. I wouldn't go as far as to say I had become a complete Barbie doll wannabe, but I was definitely comfortable in my own skin. I saw my own beauty, I accepted it and welcomed it. I closed the door and waddled down the stairs, one thing was sure, I had to find a way to avoid those stairs as much as possible. As I headed to the dining room I heard the sound of voices and laughter, one in particular caught my attention. Precious. As I entered the room she was right next to Cole. We had already agreed that for the moment we should sit apart, our way of conforming to Grace's recommendation. As soon as I walked passed him, Cole's eyes glanced over at me, a tiny smile played on his lips as he took in my appearance. I smiled back and precious noticed. She scowled slightly, before covering it quickly, but not quick enough. I shared a look with Helena, she saw it too. I took a seat opposite her. Alec sat at the end of the table opposite Cole. Thankfully I had Grace and Greg between Precious and myself. Unfortunately, from where I was sat I couldn't see her clearly, but Helena could perfectly. I kept my eyes on Trent. Now that everyone was seated we began our meal, helping ourselves to the various Indian dishes Angie had prepared. I felt slightly greedy when I looked down at my rather full plate, but I was starving. As we all ate, everyone deep in conversation with each other, I stole glances at Cole. He was sat quietly listening to Precious as she talked his ear off, her hand frequently touching his arm. I could tell he was uncomfortable with it, but I kept quiet, although I wasn't sure how much longer that would last. I could see him slowly getting more and more irritated every time her hand brushed against him. She seemed oblivious, but Trent seemed to be getting increasingly uncomfortable. He hardly spoke to me anymore. Only asking how I was or if I could watch Devlin. Something was going on with him, but I wasn't close to figuring that out yet. Choosing to try and ignore what was going on at the other end of the table, I ate my food and prayed this torture would soon be over.

Eventually it was time to head back upstairs, I was beyond tired and I could hear my bed calling to me. Everyone was still sat around the table talking, but I excused myself. Cole gave me a look, as if asking me if I was alright. I gave him a small smile before leaving the room. After all, for this plan to work, we couldn't exactly leave together. She has to think that I'm no one special, that's if she truly has lost her memory, if she hasn't she has to think she has us fooled and that she's creating a wedge between us. She needs to think there's an opening for her to swoop in and dig her claws in. She won't get past me though, I have her out played. Or at least I hope I do. I hurried up the stairs and into my bedroom. I stripped off my clothes and climbed into bed. Normally I would put on a pair of shorts and a vest top, but recently I had been getting too hot at night and getting more uncomfortable. I kept the duvet off, but gathered my extra pillows and arranged them around my bump and hips. Once I was done, I was in heaven. I closed my eyes and let out a long sigh, relieved that it was over for today. I just lay there and let my mind clear of any thoughts, letting myself relax completely until I felt myself slowly start to drift off.