Serfina and Hayden had left for Jamaica this morning, and I was going to miss them. It was nice being in their house with them, so I wasn’t on my own, but with everything that had happened with Hayden, they deserved some time away together. I didn’t want them to feel like they needed to stay for me.
I’d probably have to tell work I was pregnant soon, but I wanted to wait till I’d gone past twelve weeks. The sickness had started to get worse, and even trying to keep water down was a struggle at times. Safe to say the sausage, onion, and burger sauce rolls weren’t working anymore.
I’d booked myself an appointment for next week, so I’d see what the midwife would say about it.
Feeling a sharp pain in my lower stomach, I shifted in my seat to try to ease it.
“Aria?” Caspian called as I turned to face him.
“Yes, Mr Whitmore.”
“Can you sit in on the meeting later and take the minutes for me, please?”
“Of course.” I smiled, the pain easing.
He paused. “Aria, you really don’t look well.”
Oh God, did I really look that rough that Caspian had noticed? Maybe I should just tell him and get it out of the way. At least he’d be more understanding if I were late or couldn’t get in.
I took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant, Mr Whitmore.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, that may be why then.” He let out a nervous laugh.
I rose from my seat, taking a step forward. “I’m still perfectly capable of doing my job, and it won’t affect anything.”
“It’s fine. I’ve seen over the last few weeks how capable you are. I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
I raised my brows at the unexpected compliment. That was easier than I thought it would be.
I didn’t want to lose this job. It was the only thing keeping me going, even if it did remind me of Sebastian most of the time. I’d decided to keep the baby, and this job was going to help me make sure I could give my child everything. I’d put the thought of returning to university to the side for now; having a stable job was more important.
“Thank you, Mr Whitmore.”
“If you need to take time off for appointments or anything, please do. I’ll inform HR for you.”
“Oh, actually, Mr Whitmore, I’d rather wait a few more weeks if that’s ok?”
“That’s fine, but please don’t do anything you shouldn’t be doing.”
“I won’t.” I smiled.
He nodded and returned to his office.
Taking a deep breath, I sat back down, bringing up the spreadsheet I needed to complete. My phone soon pinged, and I opened the message.
Serfina:
Hey girl, we’re here! Hope you’re doing well. Miss you X
I brought up the photo she’d sent of her and Hayden sitting on the beach. It looked beautiful. I’d been there once with Sebastian when we were younger. We’d been meant to go on a cruise with my mum and his dad, but I didn’t want to be stuck on that boat for a week with them. Sebastian had made sure we missed it and stayed in Jamaica.
So, I’d decided to do what every eighteen-year-old would do. I’d partied on the beach. One night, I’d gotten so drunk that I confessed my undying love to him as he carried me back to the hotel. I’d remembered that, as clear as anything. He’d laughed it off and told me I was completely wasted and didn’t have a clue what I was saying. I’d then spent the rest of the night throwing up. He didn’t want to leave me like that and had stayed there all night, watching over me.
That was the Sebastian I knew and had fallen in love with. It felt like a lifetime ago now.
Aria:
So glad you arrived safely. Enjoy your holiday X
