The Darkest Days

134. Mayhem

"Should I call a doctor?" Jeff asked. "Are you still dizzy?"

"A little." Vanessa said weakly. "How long before we wrap up?"

"Two hours."

"Let's just get this done."

"Alright, I'll tell the director. Rest till they get ready."

After the shoot, Vanessa sent her assistant to a medical store without telling anyone.

Jenny came back with a pregnancy test and Vanessa immediately took it from her. "It's a secret." She reminded her once again.

Jenny waited while Vanessa went in. Just then Audrey came home.

"Oh, hi, Jenny."

"Hi. You're back early."

"Yeah. I thought sleeping would be better. V's home?"

"Uh, yeah, she's in there."

Vanessa unlocked the door and came out. Jenny stood up.

"V," Audrey started, oblivious to what was going on, "I know you hate me asking but are you okay?"

"Audrey.."

Jenny stared wide eyed."Is everything..."

"I- chances were low but I still wanted to check."

"Check what? What's going on?"

Vanessa casted her eyes down as tears pooled in.

"Jenny?" Audrey asked.

"Uh, she's.. she asked to.. keep-"

"I'll get it out of her anyway. Tell me."

Vanessa nodded so Jenny sighed. "She missed her periods so she-"

"What's there to cry about? Maybe it's a side effect of the meds you take. Hormonal changes fluctuate your cycle. It's not like you're-"

She paused. Her eyes shifted to Vanessa. "V?"

"It's positive.." Vanessa chocked out.

Audrey looked at Vanessa's hand who was holding the stick.

"Are you, are you sure? Let's go see a doctor for confirmation."

"All the symptoms are there."

"Still, let's go." Audrey grabbed her hand and pulled her out.

Jenny speechlessly stood there at first then followed them out.

****

Within the next two days, tabloids were filled rumors about Vanessa's possible pregnancy. SMG not addressing the issue immediately was like fuel to fire.

"How could this leak? Nothing unwanted leaks unless the Linhardts allow it." Audrey said as she read articles online.

"Do we have like, inner spies for broadcasting stations?" Jeff wondered.

"Those sources are traced down. You know SMG works hard at that."

Vanessa quietly wondered in her own thoughts. The series of events were too convenient for it to be a coincidence. She began thinking about the time line.

Cedric told me about Albert a day after I had my monthly medical checkup. The doctor must've known but he mentioned nothing, he must've told Cedric, though.

In order to try to make me abort the baby, Cedric needed to break me and Albert up. For which he showed me the pictures. He must've had them for long, but saved it as a weapon for later use.