Friday October 31 [24w 4d]
"Have a wonderful afternoon, everyone. I hope to see you all at the dance later this evening." I gather up my books and leave my last class of the day before heading to lunch. We get the afternoon off because it's Halloween. I'm hoping to catch a nap before the dance.
"Bell!" I stop and turn around, surprised to see Keelan jogging up behind me. I hug my book to my chest. "Uhm, so are you going to the dance with anyone?"
"Lena and I are walking down together, but I'm not going with anyone specific." He nods while looking at his shoes. "Why do you ask?"
"Well.. I mean, we've always gone together so I wondered if this year would be the same." What?
"Keelan, we're not dating anymore. As far as I can see you're with Penelope. Does she know you're asking me this?" He grimaces a little.
"No. I'm not with her, really." I sigh and spot Lena down the corridor, waiting for me.
"Look, I don't know what's going on with you and her and frankly I don't care. I'm moving on, Keelan, and I suggest you do the same." I walk past him. As I near Lena I can see she's glaring at a point behind me. I suspect it's Keelan. I don't stop and she joins me to the Great Hall.
"What did he want?"
"He asked if I'm going to the dance with anyone."
"Are you serious? Has he gone mental? What does it matter to him? Isn't he going with Penelope?" I shrug.
"I don't know. It all gave me a headache. I told him to move on."
"Good. Right git. Does he assume that you're going to just be fine now that he knows you're pregnant?" I look around quickly.
"Quiet, Lena." She dismisses me.
"Come on, don't be stupid. The dress you're wearing later hides nothing." I sigh.
"I'm freaking out, okay?" We sit at the Ravenclaw table and I take a sip of water. I haven't been able to hold much down the past few days.
"When do you see Madame P?"
"Tomorrow."
"Any movements?"
"Some. They're kind of like nudges, but from the inside. It's hard to describe." Lena gets a wistful look on her face. I just smile at her.
"I can't wait to feel them from out here." I laugh.
"No one is touching the belly, sorry." She grins and stuffs a sandwich in her mouth.
I eat as much as I can before heading up to the tower and my bed. The fates have decided to be kind because I get a few hours sleep and bonus; I don't throw any of my lunch up.
+++
"Almost done, Bell. Just a few more minutes." I scoff.
"You said that 15 minutes ago. I'm leaving in 5 whether or not you're done." I see Lena roll her eyes in the mirror. She's spent the last hour working on my makeup and hair. The other girls above 4th year are crowding the mirrors and gossiping about who knows what.
I'm still very nervous about going to this dance at all. Lena was right - the dress hides nothing. Everyone will know once I step outside my dormitory. "Okay, done! Now put this on so I can see the full masterpiece." She hands me the dress and all but shoves me into a toilet stall. I change as quickly as I can, which is getting more complicated by the day, and emerge from the stall in the dress Lena picked out. It's silver, has a plunging neckline, an empire waist and ends at the floor. It's beautiful. "Oh, see, look at you! You're gorgeous. Let me just change and we can walk down."
I turn and look at myself in the wall mirror. I'm suddenly acutely aware of how quiet the bathroom has gotten. I feel myself turn a deep shade of red. "Uh.. Bell.." I look at each of the girls in turn.
"I'll just say this once. Yes I am pregnant. No I will not tell anyone who the father is. I will not even confirm or deny that he goes to this school. If anyone has any questions I'll be happy to answer them. The only thing I ask is that no one makes up any rumours because I will know who started them. You girls are the only ones who know." The silence continues for a few awkward moments before I'm bombarded with questions.
"How far along are you?"
"Is it a girl or a boy?"
"When are you due?"
"How will you keep up your studies after it's born?"
"Are you excited?"
"How have you kept quiet for so long?"
Luckily Lena steps in and saves me. "Okay ladies. That's enough for now. Bell and I are going down to the dance." She hooks my arm with her own and leads me out of the dormitory. I squeeze her hand.
"Thank you for that." She squeezes mine back.
"You did amazing. I'm very proud of you."
"13 girls down, only everyone else to go." I get a lot of stares as we walk down to the Great Hall. Plenty of people don't even bother to hide the fact that they talk about me. I hear a lot of whispers. I'm about to back out when I round the last corner to see Draco, standing and waiting for me, looking handsome in his deep emerald dress robes. When he sees me and Lena his mouth kind of drops a little before he regains his composure. I hear Lena snicker.
"Good evening, Draco. You're looking very dapper. Why yes, it is a pleasant evening, Annabel. And I do say, you're quite ravishing yourself." Lena gives my arm back to me. "There, now that that awkwardness is out of the way, you two can enjoy your evening."
"Where are you going?" Her eyes dart quickly to Draco before settling back to me.
"I heard a rumour that Justin Gharrity said he'd like to get with this, so I'm going to see if it's true. I'll find you later, Bell." I watch her walk off and I just shake my head.
"What am I going to do with her?" Draco chuckles and offers me his arm.
"I haven't a clue. I do, however, have a table reserved for us." I take his arm and he leads me into the Hall.
"What?"
"I asked Goyle to get us a table while I waited for you."
"Do you even know their first names?" He shrugs.
"Not really." I laugh as I look around. The Hall looks incredible. There are small tables scattered all over the place, a large dance floor, and a few larger tables with all types of food and drink on them. Draco steers me to the left side of the room, to a table nearest the food. He pulls my chair out for me and I sit. "Do you want anything to eat?" I shake my head.
"No. Stomach is still a tad queasy." Instead of getting food for himself he sits down beside me. "You can eat if you're hungry, Draco."
"I'm fine. She was right, by the way. You do look lovely." I feel myself blush.
"I believe the word she used was ravishing." Draco grins and his eyes spark in a way that makes my stomach flip. He pushes some stray hair out of my face and I swear we're the only people in the universe at this moment. My blush deepens and his grin turns into a smile.
"You're really cute when you blush." I laugh, the spell is broken and the noises come rushing back in. Just in time for me to spot Keelan walking toward us. He looks troubled. Draco's eyes narrow as Keelan stops a few feet away from the table.
"Could I talk with you for a minute, Malfoy?" I look at Keelan in surprise. Never would I have guessed he'd want to talk to Draco, much less ask to. Draco and I look at each other and I shrug.
"Okay, but only a minute." I watch them walk toward the wall before Keelan speaks. It's too loud to hear what they're saying, but neither look angry or murderous. Draco's arms are crossed and he's leaning against the wall. Keelan is doing most of the talking. Draco looks my way a couple times and at one point he actually smiles. Smiling, while talking to Keelan? What is going on? After a few minutes Draco walks back to me and Keelan just watches him. Even from here I can tell that he's sad.
"What the hell did you two talk about?" Draco is silent for a few seconds before answering.
"It's been requested that I don't tell you. Really, I have no reason to respect his wishes, but I'm going to anyway." I stare at him incredulously, my brain not seeming to compute this information. "I will tell you, though, that he isn't going to bother you anymore."
"What do you mean; bother?"
"I think you know what I mean, Bell." I look at the spot Keelan was standing but he's gone now. My heart drops a little as I realize what Draco meant.
"He's backing out." Draco's silence confirms it. I sit back in my chair, tears threatening to spill over. I suddenly want to be out of the Hall, away from everyone. "I'm going to go back to my room, okay?" Without waiting for an answer I get up and make my way out of the Hall.
29 December 2015
08 December 2015
SEHE; Chapter 8
Thursday October 16 [22w 3d}
"You need to tell him. Now before he finds out some other way." I sigh and put my textbook down. Lena has been trying to convince me to tell Keelan about the pregnancy.
"How else is he going to find out? Only you and Draco know."
"It's a big school, Bell. Someone could hear something and gossip travels faster than light."
"I'm just not ready."
"Well you need to be ready. You're starting to show through your regular clothes. You won't be able to hide it much longer." I groan and look down at the offending bump.
"Curse it, I know. Fine. How do you propose I do this?" Just as the question leaves my mouth who should walk into the common room but Keelan himself. To my surprise he walks right over to me.
"Can we talk?" I look at Lena and I don't know for sure, but I suspect I see a hint of guilt on her face.
"Uh, sure, what about?" Keelan glances at Lena who stands up.
"I'll be up in the dormitory, Bell." I glare at her back as she retreats up the stairs. Keelan sits down on the armchair across from the couch I'm sitting on.
"So what's up?" He looks very uncomfortable.
"Lena told me you have something you need to tell me?" I was right. Damn her.
"Lena needs to mind her own business. But yes, there is something." He looks at me expectantly. "It's hard to say."
"Not to rush you, but I've got something to do soon." I sigh and rub my forehead.
"I'm pregnant." I look up quickly to see the expression on his face. It takes a few seconds for him to react.
"You're shitting me. Who's is it?" I frown.
"Yours, you idiot. What do you think I wanted to tell you the first night we were here?" A flicker of shame crosses his face before anger replaces it.
"And you waited this long to actually do it?"
"You haven't exactly been welcoming lately, Keelan. Or alone, for that matter." To his credit, he looks guilty.
"What are you doing with it?"
"Keeping it obviously, or we wouldn't be talking right now." He rubs his face and sighs deeply. We sit in silence for a few minutes.
"What do you expect of me?" I take a minute to think about it. What do I expect? I know pregnancy is the easy part, but I've gotten along just fine without him so far. I have Lena and Draco here, and Phoebe and my family at home.
"Honestly? Nothing." He raises his eyebrow. "Seriously. We're both young and made a stupid decision. I've come to accept the repercussions of that choice. If you decide to walk away, I won't hold it against you."
"I've never seen myself as a dad. I don't think I could do it." I sigh sadly. Secretly I'd been hoping he would decide to be a part of this baby's life, even if I don't need him.
"Take a while to think about it." He nods and stands up.
"I will. Thanks." I watch him walk out of the common room with a sudden urge to cry. I sit back against the couch and let the tears fall for reasons I don't understand.
+++
Saturday October 25 [23w 5d]
"Lena, come on."
"Just one more, please." I let out a frustrated sigh. We're in Hogsmeade today with the school and I've been pulled into a clothing store against my will.
"Last one, and I mean it. I'm starving, the sales woman is creeping me out, and I'm cranky." Lena rolls her eyes.
"Stop whining. Try this on and I promise I'll leave you alone." She holds out a dress and I grab it then stomp back into the dressing room. She's made me try on 15 shirts, 6 pairs of pants, and 3 dresses. 4 including this one. I tug it on and exit my clothing hellroom without looking at myself in the mirror. "Oh, Bell, that's perfect. I'll buy it if you don't."
"Deal. I'm putting my own clothes back on now." I change back into my clothes and exit the dressing room feeling quite a bit better. I managed to look at myself before yanking the dress off and have to admit that Lena was right. It flatters my height, build and bump together nicely.
"I've got the stuff you're buying and the things I'm getting for you."
"You don't need to do this."
"Hush, I'm doing it." I shut my mouth and after we exit the store I lead the way to the Tea Shop. I'm dying for something to eat. "What's after this?"
"I want to visit Honeydukes and Tomes. Maybe Scrivenshaft's. I need some new quills. Then I think I was supposed to meet up with Draco near the Shack."
"I hate that place."
"You know it isn't actually haunted, right?"
"Of course I know. Harry's uncle or some such. It's just creepy with the scratches all over the place." I snicker and flag Madam Puddifoot for some food.
+++
I sit on a log and wrap my coat tighter against my body. It's beginning to get cold during the day. I smile as I spy Draco walking up the path to the Shack. I've thought a little about what he told me. I can't say I've reciprocated any of those feelings, but I know him enough that I suspect it wouldn't be hard to let myself like him. I just don't want to add another book to the already teetering pile I've been holding.
"Hey stranger." The smile I receive makes my stomach do an odd little flip. Oh yeah, it could totally happen.
"Hi there. Where's Lena?" Draco sits beside me.
"She hates the Shack so she took our loot up to the castle."
"I saw you coming out of Tomes. Did you empty out the clothing store?" I laugh.
"Almost. I tried on 25 different articles of clothing this morning. I bought 5 of them and she bought a few as well."
"Jeez." We lapse into a comfortable silence. I wonder about grabbing his hand and holding it. Then I remind myself about the book pile. Funny thing is the more time I spend with him, the more I think I can handle it. As I finally talk myself into taking his hand, he looks at me with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Can I try something without it being weird after?"
"Uh, what?"
"I want to do something, but I don't want things to be awkward after."
"Oh, uhm, okay." I tense a little as he raises his hand, but he only touches it lightly to my cheek. I'd never really noticed before, but his grey eyes have blue flecks in them. My heart speeds up a notch as Draco moves his face closer to mine in what seems an excruciatingly slow pace. With a sudden boldness I close the gap and gently press my lips to his.
His hand tightens a little on my cheek and he hesitates a second before kissing me more firmly. My breath catches and I close my eyes, completely immersing myself in Draco and his kiss. He tastes like butterbeer and smells like soap. My heartbeat quickens some more as I shyly place my hand against his chest.
He suddenly breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against mine, breathing a little heavily. "Just. Wow. I've been waiting 4 years to do that." I feel myself blush and he smiles. "You know you're very adorable when you blush." He laughs when it deepens. I receive another light kiss before Draco pulls away. All I can think is, boy, do I have loads to tell Lena.
"You need to tell him. Now before he finds out some other way." I sigh and put my textbook down. Lena has been trying to convince me to tell Keelan about the pregnancy.
"How else is he going to find out? Only you and Draco know."
"It's a big school, Bell. Someone could hear something and gossip travels faster than light."
"I'm just not ready."
"Well you need to be ready. You're starting to show through your regular clothes. You won't be able to hide it much longer." I groan and look down at the offending bump.
"Curse it, I know. Fine. How do you propose I do this?" Just as the question leaves my mouth who should walk into the common room but Keelan himself. To my surprise he walks right over to me.
"Can we talk?" I look at Lena and I don't know for sure, but I suspect I see a hint of guilt on her face.
"Uh, sure, what about?" Keelan glances at Lena who stands up.
"I'll be up in the dormitory, Bell." I glare at her back as she retreats up the stairs. Keelan sits down on the armchair across from the couch I'm sitting on.
"So what's up?" He looks very uncomfortable.
"Lena told me you have something you need to tell me?" I was right. Damn her.
"Lena needs to mind her own business. But yes, there is something." He looks at me expectantly. "It's hard to say."
"Not to rush you, but I've got something to do soon." I sigh and rub my forehead.
"I'm pregnant." I look up quickly to see the expression on his face. It takes a few seconds for him to react.
"You're shitting me. Who's is it?" I frown.
"Yours, you idiot. What do you think I wanted to tell you the first night we were here?" A flicker of shame crosses his face before anger replaces it.
"And you waited this long to actually do it?"
"You haven't exactly been welcoming lately, Keelan. Or alone, for that matter." To his credit, he looks guilty.
"What are you doing with it?"
"Keeping it obviously, or we wouldn't be talking right now." He rubs his face and sighs deeply. We sit in silence for a few minutes.
"What do you expect of me?" I take a minute to think about it. What do I expect? I know pregnancy is the easy part, but I've gotten along just fine without him so far. I have Lena and Draco here, and Phoebe and my family at home.
"Honestly? Nothing." He raises his eyebrow. "Seriously. We're both young and made a stupid decision. I've come to accept the repercussions of that choice. If you decide to walk away, I won't hold it against you."
"I've never seen myself as a dad. I don't think I could do it." I sigh sadly. Secretly I'd been hoping he would decide to be a part of this baby's life, even if I don't need him.
"Take a while to think about it." He nods and stands up.
"I will. Thanks." I watch him walk out of the common room with a sudden urge to cry. I sit back against the couch and let the tears fall for reasons I don't understand.
+++
Saturday October 25 [23w 5d]
"Lena, come on."
"Just one more, please." I let out a frustrated sigh. We're in Hogsmeade today with the school and I've been pulled into a clothing store against my will.
"Last one, and I mean it. I'm starving, the sales woman is creeping me out, and I'm cranky." Lena rolls her eyes.
"Stop whining. Try this on and I promise I'll leave you alone." She holds out a dress and I grab it then stomp back into the dressing room. She's made me try on 15 shirts, 6 pairs of pants, and 3 dresses. 4 including this one. I tug it on and exit my clothing hellroom without looking at myself in the mirror. "Oh, Bell, that's perfect. I'll buy it if you don't."
"Deal. I'm putting my own clothes back on now." I change back into my clothes and exit the dressing room feeling quite a bit better. I managed to look at myself before yanking the dress off and have to admit that Lena was right. It flatters my height, build and bump together nicely.
"I've got the stuff you're buying and the things I'm getting for you."
"You don't need to do this."
"Hush, I'm doing it." I shut my mouth and after we exit the store I lead the way to the Tea Shop. I'm dying for something to eat. "What's after this?"
"I want to visit Honeydukes and Tomes. Maybe Scrivenshaft's. I need some new quills. Then I think I was supposed to meet up with Draco near the Shack."
"I hate that place."
"You know it isn't actually haunted, right?"
"Of course I know. Harry's uncle or some such. It's just creepy with the scratches all over the place." I snicker and flag Madam Puddifoot for some food.
+++
I sit on a log and wrap my coat tighter against my body. It's beginning to get cold during the day. I smile as I spy Draco walking up the path to the Shack. I've thought a little about what he told me. I can't say I've reciprocated any of those feelings, but I know him enough that I suspect it wouldn't be hard to let myself like him. I just don't want to add another book to the already teetering pile I've been holding.
"Hey stranger." The smile I receive makes my stomach do an odd little flip. Oh yeah, it could totally happen.
"Hi there. Where's Lena?" Draco sits beside me.
"She hates the Shack so she took our loot up to the castle."
"I saw you coming out of Tomes. Did you empty out the clothing store?" I laugh.
"Almost. I tried on 25 different articles of clothing this morning. I bought 5 of them and she bought a few as well."
"Jeez." We lapse into a comfortable silence. I wonder about grabbing his hand and holding it. Then I remind myself about the book pile. Funny thing is the more time I spend with him, the more I think I can handle it. As I finally talk myself into taking his hand, he looks at me with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Can I try something without it being weird after?"
"Uh, what?"
"I want to do something, but I don't want things to be awkward after."
"Oh, uhm, okay." I tense a little as he raises his hand, but he only touches it lightly to my cheek. I'd never really noticed before, but his grey eyes have blue flecks in them. My heart speeds up a notch as Draco moves his face closer to mine in what seems an excruciatingly slow pace. With a sudden boldness I close the gap and gently press my lips to his.
His hand tightens a little on my cheek and he hesitates a second before kissing me more firmly. My breath catches and I close my eyes, completely immersing myself in Draco and his kiss. He tastes like butterbeer and smells like soap. My heartbeat quickens some more as I shyly place my hand against his chest.
He suddenly breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against mine, breathing a little heavily. "Just. Wow. I've been waiting 4 years to do that." I feel myself blush and he smiles. "You know you're very adorable when you blush." He laughs when it deepens. I receive another light kiss before Draco pulls away. All I can think is, boy, do I have loads to tell Lena.
07 December 2015
SEHE; Chapter 7
Sunday September 28 [19w 6d]
"Lie back for me, Annabel, and we'll take a look at your baby." I lie back on the cot and the doctor places the tip of her wand against my stomach. A second later she flips it toward a grey space on the wall and there the baby is. Lena clutches my hand.
"How amazing is that." I nod a little. The baby is wiggling and kicking and moving but I feel none of it. Dr Shima points at the projection.
"There's the head, spine, bottom, legs and feet. Great heartbeat. Lots of movement which is wonderful. Your placenta is anterior and quite low. That can be cause for concern closer to delivery but isn't a worry yet. We'll keep an eye on that."
"What will happen?"
"A cesarean would be our best course."
"I'd like to avoid that if at all possible."
"Of course, as would I. We'll keep a close watch. Hopefully the placenta migrates up or back. It's quite common for it to move."
"Can you tell us the sex now?" I grin at Lena. She's far more excited than I thought she would be. Draco, however, is looking kind of dumbfounded. He hasn't said a word since we left Hogwarts. Dr Shima moves her wand around a bit until she's satisfied.
"Obviously I can't be 100% positive. But here I am about 90% certain you're having a girl." I smile and nod; something I didn't know I'd been thinking suddenly confirmed.
"Oh congrats, Bell!" I squeeze Lena's hand.
"Fantastic. Thank you Dr Shima." She stops the projection and I sit up.
"No problem at all. I'd like to see you back here next month. Take good care of yourself."
+++
"So Draco. What's up?" Draco looks up at me from his Potions work. We're in the library. I'm studying and he's discreetly copying my work.
"What?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Earlier today. You were very quiet. What's up?"
"It may come as a surprise to you, Bell, but I'm not on the up and up with this baby stuff. I don't know what a placenta is or what anterior means. I'm kind of lost here."
"I know, I'm sorry. I feel like I've kind of thrust you into this with me. I hope you know that I don't expect anything from you." His face softens a little and he takes my hand awkwardly.
"I'm here for you, Bell. I may be a blundering idiot when it comes to this stuff, but I'm in it with you." I feel my face get hot and I know I'm blushing. I'd never thought about Draco as more than a friend before. Mainly because I'd been with Keelan, but that isn't really an issue now.
"Want to clarify that statement so I don't blow it out of proportion?" Draco gives me one of his rare smiles.
"I'm saying that I've liked you since 3rd year. I kick myself for not telling you back then." I kind of just look at him.
"What?" His grin gets a little bigger.
"You heard me, Leed."
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. I didn't tell you this to change anything. I told you because it was finally time to. I just want you to know that I'm in your corner." I feel tears well up. I contemplate giving him a kiss on the cheek when I see Keelan stroll into the library with Penelope attached to his side like a leech. At the look on my face Draco turns around. I see him frown. I still haven't told Draco about the conversation I overheard earlier in the week.
"Come on, let's go somewhere else, Draco." I start to gather my books and shove them in my bag. "Draco." He's still siting, glaring daggers at Keelan; who still hasn't noticed us. "Come on, please?" At my please Draco finally looks at me, then grabs his books and stalks out of the library. As I'm walking out I receive a dirty look from Penelope. She's alone, Keelan must have gone off. The mature thing would be to let it go and walk past her. "What exactly is your problem?" She sneers at me and I catch myself thinking that she's got such an ugly personality.
"Look at you. Flaunting your relationship with Malfoy, only weeks after you've broken up with Keelan. It's so disrespectful." I stare at her incredulously.
"Excuse me? I did not break up with him. He left me." She shakes her head.
"That's not what I've heard. I've heard you slept around all summer, came back and broke it off, then went and screwed Malfoy the very same night. People saw him walking you to the tower." All I can do is stare at her. I have no doubt who's been spreading these rumours.
"And let me guess. You're just supporting poor, pathetic Keelan."
"Matter of fact, yes. You broke his heart." I laugh at her.
"I wish you luck. I really do." She sniffs and walks off. I shake my head and leave the library. I could go for a nap but I really need to finish this work. As I'm wandering down the hall, deciding what to do, Draco turns the corner and walks up to me. I stop and lean against the wall. I'm suddenly very tired.
"Should learn to follow your own advice eh?" I smile up at him. "You look exhausted. You okay?"
"Actually, no. It came on just now. I feel like I could pass out standing here." Draco takes my arm and steers me toward my common room.
"Let's get you to bed then." We walk in silence to the tower. "Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He walks away before I can say anything. Somehow, I make it to my dormitory and into my bed before falling asleep.
"Lie back for me, Annabel, and we'll take a look at your baby." I lie back on the cot and the doctor places the tip of her wand against my stomach. A second later she flips it toward a grey space on the wall and there the baby is. Lena clutches my hand.
"How amazing is that." I nod a little. The baby is wiggling and kicking and moving but I feel none of it. Dr Shima points at the projection.
"There's the head, spine, bottom, legs and feet. Great heartbeat. Lots of movement which is wonderful. Your placenta is anterior and quite low. That can be cause for concern closer to delivery but isn't a worry yet. We'll keep an eye on that."
"What will happen?"
"A cesarean would be our best course."
"I'd like to avoid that if at all possible."
"Of course, as would I. We'll keep a close watch. Hopefully the placenta migrates up or back. It's quite common for it to move."
"Can you tell us the sex now?" I grin at Lena. She's far more excited than I thought she would be. Draco, however, is looking kind of dumbfounded. He hasn't said a word since we left Hogwarts. Dr Shima moves her wand around a bit until she's satisfied.
"Obviously I can't be 100% positive. But here I am about 90% certain you're having a girl." I smile and nod; something I didn't know I'd been thinking suddenly confirmed.
"Oh congrats, Bell!" I squeeze Lena's hand.
"Fantastic. Thank you Dr Shima." She stops the projection and I sit up.
"No problem at all. I'd like to see you back here next month. Take good care of yourself."
+++
"So Draco. What's up?" Draco looks up at me from his Potions work. We're in the library. I'm studying and he's discreetly copying my work.
"What?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Earlier today. You were very quiet. What's up?"
"It may come as a surprise to you, Bell, but I'm not on the up and up with this baby stuff. I don't know what a placenta is or what anterior means. I'm kind of lost here."
"I know, I'm sorry. I feel like I've kind of thrust you into this with me. I hope you know that I don't expect anything from you." His face softens a little and he takes my hand awkwardly.
"I'm here for you, Bell. I may be a blundering idiot when it comes to this stuff, but I'm in it with you." I feel my face get hot and I know I'm blushing. I'd never thought about Draco as more than a friend before. Mainly because I'd been with Keelan, but that isn't really an issue now.
"Want to clarify that statement so I don't blow it out of proportion?" Draco gives me one of his rare smiles.
"I'm saying that I've liked you since 3rd year. I kick myself for not telling you back then." I kind of just look at him.
"What?" His grin gets a little bigger.
"You heard me, Leed."
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. I didn't tell you this to change anything. I told you because it was finally time to. I just want you to know that I'm in your corner." I feel tears well up. I contemplate giving him a kiss on the cheek when I see Keelan stroll into the library with Penelope attached to his side like a leech. At the look on my face Draco turns around. I see him frown. I still haven't told Draco about the conversation I overheard earlier in the week.
"Come on, let's go somewhere else, Draco." I start to gather my books and shove them in my bag. "Draco." He's still siting, glaring daggers at Keelan; who still hasn't noticed us. "Come on, please?" At my please Draco finally looks at me, then grabs his books and stalks out of the library. As I'm walking out I receive a dirty look from Penelope. She's alone, Keelan must have gone off. The mature thing would be to let it go and walk past her. "What exactly is your problem?" She sneers at me and I catch myself thinking that she's got such an ugly personality.
"Look at you. Flaunting your relationship with Malfoy, only weeks after you've broken up with Keelan. It's so disrespectful." I stare at her incredulously.
"Excuse me? I did not break up with him. He left me." She shakes her head.
"That's not what I've heard. I've heard you slept around all summer, came back and broke it off, then went and screwed Malfoy the very same night. People saw him walking you to the tower." All I can do is stare at her. I have no doubt who's been spreading these rumours.
"And let me guess. You're just supporting poor, pathetic Keelan."
"Matter of fact, yes. You broke his heart." I laugh at her.
"I wish you luck. I really do." She sniffs and walks off. I shake my head and leave the library. I could go for a nap but I really need to finish this work. As I'm wandering down the hall, deciding what to do, Draco turns the corner and walks up to me. I stop and lean against the wall. I'm suddenly very tired.
"Should learn to follow your own advice eh?" I smile up at him. "You look exhausted. You okay?"
"Actually, no. It came on just now. I feel like I could pass out standing here." Draco takes my arm and steers me toward my common room.
"Let's get you to bed then." We walk in silence to the tower. "Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He walks away before I can say anything. Somehow, I make it to my dormitory and into my bed before falling asleep.
12 November 2015
SEHE; Chapter 6
Wednesday September 24 [19w 2d]
The month goes by quickly and somewhat normally. I involve myself in my studies, spend time with Lena and Draco, and try to ignore Keelan. I've told Lena that I feel I should tell Keelan that I'm pregnant but she wholeheartedly disagrees. "It's not that I think you'll go back to him, even if he did tell you that he wants you back. I just don't want him knowing something that could potentially hurt you."
"He's going to find out anyway. If I hadn't been as far along when he broke up with me I could say it's someone else's, but the dates match up. I do not need people thinking I'm a cheater, even if it isn't true."
"I know, Bell, I know. I don't think he deserves to know." I sigh.
"I don't either, but really, what choice do I have? Another couple months and I won't be able to hide it anymore." The bump is still pretty petite but I can definitely tell it's getting bigger. I haven't felt any movements yet either. I'm not worried, because everything I've read says this is completely normal. Expected, even.
"Any ideas for names yet?" I lean back on my bed frame and stretch. Which is getting harder the bigger my belly gets.
"Not really. I kind of like Elizabeth but I don't like Lizzie."
"Are you going to find out the sex?"
"I actually go with Pomfrey to St Mungo's on Sunday. Want to come?"
"Like you need to ask. Is Draco coming?" I shrug.
"I don't know, I haven't asked."
"You should."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
+++
"Miss Leed, at which point does a Wiggenweld potion turn purple?" A few hands go up, despite the question being directed at me.
"After you add flobberworm mucus."
"The first or the second time?"
"The first time."
"Excellent. Mr Plunkhouse, what colour does it turn after the second flobberworm mucus is added?" Jeremy gets a panicked look on his face and we can all tell he doesn't know.
"Bell." Draco whispers beside me.
"What?" He pokes my elbow so I look at him.
"You going to Hogsmeade on Sunday?" I shake my head.
"No, I'm going to St Mungo's. Now shush." I look back at the professor.
"Why? Are you okay?" I nod. "Then why?" Irritated, I write on a scrap piece of paper.
Check up with P. Meeting doc. U/S. Coming?
I slide it over to him and take a couple notes while he looks it over.
Rather be there than be square.
I roll my eyes and grin. "Something amusing, Miss Leed?"
"No, sorry professor." I kick Draco under the bench and he just smirks. I catch myself thinking that it would be nice to see an actual smile on his face.
"Okay class. I would like a 5 page essay on the benefits to the Wiggenweld potion, due next week. Have a great day." I collect my books and stuff them in my bag. Before I can pick it up however, Draco takes it from me and slings it onto his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"Carrying your books. What does it look like?" I raise an eyebrow.
"It looks like you think I'm an invalid. I can do things for myself, you know." He ushers me along the corridor, in the direction of dinner.
"Yes, yes, blah blah blah. Shut up and accept my offer to do something nice or I may never offer again." I smile then realize I forgot a book.
"Shoot, I forgot something. Go on, I'll catch up." I walk back to the classroom as Draco walks on to the Great Hall. I grab my book then hurry myself up the corridor.
"Get out of my way, Richards." I stop as I hear Draco's voice around the corner.
"No. I want to know why you're spending so much time with Bell."
"That's none of your damn business."
"See, I think it is my business."
"Not anymore." I hear a low growl from Keelan. What is going on?
"Is she shagging you now, too? I hear she's been fucking McCauly and Quinta." I feel my face get hot. It isn't true, of course, but I can't believe there are rumours about me. "How's it feel to get my sloppy seconds?" I can only imagine the restraint it's taking Draco now to throw a spell at Keelan. Before I get the chance to intercede, Snape stalks up the corridor behind me and rounds the corner.
"Why are you all standing here? Out of my sight before I start taking points." I slide down the wall to the floor and rest my forehead on my knees. Are there seriously rumours like that going around? I'm suddenly not hungry, but have to go to the Great Hall anyway because Draco still has my books. I don't know if I can walk in there. "If I may, don't put stock into what others say behind your back. They're behind you for a reason." Surprised, I look up at Snape. I never knew he could be so thoughtful.
"Thank you." He nods.
"No loitering, Miss Leed. Move along."
The month goes by quickly and somewhat normally. I involve myself in my studies, spend time with Lena and Draco, and try to ignore Keelan. I've told Lena that I feel I should tell Keelan that I'm pregnant but she wholeheartedly disagrees. "It's not that I think you'll go back to him, even if he did tell you that he wants you back. I just don't want him knowing something that could potentially hurt you."
"He's going to find out anyway. If I hadn't been as far along when he broke up with me I could say it's someone else's, but the dates match up. I do not need people thinking I'm a cheater, even if it isn't true."
"I know, Bell, I know. I don't think he deserves to know." I sigh.
"I don't either, but really, what choice do I have? Another couple months and I won't be able to hide it anymore." The bump is still pretty petite but I can definitely tell it's getting bigger. I haven't felt any movements yet either. I'm not worried, because everything I've read says this is completely normal. Expected, even.
"Any ideas for names yet?" I lean back on my bed frame and stretch. Which is getting harder the bigger my belly gets.
"Not really. I kind of like Elizabeth but I don't like Lizzie."
"Are you going to find out the sex?"
"I actually go with Pomfrey to St Mungo's on Sunday. Want to come?"
"Like you need to ask. Is Draco coming?" I shrug.
"I don't know, I haven't asked."
"You should."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
+++
"Miss Leed, at which point does a Wiggenweld potion turn purple?" A few hands go up, despite the question being directed at me.
"After you add flobberworm mucus."
"The first or the second time?"
"The first time."
"Excellent. Mr Plunkhouse, what colour does it turn after the second flobberworm mucus is added?" Jeremy gets a panicked look on his face and we can all tell he doesn't know.
"Bell." Draco whispers beside me.
"What?" He pokes my elbow so I look at him.
"You going to Hogsmeade on Sunday?" I shake my head.
"No, I'm going to St Mungo's. Now shush." I look back at the professor.
"Why? Are you okay?" I nod. "Then why?" Irritated, I write on a scrap piece of paper.
Check up with P. Meeting doc. U/S. Coming?
I slide it over to him and take a couple notes while he looks it over.
Rather be there than be square.
I roll my eyes and grin. "Something amusing, Miss Leed?"
"No, sorry professor." I kick Draco under the bench and he just smirks. I catch myself thinking that it would be nice to see an actual smile on his face.
"Okay class. I would like a 5 page essay on the benefits to the Wiggenweld potion, due next week. Have a great day." I collect my books and stuff them in my bag. Before I can pick it up however, Draco takes it from me and slings it onto his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"Carrying your books. What does it look like?" I raise an eyebrow.
"It looks like you think I'm an invalid. I can do things for myself, you know." He ushers me along the corridor, in the direction of dinner.
"Yes, yes, blah blah blah. Shut up and accept my offer to do something nice or I may never offer again." I smile then realize I forgot a book.
"Shoot, I forgot something. Go on, I'll catch up." I walk back to the classroom as Draco walks on to the Great Hall. I grab my book then hurry myself up the corridor.
"Get out of my way, Richards." I stop as I hear Draco's voice around the corner.
"No. I want to know why you're spending so much time with Bell."
"That's none of your damn business."
"See, I think it is my business."
"Not anymore." I hear a low growl from Keelan. What is going on?
"Is she shagging you now, too? I hear she's been fucking McCauly and Quinta." I feel my face get hot. It isn't true, of course, but I can't believe there are rumours about me. "How's it feel to get my sloppy seconds?" I can only imagine the restraint it's taking Draco now to throw a spell at Keelan. Before I get the chance to intercede, Snape stalks up the corridor behind me and rounds the corner.
"Why are you all standing here? Out of my sight before I start taking points." I slide down the wall to the floor and rest my forehead on my knees. Are there seriously rumours like that going around? I'm suddenly not hungry, but have to go to the Great Hall anyway because Draco still has my books. I don't know if I can walk in there. "If I may, don't put stock into what others say behind your back. They're behind you for a reason." Surprised, I look up at Snape. I never knew he could be so thoughtful.
"Thank you." He nods.
"No loitering, Miss Leed. Move along."
09 November 2015
SEHE; Chapter 5
Monday September 01 [16w 0d]
I don't see much of Keelan during the feast or after dinner. I come to the realization that he's avoiding me and wonder what the hell is going on. I finally corner him shortly before I'd planned to go to bed. He looks angry at the mere sight of me. "What's going on?"
"What are you talking about?" I raise an eyebrow and gesture to him.
"You've been avoiding me all day, Keelan. I finally have to force you to talk to me and you're mad. I'll ask again - what is going on?" He rolls his eyes then looks around the common room.
"If you absolutely need to know, fine. But not here. Let's go for a walk." I cross my arms, ready to stand my ground, but think better of it. Defeated, I consent to a walk. We don't get far from the common room before he suddenly stops and turns to face me. "I wanted to do this differently but since you're making me talk to you, I guess this is how it's going to happen." I feel my heart sink to my toes. "We're done." It takes a second for me to process this.
"What?" He sighs in annoyance.
"Do I need to speak slower? We are done."
"Why?" He throws up his arms and I shrink back a little.
"I'm done with this conversation. If you don't know why then you're a bloody blind idiot. Are you done asking me inane questions or can I go now?" Without waiting for an answer he stalks off. I just stare after him, kind of stunned. What?
Not feeling like I'll be able to sleep now, I amble around the castle for a while instead. While on my travels I catch a pair of third year Slytherins out after hours. I escort them to their common room, much to their displeasure. As we're walking down the corridor to their common room, Draco appears and stands in front of us. "What's this? Students out of bed?"
"I've already taken 10 points, Draco. Was just bringing them back. Go on now, you two. And stay in your common room, all right?" Once they're gone Draco gives me a lopsided smirk.
"Couldn't resist taking points on the first day, eh?" Without warning the night suddenly catches up with me and I sink to my knees, my arms around myself. "Oh, hey, I was kidding."
"No, it isn't that. It's been a hard evening. I was taking a walk to clear my head. It obviously didn't work." I scooch back and sit against the wall. Draco sits beside me.
"So what's wrong?" I lean my head on his shoulder.
"Can I ask you something first? And I want absolute honesty, no matter the answer."
"Sure." I take a deep breath.
"Is Keelan cheating on me?" I feel him stiffen a little. His silence also answers for him. I sigh. "He was the person I had to talk to. He was avoiding me and when I finally got him to talk to me, he broke up with me. I didn't even get to tell him."
"Tell him what?" I pause. It seems wrong to tell Draco before Keelan, but what choice do I have now?
"I'm pregnant, Draco." I jerk back in surprise when Draco stands up, pacing the corridor, gesturing as he yells.
"That dirty maggot! How could he be so bloody stupid?"
"He doesn't know, remember?" He dismisses me with a wave of his hand.
"Irrelevant, Bell. He's a right tosser." I rest my forehead on my knees and let a few tears escape. Draco squats down in front of me. "I'm sorry. Look, he's a riddled idiot and if you need me, I'm here to support you. Merlin knows you've helped me more than I can properly thank you for." I look up at him and give him a little smile.
"Walk me back to the tower?" He stands up and extends his hand to me. I accept it and he pulls me to my feet, then into a hug. "Have you gotten taller?" I feel him chuckle.
"Shut it, Muggle." I let another smile escape before a huge yawn lets itself out. "Okay, bed for you. Come on." Draco leads me back to the tower. Before I answer the riddle, I turn to him.
"Thank you." He gives me a puzzled look.
"For what?" I shrug.
"For everything. See you tomorrow?"
"Yep. Goodnight, Annabel. Oh and by the way, happy birthday."
+++
Saturday September 06 [16w 5d]
The first week goes by rather quickly. I spend most of my free time with Lena, who is outraged that Keelan is so stupid. She offers to hex him but I decline. I'd rather just try to forget about him and move on. It proves to be hard when we have about half of the same classes, and not considering we're in the same house. As the days go by he's spending more and more of his time with Penelope Lasks.
"He's unbelievable. I seriously don't know how he can stand himself." I look up from my study notes for Magical Theory to Lena with a surprised look on my face. Until now we'd been studying quietly in the common room. She's looking across the room and I don't have to look to know who she's glaring at.
"Stop, okay?" I look back to my notes but have forgotten what I was going to write. I sigh, close my book, and lean back in the couch. Studying seems to be a pointless endeavor.
"Annabel." I turn at my name to see a fourth year coming into the common room. "Draco Malfoy is loitering outside. Can you make him go away? He's scaring a group of first years." I sigh and get up.
"I'll see you later, Lena. Try not to get into trouble." She just grins at me. I exit the common room to see Draco looking menacingly at a group of kids down the corridor. "Draco! Leave the poor kids alone. Go on, guys." I let them in and then glare playfully at Draco. He just shrugs and smirks. "What are you doing up here? Besides bullying people smaller than you."
"Have you been to Promfrey yet?" I shake my head.
"No, not yet. My schedule is so full that I haven't had the time."
"Well you're in luck, I'm in the business of escorting you to the hospital wing." I laugh as he links arms with me and pulls me to the nearest staircase. "How are you doing? Haven't seen you much." I cock an eyebrow.
"Since when does that matter?"
"It doesn't. Just stating an observation, is all."
"Uh huh. I'm doing fine. Just going to classes, the usual." We walk in silence the rest of the way. I get the feeling Draco has some things to say to me, but I don't push him. Experience tells me that only ends badly. He opens the door to the hospital and lets me in before him. I look around the wing, thanking Merlin that it's empty. Madame Pomfrey bustles out of her office and stops when she sees us.
"What can I do for you, dears?" I glance nervously at Draco.
"I uh.. I'm pregnant." Her eyes dart quickly to Draco before landing back on me. I hide a smile.
"Have a seat on the bed, here." I hop on one of the beds and Draco sits at the foot. "Have you had any prenatal care up until now?"
"Yeah, I saw a doctor at home. Everything is fine."
"How far along are you?" I take a mental count of the weeks.
"Just about 17 weeks."
"And how are you feeling?"
"Fine, actually. Little nausea but no throwing up. Pretty tired but otherwise just fine." Madame Pomfrey nods to herself.
"I'll just do a quick examination. Mr Malfoy, if you could step outside of the curtain." A curtain suddenly springs up around the bed. "Miss Leed, please remove your robes. You can keep your regular clothes on, just pull your shirt up, then lie back on the bed." I do as I'm told and Madame Promfrey prods my stomach, muttering to herself.
"How am I doing doc?"
"Good fundal height. You're measuring about a week ahead but that's nothing to worry about. Let me just check your blood pressure." She takes my wrist and is quiet while she concentrates. "Excellent. You seem to be in great health. I'll just have you pee in this cup-" She conjures a small cup and hands it to me. "-and then bring it back to me." I pull my shirt down, adjust my robes, and get off the bed. Draco is sitting on the next bed.
After I'm done peeing in the cup I bring it to Madame Pomfrey. She mutters a few incantations I don't recognize and the pee turns three different colours. "Wonderful. No proteins, sugars are low, and pH is balanced nicely. Did you have any other questions or concerns?"
"I don't think so. When should I come back?"
"I will talk with the headmaster about trips to St Mungo's. I'm knowledgeable but a prenatal doctor would certainly be better for you. Do any of your professors know?" I reluctantly shake my head.
"It's only the first week and I feel fine, so I didn't want to tell anyone yet. I'm fine with Professor Dumbledore knowing, though." She nods.
"Would you prefer to speak with him yourself?"
"No, if you need to talk with him anyway then you can, if you wouldn't mind."
"That's perfectly fine. Come back tomorrow and I'll let you know what day we go."
"Great. Thank you, Madame Pomfrey."
"You're welcome, dear." I leave the hospital wing with Draco following me.
"I was going to the library, if you'd like to tag along." Draco shakes his head.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to pass this time. See you later?" He gives my arm a small squeeze then saunters off down the corridor. I head for the library, intent to get some studying done.
I don't see much of Keelan during the feast or after dinner. I come to the realization that he's avoiding me and wonder what the hell is going on. I finally corner him shortly before I'd planned to go to bed. He looks angry at the mere sight of me. "What's going on?"
"What are you talking about?" I raise an eyebrow and gesture to him.
"You've been avoiding me all day, Keelan. I finally have to force you to talk to me and you're mad. I'll ask again - what is going on?" He rolls his eyes then looks around the common room.
"If you absolutely need to know, fine. But not here. Let's go for a walk." I cross my arms, ready to stand my ground, but think better of it. Defeated, I consent to a walk. We don't get far from the common room before he suddenly stops and turns to face me. "I wanted to do this differently but since you're making me talk to you, I guess this is how it's going to happen." I feel my heart sink to my toes. "We're done." It takes a second for me to process this.
"What?" He sighs in annoyance.
"Do I need to speak slower? We are done."
"Why?" He throws up his arms and I shrink back a little.
"I'm done with this conversation. If you don't know why then you're a bloody blind idiot. Are you done asking me inane questions or can I go now?" Without waiting for an answer he stalks off. I just stare after him, kind of stunned. What?
Not feeling like I'll be able to sleep now, I amble around the castle for a while instead. While on my travels I catch a pair of third year Slytherins out after hours. I escort them to their common room, much to their displeasure. As we're walking down the corridor to their common room, Draco appears and stands in front of us. "What's this? Students out of bed?"
"I've already taken 10 points, Draco. Was just bringing them back. Go on now, you two. And stay in your common room, all right?" Once they're gone Draco gives me a lopsided smirk.
"Couldn't resist taking points on the first day, eh?" Without warning the night suddenly catches up with me and I sink to my knees, my arms around myself. "Oh, hey, I was kidding."
"No, it isn't that. It's been a hard evening. I was taking a walk to clear my head. It obviously didn't work." I scooch back and sit against the wall. Draco sits beside me.
"So what's wrong?" I lean my head on his shoulder.
"Can I ask you something first? And I want absolute honesty, no matter the answer."
"Sure." I take a deep breath.
"Is Keelan cheating on me?" I feel him stiffen a little. His silence also answers for him. I sigh. "He was the person I had to talk to. He was avoiding me and when I finally got him to talk to me, he broke up with me. I didn't even get to tell him."
"Tell him what?" I pause. It seems wrong to tell Draco before Keelan, but what choice do I have now?
"I'm pregnant, Draco." I jerk back in surprise when Draco stands up, pacing the corridor, gesturing as he yells.
"That dirty maggot! How could he be so bloody stupid?"
"He doesn't know, remember?" He dismisses me with a wave of his hand.
"Irrelevant, Bell. He's a right tosser." I rest my forehead on my knees and let a few tears escape. Draco squats down in front of me. "I'm sorry. Look, he's a riddled idiot and if you need me, I'm here to support you. Merlin knows you've helped me more than I can properly thank you for." I look up at him and give him a little smile.
"Walk me back to the tower?" He stands up and extends his hand to me. I accept it and he pulls me to my feet, then into a hug. "Have you gotten taller?" I feel him chuckle.
"Shut it, Muggle." I let another smile escape before a huge yawn lets itself out. "Okay, bed for you. Come on." Draco leads me back to the tower. Before I answer the riddle, I turn to him.
"Thank you." He gives me a puzzled look.
"For what?" I shrug.
"For everything. See you tomorrow?"
"Yep. Goodnight, Annabel. Oh and by the way, happy birthday."
+++
Saturday September 06 [16w 5d]
The first week goes by rather quickly. I spend most of my free time with Lena, who is outraged that Keelan is so stupid. She offers to hex him but I decline. I'd rather just try to forget about him and move on. It proves to be hard when we have about half of the same classes, and not considering we're in the same house. As the days go by he's spending more and more of his time with Penelope Lasks.
"He's unbelievable. I seriously don't know how he can stand himself." I look up from my study notes for Magical Theory to Lena with a surprised look on my face. Until now we'd been studying quietly in the common room. She's looking across the room and I don't have to look to know who she's glaring at.
"Stop, okay?" I look back to my notes but have forgotten what I was going to write. I sigh, close my book, and lean back in the couch. Studying seems to be a pointless endeavor.
"Annabel." I turn at my name to see a fourth year coming into the common room. "Draco Malfoy is loitering outside. Can you make him go away? He's scaring a group of first years." I sigh and get up.
"I'll see you later, Lena. Try not to get into trouble." She just grins at me. I exit the common room to see Draco looking menacingly at a group of kids down the corridor. "Draco! Leave the poor kids alone. Go on, guys." I let them in and then glare playfully at Draco. He just shrugs and smirks. "What are you doing up here? Besides bullying people smaller than you."
"Have you been to Promfrey yet?" I shake my head.
"No, not yet. My schedule is so full that I haven't had the time."
"Well you're in luck, I'm in the business of escorting you to the hospital wing." I laugh as he links arms with me and pulls me to the nearest staircase. "How are you doing? Haven't seen you much." I cock an eyebrow.
"Since when does that matter?"
"It doesn't. Just stating an observation, is all."
"Uh huh. I'm doing fine. Just going to classes, the usual." We walk in silence the rest of the way. I get the feeling Draco has some things to say to me, but I don't push him. Experience tells me that only ends badly. He opens the door to the hospital and lets me in before him. I look around the wing, thanking Merlin that it's empty. Madame Pomfrey bustles out of her office and stops when she sees us.
"What can I do for you, dears?" I glance nervously at Draco.
"I uh.. I'm pregnant." Her eyes dart quickly to Draco before landing back on me. I hide a smile.
"Have a seat on the bed, here." I hop on one of the beds and Draco sits at the foot. "Have you had any prenatal care up until now?"
"Yeah, I saw a doctor at home. Everything is fine."
"How far along are you?" I take a mental count of the weeks.
"Just about 17 weeks."
"And how are you feeling?"
"Fine, actually. Little nausea but no throwing up. Pretty tired but otherwise just fine." Madame Pomfrey nods to herself.
"I'll just do a quick examination. Mr Malfoy, if you could step outside of the curtain." A curtain suddenly springs up around the bed. "Miss Leed, please remove your robes. You can keep your regular clothes on, just pull your shirt up, then lie back on the bed." I do as I'm told and Madame Promfrey prods my stomach, muttering to herself.
"How am I doing doc?"
"Good fundal height. You're measuring about a week ahead but that's nothing to worry about. Let me just check your blood pressure." She takes my wrist and is quiet while she concentrates. "Excellent. You seem to be in great health. I'll just have you pee in this cup-" She conjures a small cup and hands it to me. "-and then bring it back to me." I pull my shirt down, adjust my robes, and get off the bed. Draco is sitting on the next bed.
After I'm done peeing in the cup I bring it to Madame Pomfrey. She mutters a few incantations I don't recognize and the pee turns three different colours. "Wonderful. No proteins, sugars are low, and pH is balanced nicely. Did you have any other questions or concerns?"
"I don't think so. When should I come back?"
"I will talk with the headmaster about trips to St Mungo's. I'm knowledgeable but a prenatal doctor would certainly be better for you. Do any of your professors know?" I reluctantly shake my head.
"It's only the first week and I feel fine, so I didn't want to tell anyone yet. I'm fine with Professor Dumbledore knowing, though." She nods.
"Would you prefer to speak with him yourself?"
"No, if you need to talk with him anyway then you can, if you wouldn't mind."
"That's perfectly fine. Come back tomorrow and I'll let you know what day we go."
"Great. Thank you, Madame Pomfrey."
"You're welcome, dear." I leave the hospital wing with Draco following me.
"I was going to the library, if you'd like to tag along." Draco shakes his head.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to pass this time. See you later?" He gives my arm a small squeeze then saunters off down the corridor. I head for the library, intent to get some studying done.
08 November 2015
SEHE; Chapter 4
Wednesday August 27 [15w 2d]
The next two weeks move by slowly. I mostly stay at home, save for the select few outings I'm "allowed". Another doctor's appointment and a trip to Diagon Alley. The rest of my brothers know, although Mark and Leon don't really understand it much.
While my mom is at work during the day, I use the opportunity to call Phoebe. Charlie doesn't mind as long as I don't tie up the phone too much. I'd like to see her before I leave, but I don't think my mom will allow it. She's still super pissed.
"Are you sure I can't just sneak over?" I spoon some ice cream into my mouth.
"No, I don't want to risk it. She's mad but she isn't yelling at me and I'd like to keep it that way. I'm going to ask Charlie if he'll talk to her. It would seriously suck to go away without seeing you."
"I totally agree." I frown and look down at my bowl. "You're thinking. Fill me in."
"I just.. I'm scared about Monday. I'm going to see Keelan. I have to tell him. Phoebe - what if he freaks out? I don't know if I can do this without his support." I blink away some sudden tears.
"You listen to me, Annabel. Are you listening?"
"Yeah."
"If he leaves you, he's a right twat. But regardless you have everyone else with you 100%. You have support here and with you at your school. Send me a letter every day if you need to. I am here for you." I watch as tears fall into my bowl of ice cream.
"How am I supposed to leave?"
"The way you do every year, by the train. This year is no different."
"Except that I'm growing a person."
"Oh yeah, that." I smile, which I suspect was her goal.
"I love you Fee-bee."
"Oh, gross, don't." I laugh outright. Just then the clock chimes 2 PM.
"I should go. Mum will be home soon."
"Remember what I said, okay?"
"I will. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Bye, Bellie." I hang up and finish my ice cream before heading up to the bathroom for a shower. As I'm getting undressed, I turn sideways to the mirror to look at my reflection. There's a definite bump there now. I smooth my hands over my belly, wondering how the little being is doing. I heard the heartbeat on Monday and the doctor said it's growing along nicely. She told me that I'm due toward the middle of February. I'm not entirely sure how I'm supposed to finish the year with an infant. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes.
+++
Monday September 01 [16w 0d]
I grip Phoebe tightly. We're at the train station and I'll soon be going through the barrier to Platform 9 3/4. It's almost 11 so I need to board the train soon. Phoebe holds me at arms length and smiles. "I expect a letter no later than tomorrow morning." I laugh and give her another quick hug.
"I've got to go. I'm supposed to be meeting Lena on the train and it's going to leave without me if I don't get my arse in gear." She lets me go.
"Okay, okay, get it in gear then. Have a safe trip."
"I will. Love you!" I grip my trolley and push it toward the barrier, getting up to a jog as I go through. I spot Lena almost instantly by her bright purple hair. "Lena!" She turns toward her name and when she sees me she breaks into a grin.
"Bell!" I walk up to her and we give each other a quick hug. "I've already secured a compartment. Come on, I'll help you with your stuff." We get my trunk and cat, Noodles, onto the train only minutes before it whistles, signalling its departure. "Sure cut it close." I sit and sink into the cushions.
"I know. Bloody terrible morning, let me tell you." Lena lets Noodles out of his carrier and he's off to do whatever it is he does. Lena sits across from me. "How was your summer?"
"Fantastic. Mum and dad surprised us with a trip to Italy. We stayed there for a month."
"Wow, that's fabulous." She nods.
"It was incredible. I'm sorry I didn't write." I wave off her apology.
"Oh, don't be."
"How did your summer go?"
"Well, it was interesting." Her eyebrows go up.
"Oh? Do tell." I am suddenly hesitant. Lena is my best friend at Hogwarts, but she's very conservative. She wears a purity ring and I know her opinions of premarital sex quite well.
"Promise not to freak, please." Her eyebrows knit together. One can always tell Lena's thoughts just by looking at her face.
"Promise. What is it?" Instead of telling her, I take my ultrasound photos out of my bag and hand them to her. She's confused for a second before she understands. Her eyes dart to me quickly before going back to the photos. "This is yours?"
"Yes." She hands the photos back to me.
"Wow. Congratulations, Bell."
"Are you freaking?" She shakes her head quickly.
"No, of course not! My views are for myself. Surely you must know that I'll never judge you, Bell." I smile a little. "If you're happy, then I'm happy."
"I'm not entirely happy, but the shock hasn't quite worn off. I expect that won't ever happen." She looks at me with a thoughtful expression.
"Does Keelan know?"
"No. He was on holidays all summer. I'm really nervous to tell him. I may have gotten to the train last minute because I know he shows up early."
"I saw him, actually. He was with Garrett and Orion." To be expected, as they're his friends. Although something tells me she isn't telling me everything.
"What else?" She looks away from me, so I know I'm onto something.
"He was hugging Penelope. I'm sure it's nothing."
"Penelope Lasks?" Lena nods. "Why is he hugging her?"
"I dunno, Bell. All I know is what I saw."
"No, of course."
"What about Draco?" I raise an eyebrow.
"What about him?" She shrugs.
"You two are friends."
"I wouldn't say we're friends. We study and hang out sometimes."
"Come on, you know what you've done for him." I shake my head.
"What have I done?" I know I'm playing stupid, but I decide to ignore it. Reality is, I consider Draco to be one of my closest friends. Even though he's in Slytherin and I'm a Muggle-born, we seem to connect. He's had some problems the past couple years with his family; his father especially. He's confided in me things that I'm sure he wouldn't tell his other friends. I know Keelan is jealous even though he has no reason to be. Draco is a friend and nothing more.
"If you're not going to admit it, I'm not going to spell it out for you." We lapse into silence for a little while. Lena pulls out a book and I make myself comfortable, hoping to get a nap in.
A while later I wake with a start, sweaty and cold. Lena is gone and I'm alone. I sit up and rub my eyes, trying to figure out what woke me. Before I can really think about it the compartment door opens and in saunters Draco Malfoy himself. "Well, well. Look who's neglecting her Prefect duties."
"Oh, shit, I completely forgot." Draco just gives me a look. I don't blame him. It isn't like me to forget something like this. He sits opposite me as I try to wake myself up. "How was your summer, Draco?" He rolls his eyes so hard it's a wonder they don't get stuck.
"It was bloody fantastic, is what it was. I was sent off to live with relatives in Ireland while my father did his 'business' at home. Like I give a flying shit what he's up to. Or like I don't already know. I wasn't even allowed home before coming to the train. Mother met me at the platform, if you can believe that." I don't say it out loud, but I definitely can. "How was yours?"
"It wasn't quite as fantastic, but it wasn't far off."
"Care to elaborate?" I cross my legs while shaking my head.
"Not yet. I need to talk with someone else first before I can tell you." To his credit, he looks hurt.
"Fine, fine, if you insist. I was actually joking before, by the way. Your rounds don't start for another hour or so." I shake my head again and roll my eyes.
"Got me all worried for nothing." Draco stands.
"See you around, Muggle."
"Later, Pure-snob." Noodles runs into the compartment as Draco opens the door. I hear him mumble something about useless, no good felines before the door shuts again. Noodles jumps onto my lap and nudges his head against my hand. "Hi, boy." No one should ever let an 11 year old name an animal. Poor thing will be stuck with a silly name for the rest of their life.
After giving Noodles some attention, I change into my robes and secure my Prefect badge. I was aiming for Head Girl but Melissa Dilly was awarded the title. Most all Ravenclaws are know-it-alls, but Melissa really outshines us all. I don't think she's gotten less than 100% on anything. Ever.
I'm relieved to see that I can't see my belly through the robes. The bump still isn't very big, but I don't need the added stress of worrying if people can tell. One worry down, only a million more to go.
The next two weeks move by slowly. I mostly stay at home, save for the select few outings I'm "allowed". Another doctor's appointment and a trip to Diagon Alley. The rest of my brothers know, although Mark and Leon don't really understand it much.
While my mom is at work during the day, I use the opportunity to call Phoebe. Charlie doesn't mind as long as I don't tie up the phone too much. I'd like to see her before I leave, but I don't think my mom will allow it. She's still super pissed.
"Are you sure I can't just sneak over?" I spoon some ice cream into my mouth.
"No, I don't want to risk it. She's mad but she isn't yelling at me and I'd like to keep it that way. I'm going to ask Charlie if he'll talk to her. It would seriously suck to go away without seeing you."
"I totally agree." I frown and look down at my bowl. "You're thinking. Fill me in."
"I just.. I'm scared about Monday. I'm going to see Keelan. I have to tell him. Phoebe - what if he freaks out? I don't know if I can do this without his support." I blink away some sudden tears.
"You listen to me, Annabel. Are you listening?"
"Yeah."
"If he leaves you, he's a right twat. But regardless you have everyone else with you 100%. You have support here and with you at your school. Send me a letter every day if you need to. I am here for you." I watch as tears fall into my bowl of ice cream.
"How am I supposed to leave?"
"The way you do every year, by the train. This year is no different."
"Except that I'm growing a person."
"Oh yeah, that." I smile, which I suspect was her goal.
"I love you Fee-bee."
"Oh, gross, don't." I laugh outright. Just then the clock chimes 2 PM.
"I should go. Mum will be home soon."
"Remember what I said, okay?"
"I will. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Bye, Bellie." I hang up and finish my ice cream before heading up to the bathroom for a shower. As I'm getting undressed, I turn sideways to the mirror to look at my reflection. There's a definite bump there now. I smooth my hands over my belly, wondering how the little being is doing. I heard the heartbeat on Monday and the doctor said it's growing along nicely. She told me that I'm due toward the middle of February. I'm not entirely sure how I'm supposed to finish the year with an infant. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes.
+++
Monday September 01 [16w 0d]
I grip Phoebe tightly. We're at the train station and I'll soon be going through the barrier to Platform 9 3/4. It's almost 11 so I need to board the train soon. Phoebe holds me at arms length and smiles. "I expect a letter no later than tomorrow morning." I laugh and give her another quick hug.
"I've got to go. I'm supposed to be meeting Lena on the train and it's going to leave without me if I don't get my arse in gear." She lets me go.
"Okay, okay, get it in gear then. Have a safe trip."
"I will. Love you!" I grip my trolley and push it toward the barrier, getting up to a jog as I go through. I spot Lena almost instantly by her bright purple hair. "Lena!" She turns toward her name and when she sees me she breaks into a grin.
"Bell!" I walk up to her and we give each other a quick hug. "I've already secured a compartment. Come on, I'll help you with your stuff." We get my trunk and cat, Noodles, onto the train only minutes before it whistles, signalling its departure. "Sure cut it close." I sit and sink into the cushions.
"I know. Bloody terrible morning, let me tell you." Lena lets Noodles out of his carrier and he's off to do whatever it is he does. Lena sits across from me. "How was your summer?"
"Fantastic. Mum and dad surprised us with a trip to Italy. We stayed there for a month."
"Wow, that's fabulous." She nods.
"It was incredible. I'm sorry I didn't write." I wave off her apology.
"Oh, don't be."
"How did your summer go?"
"Well, it was interesting." Her eyebrows go up.
"Oh? Do tell." I am suddenly hesitant. Lena is my best friend at Hogwarts, but she's very conservative. She wears a purity ring and I know her opinions of premarital sex quite well.
"Promise not to freak, please." Her eyebrows knit together. One can always tell Lena's thoughts just by looking at her face.
"Promise. What is it?" Instead of telling her, I take my ultrasound photos out of my bag and hand them to her. She's confused for a second before she understands. Her eyes dart to me quickly before going back to the photos. "This is yours?"
"Yes." She hands the photos back to me.
"Wow. Congratulations, Bell."
"Are you freaking?" She shakes her head quickly.
"No, of course not! My views are for myself. Surely you must know that I'll never judge you, Bell." I smile a little. "If you're happy, then I'm happy."
"I'm not entirely happy, but the shock hasn't quite worn off. I expect that won't ever happen." She looks at me with a thoughtful expression.
"Does Keelan know?"
"No. He was on holidays all summer. I'm really nervous to tell him. I may have gotten to the train last minute because I know he shows up early."
"I saw him, actually. He was with Garrett and Orion." To be expected, as they're his friends. Although something tells me she isn't telling me everything.
"What else?" She looks away from me, so I know I'm onto something.
"He was hugging Penelope. I'm sure it's nothing."
"Penelope Lasks?" Lena nods. "Why is he hugging her?"
"I dunno, Bell. All I know is what I saw."
"No, of course."
"What about Draco?" I raise an eyebrow.
"What about him?" She shrugs.
"You two are friends."
"I wouldn't say we're friends. We study and hang out sometimes."
"Come on, you know what you've done for him." I shake my head.
"What have I done?" I know I'm playing stupid, but I decide to ignore it. Reality is, I consider Draco to be one of my closest friends. Even though he's in Slytherin and I'm a Muggle-born, we seem to connect. He's had some problems the past couple years with his family; his father especially. He's confided in me things that I'm sure he wouldn't tell his other friends. I know Keelan is jealous even though he has no reason to be. Draco is a friend and nothing more.
"If you're not going to admit it, I'm not going to spell it out for you." We lapse into silence for a little while. Lena pulls out a book and I make myself comfortable, hoping to get a nap in.
A while later I wake with a start, sweaty and cold. Lena is gone and I'm alone. I sit up and rub my eyes, trying to figure out what woke me. Before I can really think about it the compartment door opens and in saunters Draco Malfoy himself. "Well, well. Look who's neglecting her Prefect duties."
"Oh, shit, I completely forgot." Draco just gives me a look. I don't blame him. It isn't like me to forget something like this. He sits opposite me as I try to wake myself up. "How was your summer, Draco?" He rolls his eyes so hard it's a wonder they don't get stuck.
"It was bloody fantastic, is what it was. I was sent off to live with relatives in Ireland while my father did his 'business' at home. Like I give a flying shit what he's up to. Or like I don't already know. I wasn't even allowed home before coming to the train. Mother met me at the platform, if you can believe that." I don't say it out loud, but I definitely can. "How was yours?"
"It wasn't quite as fantastic, but it wasn't far off."
"Care to elaborate?" I cross my legs while shaking my head.
"Not yet. I need to talk with someone else first before I can tell you." To his credit, he looks hurt.
"Fine, fine, if you insist. I was actually joking before, by the way. Your rounds don't start for another hour or so." I shake my head again and roll my eyes.
"Got me all worried for nothing." Draco stands.
"See you around, Muggle."
"Later, Pure-snob." Noodles runs into the compartment as Draco opens the door. I hear him mumble something about useless, no good felines before the door shuts again. Noodles jumps onto my lap and nudges his head against my hand. "Hi, boy." No one should ever let an 11 year old name an animal. Poor thing will be stuck with a silly name for the rest of their life.
After giving Noodles some attention, I change into my robes and secure my Prefect badge. I was aiming for Head Girl but Melissa Dilly was awarded the title. Most all Ravenclaws are know-it-alls, but Melissa really outshines us all. I don't think she's gotten less than 100% on anything. Ever.
I'm relieved to see that I can't see my belly through the robes. The bump still isn't very big, but I don't need the added stress of worrying if people can tell. One worry down, only a million more to go.
07 November 2015
SEHE; Chapter 3
Friday August 01 [11w 4d]
"Annabel?" Phoebe and I stand up and follow the ultrasound tech down a hallway to a small dressing room. "My name is Jessica. If you could remove everything but your undergarments, there is a gown for you to change into. Make sure the ties are at the back. We'll be in this room right across the hall when you're done." I switch into the gown then bring my stuff to the ultrasound room.
"Where do I put this?" Phoebe is sitting on a chair beside the exam bed.
"You can set it on the other chair. Lie down on the bed for me." I lay on my back and Jessica places a paper sheet over my legs, tucks it into my panties, then pulls the gown above my stomach. She squirts a gel onto my lower abdomen then moves a wand type thing across my belly. "I'm just going to check a few things out before I show you the monitor. Should take me about 10 minutes." I look at Phoebe as she takes my hand. She can see the monitor from where she's sitting.
"What types of things are you looking at?"
"Size of the fetus which can give us a pretty good estimate of it's gestational age. We look to see that it's developing normally. And in some cases we find surprises of twins or more. In your case, there's one baby." I let out a huge sigh of relief. One is more than enough. "I can print out a couple pictures for you if you'd like."
"Sure." The rooms falls silent, save for the clicks and taps Jessica is making with the machine. It feels like ages but Jessica finally turns the monitor so I can see it. She points to a blob that looks like a kidney bean with arms.
"This is the head here. Good size and shape. Here is the spine and the feet. Nice, healthy heartbeat. You've got a wiggler there." A warm feeling spreads across my chest. "You've got an anterior placenta; which means that your placenta is located at the front of your uterus. It's likely you won't feel many of the smaller movements because they're hidden. Delivery can sometimes be a problem, depending on how it grows. That can be discussed with your doctor later on." I watch the baby - my baby - wiggle and kick on the screen.
"Can you tell the sex yet?"
"No, that's usually done between 18 and 22 weeks. Even then it isn't an exact science. You get that information at your own risk." I smile a little.
"So how many weeks am I, anyway?"
"My best guess; I would say you're close to 12 weeks." I give Jessica a look.
"What? No way. Shouldn't I have known way before now?"
"Not always. Lots of women have a bit of bleeding around when their period is due, called implantation bleeding. Some women don't experience any symptoms, a lot of which can be mistaken for flu like symptoms. It's not entirely unheard of for women to find out when they're well into their second trimester." I look up at the ceiling, trying to take it all in. "We're all done for today, Annabel. Once I get you cleaned up you're good to go. I'll just print the pictures for you." She wipes the gel off my belly then pulls the gown back down. I sit up and take two pictures from Jessica. One is a profile shot of the body and the other is of the spine.
"How big is it?"
"About the size of a lime." I just shake my head. Amazing.
+++
Friday August 15 [13w 4d]
I'm reading in my bed when my door opens. It's my mom and she looks troubled, mad and sad all at once. Alarmed, I put my book down. "What's wrong, mum?" She closes the door and sits at the end of my bed, wringing her hands together. "Is everyone okay?"
"There was a message on the answering machine on Monday. It was from an obstetrician." I can feel my face getting hot and my chest constricting. My mom just looks at me and I have no idea what to say. The silence stretches. "How far along are you?" I cringe internally.
"Almost 14 weeks." I don't know what I expected, but my mom completely breaking down and crying in front of me was not it. The longest five minutes of my life go by before she looks at me.
"When were you planning to tell me? You're leaving in just a couple weeks." I stumble through an apology.
"I know, I'm sorry. I only found out a few weeks ago and Jordan's been getting into more trouble than usual lately. I didn't want to burden you." She sputters out a laugh and stands up.
"Annabel! You are 16 years old! Jordan's trouble definitely takes a back seat to this. I thought you would have known that." I shake my head sadly.
"I'm sorry. Seriously."
"Had you planned to tell me before you left? Or were you just going to surprise me when you came back with a baby?"
"Of course I was going to." My mom just shakes her head.
"I assume you're planning to keep it?"
"Yes." She sighs and sits back on my bed.
"Who else knows. Phoebe?" I nod.
"And Nate."
"You're kidding me." Another minute of silence goes by before my mom stands up again. "Well you can assume you're grounded for the rest of the summer. I'll have to think of some other repercussions. We can discuss those later." With that she leaves my room and slams the door behind her. I sigh and rub my eyes. Before I can decide what to do next there's a quiet knock at my door.
"Yes?" Charlie opens the door.
"May I come in?" I nod and he sits on my desk chair. "So your mother talked to you."
"You don't need to come in and smooth things over. She's pissed, I'm grounded, that's it."
"Just let her simmer down and maybe she'll be a little more reasonable."
"It isn't like I nicked something from the corner store. I'm pregnant! This isn't going away."
"I know that and your mother knows that. She just needs to calm down. It's kind of a surprise." I roll my eyes.
"Kind of a surprise. You say that like I found some money on the ground." Charlie gets up and gives the top of my head a kiss, then leaves my room. Even though it's only 9 I shut my light off and lay down, hoping to fall asleep. Please let the next 16 days go by quickly.
"Annabel?" Phoebe and I stand up and follow the ultrasound tech down a hallway to a small dressing room. "My name is Jessica. If you could remove everything but your undergarments, there is a gown for you to change into. Make sure the ties are at the back. We'll be in this room right across the hall when you're done." I switch into the gown then bring my stuff to the ultrasound room.
"Where do I put this?" Phoebe is sitting on a chair beside the exam bed.
"You can set it on the other chair. Lie down on the bed for me." I lay on my back and Jessica places a paper sheet over my legs, tucks it into my panties, then pulls the gown above my stomach. She squirts a gel onto my lower abdomen then moves a wand type thing across my belly. "I'm just going to check a few things out before I show you the monitor. Should take me about 10 minutes." I look at Phoebe as she takes my hand. She can see the monitor from where she's sitting.
"What types of things are you looking at?"
"Size of the fetus which can give us a pretty good estimate of it's gestational age. We look to see that it's developing normally. And in some cases we find surprises of twins or more. In your case, there's one baby." I let out a huge sigh of relief. One is more than enough. "I can print out a couple pictures for you if you'd like."
"Sure." The rooms falls silent, save for the clicks and taps Jessica is making with the machine. It feels like ages but Jessica finally turns the monitor so I can see it. She points to a blob that looks like a kidney bean with arms.
"This is the head here. Good size and shape. Here is the spine and the feet. Nice, healthy heartbeat. You've got a wiggler there." A warm feeling spreads across my chest. "You've got an anterior placenta; which means that your placenta is located at the front of your uterus. It's likely you won't feel many of the smaller movements because they're hidden. Delivery can sometimes be a problem, depending on how it grows. That can be discussed with your doctor later on." I watch the baby - my baby - wiggle and kick on the screen.
"Can you tell the sex yet?"
"No, that's usually done between 18 and 22 weeks. Even then it isn't an exact science. You get that information at your own risk." I smile a little.
"So how many weeks am I, anyway?"
"My best guess; I would say you're close to 12 weeks." I give Jessica a look.
"What? No way. Shouldn't I have known way before now?"
"Not always. Lots of women have a bit of bleeding around when their period is due, called implantation bleeding. Some women don't experience any symptoms, a lot of which can be mistaken for flu like symptoms. It's not entirely unheard of for women to find out when they're well into their second trimester." I look up at the ceiling, trying to take it all in. "We're all done for today, Annabel. Once I get you cleaned up you're good to go. I'll just print the pictures for you." She wipes the gel off my belly then pulls the gown back down. I sit up and take two pictures from Jessica. One is a profile shot of the body and the other is of the spine.
"How big is it?"
"About the size of a lime." I just shake my head. Amazing.
+++
Friday August 15 [13w 4d]
I'm reading in my bed when my door opens. It's my mom and she looks troubled, mad and sad all at once. Alarmed, I put my book down. "What's wrong, mum?" She closes the door and sits at the end of my bed, wringing her hands together. "Is everyone okay?"
"There was a message on the answering machine on Monday. It was from an obstetrician." I can feel my face getting hot and my chest constricting. My mom just looks at me and I have no idea what to say. The silence stretches. "How far along are you?" I cringe internally.
"Almost 14 weeks." I don't know what I expected, but my mom completely breaking down and crying in front of me was not it. The longest five minutes of my life go by before she looks at me.
"When were you planning to tell me? You're leaving in just a couple weeks." I stumble through an apology.
"I know, I'm sorry. I only found out a few weeks ago and Jordan's been getting into more trouble than usual lately. I didn't want to burden you." She sputters out a laugh and stands up.
"Annabel! You are 16 years old! Jordan's trouble definitely takes a back seat to this. I thought you would have known that." I shake my head sadly.
"I'm sorry. Seriously."
"Had you planned to tell me before you left? Or were you just going to surprise me when you came back with a baby?"
"Of course I was going to." My mom just shakes her head.
"I assume you're planning to keep it?"
"Yes." She sighs and sits back on my bed.
"Who else knows. Phoebe?" I nod.
"And Nate."
"You're kidding me." Another minute of silence goes by before my mom stands up again. "Well you can assume you're grounded for the rest of the summer. I'll have to think of some other repercussions. We can discuss those later." With that she leaves my room and slams the door behind her. I sigh and rub my eyes. Before I can decide what to do next there's a quiet knock at my door.
"Yes?" Charlie opens the door.
"May I come in?" I nod and he sits on my desk chair. "So your mother talked to you."
"You don't need to come in and smooth things over. She's pissed, I'm grounded, that's it."
"Just let her simmer down and maybe she'll be a little more reasonable."
"It isn't like I nicked something from the corner store. I'm pregnant! This isn't going away."
"I know that and your mother knows that. She just needs to calm down. It's kind of a surprise." I roll my eyes.
"Kind of a surprise. You say that like I found some money on the ground." Charlie gets up and gives the top of my head a kiss, then leaves my room. Even though it's only 9 I shut my light off and lay down, hoping to fall asleep. Please let the next 16 days go by quickly.
06 November 2015
SEHE; Chapter 2
Wednesday July 23 [10w 2d]
"But Bell.."
"No buts. Mom said 9:30 and it's almost 10. Time for bed." My brothers groan but do as they're told. I watch as they file into their room and then shut the door behind them. After I'm sure they're going to stay there, I amble down the hall to my own room. Phoebe is on the phone with Gabe, her boyfriend.
They met almost five years ago when Gabe moved to our little town. I was away at Hogwarts and he was new, so they became friends out of need. They started dating two years ago. I stop in the hall outside my door to give her some privacy. "Yeah. Yes, I'll call you tomorrow. Love you. Bye."
I walk into my room and sit at the end of my bed. "So you want me to come with you?"
"Naw, I thought I'd ask the homeless guy that hangs out at the park." Phoebe grins.
"I hear he's friendly. I'm sure you'll have a great time." I laugh.
"Of course you're coming with me, you wanker."
"When are you going to tell Tweedle Dum?" I sigh and lean against the wall.
"I don't know. This isn't exactly something you tell someone in a letter. Especially the father. It needs to be in person, but he's on holidays the entire summer." She nods.
"Do you think it would be possible to go to him?" I shake my head.
"Unlikely. Do you remember how my mom freaked when I asked to just go to his house? There's no way she's going to let me go to America."
"I suppose so. When are you going to tell her?"
"No bloody idea. With her starting her business and how much trouble Jordy is getting into lately, I don't want to add to that. I'm the golden child, remember?" I roll my eyes. Nate was never a bad kid, but was never a great one. He got into trouble here or there but nothing huge. Jordan, on the other hand, has a steady trouble making record. And then there's me.
"You can't let Jord's trouble decide this for you."
"No, I know that. I just need to figure out a good time to tell her. She's going to shit."
"I do believe you're correct." I yawn and stretch. "Well I'll be there for you every step of the way, you know that."
"I do. And I am forever in your debt."
"That's right, Leed. You owe me." I wink.
"Bed time for me. I'm bushed." I head to the bathroom to complete my nightly routine. As I'm changing into pj's I stop and turn sideways to the mirror. I smooth my hands over my stomach while inspecting my abdomen for any changes. None so far. I'm not disgustingly skinny, but I am on the thinner side. Maybe some baby weight would do me some good.
I enter my bedroom and shut the door behind me. I flop onto my bed beside Phoebe. "Don't mind if I read, do you?" I shake my head.
"I think I could fall asleep standing up. I'll see you in the morning." I fall asleep to the sound of pages turning.
+++
Thursday July 24 [10w 3d]
"Annabel?" I stand up and the clinic nurse smiles at me. "Come on back with me, dear." Phoebe and I follow the nurse down a hallway and into a room with no windows. I hop onto the exam bed and Phoebe sits on one of the chairs. The nurse looks at her clipboard before looking at me. "Well the test was positive, but you already suspected that. Are you wanting to talk about your options?" I shake my head.
"No, I know I'm keeping it." The nurse, whose name tag says Susan, smiles at me.
"Wonderful. I can give you some information and set you up with a doctor. I can even get you set up for an ultrasound to date the pregnancy." She plucks a couple leaflets off a big wall full of papers and hands them to me. "Hang on while I get you an appointment." She leaves the room and Phoebe turns to me.
"Christ, she's bubbly." I chuckle while looking at one of the papers. Healthy Weight Gain in Pregnancy.
"Gross." The door opens and in breezes Susan.
"Okay Annabel, I have an appointment for you. It's next week August the first at 10 AM. Instructions are on the sheet here. I've also sent a referral to an OB-GYN and they'll call you. Is there anything else I can do for you, hon?"
"I guess you've got it all covered. Thank you." Susan smiles at me.
"No problem, dear. Take care of yourself." I hope off the exam bed and follow Phoebe out of the room. I stuff the papers in my bag while we make our way outside.
"What would you like to do now?"
"Nap. I'm exhausted." Phoebe laughs.
"So you don't mind if I go meet Gabe? I told him we'd hang out today."
"You go have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She laughs again then gives me a sideways hug.
"I'll call you later. Love you, Bellie."
"You too." I watch her walk down the street for a second before turning in the opposite direction toward my own house.
As I open the door I'm bombarded with the sounds of Jordan and my mom yelling at each other. I make my way quickly through the kitchen and up to my room and shut the door behind me. This happens often enough so it isn't entirely a surprise to come home to. What is a surprise is seeing Nate sitting on my bed. What he's holding is another matter altogether. It's the box my test came in.
"You aren't going to lie to me if I ask what this test said, are you?" I sigh and sit on my desk chair.
"No. It was positive." He looks down at the box.
"I wasn't snooping. Jordan came home drunk last night and has a hangover. I came in to get the Aspirin and found this on your desk. Damnit.. why didn't I throw it away?.
"I'm not mad. Can we keep this between us for now?" He nods slowly.
"Mom needs to know, Bell."
"I know. And I'll tell her. I just need to find the right time."
"I don't think there is a right time around here." There's a pause where I know he's thinking of something to say. "If Keelan hurts you I'm going to kill him." I smile in spite of myself.
"Don't worry. We haven't talked about kids but it was never off the table. It's just happening sooner than I would have liked."
"A lot sooner, Bell. You're 16 for Christ sake. What were you thinking?" I hang my head and look at my feet. I can feel tears welling behind my eyes.
"I don't know, Nate. It was a stupid decision and I wish I could take it back." I hear him sigh deeply and get off the bed. He kneels beside my chair and gives me a hug. I accept it gratefully.
"It's done now and there's no taking it back. I'm your brother and I love you and I'm here to support you. Even if it means going up against mom." A small laugh escapes me.
"That I would love to see."
"Nate! You got those pain killers yet?!" Nate stands up and grabs the bottle off my desk.
"Duty calls. We can talk more later, okay?" I nod and watch him leave my room, shutting the door behind him. Before the nap I promised myself, I tear up the box and stuff it to the bottom of my garbage can. I don't need anyone else finding out.
"But Bell.."
"No buts. Mom said 9:30 and it's almost 10. Time for bed." My brothers groan but do as they're told. I watch as they file into their room and then shut the door behind them. After I'm sure they're going to stay there, I amble down the hall to my own room. Phoebe is on the phone with Gabe, her boyfriend.
They met almost five years ago when Gabe moved to our little town. I was away at Hogwarts and he was new, so they became friends out of need. They started dating two years ago. I stop in the hall outside my door to give her some privacy. "Yeah. Yes, I'll call you tomorrow. Love you. Bye."
I walk into my room and sit at the end of my bed. "So you want me to come with you?"
"Naw, I thought I'd ask the homeless guy that hangs out at the park." Phoebe grins.
"I hear he's friendly. I'm sure you'll have a great time." I laugh.
"Of course you're coming with me, you wanker."
"When are you going to tell Tweedle Dum?" I sigh and lean against the wall.
"I don't know. This isn't exactly something you tell someone in a letter. Especially the father. It needs to be in person, but he's on holidays the entire summer." She nods.
"Do you think it would be possible to go to him?" I shake my head.
"Unlikely. Do you remember how my mom freaked when I asked to just go to his house? There's no way she's going to let me go to America."
"I suppose so. When are you going to tell her?"
"No bloody idea. With her starting her business and how much trouble Jordy is getting into lately, I don't want to add to that. I'm the golden child, remember?" I roll my eyes. Nate was never a bad kid, but was never a great one. He got into trouble here or there but nothing huge. Jordan, on the other hand, has a steady trouble making record. And then there's me.
"You can't let Jord's trouble decide this for you."
"No, I know that. I just need to figure out a good time to tell her. She's going to shit."
"I do believe you're correct." I yawn and stretch. "Well I'll be there for you every step of the way, you know that."
"I do. And I am forever in your debt."
"That's right, Leed. You owe me." I wink.
"Bed time for me. I'm bushed." I head to the bathroom to complete my nightly routine. As I'm changing into pj's I stop and turn sideways to the mirror. I smooth my hands over my stomach while inspecting my abdomen for any changes. None so far. I'm not disgustingly skinny, but I am on the thinner side. Maybe some baby weight would do me some good.
I enter my bedroom and shut the door behind me. I flop onto my bed beside Phoebe. "Don't mind if I read, do you?" I shake my head.
"I think I could fall asleep standing up. I'll see you in the morning." I fall asleep to the sound of pages turning.
+++
Thursday July 24 [10w 3d]
"Annabel?" I stand up and the clinic nurse smiles at me. "Come on back with me, dear." Phoebe and I follow the nurse down a hallway and into a room with no windows. I hop onto the exam bed and Phoebe sits on one of the chairs. The nurse looks at her clipboard before looking at me. "Well the test was positive, but you already suspected that. Are you wanting to talk about your options?" I shake my head.
"No, I know I'm keeping it." The nurse, whose name tag says Susan, smiles at me.
"Wonderful. I can give you some information and set you up with a doctor. I can even get you set up for an ultrasound to date the pregnancy." She plucks a couple leaflets off a big wall full of papers and hands them to me. "Hang on while I get you an appointment." She leaves the room and Phoebe turns to me.
"Christ, she's bubbly." I chuckle while looking at one of the papers. Healthy Weight Gain in Pregnancy.
"Gross." The door opens and in breezes Susan.
"Okay Annabel, I have an appointment for you. It's next week August the first at 10 AM. Instructions are on the sheet here. I've also sent a referral to an OB-GYN and they'll call you. Is there anything else I can do for you, hon?"
"I guess you've got it all covered. Thank you." Susan smiles at me.
"No problem, dear. Take care of yourself." I hope off the exam bed and follow Phoebe out of the room. I stuff the papers in my bag while we make our way outside.
"What would you like to do now?"
"Nap. I'm exhausted." Phoebe laughs.
"So you don't mind if I go meet Gabe? I told him we'd hang out today."
"You go have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She laughs again then gives me a sideways hug.
"I'll call you later. Love you, Bellie."
"You too." I watch her walk down the street for a second before turning in the opposite direction toward my own house.
As I open the door I'm bombarded with the sounds of Jordan and my mom yelling at each other. I make my way quickly through the kitchen and up to my room and shut the door behind me. This happens often enough so it isn't entirely a surprise to come home to. What is a surprise is seeing Nate sitting on my bed. What he's holding is another matter altogether. It's the box my test came in.
"You aren't going to lie to me if I ask what this test said, are you?" I sigh and sit on my desk chair.
"No. It was positive." He looks down at the box.
"I wasn't snooping. Jordan came home drunk last night and has a hangover. I came in to get the Aspirin and found this on your desk. Damnit.. why didn't I throw it away?.
"I'm not mad. Can we keep this between us for now?" He nods slowly.
"Mom needs to know, Bell."
"I know. And I'll tell her. I just need to find the right time."
"I don't think there is a right time around here." There's a pause where I know he's thinking of something to say. "If Keelan hurts you I'm going to kill him." I smile in spite of myself.
"Don't worry. We haven't talked about kids but it was never off the table. It's just happening sooner than I would have liked."
"A lot sooner, Bell. You're 16 for Christ sake. What were you thinking?" I hang my head and look at my feet. I can feel tears welling behind my eyes.
"I don't know, Nate. It was a stupid decision and I wish I could take it back." I hear him sigh deeply and get off the bed. He kneels beside my chair and gives me a hug. I accept it gratefully.
"It's done now and there's no taking it back. I'm your brother and I love you and I'm here to support you. Even if it means going up against mom." A small laugh escapes me.
"That I would love to see."
"Nate! You got those pain killers yet?!" Nate stands up and grabs the bottle off my desk.
"Duty calls. We can talk more later, okay?" I nod and watch him leave my room, shutting the door behind him. Before the nap I promised myself, I tear up the box and stuff it to the bottom of my garbage can. I don't need anyone else finding out.
SEHE; Chapter 1
Wednesday July 23 [10w 2d]
I place the white stick on the side of the tub and finish peeing, acutely aware of the dye moving across the little window as I wash my hands. I stare intently at the offending stick while I wait for the seconds to tick by.
After the 3 minutes are up I grab the stick and then promptly drop to my knees. The little + stares at me accusingly, throwing a big "I told you so!" in my face.
I close my eyes and breathe through my nose, trying to slow my rapid heart. No such luck. Gripping the stick, I get up and gather all evidence from the bathroom and bring it to my bedroom, stashing it under my unmade blanket.
"Annabel!" I cringe as I hear my name from the kitchen. I'm not sure I can deal with my mom right now, but I go to her anyway. I enter the kitchen to see her sifting through papers on the table. She looks at me and gives me a small smile. "Hi honey. Charlie and I are going to the McFabel's for dinner tonight. There's leftover casserole in the fridge. Nate is out but Jordan is home, if you need help with the littles."
"Uh, sure, I guess. It would have been nice if you'd asked first. Can Phoebe come over then?" She nods.
"I know and I'm sorry. It was kind of last minute. They're a big potential client." She looks down at her watch and frowns. "I should actually be going soon. Thanks hon, you know where to find the number if you need me." I watch as my mom picks up a stack of papers, shoves them in her bag, then jogs up the stairs.
I locate the phone and dial Phoebe's number. Probably the only number I know better than my own. After 4 rings her dad picks up. "Hey Dillon, is Phoebe there?"
"Oh hi Annabel. Yep, just hang on." I hear muffled conversation and then my best friend is on the other end of the line.
"Bellie, I was just thinking about you. I had a dream last night." I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and make my way to my room.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. It was pretty surreal. What's up?"
"Mom's volun-told me that I'm babysitting tonight. She has a client dinner. You're allowed to come help. Plus I have to tell you something."
"Oh, very cryptic. Okay, I'll go ask." I wait about 30 seconds before she's back at the phone. "We're good to go. Dad's going to drive me over before he heads to work, so I'll be there in about half an hour."
"Sounds good. I'll likely be up in my room, just come up." We hang up and I toss the phone on my bed, wondering what the hell I'm supposed to do. This was never part of the plan. Kids didn't even enter the equation for another 10 years, at least. I sigh deeply and flop down on my bed. Maybe if I ignore it, it'll go away. I snort and close my eyes, suddenly, intensely exhausted.
I thought I was smarter than this. I'm a Ravenclaw, for Pete's sake. I should know better. And I do. It was Keelan that asked to ignore the condom that time. Please baby, just this once. I've heard it's so much better without the rubber. Funny thing is it didn't make much of a difference for me. And now look at where it's gotten me.
I feel a tear leak out of my closed eyelid so I shut my eyes tighter. Crying never accomplishes anything and just leaves me with a headache. 20 minutes later I hear my bedroom door open. "Want me to close it?" I nod my head and sit up, looking at my best friend from the age of 4. "So what's up chicky?"
Instead of telling her, I reach under the blanket and pull out the pregnancy test then hand it to her. I watch her face go from confusion to realization. "Oh, Bell.." She sits beside me and wraps me up in a hug. I sag against her and close my eyes, shuddering out a few breaths. "How long have you known?"
"Like an hour. You're the first person I've told." She rubs my arm.
"Dumb question, Keelan's right?" I let out a small laugh.
"Yeah, definitely his. Stupid git that he is." We sit in silence for a few minutes before there's a knock at my door. It opens to reveal my mother.
"Hi Bell, hi Phoebe. Just letting you know that I'm leaving now. The boys are in the basement playing video games. Please don't let them play all evening. We should be home before bed but if not, bedtime is 9:30. See you both later." She leaves my door frame before I can respond. Typical.
I have 5 siblings, all boys. Nate is 21, Jordan is 19, I'm 17, Freddy is 10, Mark is 8 and Leon is 6. Nate, Jordan and I are from my mom's previous marriage. I was just a baby when my mom and father split up so Charlie is basically my dad. In all the ways that count anyway.
I look at Phoebe and offer up a sad smile. "Well, let's get this night over with."
I place the white stick on the side of the tub and finish peeing, acutely aware of the dye moving across the little window as I wash my hands. I stare intently at the offending stick while I wait for the seconds to tick by.
After the 3 minutes are up I grab the stick and then promptly drop to my knees. The little + stares at me accusingly, throwing a big "I told you so!" in my face.
I close my eyes and breathe through my nose, trying to slow my rapid heart. No such luck. Gripping the stick, I get up and gather all evidence from the bathroom and bring it to my bedroom, stashing it under my unmade blanket.
"Annabel!" I cringe as I hear my name from the kitchen. I'm not sure I can deal with my mom right now, but I go to her anyway. I enter the kitchen to see her sifting through papers on the table. She looks at me and gives me a small smile. "Hi honey. Charlie and I are going to the McFabel's for dinner tonight. There's leftover casserole in the fridge. Nate is out but Jordan is home, if you need help with the littles."
"Uh, sure, I guess. It would have been nice if you'd asked first. Can Phoebe come over then?" She nods.
"I know and I'm sorry. It was kind of last minute. They're a big potential client." She looks down at her watch and frowns. "I should actually be going soon. Thanks hon, you know where to find the number if you need me." I watch as my mom picks up a stack of papers, shoves them in her bag, then jogs up the stairs.
I locate the phone and dial Phoebe's number. Probably the only number I know better than my own. After 4 rings her dad picks up. "Hey Dillon, is Phoebe there?"
"Oh hi Annabel. Yep, just hang on." I hear muffled conversation and then my best friend is on the other end of the line.
"Bellie, I was just thinking about you. I had a dream last night." I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and make my way to my room.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. It was pretty surreal. What's up?"
"Mom's volun-told me that I'm babysitting tonight. She has a client dinner. You're allowed to come help. Plus I have to tell you something."
"Oh, very cryptic. Okay, I'll go ask." I wait about 30 seconds before she's back at the phone. "We're good to go. Dad's going to drive me over before he heads to work, so I'll be there in about half an hour."
"Sounds good. I'll likely be up in my room, just come up." We hang up and I toss the phone on my bed, wondering what the hell I'm supposed to do. This was never part of the plan. Kids didn't even enter the equation for another 10 years, at least. I sigh deeply and flop down on my bed. Maybe if I ignore it, it'll go away. I snort and close my eyes, suddenly, intensely exhausted.
I thought I was smarter than this. I'm a Ravenclaw, for Pete's sake. I should know better. And I do. It was Keelan that asked to ignore the condom that time. Please baby, just this once. I've heard it's so much better without the rubber. Funny thing is it didn't make much of a difference for me. And now look at where it's gotten me.
I feel a tear leak out of my closed eyelid so I shut my eyes tighter. Crying never accomplishes anything and just leaves me with a headache. 20 minutes later I hear my bedroom door open. "Want me to close it?" I nod my head and sit up, looking at my best friend from the age of 4. "So what's up chicky?"
Instead of telling her, I reach under the blanket and pull out the pregnancy test then hand it to her. I watch her face go from confusion to realization. "Oh, Bell.." She sits beside me and wraps me up in a hug. I sag against her and close my eyes, shuddering out a few breaths. "How long have you known?"
"Like an hour. You're the first person I've told." She rubs my arm.
"Dumb question, Keelan's right?" I let out a small laugh.
"Yeah, definitely his. Stupid git that he is." We sit in silence for a few minutes before there's a knock at my door. It opens to reveal my mother.
"Hi Bell, hi Phoebe. Just letting you know that I'm leaving now. The boys are in the basement playing video games. Please don't let them play all evening. We should be home before bed but if not, bedtime is 9:30. See you both later." She leaves my door frame before I can respond. Typical.
I have 5 siblings, all boys. Nate is 21, Jordan is 19, I'm 17, Freddy is 10, Mark is 8 and Leon is 6. Nate, Jordan and I are from my mom's previous marriage. I was just a baby when my mom and father split up so Charlie is basically my dad. In all the ways that count anyway.
I look at Phoebe and offer up a sad smile. "Well, let's get this night over with."
SEHE; Prologue
I remember as if it were yesterday.
"Leed, Annabel!"
I walk up to the sorting hat and my future at Hogwarts.
"RAVENCLAW!"
And as "Richards, Keelan!" is also made a Ravenclaw our story truly begins.
We clumsily maneuver our way through a friendship and then a relationship, figuring out life and love along the way.
I was always told that you never find your soul mate when you're 11, but I always scoffed. They just didn't know. Keelan and I were forever.
At least, that's what I'd thought until I was almost 17 and heading into my final year at Hogwarts. I'd had it all planned out. I was to be a wandmaker apprentice with the ultimate goal of owning my own shop. I'd already secured employment with Mr Ollivander himself.
Mrs Annabel Richards, wandmaker extraordinaire.
That was the plan, anyway. Life sure has a funny way of letting you know it doesn't give a flying shit about your plans.
I'm getting ahead of myself.
Gather 'round, friends. For I have a story to tell.
"Leed, Annabel!"
I walk up to the sorting hat and my future at Hogwarts.
"RAVENCLAW!"
And as "Richards, Keelan!" is also made a Ravenclaw our story truly begins.
We clumsily maneuver our way through a friendship and then a relationship, figuring out life and love along the way.
I was always told that you never find your soul mate when you're 11, but I always scoffed. They just didn't know. Keelan and I were forever.
At least, that's what I'd thought until I was almost 17 and heading into my final year at Hogwarts. I'd had it all planned out. I was to be a wandmaker apprentice with the ultimate goal of owning my own shop. I'd already secured employment with Mr Ollivander himself.
Mrs Annabel Richards, wandmaker extraordinaire.
That was the plan, anyway. Life sure has a funny way of letting you know it doesn't give a flying shit about your plans.
I'm getting ahead of myself.
Gather 'round, friends. For I have a story to tell.
04 August 2015
Love Beyond Life, Chapter 2
"Willow. Willow? Willow Masterson!" I jerk my head up and look at my math teacher.
"Yeah?" He sighs and points to the board, a simple calculus equation meant for me to answer.
"Mind telling us what the answer is, or are you gonna day dream through the rest of the class?"
"I thought I'd day dream." He clicks his tongue. If I weren't the smartest person in this damn class, I'd probably have gotten a detention for talking back. I look back out the window, my chin resting on my hand. My mind wanders back to what I was thinking about before I was interrupted. Angels, of all things.
I've never really believed in ghosts, or spirits, or angels, or heaven and hell. But for the past couple months angels are all I can think about. I get such a strong feeling of certainty and wholeness, that I can't help but wonder.
The bells rings, interrupting my thoughts again. "Willow, can I see you for a sec?" I gather my books and stand beside Mr Frank's desk. His last name isn't really Frank, but that's what everyone calls him for some reason.
"Yeah, Mr Frank?" He folds his hands together on his desk.
"I know you're our school's most gifted student, but all of this recent day dreaming isn't productive for my class and is getting out of hand." I've heard all this before. I just had this same talk with my science teacher this morning.
"I'm in all of the advanced classes, I do everything that's required of me. Short of moving across the country to the type of school that can take someone like me, what else would you have me do?" He clicks his tongue again, a habit I find really gross, and shrugs his shoulders.
"I'm not sure, Willow, honestly. But all I know is that it's got to stop. It's setting a bad example to the other kids. They're probably thinking that if they were as smart as you then they'd be able to not pay attention in class and get away with it."
"It's not my fault that I know all this stuff."
"I never said it was, but maybe you could make a little effort to pay better attention from now on." I sigh and nod. Like it'll do anything. "Thank you Willow. You're free to go. Enjoy your weekend."
"Thanks." I exit the classroom and turn left toward my locker. Two more weeks and I'm free. I just have to go through two more weeks.
"Willow! There you are. Where've you been, huh?" I look up at Lizzy as she approaches our locker. I enter the combo and almost bang her in the face with the door.
"Mr Frank wanted to talk to me." She rolls her eyes. "My thoughts exactly."
"These teachers are so dumb. You're smarter than all of them put together and they get annoyed when you get bored with the stuff they're teaching." I shrug and dump my books in the locker.
"I only have three more weeks to go and then I'm outta this dumb town for good." She makes a face while exchanging books she needs.
"Still planning on ditching me and moving all the way to western yonder?" I laugh.
"Yeah, sorry."
"Ah well. Least you'll be in a place that you're actually learning." Lizzy and I have been friends since our first day of kindergarten. I was using the blue crayon she wanted and instead of asking me for it she took it right from my hand. I hit her and took it back and we've been friends ever since.
"I know, I can't wait."
"Think you'll meet anyone there?" I roll my eyes and shut the locker, linking my arm with hers.
"Oh please. Some of us don't need a guy to survive."
"I dunno how you've done it all these years." I roll my eyes again. She's had a steady string of boyfriends since we were 15 years old. I've yet to get my first one, even though I've had plenty of offers. No one here interests me enough. Liz's longest relationship lasted 6 months, and her shortest 2 1/2 hours. He asked her out before school started and she dumped him at lunch. "So what's the plan for tonight?"
"I wasn't aware I had any plans." She rolls her eyes this time. I'm forever disappointing her in the fact that I don't plan every minute of my social life for weeks in advance.
"I thought we'd go to Voltage tonight. I told someone I'd meet him there."
"Well, you can't let your admirers down, can you? Yeah all right, I'll go. But this is the last club, you hear me? I've put on like 5 pounds from all the alcohol you're feeding me."
"Oh god, not 5 pounds. You could still use another 10. And besides, we've only been 19 for 2 months, we've got 19 years of clubbing to catch up on!" I laugh and shake my head.
"You're too much. I'll see you after supper, though. Come on over and dress me, if you must."
"And I must. See you later honey." We part ways and head toward our own houses. Which happen to be 5 houses down from eachother and right across the street from the school. I gather the mail, unlock the door, and head up to my room. The only mail is from the University of Manitoba, the school I'll be attending in the fall. I've decided to take summer courses just to get out of here that much quicker. I'm really going to miss Liz, but I can't stand to be here longer than is really necessary.
Instead of opening my letter I flop down on my bed and close my eyes. Without knowing it I fall asleep, waking up to my mom calling me down to dinner.
"Yeah?" He sighs and points to the board, a simple calculus equation meant for me to answer.
"Mind telling us what the answer is, or are you gonna day dream through the rest of the class?"
"I thought I'd day dream." He clicks his tongue. If I weren't the smartest person in this damn class, I'd probably have gotten a detention for talking back. I look back out the window, my chin resting on my hand. My mind wanders back to what I was thinking about before I was interrupted. Angels, of all things.
I've never really believed in ghosts, or spirits, or angels, or heaven and hell. But for the past couple months angels are all I can think about. I get such a strong feeling of certainty and wholeness, that I can't help but wonder.
The bells rings, interrupting my thoughts again. "Willow, can I see you for a sec?" I gather my books and stand beside Mr Frank's desk. His last name isn't really Frank, but that's what everyone calls him for some reason.
"Yeah, Mr Frank?" He folds his hands together on his desk.
"I know you're our school's most gifted student, but all of this recent day dreaming isn't productive for my class and is getting out of hand." I've heard all this before. I just had this same talk with my science teacher this morning.
"I'm in all of the advanced classes, I do everything that's required of me. Short of moving across the country to the type of school that can take someone like me, what else would you have me do?" He clicks his tongue again, a habit I find really gross, and shrugs his shoulders.
"I'm not sure, Willow, honestly. But all I know is that it's got to stop. It's setting a bad example to the other kids. They're probably thinking that if they were as smart as you then they'd be able to not pay attention in class and get away with it."
"It's not my fault that I know all this stuff."
"I never said it was, but maybe you could make a little effort to pay better attention from now on." I sigh and nod. Like it'll do anything. "Thank you Willow. You're free to go. Enjoy your weekend."
"Thanks." I exit the classroom and turn left toward my locker. Two more weeks and I'm free. I just have to go through two more weeks.
"Willow! There you are. Where've you been, huh?" I look up at Lizzy as she approaches our locker. I enter the combo and almost bang her in the face with the door.
"Mr Frank wanted to talk to me." She rolls her eyes. "My thoughts exactly."
"These teachers are so dumb. You're smarter than all of them put together and they get annoyed when you get bored with the stuff they're teaching." I shrug and dump my books in the locker.
"I only have three more weeks to go and then I'm outta this dumb town for good." She makes a face while exchanging books she needs.
"Still planning on ditching me and moving all the way to western yonder?" I laugh.
"Yeah, sorry."
"Ah well. Least you'll be in a place that you're actually learning." Lizzy and I have been friends since our first day of kindergarten. I was using the blue crayon she wanted and instead of asking me for it she took it right from my hand. I hit her and took it back and we've been friends ever since.
"I know, I can't wait."
"Think you'll meet anyone there?" I roll my eyes and shut the locker, linking my arm with hers.
"Oh please. Some of us don't need a guy to survive."
"I dunno how you've done it all these years." I roll my eyes again. She's had a steady string of boyfriends since we were 15 years old. I've yet to get my first one, even though I've had plenty of offers. No one here interests me enough. Liz's longest relationship lasted 6 months, and her shortest 2 1/2 hours. He asked her out before school started and she dumped him at lunch. "So what's the plan for tonight?"
"I wasn't aware I had any plans." She rolls her eyes this time. I'm forever disappointing her in the fact that I don't plan every minute of my social life for weeks in advance.
"I thought we'd go to Voltage tonight. I told someone I'd meet him there."
"Well, you can't let your admirers down, can you? Yeah all right, I'll go. But this is the last club, you hear me? I've put on like 5 pounds from all the alcohol you're feeding me."
"Oh god, not 5 pounds. You could still use another 10. And besides, we've only been 19 for 2 months, we've got 19 years of clubbing to catch up on!" I laugh and shake my head.
"You're too much. I'll see you after supper, though. Come on over and dress me, if you must."
"And I must. See you later honey." We part ways and head toward our own houses. Which happen to be 5 houses down from eachother and right across the street from the school. I gather the mail, unlock the door, and head up to my room. The only mail is from the University of Manitoba, the school I'll be attending in the fall. I've decided to take summer courses just to get out of here that much quicker. I'm really going to miss Liz, but I can't stand to be here longer than is really necessary.
Instead of opening my letter I flop down on my bed and close my eyes. Without knowing it I fall asleep, waking up to my mom calling me down to dinner.
20 May 2015
The Frailty Of Obsession, Chapter 1
"Oh, Shane, it's beautiful!" Shane looks nervously at the ring he plans to give my baby sister.
"Do you think she'll like it?"
"Are you kidding? She's going to love it." He still looks unsure. "Seriously, you have nothing to worry about. She'll just be happy you're finally proposing that she won't even notice the ring." This gets a laugh out of him. Shane and Grace have been together for close to 12 years, each choosing to focus on their careers before getting married. Shane snaps the case shut and shoves it back in his pocket.
"You're probably right."
"Of course I am." I smile and sip my coffee. It's 9 and probably a bad idea to be drinking coffee at this hour, but bedtime be damned. "So how do you plan to do this?"
"That's a good question because I have no idea. I was hoping you would know." I chuckle.
"Should I write your vows for you, too?" I glance up at the door as Lee finally gets home. "Hey stranger, you're home late." The look he gives me makes me laugh. I get up and take his coat and brief case for him. "Tough case?" He nods while slumping into a kitchen chair.
"Like you wouldn't believe. Hi Shane." Shane gets up from the couch and collects his own coat from the hall closet.
"Hey Lee. Gwen, we need to get together soon to work this nonsense out, all right?"
"It's a date. Have a good night, future brother." He gives Lee and I a wave before shutting the door behind him.
"What was that about?" I sit on Lee's lap and give him a small kiss.
"The man finally bought a ring. He just came over to show me and ask for proposal ideas." Lee gives me another kiss, which turns into a few more. "So, do you want to talk about work while I make you something to eat?"
"You don't cook." I shrug and go for the phone book.
"Okay, so not cook so much as order. What'll it be?"
"Thai?"
"We got sick last time, remember? What about some good ol' pizza?"
"Sounds good. I'm just going to change. You know what I want." I order while Lee changes from his work clothing. He's usually blabbing about his day the second he walks in the door so this avoidance is a little peculiar. I grab two beers from the fridge and walk them to the living room, turning the movie back on that I was watching before Shane showed up. I'm half done my beer before Lee joins me, wearing nothing but pajama pants.
"Aren't you cold?" He shrugs and slides under the blanket beside me, putting his arm around my head. We fall into silence while we watch the movie until the pizza arrives. I pay and bring it to the living room. More silence as we eat. I would like to inquire as to Lee's quiet but I know he'll tell me when he's ready. A yawn suddenly reminds me that it's after 10:30 and I need to be at work early tomorrow.
"Tired, babe?" I yawn again.
"Apparently." I move to gather the rest of the pizza but Lee stops me.
"Let me do that. You go to bed, I'll clean up." I raise my eyebrow. Lee's a pretty good boyfriend. He picks up after himself and doesn't clog the sink when he shaves. But rarely does he offer to clean up dinner after a late day at work. He sees the look on my face and just chuckles. "You look like you're going to fall asleep on your feet. I'll just rinse out the dishes and be along in a minute." I shake my head and head into the bathroom, take care of my nightly routine then slide into bed and let out a content sigh. The bed is so comfortable. I had planned to stay awake until Lee joined me in bed but after 20 minutes I decide to call it a night and give in to sleep.
**
I listen as she finally falls asleep, then get myself ready for the night. It never takes long before It takes her over and it's the middle of winter so I need to make sure I'm dressed for the weather. Just as I'm putting my hat on I hear the first stirrings from the bedroom. It doesn't take long before she's leaving the apartment. Here we go, I think as I lock the door behind me.
"Do you think she'll like it?"
"Are you kidding? She's going to love it." He still looks unsure. "Seriously, you have nothing to worry about. She'll just be happy you're finally proposing that she won't even notice the ring." This gets a laugh out of him. Shane and Grace have been together for close to 12 years, each choosing to focus on their careers before getting married. Shane snaps the case shut and shoves it back in his pocket.
"You're probably right."
"Of course I am." I smile and sip my coffee. It's 9 and probably a bad idea to be drinking coffee at this hour, but bedtime be damned. "So how do you plan to do this?"
"That's a good question because I have no idea. I was hoping you would know." I chuckle.
"Should I write your vows for you, too?" I glance up at the door as Lee finally gets home. "Hey stranger, you're home late." The look he gives me makes me laugh. I get up and take his coat and brief case for him. "Tough case?" He nods while slumping into a kitchen chair.
"Like you wouldn't believe. Hi Shane." Shane gets up from the couch and collects his own coat from the hall closet.
"Hey Lee. Gwen, we need to get together soon to work this nonsense out, all right?"
"It's a date. Have a good night, future brother." He gives Lee and I a wave before shutting the door behind him.
"What was that about?" I sit on Lee's lap and give him a small kiss.
"The man finally bought a ring. He just came over to show me and ask for proposal ideas." Lee gives me another kiss, which turns into a few more. "So, do you want to talk about work while I make you something to eat?"
"You don't cook." I shrug and go for the phone book.
"Okay, so not cook so much as order. What'll it be?"
"Thai?"
"We got sick last time, remember? What about some good ol' pizza?"
"Sounds good. I'm just going to change. You know what I want." I order while Lee changes from his work clothing. He's usually blabbing about his day the second he walks in the door so this avoidance is a little peculiar. I grab two beers from the fridge and walk them to the living room, turning the movie back on that I was watching before Shane showed up. I'm half done my beer before Lee joins me, wearing nothing but pajama pants.
"Aren't you cold?" He shrugs and slides under the blanket beside me, putting his arm around my head. We fall into silence while we watch the movie until the pizza arrives. I pay and bring it to the living room. More silence as we eat. I would like to inquire as to Lee's quiet but I know he'll tell me when he's ready. A yawn suddenly reminds me that it's after 10:30 and I need to be at work early tomorrow.
"Tired, babe?" I yawn again.
"Apparently." I move to gather the rest of the pizza but Lee stops me.
"Let me do that. You go to bed, I'll clean up." I raise my eyebrow. Lee's a pretty good boyfriend. He picks up after himself and doesn't clog the sink when he shaves. But rarely does he offer to clean up dinner after a late day at work. He sees the look on my face and just chuckles. "You look like you're going to fall asleep on your feet. I'll just rinse out the dishes and be along in a minute." I shake my head and head into the bathroom, take care of my nightly routine then slide into bed and let out a content sigh. The bed is so comfortable. I had planned to stay awake until Lee joined me in bed but after 20 minutes I decide to call it a night and give in to sleep.
**
I listen as she finally falls asleep, then get myself ready for the night. It never takes long before It takes her over and it's the middle of winter so I need to make sure I'm dressed for the weather. Just as I'm putting my hat on I hear the first stirrings from the bedroom. It doesn't take long before she's leaving the apartment. Here we go, I think as I lock the door behind me.
Love Beyond Life, Chapter 1
"Dead? How can I be dead?" He rolls his eyes and sighs in annoyance.
"You died, that's how you're dead."
"But how?" The sneer leaves his face and it's replaced with concern.
"You don't remember?" I shake my head. "Hm.. well, that's unfortunate. Usually you guys at least have some idea of what you were sent back to do. Snap shots of your Mission."
"Mission?"
"Yeah, your mission. Every Mission Angel is sent back with some sort of something they never did in their former life."
"This is too much. I don't even remember how I died, let alone what I'm supposed to do. Hang on, did you say Mission Angel? I'm an Angel?" He shrugs.
"Well yeah, what else did you think you were?"
"I had no idea." He groans and his shoulders drop.
"Now I guess I'm gonna have to be your Mentor. Great." He looks up. "Thanks a lot!" He looks back down and me and smiles. "May as well get started then. My name's Justin, but you can call me Justin. I make sure all you new Angels get on their way. What's your name?"
"Michael."
"Oh good, you remember. I was hoping I wasn't going to have to assign you a new name, too. I'm no good with that. One guy came by and didn't remember his. I named him Gregory and his named ended up being Larry. Can you imagine.. Larry?"
"Have you been doing this long?"
"Oh, sure! I'm the best the big guy's got down here. Okay, what do you say we visit your grave?"
"My grave?"
"Yeah, you died remember? Your funeral was last week. Kinda odd seeing as most people get their Mission as soon as they're dead. Anyway, let's go." I don't do anything and he raises an eyebrow.
"What do I do?"
"You don't even know how to Shift? I'm gonna have to teach you everything, aren't I? Okay, so to Shift you think real hard about the place you wanna go. In this case it's your grave. And then boom, you're there. It's pretty cool. Oh, but since you don't know where yours is I guess you're gonna have to ride with me. Grab my hand." I look at him like he's crazy but do as he says. The next thing I know we're standing next to a grave site. The stone says Michael Gabrielle Baker.
"So I really am dead." Justin takes his hand back.
"Sure, you think I was lying to you?" I shrug. "So you getting any of those snap shots?" I shake my head. Both to answer his question and in disbelief. "Well you should get some sooner or later. It usually has to do with people in your former life. Though sometimes not. Sometimes it could have to do with a decision you never made, or a wrong one that lead you down the wrong path. That makes it harder since you don't know any of the people you were sent back to help. This making any sense?"
I nod absently, not really listening. July 2012 - April 2032. I'm going to be 20 forever. I'm never going to age. "Hey so do you wanna walk around, go to what you're familiar with, see if anything pops up?"
"Sure, I guess." I follow Justin down a slight hill and through a big iron gate.
"Do you know where you lived?" I nod again. "Okay, well that's good at least. Oh, damn I'm such an idiot. I forgot to tell you, everyone can see you, but no one will recognize you, cause you don't look like yourself."
"What?"
"You're you, but not you, you know? Look, here's a window." I look at my reflection. "No one else can see me, so try not to talk out loud too much cause you'll look crazy. But it works cause I can kinda read your head."
"You can read my mind?"
"Sorta. Let me think. I can't read every thought, but if it's directed to me then I can hear it wherever I am. And I can talk back to you, too. Try it."
"What do I say?"
"Anything."
Okay... what day is it?
April 16th. Justin grins. "That's pretty cool. I've never got to do that before. Say something else."
Uh... how did I die?
You were driving your car in the middle of the night in a rain storm and ran off the road. Pretty dumb, if you ask me. What were you doing driving in a rain storm? I shake my head.
"I have no idea. Oh, oops." Justin grins.
"So what do you say we head to your house, see if anything there draws you?" I nod and follow him down the street, wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into now.
"You died, that's how you're dead."
"But how?" The sneer leaves his face and it's replaced with concern.
"You don't remember?" I shake my head. "Hm.. well, that's unfortunate. Usually you guys at least have some idea of what you were sent back to do. Snap shots of your Mission."
"Mission?"
"Yeah, your mission. Every Mission Angel is sent back with some sort of something they never did in their former life."
"This is too much. I don't even remember how I died, let alone what I'm supposed to do. Hang on, did you say Mission Angel? I'm an Angel?" He shrugs.
"Well yeah, what else did you think you were?"
"I had no idea." He groans and his shoulders drop.
"Now I guess I'm gonna have to be your Mentor. Great." He looks up. "Thanks a lot!" He looks back down and me and smiles. "May as well get started then. My name's Justin, but you can call me Justin. I make sure all you new Angels get on their way. What's your name?"
"Michael."
"Oh good, you remember. I was hoping I wasn't going to have to assign you a new name, too. I'm no good with that. One guy came by and didn't remember his. I named him Gregory and his named ended up being Larry. Can you imagine.. Larry?"
"Have you been doing this long?"
"Oh, sure! I'm the best the big guy's got down here. Okay, what do you say we visit your grave?"
"My grave?"
"Yeah, you died remember? Your funeral was last week. Kinda odd seeing as most people get their Mission as soon as they're dead. Anyway, let's go." I don't do anything and he raises an eyebrow.
"What do I do?"
"You don't even know how to Shift? I'm gonna have to teach you everything, aren't I? Okay, so to Shift you think real hard about the place you wanna go. In this case it's your grave. And then boom, you're there. It's pretty cool. Oh, but since you don't know where yours is I guess you're gonna have to ride with me. Grab my hand." I look at him like he's crazy but do as he says. The next thing I know we're standing next to a grave site. The stone says Michael Gabrielle Baker.
"So I really am dead." Justin takes his hand back.
"Sure, you think I was lying to you?" I shrug. "So you getting any of those snap shots?" I shake my head. Both to answer his question and in disbelief. "Well you should get some sooner or later. It usually has to do with people in your former life. Though sometimes not. Sometimes it could have to do with a decision you never made, or a wrong one that lead you down the wrong path. That makes it harder since you don't know any of the people you were sent back to help. This making any sense?"
I nod absently, not really listening. July 2012 - April 2032. I'm going to be 20 forever. I'm never going to age. "Hey so do you wanna walk around, go to what you're familiar with, see if anything pops up?"
"Sure, I guess." I follow Justin down a slight hill and through a big iron gate.
"Do you know where you lived?" I nod again. "Okay, well that's good at least. Oh, damn I'm such an idiot. I forgot to tell you, everyone can see you, but no one will recognize you, cause you don't look like yourself."
"What?"
"You're you, but not you, you know? Look, here's a window." I look at my reflection. "No one else can see me, so try not to talk out loud too much cause you'll look crazy. But it works cause I can kinda read your head."
"You can read my mind?"
"Sorta. Let me think. I can't read every thought, but if it's directed to me then I can hear it wherever I am. And I can talk back to you, too. Try it."
"What do I say?"
"Anything."
Okay... what day is it?
April 16th. Justin grins. "That's pretty cool. I've never got to do that before. Say something else."
Uh... how did I die?
You were driving your car in the middle of the night in a rain storm and ran off the road. Pretty dumb, if you ask me. What were you doing driving in a rain storm? I shake my head.
"I have no idea. Oh, oops." Justin grins.
"So what do you say we head to your house, see if anything there draws you?" I nod and follow him down the street, wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into now.
Heads Or Tails; Chapter 1
I stretch and smile as Puck, my 5 year old calico, jumps onto my bed and rubs her head against my hand. "Hungry, mama?" She meows as if in response. "Okay, breakfast time it is." I sit up, stretch again, then stuff my feet into my favourite slippers. They're holey and a mysterious grey colour, but I love them anyway. "Here we go, sweet thing." I dump Puck's breakfast in her bowl and turn on the coffee maker, looking around for the newspaper. Felix usually brings it in before he leaves for work. I frown when I realize I don't see it.
I walk to the front door and peer onto the porch. There it is, sitting in the morning sunshine. After retrieving it from outside and pouring myself some coffee, I dial Felix at work. No answer. I frown again and put the phone on the table. Puck meows up at me and rubs against my ankles, purring. I pick her up and cradle her against my chest while taking a sip of coffee. I contemplate going to Felix's work but decide against it. He probably just forgot the paper and is too busy to answer his phone. Having decided that, I put Puck down and get ready for my day.
An hour later, as I'm picking up my keys from the front hall table, I'm suddenly seized with an overwhelming urge to hide in the hall closet. Just as I close the closet door, the front door opens. "Is she here?" I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle my surprise.
"Who cares? We were told to get the file and get out. His office is upstairs. Come on." The two men walk past my closet and down the hall to the stairs. I sit on the floor and breathe deeply, listening to their footsteps walk around the second floor. After a few minutes I crack open the closet door to see if I can hear what the men are saying upstairs. I catch a word here or there, not enough to clue me in as to what they're looking for. Felix deals with pet foods. He's the senior manager for a company that distributes food for every type of pet imaginable. What could they possibly be looking for.
I quickly close the door as I hear the men coming back down the stairs. "Shouldn't we at least make sure she's not here? Her car is here. Where else would she be?" I hear an exasperated sigh.
"Fine. Start in the back and I'll start here." I shove myself as far into the closet as I can manage. There's no way I won't be spotted. I hold my breath as the closet door slowly opens. Please don't see me.. Please don't see me.. To my utter amazement, the guy takes a quick look and shuts the door again. I listen as both of them walk around the house for another couple minutes, then meet back in the front hall. "Nothing."
"Maybe she went for a walk."
"Who cares, let's go." After the door closes I peek out of the closet and then scramble out. I go to Felix's office and look around. Nothing is obviously disturbed, but I can tell that things have been moved, which means Felix will know. And I have the distinct feeling that Felix should not know anyone was here. I straighten up and go back downstairs for my phone. I call Felix again and again there's no answer. I look down as I hear a meow at my feet.
"Hi baby." I scoop up Puck and make my way to the living room couch. Puck settles in for a nap on my legs. I think about what happened in the closet while I listen to Puck's purring. That man should have seen me. I wasn't hidden well enough for him not to. All I remember is pleading that he wouldn't see me, and he didn't. It's baffling, but things like it have happened before.
I was at the grocery store last week with only a few things in my basket. The woman in front of me had a full cart and a folder full of coupons. She was arguing with the cashier about one particular coupon. I remember wishing that she would just shut up and pay for her stuff. And she did. I chalked it up to her realizing she wasn't going to win that battle, but now I wonder if there was more to it. What though, I don't know.
I walk to the front door and peer onto the porch. There it is, sitting in the morning sunshine. After retrieving it from outside and pouring myself some coffee, I dial Felix at work. No answer. I frown again and put the phone on the table. Puck meows up at me and rubs against my ankles, purring. I pick her up and cradle her against my chest while taking a sip of coffee. I contemplate going to Felix's work but decide against it. He probably just forgot the paper and is too busy to answer his phone. Having decided that, I put Puck down and get ready for my day.
An hour later, as I'm picking up my keys from the front hall table, I'm suddenly seized with an overwhelming urge to hide in the hall closet. Just as I close the closet door, the front door opens. "Is she here?" I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle my surprise.
"Who cares? We were told to get the file and get out. His office is upstairs. Come on." The two men walk past my closet and down the hall to the stairs. I sit on the floor and breathe deeply, listening to their footsteps walk around the second floor. After a few minutes I crack open the closet door to see if I can hear what the men are saying upstairs. I catch a word here or there, not enough to clue me in as to what they're looking for. Felix deals with pet foods. He's the senior manager for a company that distributes food for every type of pet imaginable. What could they possibly be looking for.
I quickly close the door as I hear the men coming back down the stairs. "Shouldn't we at least make sure she's not here? Her car is here. Where else would she be?" I hear an exasperated sigh.
"Fine. Start in the back and I'll start here." I shove myself as far into the closet as I can manage. There's no way I won't be spotted. I hold my breath as the closet door slowly opens. Please don't see me.. Please don't see me.. To my utter amazement, the guy takes a quick look and shuts the door again. I listen as both of them walk around the house for another couple minutes, then meet back in the front hall. "Nothing."
"Maybe she went for a walk."
"Who cares, let's go." After the door closes I peek out of the closet and then scramble out. I go to Felix's office and look around. Nothing is obviously disturbed, but I can tell that things have been moved, which means Felix will know. And I have the distinct feeling that Felix should not know anyone was here. I straighten up and go back downstairs for my phone. I call Felix again and again there's no answer. I look down as I hear a meow at my feet.
"Hi baby." I scoop up Puck and make my way to the living room couch. Puck settles in for a nap on my legs. I think about what happened in the closet while I listen to Puck's purring. That man should have seen me. I wasn't hidden well enough for him not to. All I remember is pleading that he wouldn't see me, and he didn't. It's baffling, but things like it have happened before.
I was at the grocery store last week with only a few things in my basket. The woman in front of me had a full cart and a folder full of coupons. She was arguing with the cashier about one particular coupon. I remember wishing that she would just shut up and pay for her stuff. And she did. I chalked it up to her realizing she wasn't going to win that battle, but now I wonder if there was more to it. What though, I don't know.
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