Free Falling

Book Club

After some time, Shannon walked downstairs to the kitchen to start on dinner.

Jessica felt better especially now that Shannon had opened up to her. She felt their relationship was on the mend and she was so happy to have Shannon back in her life.

Sarah showed up to check on Jessica some time later and Jessica told her what happened to her. Sarah then volunteered to help Jessica out throughout the rest of her pregnancy.

Sarah spoke to Shannon and between the both of them they came up with a schedule. Sarah would come over in the afternoons after her shift at the library and Shannon would do mornings before going to work at the salon.

There was a small amount of time that Jessica and Karen would be left alone. Shannon would have to leave a bit earlier than expected and Sarah would arrive an hour later.

Jessica was a bit worried but she thought of the four hours Karen would be alone when Jessica was working at the library. Karen usually was okay for a few hours alone but now she would only be alone for only an hour.

Jessica was grateful to Sarah for stepping up and helping out her family. Abigail had yet to offer any help. Jessica wasn't expecting much from her daughter which made her heartache. Why did Abigail have to believe Karen's lies?

Sometime later, Sarah left and Phillip returned to the house.

He went up to see Jessica and when he got to their bedroom, he leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed.

"So...you're not going to listen to me and have that, that thing?" Philip said harshly.
Jessica stayed calm and said. "Yes. I am having this baby."
Phillip sighed and let his arms fall to his sides. Jessica motioned him to come closer. "Please Phillip, come closer."

Phillip walked closer and sat beside Jessica, keeping his eyes away from her belly.

"Phillip...how can you be so cold towards our child?" Jessica said gently. "A child we created together. You didn't act this way when we had our older children. Sure, we are older now but, I know we can do this." Jessica reached for Phillip's hand and placed it on her belly. "Feel that? That's our baby, Phillip."

Phillip cringed as he felt the baby kick from within Jessica's womb. After a few more seconds, Phillip pulled his hand away and stood up.

"I'm going to check on my mother." Phillip said without glancing at Jessica. "Then I'm going out. Don't wait up."

Jessica's eyes fell onto her belly, tears rolling down her cheeks. She held it with both hands and said. "It's okay baby. Your daddy will come around. For now...it's just you and I."

A month later, Jessica was now in her sixth month of her pregnancy.

Things were going smoothly between the schedule that Shannon and Sarah agreed to. They both went over and helped out a lot.

Jessica was truly grateful for having her daughter in law and her best friend helping her in her time of need.

Dr. Porter made weekly house calls every Thursday so he could keep a close eye on Jessica and the baby.

Dr. Porter would bring his portable ultrasound and Jessica was able to see her baby each visit.
Also, hearing the baby's heartbeat was music to Jessica's ears.

Dr. Porter was happy to report with each visit that the baby was doing just fine. Jessica was relieved to hear that. Dr. Porter asked Jessica if she wanted to know the gender of the baby. Jessica said no. She wanted to be surprised.

The days went by and Jessica was becoming bored and depressed. She was glad that she did have Sarah and Shannon to talk to, but, that was it. Abigail would visit but she would just say negative comments and those comments would put Jessica in a horrible set of mind.