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"You mean your murderous ex?" she asks, shaking her head. "I don't think so."
"He's not a murderer," I mutter, remembering the newspaper headlines we saw on our way through the Eden Falls train station. Dex has been discharged.
"Just because they don't have enough evidence doesn't mean he didn't kill that Lai guy," Alli insists. "Is that really the kind of person you want in your baby's life?"
"He's the father," I murmur.
"Is he though?" Alli cocks her head to the side before sighing and sitting on the sofa next to me. She pats my knee. "Didn't you tell me yourself he might not be the father? That you have no idea who it is? That there are freaking four other guys who could've fathered this kid?"
"I..." I chew my bottom lip, burning up with shame. "I hope it's Dexter's..."
"Well, hoping for something doesn't change the facts." She smiles patronizingly at me. "Stay here with me, Pandora. I'll help you figure everything out."
"But I could just explain to Dex that-"
"You fucked all those guys and one of them may have knocked you up?" She shakes her head. "And how do you think he'll take that, Pandora? Murderer or not, this Dex guy is volatile and dangerous."
I'm rendered speechless, and I stare at my hands folded on my lap without replying.
"I'm here for you, P," Alli says. "I'm the only one you have now. The only person you can trust. You can't even trust yourself, can you? You get all these silly little ideas in your head. You need me to tell you why they don't work, don't you?"
I shrug noncommittally, and Alli squeezes my hand again.
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. And I know you feel like you owe me from protecting your baby. So do this for me. Stay here and let's make sure you give birth without Eden Falls watching every fucking contraction. Stay with me and let me take care of you, so nobody can hurt you or this baby." She puts her hand on my stomach with a sweet smile. "That's all I care about, P. You and this baby. Making sure you're both okay. Then you can go back, I promise."
I look up into her eyes, finding myself nodding just to shut her up. She's annoying me, but I can't disagree with her. And she's been right in the past, so I really should listen to her advice and just do as she says.
"Alright," I finally manage. "We can stay here for a while."
Alli claps her hand with excitement, but I hold a hand up, not quite done with what I wanted to say.
"As long as there's a doctor in the area that will make sure everything's okay."
"Oh, there is." She beams. "There's a doctor in a town close by, and he even does home visits."
"Great," I reply. "Although I have no problem going into town. I'd appreciate the social aspect." I laugh nervously, hoping I haven't offended her. As wonderful as Alli is, I'm sure we'd drive each other crazy in this house with only each other for company for months.
"Really?" She cocks her head to the side, shrugging. "Well, whatever you want."
"Wait." I tug on her sleeve when she tries to get up. "You don't think I should see a doctor?"
"Of course I do." She pats my hand. "I just think you should take advantage of the home visits. I mean... You don't want someone in Eden Falls recognizing you, do you? They'd tell Dex—and everyone else. Your father. All the other guys. And no offense, but you're already showing a bit. If you start appearing all over t
own with a huge belly, everyone will find out. Is that really the best? For them to find out through someone else?"
"I guess not."
"No, it isn't. So let's do the home visits. I'll make the caretaker get us everything from town. And I'll have the doctor come by every two weeks."
"But..." I glance at her. "How will we pay for all that?"
"I have a few tricks up my sleeve," she winks.
"But we don't have any money."
"We don't need money." She spreads her legs, making me flush when I realize she isn't wearing any underwear. "Why else would God bless us with these?"
I'm so shocked I can't even manage an answer. I'm not sure I should assume, but I can't help it—is she paying the doctor the old fashioned way?
