Broken Mirrors

Chapter Six

Clair grabbed a napkin and hastily wiped at her white jacket, her gaze narrowing at Jessica.

"Preg... pregnant for whom?" Clair asked, her voice faltering.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Who else?"

Clair's eyes widened. "Vincent!" She lowered her voice. "Vincent?"

Jessica nodded, calm as ever. "Yes."

Clair's hand trembled as she drank all the water in front of her. At that moment, the waitress appeared, placing down a burger, iced tea, and orange juice.

"Anything else?" the waitress asked with a smile.

Jessica shook her head. "No, thanks."

Clair managed a timid smile. "No, thank you."

The waitress walked away, leaving the tension between the two women hanging in the air. Clair sighed, her voice filled with frustration. "This is turning out to be a big mess."

Jessica groaned. "Don't you think I know that?"

Clair still looked confused. "Are you sure though?"

Jessica nodded again, more serious this time. "Yes, I went to the doctor this morning."

Clair took a deep breath. "Are you telling him?"

Jessica hesitated, nervously playing with her fingers. "I don't know, do you think I should?"

Clair leaned back, her gaze softening. "He deserves to know, but that's your decision." She sipped her orange juice, her eyes scanning the busy restaurant.

Jessica rubbed her temples in frustration. "Ugh! This is so annoying."

Clair mumbled, "Tell me about it..."

Jessica took a slow bite of her burger, clearly overwhelmed by the situation.

"Have you even talked to him since you found out?" Clair asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Jessica swallowed hard, her face tensing. "No, and I don't want Dinah finding out either."

Clair rolled her eyes. "She lives with me, Jessica."

"Please? I'll tell her myself, I promise," Jessica pleaded.

Clair stared at her for a moment before giving in. "Fine."

Jessica smiled in relief. "Thanks..."

Later that evening, Dinah parked her car and made her way to the house. Her eyes immediately fell on the limo parked outside, and suspicion crept into her thoughts. Inside, the butler was busy arranging suitcases by the stairs.

"What's going on?" Dinah asked.

"Your parents are going on vacation," the butler replied calmly.

Dinah muttered under her breath. "Shit! He was serious..."

Just then, George came down the stairs, his grim smile meeting Dinah's curious gaze.

"Daddy... seriously?" Dinah questioned.

"I'll be back in a month or so," George said nonchalantly, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he walked away.

"A month?" Dinah's voice was filled with disbelief.

George simply smiled. "I need a break."

Dinah's frustration grew, and she shouted, "Mom!" as she waited for her mother.

There was no response, so she yelled louder. "Mom!"

Finally, Iris appeared, walking down the stairs with another suitcase in tow. The butler took it from her as she reached the bottom.