Nowhere Kids

Holiday Season

There were a couple weeks of school left before winter break. I couldn't wait. Sure, I'd still have work during that time off, but I prefer my job over school anyway. Knowing I was starting to show more, I threw on a large sweater and some sweatpants to try and hide it. Once I felt ready, I headed to the kitchen to feed Beau his breakfast.

"Good morning Jamie" Brent's mom greeted me as I put down Beau's food bowl. He happily chowed down as I stood back up to greet her.
"Oh, good morning. Did you sleep well?" I asked, trying to be polite.
"Oh yes, thank you for asking. Are you excited for Christmas coming up?" She asked in a happy tone.
"Well, it's going to be my first Christmas without my family, but I think it will still be good since you guys have all been so nice" I said.
"You're always welcomed into our family. Now I'm going to make sure Brent is getting ready for school. Don't want you two to be late" She said. I just smiled and nodded as she left the room before taking Beau outside.

Once I brought Beau back in, Brent was ready and waiting for me by the door.
"Ready?" He asked. I nodded and said goodbye to Beau before grabbing my bag and following him out. We both got into his truck and headed off towards school. Brent turned on the radio only to hear they were playing Christmas music. I expected him to shut it off or change it, but instead he started singing along.

By the time we reached school, we were both happily singing along to the radio, having a good time.
"Well, time for this party to end" Brent said sarcastically as he shut off the truck.
"We'll continue the fun after school" I said, making him smile. We both got out of the truck and grabbed our bags before meeting up with the others.
"Hey guys" Zach said, greeting us as we approached.
"What's up?" Brent responded with a nod.
"We were just trying to make holiday plans. We're thinking a new years party, since we're going to be with our families on Christmas" Barry said.
"We can even still do a gift exchange" Eric added.
"That sounds like a great idea" I said with a smile. I really did look forward to spending any time with them.

We talked about our excitement for the season until the bell rang. We all said our goodbyes before parting way and heading to class. Eric and I walked down the hall together towards our first class. I suddenly felt ill and stopped walking.
"Hey, I'm going to stop by the bathroom real quick" I said.
"Alright, I'll see you in class" Eric replied with a nod. He kept walking while I headed into the girl's room nearby.

Courtney and her friends were standing by the sinks giggling, I so tried ignoring them as I turned towards one of the mirrors. I leaned against the sink and sighed as I looked at myself. At least I didn't look as bad as I felt.
"You okay Jamie?" Courtney asked. I kept my eyes on my reflection, seeing her stand off to the side behind me. Her friends kept talking among themselves, not caring I was here.
"Yeah... I just felt dizzy for a moment, but I think I'll be okay" I mumbled.
"Well, if I can help in anyway, let me know" she said. I looked over and noticed the worried look in her eyes.
"Thanks" I said as I stood up straight. I started feeling a little better since the dizziness left, so I headed out to class.

Class started just as I took my seat next to Eric.
"You okay man? You look like you saw a ghost" he whispered as the teacher lectured us.
"Yeah, just saw Courtney" I said with a slight laugh, making him chuckle.
"That'll do it" he mumbled. I didn't tell him about the dizzy spell. I figured it was nothing and didn't want to worry everyone.

After class we parted ways and I heard down to history. I just hope Courtney hasn't said anything to Brent. I entered the classroom and saw him waiting for me at his seat.
"You okay J?" He asked as I took my seat.
"Yeah, why?"
"You look pale" he said.
"She looks better than this morning" Courtney said as she took her seat. Brent looked at her before looking back at me, even more worried.
"Maybe you should go to the nurse. I'll go with you" he offered.
"I'm okay baby. I feel better already, I think I can make it through the day" I said. He didn't look sure, but I knew he couldn't make me go.

I felt ill off and on the rest of the school day. I felt so relived once we were able to go home, even though I knew I had to be at work soon. Brent was pretty quiet during the ride home. I could tell he was upset.
"So... what's the plans for Christmas?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"My granny is coming over" he mumbled. I knew by the way he talked about her that he should be excited, so he must still be unhappy with me.
"That sounds so nice" I said.
"I think you should call out of work tonight" he suddenly said.
"Im fine Brent. Besides, you can't tell me what to do" I mumbled as I crossed my arms.
"I'm sorry but I worry about you, and now I have the baby to worry about"
"The baby is fine Brent. I probably just have a bug or something, I'll be in perfect health again by tomorrow"
"How can you be sure? All I'm asking is that you rest"
"I'm going to work and that's the end of it" I growled. He sighed loudly before going quiet. I hated fighting with him, but I had to stand up for myself.

Back home I had time for a quick meal before changing for work. Brent ignored me as I got ready and grabbed Beau's leash.
"Ready buddy?" I asked. He barked and wiggled as I clipped his leash to his collar. Brent had today off so I grabbed his keys and planned to drive myself.
"Hey, since we both have tomorrow off I was thinking we could christmas shop" I suggested. No response as he stared quietly at the tv. "Alright then.... see you later. Love you"
No reply as I headed out the door.

As I drove to work, Beau sat next to me with his head out the window. I smiled at him when I suddenly felt a pain in my stomach. It didn't last long so I ignored it. Maybe I just have a stomach bug. To try and clear my mind, I turned on the radio and focused on the music the rest of the ride.

We got the work and headed inside, reliving my coworker and leaving the shop to just the two of us. Things have been busier with the holidays season, but I liked keeping busy. Most customers enjoyed meeting Beau, so he loved the attention. I was so busy, I started feeling light headed. Once the store was finally empty of customers, I took the chance to get some water before we got busy again. Beau watched as I walked over to back room, but I didn't make it. The dizziness got to me and I fell to the ground. The last thing I heard before blacking out was Beau crying and barking as he nudged my hand.

Maybe Brent was right.