Spark

Chapter 10: Happy Birthday PT.1

"I love you, Mrs. Anderson." I smile up at him. "I love you, Mr. Anderson." Eric places his hand on my swollen stomach. "He's kicking like crazy." I think he's going to be a daddy's boy." Eric shakes his head. "No, when he sees you he'll make sure to have you wrapped around his little finger."

I put my hand on my stomach. "Preston is very active today." "Preston?" Eric asks with a smile. "Yeah, I was thinking of Preston Theodore Anderson." Eric smiles and kisses my forehead. "I think it's perfect. I love you. I will always and forever."

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I woke up to my alarm going off I turn to other side of the bed knowing he's not there. I pretend he's in the shower or making coffee. But he's not here. He's gone. He has Lucinda. Today was my birthday, I had off but someone called off in the ER so I immediately took the overtime. If I sat here in my apartment I'd just drink myself into oblivion. I thought moving to Portland would help, but it just made everything worse.

My phone went off. I saw that it was Chloe most likely with Zoe wishing me a happy birthday. I hung up on them not really in the mood for celebrating. I got a shower and brushed my teeth and put on my scrubs. I threw my hair into a bun and put my lanyard with my name tag on it. I was walking out the door when my phone started ringing again. I thought it was the twins, but this time it was my mother. I haven't talked much to her since I moved. As for my father, he's non-existent.

"What, mother?" "Sweetie, I know you don't want to celebrate your birthday, but---" "You're right, I don't. I don't want to do anything except go to work, go to a bar and drink my life away." I was pulling out of the parking lot and I put my mother on the Bluetooth in my car. "You're going to work?" "Yes, someone called off and I volunteered to help. Plus, I need the distraction."

It was silent for a minute and then I heard myself cry. "The dreams are getting worse, Mom. I feel like he's holding me, I hear his laugh. I just woke up from a dream where me and him were expecting a baby. I can't live like this anymore."

I had to pull into a parking lot because I needed to calm down. "Honey, your father has been talking to him." "What, giving him and Lucinda an early wedding present?" It shattered me to see that he had proposed to her. It made sense, though; he needs a woman not a whiny little baby. "What, no. I was at that jewelry store she was in getting my engagement ring fixed. She bought that ring herself and posted it saying he proposed. He hasn't even left his apartment. He's working from home and he just drinks."

I hear my mother whispering to my father. I wonder what the hell he wants. "She doesn't want to talk to you, Robert you destroyed the both of them. Our daughter wasn't supposed to work today and she is because she can't be alone!" He was begging. "Mom, I'll talk to him." "Hey, pumpkin---" "Dad, get to the point." "I just wanted to say I'm sorry, I destroyed my best friend and my only child. I feel like my mother when she was trying to marry your maternal grandfather, but we were too in love to care about their feelings.

"I guess I can see why the attraction was there between you two. I wasn't there too much and he was. Your mother always sensed something more was going to happen. She said it was the way he looked at you, like you were the only girl in his eyes. It was the same way I still look at your mother."

I was crying because I was hurt and confused. "What are you getting at?" "Just go to Washington Park." "Why would I go there?" "Please?" "Let me change first." I hung up and called the hospital who for some reason knew I'd change my mind and they found a replacement for me. I go home and I freshen up and put on a lavender lace sundress, white flats, I did my makeup with a lavender smokey eye and my hair in loose wavy curls. I figured there maybe a party so I thought this would be appropriate.

"You're here!" I try and hold back my sobs. Eric looked breathtaking. "I couldn't miss my girl's birthday." I hug him tightly. "Nothing is going to separate us again."
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I snapped out of the fantasy that would never come true and I leave. When I got there I was right it was a party. The twins and Justin, Austin and his girlfriend, Henley and my parents were there. I parked my car and walked over to see gifts, pink lace covered picnic tables pink and white happy birthday sign and a beautiful four layer pink, white and gold cake. My favorite restaurant Applebee's did the catering. Everything looks perfect. But the one thing I want the most isn't and won't ever be here.

I put on my best smile and get out of the car. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They yell. "Thanks, everyone it looks amazing!" I hug everyone and I gasp when I get to Zoe and her growing stomach. "So, is this what you wanted to tell me?" Zoe smiles. "I thought it'd be better if I showed you." I hug and congratulate her and Justin. "Triplets!" My jaw drops. "Wow, that's amazing!" Justin has the biggest grin on his face. "Luke, Anakin and Leia." The Star Wars themed names don't surprise me. "They're going to be the cutest." I say.

I was making small talk and luckily she didn't throw a baby shower yet. "We'll have to plan one." "Ooh," Henley says cutting in. I see she was able to tame her unruly curls. "My sister is a professional party planner and just moved to LA. I'll give you her information and whatever your theme she can totally pull it off." "Star Wars." "She can do it."

Austin and his sister Georgiana comes over and I greet them. "You dressed up well for someone who still feels like shit." I flip him off. "It's nice to see you, too." I compliment Georgiana on her dress. "Thanks, I had it for awhile and never really had an excuse to wear it." "The color really suits you."

"Honey," I turn to see my mother come towards me with outstretched arms. "Hey, Mom." I know I can be real with her. "Happy birthday, we thought you could use an unwanted celebration. Just to distract your mind." "And you think I can be distracted with Dad here?" My mom gave me her begging eyes. "Please, give him a chance he wants to make it up to you." "Let's just get this over with."

I was so fed up with this party. I made conversation, but I mainly stuffed my face. Presents came around and I got some nice things. I thanked everyone, but I told everyone that I need a break.

When I found somewhere private I sobbed loudly. He's gone. I have to accept that. Or so I thought. "Happy birthday, my love." I turn around. Standing there in a plaid shirt with rolled up sleeves, ripped jeans and his hair in a bun was Eric.