“I’ll look forward tae drunk sex later then,” Alex says, smiling at me. I don’t tell him that I stopped drinking alcohol. I’ve missed my last two periods so until I can confirm or deny my suspicions, I’m not drinking. Alex doesn’t need to know yet, not until I’m sure anyway.
After I happily give in to a second orgasm, we both head for work. My coworkers greet me when I walk in.
“Is anyone up for something to eat after work this evening?” I ask, walking through the office. I receive several affirmations, making me excited to start forging new friendships.
I settle at my desk, reviewing the application for a new group who has plans to open a new after-school program. The first thing I look for is to make sure their application is complete. It has to include a viable plan of action with backup documentation on the need of the program in the community. Once a week we all meet to review new applications to help fund based on our budget. It’s amazing to think I have a vital role in making my new community a better place.
“What’s Alex up to today?” Julie, one of my coworkers, asks when she stops by my desk. He came in to pick me up for lunch several weeks ago causing quite a stir. Several of my colleagues went full fangirl on him, asking for pictures or autographs. Alex, always ready to meet a fan, was happy to oblige, making us almost miss lunch altogether.
“He has publicity stuff this morning then practice later. He’s supposed to get home later tonight, so I thought now would be the perfect chance to join everyone after work.”
“Brilliant! I’ll tell my husband he’s on his own tonight. We’ll walk up the street to the pub for something to eat. They have the best fish.” I nod enthusiastically at her before she walks off. Finally, it feels like everything is starting to fall into place. I work my way during the next hour through several new applications, marking the ones that need more documentation.
Standing, I stretch my hands above my head, bending sideways at the waist to work any kinks out when the first cramp hits me. Doubling over at my desk, I grab my stomach as another one wracks through my body.
“Oh Christ!” I hear behind me right before I feel the floor swallow me up. When I wake up, I’m in the back of an ambulance. They’ve hooked me up to an IV and packed cold compresses between my legs. A man with a radio is calling in my vitals, including my blood type.
I watch as if in a dream as they wheel me into the E.R. There is a flurry of activity until it finally settles into a steady rhythm of people checking on me.
The next time I wake up, it’s to the sound of cleats running down the hallway. When they slide to a stop, I hear the doctor talking outside the curtain.
“We’ve managed to get the hemorrhaging under control. I’d estimate she was about three months along. I’m truly sorry. I’ll check on her again later. Maybe you can take her home tonight.” I roll away from the sound, not wanting to hear anymore.
Tears flow down my face as I listen to the set of cleats walk through the curtain. Alex must have come straight from the photo shoot without changing. The bed dips slightly right before I’m pulled into his chest, his strong arms wrapping around me.
“I’m sorry,” is all he whispers as I sob into the pillow. He holds me against him until I drift off to sleep again. When I wake up next, I can hear Alex talking softly on the phone. “Ye might have tae run to the grocers. I’ve been given a couple of days but I’ll have tae make up the practices. Thanks for coming down, love. I’ll see ye tomorrow.” When he hangs up, I turn to face him. His face is etched with concern as he crosses the room to me.
“Can I get ye anything?” He’s wearing his team sweats and the shoes he left the house in this morning. Someone must have brought him his bag while I was sleeping.
“I’m okay,” I whisper. “How did you get here?” I don’t have the energy to speak any louder, so Alex sits down next to me, taking my hand.
“Yer friend, Julie from work, finally got a message through tae me. The coach put me in a car immediately tae come here when he heard. One of my mates brought my clothes then took my kit back.” He sits quietly, rubbing circles on my hand with his thumb.
“The doctor thinks ye’ll be able tae gae home shortly. My sister asked if she can come stay with us for a couple of days. Dae the laundry, cook, just until ye get back on yer feet.” I nod, looking over his head so I don’t have to meet his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I say as tears begin rolling down my face again.
“Naw, stop that. Ye have nothing tae be sorry for.” He pulls my chin gently until I have to look at him. “I’m sorry it took me so long tae get here.” He doesn’t ask me any of the questions he has a right to know, and I love him for it. He doesn’t ask how long I’ve known. He doesn’t ask me why I didn’t tell him. He just holds my hand, wiping away my tears as they fall.
Alex takes me home later that evening, gently helping me to bed before returning with some soup he’s heated up. Tucking me in, he holds my hand as I fall asleep next to him.
14
Alex
Bryce shows up on the train the next afternoon, thank God, because I feel completely fucking useless. When I woke up this morning, I found Claire sitting on the couch in the living room staring blankly out the window. I wrapped a blanket around her then brought her a cup of tea, but I don’t seem to know what to say to make this better.
I keep working at forcing down the hurt of her not even telling me we were having a baby. It won’t help anything to bring it up, so I stay silent. I’m sure she had her reasons anyway. I’m reduced to rebuffed attempts to try to make her comfortable.
“Hullo, baby brother,” Bryce says, pulling me in for a hug when I pick her up at the train station. “I’m really happy tae see ye. I just wish it wisnae under these circumstances.” She loops her arm through mine as I carry her small suitcase outside.
“Ye dinnae say anything tae anyone aboot why ye’re here, did ye?” I ask.
“Well, I did have tae tell my husband why I was suddenly dumping the wee ones on him tae run off tae visit my brother. Dinnae worry though,” she says, winking at me, “he’s very good with secrets.”
“Aye, okay. Claire just dinnae want anyone te know is all.” I load her suitcase in the boot before heading back into traffic.
“So tell me aboot yer Claire. We’ve all been itching tae come meet her, but George said we should wait until ye’ve settled before descending on ye. It’s been killing us all.” I smile just thinking about my Claire.
