Could it be? I mentally checked the dates again in panic. My period had been due at least three days ago, and I was as regular as clockwork. Holy shit! I was pregnant – and I didn't know who the hell the father was!
"Oh, Jesus!" I exclaimed out aloud. I had an abrupt image of my poor mother in the heavens above swoon at my sudden realisation as she looked down on me: That's scandalous behaviour, Chantelle, just scandalous. And your language, young lady, is just shocking!
Heavens, what a relief that both Lionel and Robbie looked so similar!
It also ironically came to mind, as I sat there feeling sick and suddenly holding my stomach, that I owed Tammy fifty quid. For, let’s face it, I had a fifty-fifty chance of providing solid proof that Robbie definitely wasn't gay!
Moments later I was overcome by a fervent craving for a tuna pate and peanut butter sandwich – the soft spread, you know, not the lumpy kind. That, plus a really thick and creamy banana milkshake... Or maybe two.
My, I thought, if the following nine months were going to be filled with cravings like this, I was going to get huge! So I had three weeks to sort out my life and my future. First of all, I had to make absolutely sure that I was indeed pregnant. I certainly wasn’t anticipating, or needing, this added drama.
I breathed in slowly. “Come on Chantelle,” I said out loud. Calling myself by my own name was a sure sign of trouble. “You’re one tough cookie. And anyway, who the hell got you into this mess?”
Now that was a bloody good question. Because, let’s face it, it takes two to tango. Or, in this case, three.
I exhaled slowly. I was going to be OK. If I have to do this on my own, I’ll be just fine. It takes more than a pregnancy scare to bowl me over. I can sort this out. I will sort this out. It’s not the ending I was expecting, but then, who has the fairy tale?
I smiled to myself. “You can do it, Chantelle. You can take what life throws at you, turn it around and make it your unique tale.”
And, come what may, I was determined to find my happy ever after.
But that´s another story...
Epilogue
As I sit here wondering and planning my (our!) future, I've just remembered some words of wisdom that I was once told, a long time ago, and only now fully appreciate. Words I now wish to share with all who've followed this little bit of my story. It feels like a lifetime, but in truth, only a few months have gone past since this adventure started. It's my way of saying thank you. It's my way to help bring a little smile.
Chantelle Rose xxx.
I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you. (Lionel and Robbie… For making me the woman I am)
A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart. (Tammy, thanks babe)
The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can't have them. (Vivien, pass this one to your therapist)
Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile. (Crystal, honey, I think you'll like this one)
No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is won't make you cry. (Sandy, stick this on the next producer who asks you to do something crazy)
Don't cry because it's over; simply smile because it happened. (Mum, Dad... simply, thank you!)
Live and let live. (Gabby, thinking of you).
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. (To my future baby, I hope I can live up to the demands of motherhood!)
Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try to know someone else and expect them to know you. (I think this one is for me)
Don't try so hard; the best things come when you least expect them. (This one's for you…)
THE END
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A Little of Chantelle Rose Page 27