Toxic 2: Lethal

Valentine's Day

Chapter11-Valentine's Day

Five months later. Eight months pregnant.

"You up for celebrating Valentine's Day?" Ava asked, running her hand along my round stomach.

I shrugged, my eyes slowly closing. "Right now, yes. But I'm not sure what I'll say then."

"We can celebrate tonight."

"But I haven't had time to get you anything." I said, looking over at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You don't have to."

"Come on, Ava. How can I not?"

"You're giving me a baby, Lydia. A human being. That's more than enough."

I shook my head. "No, it's not."

She sighed and rolled onto her side, propping her head up with her arm. "Lydia, please. There's no way I'd be able to handle all the puking and cramps and all that. It's worth way more than any gift."

"Remember that when Valentine's Day comes and I don't have anything for you."

She kissed the tip of my nose. "We'll have our baby."

"You think? The doctor said I could go to ten months."

"I have a hunch."

I looked down at my large stomach. For the past few months, I hadn't been able to see my feet, couldn't sit on the floor without needing help up, and couldn't feel the slightest bit of pain without thinking I was going into labor. Without seeing the baby or being able to hold it, I had a hard time thinking this was a good present. Then again, I knew my mind would change.

Her phone started to buzz and she sighed. "Time for work. I'll be back later tonight."

I sighed and sat up, watching her put her shoes on. "I hate that I can't be there with you."

She smiled. "It's safer this way, Lyd."

"I feel helpless."

She walked over to me and kissed me. "I'd rather you stay off your feet and relax than try to work and hurt yourself."

"Yeah, but-"

"No buts. Just hang out and enjoy yourself."

"Not without you."

She rolled her eyes but her cheeks turned red. "There's plenty of homework to do."

"You won't be here to help me and Darren hasn't talked to me in weeks." Ever since my brother found out I was pregnant, our conversations have been short and not personal at all. It was as if we were exes who felt like they had to hold up a friendship after breaking up. It sucked but it was better than when he wouldn't even talk to me.

"Your dads can help."

"I really wish you could stay."

She took my face between her hands and kissed me. "I promise I'll be back soon. Then we can hang out all night."

"Okay." I watched her go, my emotions getting the better of me. It was stupid to be so upset that she was leaving, and I knew my hormones were to blame, but I couldn't help myself. Ava was one of the strongest people I knew and she helped me be strong too. How could I not be sad to see her go?

I got out of bed and walked over to the wall by the door. I took a picture from off the wall and held it up in front of the light. It was my favorite picture I had, one of Ava and I. It was the first one we took, the first one that started my wall of photos. Ava had taken it not long after we got back together. It reminded me of how right we were for each other. I wanted our baby to know that too.

I took my sketchbook and walked back to my bed, trying my best to stay off my feet. Though the doctor hadn't told me to yet, Ava and my dad were both persistent that I rest as much as I can. I knew I'd need it once the baby came but it was hard to tell myself to do when I wanted to get up and do this. I hated just lying around.

Ava didn't want me to buy a present. So I was just going to have to make something even better. If I could figure out what that was.