Page 76 of Always Been You
Eddie and I have never talked about kids. Not once. It’s not that I thought he wouldn’t want them; I just never let myself imagine a future where it was even a possibility. And what if he’s not ready? What if this isn’t something he wants right now?
Would he be happy? Or would he feel trapped?
I trust Eddie more than I’ve ever trusted anyone, but trust doesn’t erase fear. It doesn’t stop the nerves crawling up my spine or the million questions racing through my head.
I close my eyes and take a breath.
It doesn’t matter how he reacts because I know one thing for certain: I want this baby.
And for the first time in a long time, I don’t have to let fear decide what I do next.
She stands, then shakes my hand. “Congratulations once again, girl.”
I look at her, still processing, then manage a small smile. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“Tell Lauren to come in next.”
I nod, gripping the papers she handed me, though I barely register them. My legs move on autopilot as I step out, but my mind is caught in the whirlwind of what just happened.
I’m pregnant.
I’m still in a daze when Lauren and Elisa rush up to me, their faces filled with worry.
“What’s wrong?” Elisa asks, searching my face.
I shake my head, not sure how to say it. Then, before I even realize it, a tear slides down my cheek. “I’m pregnant.”
They freeze.
For a long, stretched-out second, neither of them speaks, and I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.
Lauren is the first to recover, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me. “Congratulations,” she whispers, holding me tight.
I nod against her shoulder, my voice barely there. “Thanks.”
Before I can process anything more, I remember why I came out in the first place. “Before I forget... she wants you to go in next.”
Lauren steps back, our eyes locking. It’s strange sometimes, looking at her, like staring at a different version of myself. Her gaze softens, and she grips my hand. “You deserve all the good that’s happening to you.”
I nod, swallowing hard.
She turns toward the doctor’s office but hesitates at the door. Then, looking back at me, she says, “You might want to go get the divorce certificate now.”
I blink.
“What? Didn’t you take it?”
She shakes her head. “I wanted to go with you. I thought I’d record you taking it, walking out all proud with that signature ‘I’m-free’ grin on your face. But… it’s not necessary now, is it?”
I exhale, something loosening in my chest. She’s right. Derrick is my past. A piece of my story I don’t need to carry anymore.
Lauren gives me one last knowing look before heading inside.
Elisa nudges me. “Should I go with you? I can still take the video,” she teases.
I smirk. “Nope. Stay and find out you’re pregnant.”
We both laugh, the moment lighter now. After a little more teasing and catching up, we go our separate ways.
