Page 75 of Georgia: Britain's Story: Part 1
“I’ll try calling Liam again when we get there. He’ll meet us there, okay?” No one knows yet then.
“He won’t.” My words are muffled, so the paramedic moves the oxygen mask, pulling it away from me so I can say it again. “He won’t be coming. He just dumped me at Colton’s.” I push out between sniffles. Alex just curses under his breath again, but strengthens the grip on my hand.
I’m trying to avert my thoughts from tonight, and when I do, I start to cry harder. I think about the girls, and what they’ll think when they hear that I might have a concussion and that I had to go to the hospital. It’s going to ruin their last days of school. I have to stop crying over men. I have two young women that need a strong mom in their life, not this weakling human I’ve become. God, I hate myself.
Then I think of Georgia, all alone. I think about how I used to pity her, but I’m starting to see she was stronger than I ever realized. Not being with someone is the ultimate flex, right? No one can ever hurt you that way. She was strong enough to exist on her own. She did everything on her own. If I make it through this, I may just have to adopt her way of life. A life lived alone.Can’t fucking wait.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Britain
“Alex, go home. You don’t need to stay.”
“I’m not leaving until you get your MRI, and even then, fat fucking chance you’re getting rid of me.” He’s posted up at the foot of my bed in the E.R. like my own personal security detail. I appreciate him, but more than anything I just want to curl up in a fetal position and cry myself to sleep.
The attending physician enters my curtained room.
“Hi, Mrs. Scott. And is this your husband?” She motions towards Alex.
“No, that’s my brother.”
She nods. “I’m Dr. Rashid. I just want to go over some of your preliminary blood work with you, maybe it’s best if your brother steps out.” No use hiding anything now, if it even sticks. Alex doesn’t make a move to leave.Let’s just embrace the suck, Britain.
“No, it’s okay. He can stay.” The doctor gives me a questioning look.
“Are you sure? There is some sensitive information I need to share with you.”
“I already know, it’s fine if he hears it, too.” Alex perks up, confused.
“Okay then, your blood work came back. You are severely dehydrated, slightly anemic, and you are pregnant.” I just nod. I know, but I notice Alex visibly stiffen. “So in addition to the MRI, I’ve ordered an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy hasn’t been terminated. We’re going to admit you for observation. We’re a bit backed up right now, and it might be hours before we can get you through both screenings. Might as well get you comfortable with some privacy, okay?”
I nod. “Yes, okay.”
“A nurse will be in in a minute to get you moved over. Just hit the button on your rail if you need assistance before then.” I thank her as she closes the curtain behind her.
“I’m gonna fucking kill him,” Alex says as soon as he knows Dr. Rashid is no longer in earshot. “Is this why he dumped you?” I almost laugh, because this whole situationisfucking laughable.
“No, he doesn’t know.”
“When were you planning to tell him?!” He’s basically shouting at me.
“First, calm the fuck down. If anybody gets to yell or be irate right now, it’s me. Second, I would have told him once I took an actual pregnancy test, which I haven’t even had a chance to do. I’m maybe like three weeks pregnant, at most. I didn’t see any urgency in the matter since I wasn’t expecting my fiancé to break up with me at our surprise engagement party in front of everyone I know here. I only figured it out two days ago, one day ago — I don’t know. It doesn’t fucking matter is the bottom line.
Chances are high he’s not even checking his phone, it’s probably off by now. I’ve called and texted him all afternoon to no response. So even if I tried to let him know right now, he wouldn’t see it. And also, I don’t want someone to come back to me because I’m pregnant with their child. I don’t want a pity fiancé or husband. I don’t want him in my life at all.”Lie.
“He still deserves to know that his child exists.”
“I don’t disagree. If you can find him, feel free to let him know. I’m a little busy at the moment.” I wave my hand around the hospital bed. “Since he won’t answer my calls, I’ll send him a text. Just to appease you. You’ll see, he won’t respond.” Luckily Alex thought to grab my belongings before getting in the ambulance. He hands me my phone and I type out a text.
My hands are shaking so hard, I have to keep deleting portions to retype it.
Britain
I’m at the hospital. Getting an MRI and ultrasound, but thought you should know that I’m pregnant. Will let you know if I miscarry from the concussion.
“Sent. Feel better now?” I can’t hold the sobs in any more. I never thought I’d be telling the love of my life that I’m having his baby, over text, after he just dumped me. Oh, and there’s a chance a head injury could cause a miscarriage.
“I don’t feel better, Britain, but I am glad you did it.” He moves to sit next to me on the bed, sliding an arm around me, and holding me as the tears flow out of me faster than my I.V. can replace them.
