Good Gone Bad - COMPLETE

chapter twenty-nine

Stella

As I'm driving down the freeway on route to the city, I realize I have absolutely no reconciliation of where I'm going. The traffic gets heavier so I'm rushed to a stop. I take this as my shot to look at my surroundings. Most hotels would most likely be available, but with Jaxon's latest public knowings, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to escape questions or photos.

Somewhere I could stay however, was Genevieve's apartment. It was vacant, cute, and would do for a private hideout for the night. I knew I'd be back in the morning anyways. I smile and tap the built-in screen on my car, selecting Genevieve's name in the contacts. Moments later, her soft voice comes barreling through the speakers.

"Hey Stel, everything okay?"

I now remembered that Genevieve witnessed me storming down the stairs earlier, bag in hand, with a look of pure murder. I'm sure she was worried. I sigh, "I'm not sure. I left because I..."—I trail off, realizing I had no idea to why I left in the first place—"I'm not sure."

"I don't blame you. I would've left too. Did he say he took them?"

I nod, but then clue in that Genevieve couldn't see the gesture.

"Y-Yeah," I tell her. "He did. Because I left him."

I hear her take a breath and hum a flat line on the other end. "I'm sure you weren't the entire reason. Jaxon's probably just using you as an excuse, honestly. I mean, we all have our own problems and..."

I cut her off by groaning in pain due to my lower stomach again. I had no idea why this abrupt pain came along, but it was worrisome. I cough, "Sorry. Look, I really don't feel the best and I'm downtown. I was wondering if I could maybe stay the night at your apartment?"

"Of course you can, absolutely! I'll text you the address, and there's a spare key under the doormat. Feel better, Stella."

She was sincere. I needed that right now. I've been told too many lies within the past week that I didn't want to believe anyone or anything anymore. With that, I end the call and fumble the coordinates into google maps.

When I'm five minutes away though, my inner organs begin to rumble. Oh no. Cutting off a few cars, I swerve into the far right lane, pulling off onto the side. Barely upon getting out, I exile everything left in my small frail body. This was odd for sure. I couldn't keep anything down—not even water—and it was hell.

I could barely sleep and I felt as if my entire skeleton waist down was about to explode. I wouldn't have usually been worried if it hadn't interfered with my period, but that was 3 days late now. My mind couldn't shake the thought of pregnancy. Even though it was extremely rare, it was still possible, and that's why I turn off the highway and pull into the pharmacy.

Steering myself towards the one object I needed, I march down the 'feminine hygiene/products' aisle. Spotting it instantly I pluck one off of the shelf, and head for checkout. The older woman gave me a warm smile as she scanned the box and took my card. "You been trying, dear?"

I look up from typing my pin into the machine and chuckle, shaking my head. "Not exactly. It would be a miracle baby," I politely explain to her.

Her eyes light up in hope, handing me the plastic bag. Her smile was contagious and I suddenly envied her grandchildren. I'd never met my grandparents, but this showed me I missed out. "I pray you'll get your baby, sweetheart. Good luck."

I give her a thank you and head out the door, pacing myself back to the vehicle. God, if this was how pregnant women felt 24/7, I was second-guessing my fate.

Not while after, I'm standing in the elevator of Genevieve's apartment complex. For mid-afternoon, the place was dead. Shuffling my feet like someone ten times my age, I eventually reach her place. Bending over to grab the key was a chore all by itself and by now, I was sure my insides have erupted more than once.