*Not edited.*
“No, your dad’s name is Robert.” Say Josh pulling me forward.
“She has that same dress… Those are my shoes… Josh that’s my mom.” I say quietly.
“Bridge you’re being silly.” Says Josh.
The couple ahead of us starts walking to the elevator.
“Shelby, I forgot my wallet.” Says the man turning around. I’m struck frozen. The woman turns around, smiling and then her eyes fall on me. Her face goes blank.
“Bridgette?” She calls. I turn and put my hood up.
“Bridge.” Says Josh.
“Who’s Bridgette?” Asks the man.
I run down the hallway, straight past my mom and run down the stairs.
“Bridge!” Calls Josh, as the door closes I see him running.
“Josh?” My mom says still standing there. The man looks utterly confused.
“Bridgette!” She starts running to the stairs too.
As I reach the bottom, I burst through the door and run through the lobby. Out of the hotel and into the park. I follow the lamp lights through the dark park, the path is twisted and leads me to a park bench. I sit down and curl up in a ball.
“Bridge!” Says Josh catching up to me. He sits down on the bench. I breathe heavy and look out into the darkness. “What just happened?!” Asks Josh panting.
“That was my mom…” I say, my eyes wide. The geers in my brain start turning. “That wasn’t my… Dad.” I say. The click of heels on the cobble path gets closer and closer.
“Bridgette?” Asks my mom walking towards us. I duck my head back into my knees and Josh slides over to me. He embraces me in a hug as my mom walks to the front of the bench.
“Bridge?” She asks again. I cry softly as Josh starts talking to her.
“Hello Mrs. -.”
“What the hell?!” I scream at her.
“Don’t use that tone towards me young lady!”
“Don’t use that tone?!” I stand up, Josh still by my side. “Who was that man?! Cause I’m hella sure it wasn’t dad!” I yell.
“Bridgette!” She gasps.
“What?!” I cry, she moves closer and lifts her hand up to my cheek. “Don’t touch me!” I push her hand away.
“Bridgette, try to understand…”
“Understand what?! That you’re cheating on dad?! Great! Not only am I pregnant, but my family is falling apart!” Josh hugs me and I bury my face into his shirt. He’s warm and as his strong arms wrap around me, I feel safe.
“Listen to me.” She points he pink finger nail at me. “I never planned on this… You;ve got to understand, Bridgette.”
“Don’t. Just don’t. I don’t want to hear anything from you.” I start walking away.
“What were you doing at this hotel missy? You were supposed to be home with Kyla. Why are you here? And with Josh? No wonder you got knocked up!” She grasps her mouth. “I didn’t mean it….” She says.
“Don’t!” I scream. I walk back to the hotel with Josh.
“Excuse me, may I have my car?” Asks Josh to the front desk.
