Page 8 of Say I'm Yours, Firecracker

A rapid muffled sound filled the room as my focus zeroed in on the monitor. Dr. Ashton and Regina were smiling, “That’s your baby’s heartbeat.”

My...what?

“I’m having a baby,” I muttered, tears leaked out of the corners of my eyes, dripping down towards my ears in my reclined position. I tore my eyes away from the monitor and focused on the ceiling.

Dr. Ashton removed the wand and quietly left the room so I could clean myself up and get dressed. I did it all in a daze as if I wasn’t the one controlling my body.

Regina walked me to another office with a desk, two chairs, and a few plants scattered about. I sat in one of the plush chairs as Regina handed me a bottle of water and a chocolate bar.

I unwrapped the chocolate and ate it in a few bites. As I guzzled the water Dr. Ashton came in with a tiny envelope, rounded the desk, and sat. She was smiling a big bright smile, teeth immaculately straight making her dark lipstick even darker.

“I have your sonogram pictures if you would like to have them.” She stated, not quite a question, but not really a statement either.

I reached across the desk and gently grabbed the envelope from her. As I stared at the back of the envelope Dr. Ashton started again. “I know pregnancy is rough, and yours will be a high risk. I’m not saying it’s not possible, I’m just asking to take closer care of you.”

I nodded, still staring at the sealed envelope.

“When you’re ready, I’d like to get you set up on a monthly basis, just to start out. Then as time grows closer we’ll start seeing you every three to two weeks.”

“Okay.”

She stood up when I did and followed me to the front where Regina was talking with another woman whose tummy was so full her belly button poked out through her cute floral top. Her hand rested over the swell of her stomach, like a perch made specifically for her.

Dr. Ashton gripped my shoulders, gently shaking me out of my auto-pilot mode, “Ronnie, I’ll have Regina email you our phone numbers, personal too. You call me if you have any issues. We want a healthy momma and baby through this whole process. Don’t forget we’re here for everything, I mean it.”

I nodded. God, it felt like all I had done since I got here was smile and nod. There were tears that wanted to spill and my throat began to burn as I pushed through the glass doors of my new physician's office. The Uber I ordered wasn’t here yet, so I sat on the bench located under one of the decorated trees on the sidewalk, and just let the tears fall. I still couldn’t believe this was actually happening to me, but I was already tired of crying.

Scrolling through my phone I found Bellamy’s contact. If anyone could get me in touch with the father of this baby, it’d be Aaron.

Weights slammed on metal, grunts echoed through the large space of Wadey Weights. The bright colors of the space that I’d dubbed my second home were randomized shapes on the wall. Splattered against the black mats.

It was like the 90's had thrown-up in here.

I tackled a few more curls and re-racked the weights when I heard my phone ring. Usually I let calls go to voicemail when I was here. It was my safe space, and when my phone rings it’s usually not good news.

A number I didn’t recognize popped up on the screen. It was a local area code, so I answered. “Hello.”

“Finn?” A feminine voice said softly.

“Yeah,” I replied, confusion evident in my voice. “Who is this?”

“Ver-”, she started and restarted with a hiccup. “Firecracker.”

My brows shot up to my hairline,holy shit. It’s her. “Bellamy’s friend?”

“Yeah.” She squeaked. “Can you meet me for dinner tonight?”

“Yes.” I answered, right way. “I mean, tell me where.” I tried to collect myself.

“Billy’s Diner?”

“I’ll be there, Firecracker.” I replied before I hung up.

We had agreed to meet there at six, and the time on my phone said I had about three hours to get myself together.

After rushing through a shower and dressing, I headed to Billy’s Chicken Pit. I was early, so I sat in the gravel lot and scrolled through my phone.

Time stood still as I saw her walking into the restaurant, hair curled and blowing in the wind. My heart picked up speed, sweat gathered in my palms. The girl who said no names, knew mine. The girl who said no repeats, called me for a date. The girl who said no strings, well…she had something to say.

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