The Prince and the Sol

Chapter 14

ELIZA'S POV

I stare at the box for another solid minute. I have no idea how this even got here. I know I didn't put it in there.

Nat. This is what she went in for.

She thinks I'm pregnant?

I stare at the box some more, trying to work through my thoughts. I only confuse myself more. Pregnant? I had all but given up on that. And now...

At this point I realize I've been standing in the drive way too long for a normal person to just stand here, especially in the brutal heat. Security will show up any minute with questions, so I shove the box back in my purse and run to my car, driving away as soon as I am able to. My thoughts start to tangle as soon as I begin the ride home.

How did she know? What am I going to do? How do I tell Loki? How is he going to take it? I don't know I don't know I don't know.

First things first. I dial Nat's number, trying to keep my voice even. "Tasha? Nat, are you there?"

"Hey Eliza, miss me already? What's up?" She's skilled at lying, I'll give her that. She knows exactly what's up.

"Are you alone?"

"Yes," she replies, drawing out the word. "Why?"

"I found the most peculiar thing in my purse. Do you know what it is?"

"All I can say is it had better be PG."

"Depends on how you look at it," I say, as if this isn't a big deal, which it completely is, but still.

"So, are you going to tell me what it is or not?"

"Nat, come on. I want to know why you put a pregnancy test in my bag."

"Oh, you saw that, did you?" She jokes.

"Yes, I saw that," I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes even though she can't see them. "Stared at it for at least ten minutes in the parking area."

There's a minute of silence on her side of the phone. "You seriously didn't suspect anything? At all?" When I don't respond, she plows on. "Throwing up, passing out, not fitting into that dress that was your size? I get that I'm a spy, but you were an agent, too. How am I the only one who decided to put the pieces together?"

"I guess I just wasn't paying attention, and- oh," I say, something dawning on me. Why didn't I notice?

"What?"

"I was supposed to get my period a few days ago," I say softly, biting my lip. Making a split-second decision, I quickly pull over and run into the first store I see. "Okay, I'm going to figure this out right now. Will you stay on the phone?" I'm suddenly terrified that she is going to leave me all by myself.

"Yeah, I'll stay. I'm right here. Just keep talking." I smile a bit and duck into a bathroom, where I do what the box says.

"Three minutes," I say in a low voice. I hope no one else comes in here. I would be completely weirded out if it was me. "How am I supposed to wait three minutes?"

"Let's talk about something else," she suggests.

"Okay, ummm... don't you just hate this weather?"

She laughs so loud I have to hold the phone away. "Your life- all of ours, really- is about to potentially change forever and you decide to talk about the weather?"

"I didn't have a better idea!" I defend myself. "Your turn."

"Here's a story for you. Yesterday after Steve came home from your run, I found him in his room sobbing in a chair."

"What? Why?" The idea of Steve crying hurts me so much. I've never even seen it. He's so strong. What broke him?

"He finished the seventh Harry Potter book."

"Oh." That makes sense. I sobbed when Fred died. And Dobby. And Snape. And Tonks. And Lupin. Everyone, really.

"I just gave him some pizza and left him to suffer in peace."

"That's what I did when Loki said Sirius was his favorite."

"Who's your favorite?" She asks. I think for a moment.

"I always liked Lupin. And Ginny. How about you?"

"I like Moody, but my favorite has always been Fleur."

"Fleur? Why?" I mean, I like the girl, but there are so many more important options.

"Because people always underestimate her, but she's so much more than a pretty face." I suddenly understand why Nat likes her the best. It must have been hard being the only girl on the team before Wanda and I joined.

"Nat, if I am, um, pregnant, please don't tell anyone."

"I keep secrets better than anyone you know," she says. "It's safe with me."

I exhale. "Thank you." A little timer goes off on my phone. I almost drop it. "Okay, okay, I'm checking it now." I can practically feel her anticipation. My nerves are buzzing like crazy. I turn the test over and read one word.

Pregnant.

"Pregnant," I say, barely audible. "Nat, I'm pregnant!"

"I'm going to be an aunt!" She screams excitedly. "An aunt!"

"Be quiet, someone will hear you!" I hiss, but I'm unable to keep the smile off of my face.

"I'm in my room getting ready for my date. No one's around, and I will personally knock out anyone who tries to come in." I nod, letting her emotions spread to me.

"I'm going to be a mom! Loki's going to be so excited! Nat, this whole thing is incredible!" I hop up and down right there in the stall. Finally. I don't think I've ever been happier. "I've got to go. I need to get home, or Loki'll worry."

"When are you going to tell him?"

"I'm not sure. Soon. I can't keep this secret for long, or I'll spoil it. I want to make it special," I say, grinning wider than my face. "See you soon!"

"Keep me posted. Bye!"

I put down the phone and lean against the wall, beyond happy. There aren't words that describe what I'm really feeling. This child is going to have the best family ever, full of protective uncles and aunts who will do anything for them. Still smiling wildly, I put my hands on my stomach and whisper, "hey there, little one. Just wait 'til I tell your dad about you."

Hi! How's everyone doing? I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! The last few have been super fun to write, I hope it's been the same way reading!