Page 3 of A New Year Baby

When she leaves the store, I stare after her in surprise for a moment, then I dive for the trash can. I barf all over the tissues containing my tears.

Then I sit there weakly for a minute, doing the math. Jack and I came home to Snowflake Creek about three weeks ago. When was my period expected? I gather my composure and close the shop, and head for the pharmacy. But it’s a small town, and everyone knows everyone. So, I drive to a pharmacy out of town, just so people won’t talk.

The day goes by in a blur.

All I know is that one moment I’m driving, and in the next moment, I’m sitting on my bathroom floor and holding a positive pregnancy test. Then I’m driving again.

I head to the Frost home, which is a sprawling estate covered in Christmas lights, just outside of Snowflake Creek. I rush inside, and Jack’s sister Mary is there, greeting visitors.

“Where’s Jack?” I ask her tearfully. “I’ve been calling him all day.”

She looks at me with shock and sadness.

“He didn’t tell you?” she asks. “He’s gone.”

“Gone where?” I demand, determined to follow him.

“I—I can’t believe that he didn’t tell you,” Mary says, a bit flustered. “Uh, he left town.”

“Left town for where?” I demand again.

“Africa,” she responds.

“Africa?” I ask in amazement. “That’s ridiculous. How could he leave so soon—without warning?”

“He caught a flight out of Minneapolis a few hours ago. I’m so sorry, Stell. He was just so upset about the proposal—he took that job at Doctors without Borders.”

My whole world comes crashing down on me, for the second time in two days.

I can’t stop sobbing, and Mary reaches out and puts her arms around me. Everything is happening too fast. I can’t communicate, and I can’t seem to process anything.

I hug my friend back tightly, crying into her shoulder.

But I don’t tell her why.

---