Under the Lights

Chapter 31: 11 Days Until States

Chapter 31

"How are you feeling? Do you need anything?" I asked quickly, looking over at Carly.

She let out a groan, pressing her face into her pillow pet.

"Jason, shut up." Carly groaned. "I am perfectly fine."

"You look sick." I said, my attention going back to the road.

"Because you're pissing me off." Carly said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm just asking if you're okay and-"

"Ever since you found out I was pregnant you're treating me like I'm a glass vase ready to shatter any minute. I. Am. Fine." Carly said seriously.

"Sorry, sorry." I muttered as she reached to turn up the radio.

"How much longer?" She sighed, setting her pillow pet back on her lap.

"About 4 and a half hours, maybe 5 if we stop for dinner." I replied, reaching over to take her hand.

"I hate to ask this but do you think we could get a hotel somewhere?" Carly asked, biting her lip. "My back hurts and I don't really feel like sitting in the car for another 5 hours. Plus it's already 10..."

"I told you that you weren't fine." I laughed, squeezing her hand as I signaled to turn off at the next exit. "But absolutely we can get a hotel."

"Thanks." Carly said softly, looking out of the window as I pulled off of the highway.

I couldn't help but feel like something was off with her as I found a hotel.

She was oddly quiet, and stood behind me as I got us a room at the nice place.

Sure, it was expensive, but Carly already seemed annoyed and I wasn't going to provoke a pregnant woman by getting a cheap hotel.

The room was big and spacey with a huge bed covered in clean white sheets, lots of pillows, and a fluffy duvet cover. There was a balcony that looked out across the highway. It was nice.

"I'm going to shower." She instantly said, grabbing her little bag as she walked towards the bathroom.

With a smile, I went to follow her, but she locked the door before I could come in.

I sighed and sat down on the bed, pulling out of my phone.

I called Brian to let him know that Carly and I wouldn't be home until tomorrow.

It was Monday tomorrow, but we didn't have school. Something about teacher meetings or whatever. I'm certainly not complaining. It's a free day off of school.

By the time Carly came back out of the bathroom, I was in a pair of sweatpants and about to go to bed. While she climbed into bed I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I heard her talking on the phone to someone. I assumed it was Leslie, considering Carly would have to let her know that we wouldn't be home tonight. I climbed back into bed with a fresh mouth.

Carly instantly wrapped her arms around me, resting her head on my shoulder with a sigh.

"What's the matter?" I whispered as I turned off the lights.

"I'm fat." She sighed.

"No you're not..." I said softly, pulling the blanket up around us. "You're just pregnant."

"I'm still fat." Carly pouted.

"Beautiful."

"Shut up." Carly laughed, burying her head underneath the covers with her.