Two of Hearts

by Alexa Jackson

  End wrap the pie and try to ignore the small mess in the kitchen, waiting for my turn.

  I wanted to do something different, like a cake cinnamon. But the condiment smell attacked my stomach like a boxer. Two days ago my body reacts strangely. Nothing seems to stay long inside me. I think the effects of the bad cold I had a few days ago are still on me. Blame it was my insistence to cure it at home alone.

  I leave these conjectures for later, I'm already late, and I do not want everyone to be waiting for me.

  I arrive at the house of Mr. Durant rehearsing the smile that nourish while staying here.

  - Hi, Miss Penelope. Jenny is in the kitchen and asked me to answer the door. You are beautiful today. You saw my new dress? It was Jenny who chose for me.

  Anne is coming to see me, and his babbling excitedly infects me. She drags me through the house while we talk.

  Jenny greets me, and give the dish to it.

  - It was very kind of you, Penelope. We have so much food, I should not have bothered with it.

  - It was not uncomfortable at all. I have to admit, it was hard to do. I thought I caught a virus, stay in the kitchen was complicated, but cooking is a distraction for me. I hope it has been worth it.

  - Another reason to not have bothered. Are you alright?

  - I'm fine - I lie, holding a smile - only a few were feeling sick and went as fast as emerged.

  We talked a little more. Paige soon joins us, and lunch is served so Kevin, Jenny's brother, arrives.

  The friendly and family atmosphere, instead of leaving me sad and nostalgic as I imagined it would be, made me feel welcome.

  Maybe because I have spoken to my mother the day before. My father would like to visit them this Christmas. I was surprised with this attempt at rapprochement after so long away.

  Once we finished lunch, we go out. Anne is excited to make your snowman in the snow. We were lucky to have snow coming early this year. We had fun with the request of Jenny, so that the girl did not run from one side to the other.

  But when Adam subject, marriage and children enter the picture, I find an excuse to escape. A delicious meal that I just will stop straight into the nearest toilet.

  Claiming a headache, I go back home to my warm blanket on the couch, and the loneliness that is part of me like a second skin.

  Here it is difficult not to think of Adam and his family. A year ago we were all together, happy. I, in his arms, dancing and believing that my life would always be like, perfect as a day off.

  ****

  My days have been tiring, exhausting and hectic. A few days of malaise morning and whimper at night. Even I find it impossible to live with myself. My mood swings are remarkable, even my boss, who had returned to work, had noticed it.

  I blame Adam, the energy that I have excused in not trying to think about it, not to suffer, to control my heart that insists on continuing love. Nothing I do can fill this gap that his absence left me.

  - Passing evil again?

  Aline see behind me in the mirror, watching me intently. Ignoring her, I close the tap and give wet tapping on my wrists and neck. It helps to freshen up, but inside me there seems to be a hurricane. There is nothing in me that needs to go, but my stomach does not want to know.

  - I think I've been very stressed out - dry my hands and I avoid looking at it - I just need to slow down and eat better.

  Food. Just the word makes my stomach to double jumps. I try to hide my discomfort, but from the look Aline spear, know I failed shamefully.

  - You will need to feed it - she walks to the mirror and begins to touch up lipstick - Unless you want this baby born without brain as the mother.

  Five hundred tons fell on my head. I do not know if it was the insinuation or express malice in it that left me perplexed.

  Frozen.

  - What did you say? - I can barely stammer a question.

  The truth is that I do not know what to say. Aline was not only cruel to me, it was inhuman.

  - Honey, it's obvious that she is pregnant - Aline turns to face me closer, trapping me with his sly look - Who is the father? Adam? Or Evan? A third? Oh, do not look at me like, no. I never understood this dynamic of you. Traveling with one, back with the other. And I thought my life was glorious.

  - You do not know what you're talking about. Evan is just a friend. Why is it always so poisonous to me?

  I thought, when leaving Edgardtown, leave behind this cycle of intrigues, jealousies and misunderstandings. Bad people, who only want to hurt without reason, for the pleasure of hurting someone, there are anywhere.

  - Because I'm your friend - She hugs my shoulders, but I do not feel heat being transmitted it - Friends tell the truth to each other. And you should have taken better care, honey.

  Perhaps, at some point, Aline has trying to be my friend. Everything changed when Adam crossed my path. I do not know if I can continue to trust it. In fact, Adam had taught me hard, I can not trust anyone.

  - Aline, I did not know he was her Adam. Not at first - take a deep breath before facing it - And then, there were so many things, it's so hard to explain. I had the intention of hurting you. But we can not continue like this. I do not deserve and I do not want this kind of treatment from you.

  I believe that what he said must have had an effect. His face changes from dull to repentance quickly. Or I think it's regret, I was never good at unraveling people.

  - I confess I was very disappointed when I heard that they were together. But things have changed. Sorry to be so grouchy. You'll need a friend now. Taking a baby is not an easy decision. I've been through that. In the end, all will be well.

  - I'm not pregnant! - Say exalted and very close to decontrol -And if, not do an abortion. Adam, we always ... That's not possible.

  My heart beats so fast it would be no surprise if, suddenly, he jumped out of my mouth. There is a large, in fact, a huge possibility that Aline is right and I'm even pregnant. No every time we made love in Dubai that Adam used protection. Jacuzzi, for example, in the bathroom, in suite bath, none of these times we worry about it. Aline's right, I was totally irresponsible and careless.

  - But it's early yet - talk to myself - can not be that ...

  The first time I had any clue was days ago, on the day of Thanksgiving.

  - A baby? With every woman, pregnancy reacts in a way. Some feel nothing. Other sicken nine months. I think this should be the case. The good thing is, the sooner you know, the faster will fix that.

  She points out my belly, and I cringe in a protective instinct.

  - I said I will not do it!

  - Go tell the baby's father? I do not know if you remember, but Adam never wanted children. Unless you talk to is Evan. This seems to be one big happy family.

  That was before, wanted to scream at her. Adam is now someone else. Someone I have not even know how to unravel, my conscience accuses perverse.

  All the cruelties that Aline told me today in one she was right: Adam never wanted a baby. Adam cold, bitter, and he carried a great weight on his shoulders, did not want it. But Adam and affectionate, romantic and happy I learned to love? Receive this open heart baby?

  - Can you leave me alone for a while? - My request is almost a plea.

  - Of course. I just came to say that Peter called and will return in twenty minutes - Aline smoothes my hair as you would a good friend, but I repudiate the gesture of affection - Sorry to be so hard on you, but as his parents could not care less, and I doubt it will happy, someone needs to guide it. Just do not want to suffer even more. I'll be here for any decision you make.

  He shakes his head and hopefully leave. I drag my body to a poof and cover my face with his hands while crying.

  All the "ifs" invade my head.

  If I'm really expecting a son Adam. If he will reject the baby. If I should tell my parents, and their reaction will be like Aline suggested. If I will have the strength to enfrenar all that lies ahead if the pregnancy is confirmed. If, if, if ...


  But be crying and suffering in advance will not help me at all, I need to be sure. So, ten minutes later, I return to my desk. All questions still unanswered and an uncertain fate.

  - Office of Mr. Durant.

  - Hi Princess.

  Peter. Hear his voice makes me have a new desire to cry.

  - Do not call me like that.

  - That means I'm still not forgiven?

  - No.

  It is a not willing to say yes.

  - But that's not why we need to talk to you. I need the address where the party will be.

  - What a party? - He desconversa.

  male loyalty flashing.

  - Peter!

  - Oh, I know, I know. Paige? I will not let that crazy mess up my farewell.

  - Your party?

  - What will she ready?

  - It has nothing to do with Paige - I lie. - I need to talk to Adam.

  - In a party...

  Why does he always have to be ready for an answer?

  - It's complicated to explain. Peter? You owe me this.

  Nothing like having something to play in the face.

  I hear your breath and I wanted to laugh. I miss him. Damn, why I am so sentimental?

  - Tell Paige I'm watching her. Notes an eye on her.

  No one keeps an eye on Paige. He should know that.

  More important issues to resolve, ask Neil to leave early. Step the day's guidelines for Aline and leave the office.

  Following to the other side of town and down the first mall that meeting. It would be easier to buy the test at the drugstore that is in one of the floors of the DET, but I do not want to bump into other employees. Enough Aline, leaving me crazy.

  I look in all directions before you approach the counter. crazy look, I know. I feel mad, tense, desperate. My life can change dramatically, and not know what to do next.

  -where Can help, Miss?

  - Do you have a pregnancy test?

  I go straight to the point. Although very nervous, I need to get rid of this suspicion.

  - I have some, any preference?

  Before my negative, the seller has some marks; After his explanation, I choose the best-selling, but unfortunately, there was only one more on the shelf. Then I ask two packs of some similar and give the card so that it closes the purchase.

  - Oh, I see our system has two more of that in stock. Do you want one? - Answer yes, she hands me the bag and add a door - I'll get to you, feel free.

  Be at ease ... Loose a nervous laugh. How can anyone be comfortable with the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy?

  - Penelope?

  Oh God. Please do not! I did not come so far to find the one person that I should not.

  - How are you, Jenny?

  Hide the bag behind me, but I do not know if I was fast enough.

  - Are you alright?

  - Yes ... I -. I start to stutter, looking for a way to escape before the seller return - My shampoo just I just find the mark here.

  If the eyes speak, the Jenny scream: - Liar!

  I prepare to go to the exit, when the clerk calls me.

  - Ms? Forgot your pregnancy test. The others are good, but this is the best.

  Shit, great time for the friendly saleswoman appear.

  - Oh ... - snort to give more firmness to my voice - My friend will like to know about it.

  The seller seems confused, and Jenny shocked.

  - I have to go, Jenny - speak hastily. I see all the questions emerging on her forehead - It was good to see you.

  - Wait, I ...

  I run faster than the Road Runner. I'm not ready not to take this possible pregnancy for me, the more having to go through their questioning. It certainly come to the point that Adam is the father.

  My life is walking unfortunate to disastrous.

  When they finally get home, all my muscles are tense. I can not delay about it. It is time to know if Adam and I have a son.

  And I'm terrified.

  Chapter 21

  Allyson

  Anger, hatred, anger and a deep desire for revenge. These are feelings that I know and I've been feeding for a long time, more than anyone stand before maddening.

  And there is only one cure for this evil: to fulfill my mission.

  For this reason, I find myself under that filthy bridge, waiting for someone as despicable as the place littered impregnated mice, and an unbearable odor.

  - I brought what I asked? - I hold my bag close to my body, to see the man in his sweatshirt emerge from the shadows.

  Despite an unfortunate aspect, the man appeared exactly at the agreed time.

  - You brought the money?

  He shakes his head positively. But just shot the envelope of the bag when he takes it inside the clothing.

  - For over five thousand, I do the service for you, baby.

  Not even reflect on your offer. First because I have all this money; then because I follow my father's advice: If you want a job done right, do it.

  I had trusted them to get back to Adam. And it did not. I just had my soul sold.

  Now, with that pregnant bitch, further unite the couple. A beautiful and perfect happy family. And I can not afford it.

  A son by another. If I do not have my dad around me, this son did not have a father.

  - Thank you - tell the man to we change the envelopes - It's just for my protection.

  - If it is what it says - he shrugs and keeps the envelope with the money in the same place where the other envelope had been - you know where to find me if you need.

  I watch him take the same dim light he came up and out as fast as I can, ignoring the residents of streets and addicts as if they were pests.

  Spot a taxi stand about twenty meters. Already night fell, the region around Brooklyn is too dangerous for a girl like me move at this time.

  Way quickly, the sound of bouncing shoes on asphalt combines with the frantic beat of my heart.

  I notice a car behind me. Advance my steps. Flashes of a similar night like this come to mind.

  - Allyson - the door is opened and a frozen smile greets me - in!

  I have no other choice but to do what is required of me, because although his voice was gentle, I had received an order.

  - What do you think you're doing, Allyson?

  - I do not know what you're saying.

  rude fingers pressing my chin.

  - What does it take to understand that I know all that you do? Give me your purse.

  I keep it stuck with me. They can not do that. It is my only hope of revenge. It's all I have to keep sane.

  - If you do what you want, that annoying detective come to you, and then to me. I will not let that ruin my plans now.

  - The plan was I destroy!

  - We'll do it at the right time - the roar is little patient - you still have the phone the girl? Those pictures can help us by now. It will not support that as intimate photos are scattered.

  - It will not matter. Not now - mutter angry - The bitch is pregnant! Pregnant! This will only unite them even more.

  I can not identify whether the hysterical laughter is mockery or anger. Already I can not see any reason to smile.

  - You do not see? - The question is asked as if the answer was right before my eyes - is the most perfect revenge you could have. The Crighton will not bear to lose another child. Penelope never forgive him for having left her alone in such an important moment. Not if we had planned would be so perfect.

  - I dont understand. Already I hinted to have an abortion. It is determined to have this baby.

  - She may lose. There are very effective means to do so.

  - But surely Penelope just tell the truth to Adam, and he would never leave her.

  - No, but we can make it think so.

  - Poisoning it with more lies? - I think the plan as ridiculous as it sounds really - already hinted at this too. She will not believe that he did not want this child.

  - Will, if she heard from the lips of him.<
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  It's not just curiosity about the new plan that drives me to obey.

  I do not have choice. But if I have my revenge accomplished, little care means, since I have Adam at my feet.

  - Now, give me that gun and let me explain everything.

  Chapter 22

  Penelope

  Positive!

  It's the same result of all the tests I did. Each proudly screaming that I'm definitely pregnant.

  With trembling hands and eyes wide, I analyze the last test, still in disbelief.

  Pregnant. An Adam's son. A part of him inside me. Growing and gaining life.

  I should be desperate, crying, tearing all my hair, but I'm not.

  I can not feel nothing but an immense happiness. Obviously I should be scared, afraid of what the future holds for me and this baby. But there is only one inexplicable peace, levitating around me.

  I do not care the reaction that Adam will have for the child. He is mine and I will protect you.

  I'll never be alone in the world. No more lonely nights. No feast days depending on the charity of others to feel better. Now I have someone with whom I can share all the special moments that life offers - birthday parties, Christmases, Grace Thanksgiving Day.

  - I already love you - I touch my belly, an abundant cascade of tears bathe my face - never let you feel alone or unloved. I will always respect your choices, and there will be nobody in the world I love you more. No one will ever hurt you, because I will not allow. You feel safe and happy every day.

  It may be too exaggerated or impossible for some people to understand, but at this moment I feel as if I really were creating a large and deep connection with my son. Such a strong bond that no one can undo.

  All my fears were gone. In fact, it's as if they never existed.

  My son. Someone I call my own.

  Keep that smile on my face when the bell rings, breaking this magic moment.

  I look at the clock. It's past eight. Intrigued, I walk to the door and Czech through the peephole.

  My smile widens further.

  - Julienne!

  As soon as I open the door, she jumps into my arms, her spontaneity infecting me.