Under the Influence

Chapter 8

"Yeah. Hi." She answered softly.

"What's up, What are you calling for?"

He was talking low like he didn't want anyone to hear.

"Is your wife there?"

He let out a nervous chuckle.

"Hang on a minute."

A few minutes later he was back.

"What do you want Val?"

He sounded distant and cold.

"I just have something to tell you."

"Ok."

She took a deep breath.

"I'm pregnant."

There was silence on the other end.

"Did you hear me?"

"Yeah." he said softly.

"Well say something."

"What dya want me to say? I'm fuckin' married. You sure it's mine?"

"Yes I'm sure. Thanks for calling me a slut."

"I didn't say that, I just want to be sure."

"Yes it is yours."

"Fuck." He let out a deep breath then continued. "How? I pulled out?"

"It happens, apparently."

She heard him sigh then another "fuck."

"Who else knows?"

"Just John, and his girlfriend."

"Don't fuckin' tell anyone else."

"God, I guess everyone was right about you. You are an asshole."

"Val.."

She hung up. She regretted even telling him. He called her back but she didn't answer. If he didn't want anything to do with the baby then she would just do it alone. The next couple weeks Noel kept calling her, but she didn't answer. Finally, he stopped calling. She concentrated on her music and working. A few months later, one Friday, she got home from work and saw someone standing on the porch. She couldnt tell who it was, but it was definitely a man. She got out of her car and cautiously approached him. When she got closer, she saw that it was Noel.

"What are you doing here?" She said coldly.

"You won't answer your phone."

"So you come all the way here? Just go home Noel."

He didn't say anything just looked at her.

"What?" She asked, annoyed.

"You're beautiful."

"Don't do this shit."

"What shit?"

"Go home to your wife Noel."

She walked past him to unlock the front door.

"Can I come in?"

She sighed.

"What for?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Fine."

They walked inside and she turned the light on. They sat on the couch.

"Well?"

"I'm sorry."

"For?"

"Acting like an arsehole. I was just surprised."