He makes me smile. “Of course, I do, silly.” I wink back. “I’m starving already.”
Evan’s POV
Chapter 24
We arrive and enter my apartment. “Make yourself at home while I get you a glass of wine.”
She threw herself on my couch making herself comfortable. I fill two glasses for the both of us and walk over to hand one to her. I start to unbutton my shirt to remove my gun from my lower back and I place it on the table.
I hand the shirt to her, but I noticed she looks really nervous. I follow her eyes to see they are glued to my gun. I pick the gun up and slide it in the kitchen counter drawer.
“Put this shirt on and I’ll put the gun out of view.”
“Guns make me nervous.”
“I know, and you are safe with me.”
“You want me to change now?”
“Yes, and I’ll get food ready.”
She enters my bedroom to change as I re-heat the dinner I made earlier while she was at work. I left work early to cook after she shared her good news. I hope me being able to cook gets me some brownie points. I dish out some of the Alfredo and place both plates on the table with the bottle of wine.
“You cooked this yourself?”
“Yes, I did.”
We both sit down and she digs in.
“You were hungry huh?”
“Just a little but this is good. I am impressed, Evan; you cook breakfast and dinner. I can get used to this.”
We smile together. “I can cook anytime for you.” I see her face turn bright red. “You don’t have to blush for me.”
I serve another round of wine. “This was really good and nice, Evan.”
“Anything for you.”
We finish and I cleared the table, putting plates in the sink. The mood is just right. I offer my hand so she can walk with me in front of my portable fireplace. I guide her to sit on the rug and start to turn the fire on.
I sit next to her.
“You are a romantic.”
I lay my head in her lap and she rubs my hair.
“I never thought I’d be this romantic. You bring it out of me.”
My skin blazes on fire of her every touch. It’s just that instant touch from her skin to my skin.
“Every time I am with you, I just want to be even closer with you. You bring that out of me, Evan.”
I turn my head around to look up to her pretty face. “Come lay next to me.”
I move my head so she can move around to me and she lays her head on my chest.
“Tell me about your childhood, Evan? I want to know more of you when you were little.”
“I wasn't expecting this, but I can tell you a little bit if you promise to tell me more of yours.”
“Of course, Evan.” She moves a bit to make herself more comfortable on my chest. I lay back straight and focused on the plain, white, high ceiling.
“I was born thirty-three years ago to a mother, who you met.” I felt her head nod on my chest and I continued. “She took care of me with my father. I grew up poor, but my parents made sure I had food on the table every day. When I turned sixteen, I worked part time after school at a local grocery store. I helped my mom with what money I brought home. I graduated at the age of eighteen and went to college, became a policeman and got promoted to an FBI agent.”
She kisses my chest then asked me, “What about your girlfriends?”
“Well, I had a love of my life but it turned into the biggest nightmare of my life. I gave her my heart and soul and she cheated on me. She shattered my heart into pieces and it was never mended, until I met you. After that, I played with women’s heart just like mine got played with. None of them meant anything to me. I decided one day to stop and focus on me and that’s where I got where I am today. I’m successful and I never thought I would be here with a beautiful woman like you and with new feelings developing. I feel like a better man with you and have so much passion for you no words can describe.”
“You are making me tear up.” She wipes a tear out of the corner of her eye.
We finished the night talking about little things like things she liked and things she didn’t. She dozed off first and I was amazed at how much of a wonderful woman she was. She's warm, funny, laid back, loving, and wants the things I want. She is a hard worker and smart. She's spoiled by her parents, but I want to take that over. I want to be the one taking care of her. She is the woman that I need and I want in my life.
I want her to move in with me; that's my next mission. I didn't ask her tonight; I was afraid it’d scare her off. She might think it's too soon, but I think it's just right. I finally fell asleep on the floor all night and woke up with the daylight right in my eyes. Thank God it's Saturday and none of us work. She is still sound asleep with her head rested on my arm. I watch her sleep, listening to her deep breathing. She opened her eyes to me staring at her. “Good morning,” she said.
“Good morning, baby.” I gave her a gentle kiss on her head.
Hours went by quick today and I didn't want it to end. She filled my life of whatever was missing from all these years. We got up and I was making coffee. I took my cup and walked over, standing in the window of the living room in a daze waiting for her to come out the bathroom. I felt her coming closer and she hugged me from the back and placed her hands around my waist. I hold her hands with mine as I looked down to them.
“When is your birthday, Natalia?”
“My birthday?”
“Yes, we asked each other so many questions but not that.”
“August,” she says softly.
“Well, mine is in June.”
“What day?” she asks excitingly since we are in the month of June. I turn around and we kept the same position.
“I was thinking of going away after graduation for a week. Just the two of us somewhere romantic and away from here. We can celebrate graduation and my birthday. What do you think, pretty girl?”
“I would love to.”
“Okay, I will set it up and let you know the date we leave.”
“I have to go shopping for bikinis and clothes,” she says, dancing around like a little girl on Christmas morning.
“I will take you and you can try them on for me.” I wiggle my eyebrows and she laughs.
It is the middle of the week already; where does the time go? I am bombarded by work. I push my paperwork to the side and start googling romantic places. There are so many to choose from, it’s overwhelming.
After an hour of searching, I think I have picked a destination for five days and four nights. I book it and pay for everything online. I can’t wait to tell Natalia the news. Or maybe I should keep it to myself and surprise her. I pick up my phone to send her a text.
Evan: Get ready. Tickets are reserved for our getaway in two weeks. Let the countdown begin…
I set my phone down and continue to sort through this huge pile of paperwork when my cell phone suddenly rings. I pick it up, looking to see an unknown number. I press reject so it can go directly to my voicemail. The phone rings again with the same unknown number, this time I answer it.
“Hello, Evan’s speaking.”
“Evan?” I hear a female’s frantic voice on the other end. I get up from my chair.
“Who is this?”
“Evan, it’s me, Alyssa.”
“Alyssa?” I ask confused.
“Natalia passed out at school and they took her to Saint Williams Hospital in an ambulance.”
“What’s wrong with her?”
Now Alyssa is on the verge of tears. “I don’t know, but can you pick me up and so we can both go to the hospital?”
“I’m on my way.” I click end. Millions of thoughts run through my head at this moment. I am angry at myself for not taking her to the doctor like I wanted. I leave the office immediately. I find Alyssa waiting out front of the school’s building. She hops in and I haul ass to the hospital.
We get there and I am out of my car running in
side to find the front hospital desk. Alyssa is right on my heels.
“I need information on Natalia Day.”
“Yes, sir.” The lady behind the computer who looks to be ancient starts typing on the computer. She studies my face and I know she can sense that I am desperate for answers. I start giving her hurry the fuck up look.
“She just was transferred to floor three.” She stands up pointing. “Take the hallway all the way down and make a left for the elevators.”
Alyssa and I run to the elevators. As soon as we walk up, there is one opening. We jump in and I press the number three. Damn, this elevator is taking forever. Finally, it dings and we rush off down the hall when we run into another information desk.
There was a young nurse sitting, looking over a chart. She looks up at me. “How can I help?”
“I am here for Natalia Day. I need to see her now.”
She raises her hands and asks us to calm down. “She is in stable condition now and awake. Follow me I’ll take you to her room.”
Alyssa runs in front me, almost knocking the nurse over, straight to Natalia and hugs her. My heart suddenly feels some relief seeing her face. I was terrified for a bit there.
“Hey, bestie; are you okay?” Alyssa asks.
“Yes, I was fine one minute and then I don't know what happened.”
“You passed out at school and the ambulance was called. I called Evan right away; I got the number from your cell. I got so nervous I called from my phone instead of dialing straight from yours.”
Natalia shakes her head and I take a few steps forward, not talking, my eyes fixated on of her. Alyssa moves over and sits on the opposite side. I grab her hand with the IV and rub her knuckles.
“You look worried. Are you okay?” she asks with her angel face full of concern.
“Not now, but I need to know what's going on. I’m mad I wasn't there to protect you.” She smiles that smile that brightens the room. I hear someone at the door and look over to see the doctor and nurse walk in at that moment.
He shakes my hand, then Alyssa’s hand and introduces himself. “I am Doctor Green. Your blood results should be up in a few, your vitals are normal. How are you feeling right now?”
“I feel better. I think this is just stress.” She continues informing him about the graduation and her new job.
“You have a new job?” Alyssa interrupts in the background and we all turned to look her way.
The doctor starts talking again. “Okay, we will be back as soon the blood test comes back and you should be on your way out.” The doctor and nurse leave the room.
“What, did you forget to tell me, girl?”
Natalia giggles. “I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you. I got a job offer as soon as I graduate.”
“Yay!” Alyssa hugs Natalia.
I guess I was pacing back and forth because out of nowhere, I hear Alyssa yell, “Evan, sit down.”
“Come here, Evan.” Natalia reaches out her hand to mine. She pulls my hand so I have no choice, but to sit on the bed next to her. “Everything’s going to be okay. I bet its nothing that I can't fix.”
“How can you be so calm?”
She shrugs her shoulders. “I don’t know, but please try to calm down.”
“I am not until we hear something.”
Few minutes felt like a few hours. I’m pacing again and they are both staring at me. The wait is driving me crazy. I feel sweat starting to form on my forehead.
“Holy shit Evan stop! You’re making us nervous,” Natalia yells
The doctor walks and seems to be in good spirits. He must have just been laid. I’m glad he is having a fucking good day.
“I have news,” the doctor says with his raspy sound in his voice.
“Tell us,” I say.
He looks at me and says, “I will.” His eyes widen. “But I need both of you out of the room.”
“What? I’m her boyfriend.”
“That’s great, but you’re not her husband and by law, she needs privacy. You both can come in after and she can share if she chooses.”
I growl startling him a little. “Evan!” Natalia yells.
“Come with me, Evan.” Alyssa grabs my arms and pulls me out of the door. We stand outside the room and Alyssa decides to talk. “This is standard procedure. Before you know it, we will go inside and be on our way home with your girlfriend.”
It was a little after ten minutes before the doctor walks out but with not a so happy face like the one he walked in with. Alyssa and I look at each other and rush right in. We both stare at her lying on the bed. Her face was sad, but her eyes were saying something else.
“What’s up?” Alyssa asks, walking to the front of the bed. Her hands and fingers are joined together. “Why so quiet, bestie; you are killing us.”
Her eyes are back on me, not comprehending any of what Alyssa is saying. I sit in front of her.
“You said you love me right?” she asks in a small voice.
“My feelings for you haven't changed; on the contrary, it’s gotten deeper. This is the God’s honest truth. Now please, tell me what’s wrong.” I cup her face with a grip so she can see my feelings through my eyes. I needed her to feel it. I also had to ask, not caring if it’s the right time or not. “Do you love me? I want to hear you say it if you do.”
She looks into my eyes and says those words I have longed to hear. “I do love you, Evan, and what I’m about to tell you is going to change our lives.
I straighten up and wait for her to tell me what was wrong. Her eyes go teary and I freeze.
Natalia's POV
Chapter 25
As the doctors walk out the door, my life flashes before my eyes. I can’t believe this is happening. One minute, I am at the top of my game with my whole life ahead of me, and the next, I’m at stand still. All it took was one tiny mistake, one lapse of judgment. Is this the next chapter of my life? I stand there thinking of all the possible of outcomes, like is he truly the one? When I’m with him, I feel like there is no obstacle we can't overcome. Am I ready for this? Give up everything I’ve worked for?
“Do you love me?” That is all I hear from Evan while the room and the rest of my world are frozen.
I shake my head trying to pull myself out of this lull. I turn to Evan. “I do love you, Evan, and what I am about to tell you it’s going to change our lives.” His face turns from worried to confusion. I couldn't wait any longer. I need to say it out loud to take it off my chest and maybe feel some relief from all of this. Is this the right time, I ask myself? Fuck it; let’s go for it.
“I amm…” Letting the m carry so long it sounds like I am croaking, I finally stutter the rest of it out quickly, “pregnant.”
I couldn’t keep it under control any longer. I let my tears run down my face like a waterfall. I look over at Alyssa. I thought she was about to pass out. Her skin had no color and her mouth was wide open. She didn't say a word. I look over at Evan and he didn't look mad, he looked more dazed. “Did you hear me?” I ask.
“Yes, but can you repeat it again?”
I repeat myself and he gives me a smile and reaches his hand over to dry the tears running down my cheeks with his thumb. “Natalia, I am relieved, stunned, and excited. Don’t worry, baby. This is a good thing.” His voice was soft, sincere, and deep. He made me feel at ease like it was not a big deal. We are bringing a baby into this world, our world.
“Oh my God, Natalia.” Alyssa runs over after a minute of paralysis. She sits next to me. “How?”
“I think we all know how this happened,” I answer her.
“I mean, I know how but weren't you on the pill? Using Condoms?”
I lower my head and close my eyes. This can't be happening; maybe I can fix it and put an end to this pregnancy.
“When can I take you home?” Evan asks, sounding frustrated.
I don’t answer him and start to answer Aly’s question, “I haven't been on the pill for a long time since I wasn't having sex, and
then I met Evan. It slipped my mind.”
Alyssa hugs me. “Well, I am here for you, girl, and we will all get through this. Get that look off your face like you can do something about it. This baby is a gift, you know.”
“I know, thanks for being here.”
I hear the door close as I look up at Alyssa and she unwraps from our hug. “Evan left,” I said.
“I sure as hell hope he just didn't walk out on you; let me go check.” Before Alyssa gets to the door, Evan enters the room.
“I went to check when can I take you out of here and the doctor is releasing you in a few. I will be back for you. I have to make a phone call to the office first.” Then he walks away.
“I can’t believe you are going to be a mommy.”
I pull the blanket off of me and stand up. I start to pin up my hair into a ponytail with the elastic band I had around my wrist. “I am not sure about this. I have to think about it.”
“Well, what is there to think about? The baby is in you already and Evan is still here. He hasn’t run away,” she says.
“I know; I am grateful about that. I love Evan.”
I turn to Alyssa and she smiles and says, “I know. He's good to you and that is the most important thing.”
“I can't even imagine what my parents are going to think. They are going to kill me,” I whine.
“Stop it. They will understand; I assure you.”
“Congratulations,” the nurse says as she enters the room. “Per doctor’s orders, we have to make an appointment for a followup, getting a prescription for your vitamins and determine your due date.” She smiles and I just nod my head. She looks me up and down, “You can get dressed now.” Then she turns and leaves.
The nurse leaves the room and we are both standing there like what the hell just happened. I was released and sent home a few minutes after that. I’m still in shock and so is Alyssa apparently. This is all happening too fast in my life. How can I deal with this overwhelming feeling inside of me? I run my hair through my hair; I have no idea, I say to myself.
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