Youngblood // Sweet Pea

15

6 months into this pregnancy, and senior year was starting today. The heat made it impossible to be out, but more impossible because of the growing bump.

Sweet Pea did his best to lead me through the hallways, not allowing a whole lot of people to knock into me.

He walked me to class, telling me that he'd do this every single time, no matter how late it made him.

The little girl kicked around some as I shifted in the uncomfortable school chair. I prayed she'd settle.

As the teacher went on about how she went to France for the summer. I pulled out the journal, starting an entry.

August 28th, 2019
Hello baby, it's mommy. Today is my first day of my senior year. You seem to be very active today, but I don't mind.
The teacher is yapping about how she went to France this summer, I got to stay home with you, all summer. I didn't mind once.
You're perfect, I enjoy spending time with you.
Your daddy is going insane trying to keep you safe, leading me through the hallway like a body guard.
Just remember, I love you.

For the rest of the period the teacher sat, mumbling on and on about how she got to leave the crazy town and was able to live a luxurious life.

Pea met me at the door after the bell rang, his smile reaching his eyes. His hand collided with mine, walking to our only shared period.

The AP Chemistry class was upstairs, people weezed to and from, pushing past us. A force shoved against me, causing my feet to slip from underneath me.

Pea and I turned back to see Archie and Reggie, the trouble some pair. Pea helped me up, checking on little peanut, before confronting the two.

"What the hell Archie?" Pea said, teeth clenched as he talked.
"It was my bad. Honest to god." The bell rang as the hallways seemed to clear.

Pea shoved him, knocking him back a few steps before Reggie shoved Pea.
"What the fuck, knock it off you goons."

Whitterbee of course made his presents known by sending the four of us to his office.

I sat waiting with Reggie as Archie and Sweet Pea explained what had happened to cause the series of events.

My stomach ached after I had fallen, but I ignored it, already knowing I had a doctors appointment at noon on the baby's growth.

Archie and Pea walked out, both coming towards us, and then walked out. Pea and I walked up the north stairs while the pair walked up the other one.

AP Chemistry class was interrupted when we had walked in. Everyone quieted, and then went back to what they were doing.

We sat at the back lab desk, conversating with each other.
"How are you babes?"

I slumped my shoulders, leaning my head into my hand.
"My stomach hurts." I said, shrugging.

"I'm sure everything's fine, we'll see today." I nodded, listening to him list what he had wanted to do for the nursery.

At quarter to eleven, we excused ourself from class, ready to go to the appointment. We padded down the stairs, and out the door, to the parking lot and into the truck.

Pea drove to Riverdale General in a record time. Wanting to be early, I hated being late.

I followed Pea into the hospital, checking in, and then sitting down onto the plastic chair.

We waited for the nurse to come and get us, creating small chit chat here and there, before we were called.

The nurse called us back, taking my weight, and then my vitals, before the doctor would come in and check the baby.

I changed into the hospital gown, and sat on the examination bench. Sweet Pea stood between my legs, allowing his cold hand to caress my stomach through the thin material.

The coldness made me shiver, as the doctor walked in, and explained that he would be checking baby's progress.

I laid back, a blanket covering my legs as the doctor lifted the gown, and applying the gel for the ultrasound.

Pea stood next to me, as the doctor moved the wand on my stomach. We stared at the screen as the doctor struggled to find a heart beat.

The doctor turned to us, and then explained the baby was a still birth. Our baby was dead, and would have to be surgically removed.

I sobbed with Pea as the doctor went out, giving us time to grieve. After they told us they needed the room for other patients, we walked to the car, silently.

We drove home, not saying a word. The doctor explained that it was unknown why the baby peanut died. We had nothing to go back on, he couldn't even estimate a day or time.

I followed Pea into the house, as he walked to the room. Ignoring the fact that we needed to grieve together.

I sat on the couch, my eye's scanning the house, the empty walls that were supposed to be filled with baby pictures, but now would never happen.

Rustling came from the bedroom, causing me to get up and follow the noise.

His duffle was on the bed, as he was packing clothes.

"W-where are you going?" I asked, walking towards him.

"Mina, I'm leaving, I can't be here with you right now." He said pushing past me to the dresser.

I stood in the middle of the room, watching him move, collecting things he needed.

"How long will you be gone?" He ignored me. Zipping the bag and walking down the hallway. I followed him to the living room as he grabbed his keys, walking to the garage and grabbing his bike.

I watched him from the window, as he pulled from the driveway, leaving me and the thoughts alone with eachother.

That night, I knew what it was like to have your heart ripped from your chest.