Page 64 of Wicked Nasty

I scoured every inch of the city for Katya, following any lead that might bring me closer to finding her. But she seemed to have disappeared without a trace, leaving no mark or memory behind.

My frustration and desperation grew with each dead end.

But then there was Danny... I knew his reaction would be fierce, his fiery words lashing out like a whip. The disappointment and hurt in his eyes pierced through me, making me feel lower than dirt.

His poor mother stood by helplessly, mortified by my emotional breakdown. I couldn't contain the torrent of emotions that spilled from my mouth, revealing my true feelings in a messy word of vomit. I told her everything.

Well…

Almost everything.

I need to talk to Danny…

My heart sinks as I think about the inevitable conversation with him. Dread and guilt weigh heavy in my stomach, twisting and churning until I feel like I might be sick. But he deserves to know the truth.

The piercing bell rings, jolting me out of my thoughts and sending a searing pain through my head. I force myself to stand and make my way to class, but my body feels weak and shaky.

And then it hits me, a sudden wave of nausea so intense that I can't even comprehend it at first. My feet pick up speed as I frantically search for the nearest bathroom, my muscles burning with exertion. I barely make it before everything I've eaten this morning comes rushing back out of me, leaving me doubled over in agony.

As I gasp for air, tears streaming down my face, all I can do is pray for an end to this suffering.

I slowly turn to see Cat and Penny standing at the sinks, their faces a mix of shock and concern. They approach me cautiously, like approaching a wounded animal. I can feel their eyes on me as they bend down to get closer.

Penny's expression softens as she looks at me with sad eyes. “Are you okay?”

The dam breaks.

Tears flood my eyes, and my body shakes with sobs. Penny pulls me into her warm embrace, her arms offering comfort and solace.

“Oh, babes. It’s all gonna be okay.”

Cat joins in, rubbing circles on my back in a soothing motion. “You gotta tell us what happened so we can help you.”

I sit up, wiping my snot onto the sleeve of my dark green sweater. “There’s… there’s just so much! Oh god, it's overwhelming.”

Penny pulls me back into her chest, holding me tight as if trying to contain all the pain and emotions spilling out of me.

“I didn’t find Katya. I hurt poor Danny’s mom by leaving. My dad is still keeping secrets from me. And Danny… oh god. He has my emotions all over the place. One minute I hate him, the next I just need to be near him. It’s a giant mind fuck. And to top it off, my body feels so fucking off.”

Penny's gentle hands carefully weave and twist my hair, pulling it away from my face. Her touch is soothing and I feel myself begin to relax in her presence.

"So all this stress is making you sick," she comments softly. "It sounds like you need a spa day."

I let out a heavy sigh, wishing that my problems could be solved so easily. Slowly lifting my head, I meet Cat's concerned gaze.

"I'm pregnant," I confess, the weight of the words heavy on my tongue.

Penny's fingers pause for just a moment before resuming their task with renewed care.

Cat nods in understanding. "Does Danny know yet?"

I shake my head. "No, I haven't had the chance to tell him."

The two of them exchange a knowing look before Cat speaks again. "And you're positive it's his baby?"

Penny moves to sit next to Cat, her eyes never leaving mine as they wait for my answer.

"Yes," I reply firmly. "He's the only one I've been with."

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