Page 71 of Hidden Gem
Marnie had never been more grateful to live next door to her best friend.
“Do you want a cup of tea?” Shasa asked, guiding her over the Barbie-covered floor.
“Sure.” Marnie sat on the plush, grey couch, removing a sharp plastic toy from under her bottom. The Minion in a miniskirt returned her frown with an obtuse grin.
“That’s mine!” Lilla announced, snatching the toy. She ran off to her room, returning five-seconds later with more Minions and a toy unicorn. “Will you play with me?”
Marnie nodded and began mindlessly moving Lilla’s Minions and Barbies into a circle. The girl babbled about the villain unicorn the small yellow creatures served. From the corner of her eyes, Marnie saw Mac in the kitchen. He interrupted Shasa’s tea-making with a sneaky hug. Their embrace reflected off the glossy splashback and stainless-steel appliances – an exact replica of Marnie’s apartment, yet so different. Theirs was full of family life: Lilla’s drawings and the preschool term schedule on the fridge, a step for the girl so she could reach the kitchen counter, and of course, Barbie paraphernalia – a scattering of pink plastic and glitter on the floor.
Shasa said something to Mac, who approached Lilla. “Hey! Should we go to bed early tonight and have a slumber party? We can watch funny cat videos.” He grinned.
Lilla jumped off the couch and clapped her hands. “Can we have snacks? Strawberry milk? Biscuits?”
Mac cast a quick glance at Shasa, who smiled and pointed at the packet of Scotch Fingers on the counter.
“Yes!” Mac confirmed, and they ran upstairs.
Shasa brought over two steaming teacups and took a seat next to Marnie. “I thought we might need some privacy.”
“He’s so good with her.”
Shasa’s face glowed. “I know! They’re best friends, always goofing around. This isn’t even the first slumber party this week! Not that I’m complaining. It gives me time to take a bath with a book. Some of the videos they watch are a bit iffy, though. Like those funniest home videos where someone always gets hit in the nuts.”
“Yikes!” Marnie laughed. “Well, if he gets kicked in the nuts by a fast-learning four-year-old, that’s on him.”
“Exactly.”
Laughing helped, relaxing Marnie’s twisted insides. She stared into her teacup, wishing she could extend the escape. But no, the massive lump in her throat returned whenever the conversation came to a lull.
“Have you taken the test yet?” Shasa whispered, taking a sip of her tea.
“No. I’m working up the courage. I thought it might be better if I do it here. Tanya’s not great with emotional support.”
“Of course. Whenever you’re ready.” She gestured to the bathroom door.
Marnie tried to get up, but her stomach clenched, paralysing her on the couch.
Shasa smiled. “No hurry. Drink your tea.”
“I just need a minute.” Marnie tried to smile, but judging by Shasa’s puzzled expression, she probably looked like she was in pain.
“Do you want to be pregnant?”
Marnie stiffened. “I don’t know. One minute I do, the next I don’t. Not with the mess I’m in. And I honestly don’t think it’s even possible. I’m sick. I never thought this could happen.”
“Maybe your body’s not quite as old and sick as you think?”
“Maybe.”
Shasa smiled. “What if you can give him a family? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? You were so worried about it.”
Marnie’s throat felt sticky. What would Jason say? Would he be happy, or horrified? He’d been so worried about becoming a father. Pregnancy was something she hadn’t even contemplated, and the more she thought about it, the less it felt like a solution.
“I told him I couldn’t get pregnant. If I am, then I’ve misled him. I’m a horrible person!”
Shasa gave her a side hug. “You didn’t do it on purpose.”
“It’s still not right. And even if he got over that, there’s the publicity. If I had a baby with him, everyone would find out. And people are so mean. You know Jason dated a wellness coach? This amazing, flawless girl who posts incredible pictures on Instagram.”
