Plenty More Fish in The Sea

Chapter 25

Zainab's POV

I felt like the world had stopped, but my head was still spinning. Every time I think back, my stomach tightens in knots and I start to feel like my head is turning. When I look down at my baby, I don't know what to feel. So many thoughts run through my head. It feels like a hurricane, and I'm too caught up in the storm.

Through early wedding plans, I sit in the corner of the room, ever staring blankly at the wall. Though my mum makes attempts at bringing me into the conversation, I only give short sharp replies. She blames it on my nerves before my wedding, even though it's months away.

Since I'm leaving to New York tomorrow, I head upstairs and pack my bags. Just as I'm folding shirts, a knock resonates through the room. I wildly guess that it's my mum.

'Packing?' My mum walks in. Every time. She never gives me time to myself.

I wave my arms towards the mess around the room. 'It's kinda obvious, mum.' I reply sarcastically.

Her eyes dart to the bag of medicine on my desk. Darn.

Of course, she walks over and picks it up and begins inspecting. 'Zainab, what are these for? Are you sick?'

'Well, uh-' I begin. Then her jaw drops and a large gasp escapes her mouth.

'Pregnancy?!' She almost screams. Fuck, Zainab, you've really done it this time! Give yourself a pat on the back!

'No, mum I'm not pregnant. The doctor just- uh... gave me the same vitamins they give to pregnant people.' I try not to stutter.

'Why?' She eyes me carefully.

'Because I was low on vitamins maybe?' I break eye contact and then begin resuming packing.

I hear a brief 'hmmm' before she leaves the room. After the door slams, and I hear her footsteps down the stairs, I breathe a huge sigh of relief.

***

The following day

I slowly unlock the door to Zerkan's apartment – I don't want to wake him up since its only 4 in the morning.

I leave my luggage in the living room, then tiptoe into the bedroom and slip into bed, welcoming the warmth from Zerkan's body. I can't wait to see his face when he wakes up next to me.

Then my phone rings on full blast.

I try and silence it, but it's too late. 'Zainab?' His voice is harsh and thick with sleep.

'Surprise?' I try and smile.

'For real?' He sits up and rubs his eyes.

'Well, I'm here aren't I?'

'I wasn't expecting that.' He laughs then lies back down next to me. Within minutes, I hear him snoring, so I decide to check who exactly was calling me.

I stare at my phone. Missed call from Adrian.

At 4am? I struggle to believe that wasn't an accident. But regardless, I creep out of bed and into the living room. The early rays of the sunrise make the white walls golden, and for once, this plain room looks heavenly. It makes me happy.

I swipe right and Adrian picks up straight away.

'Zainab? Where were you? You didn't pick up for ages,' I decide to pass his desperation for kindness.

'I was in London. Why? Is something wrong?' I say through yawning. 'Sorry, I'm tired,'

'It's okay. Why were you in London?' His tone is sexier now that he's more relaxed. It reminds me of when he first talked to me.