AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m on my feet before my brain even has time to process the information. I’m vaguely aware of Alexia calling after me, saying that the paramedics will take care of her, but I have no interest in making sure the show goes on. Not when Eden needs me.
“Out of my way!” I snap, pushing my way through to get to her. I prop her up in my arms, but she’s non-responsive. “Eden? Eden, talk to me.” Her eyes flutter, like she’s teetering on the edge between consciousness and sleep. I don’t hesitate, lifting her into my arms. “Call an ambulance,” I order the nearest PA. “We’re going to the hospital.”
Chapter 33
Tip #33: Well, shit.
EDEN
When I come to, I’m in a daze.
My mind is foggy, my vision bleary. Despite my disorientation, I manage not to panic. A quick look around reveals that I’m in a hospital bed, a couple of busy nurses hurrying to-and-fro as they take care of their assigned patients.
Rubbing my eyes with my palms, I groan. I don’t really remember what happened. One second, I was watching Hunter from the wings, amused by his responses. There’s something incredibly endearing about seeing him so clearly out of his element. I know how much he likes to work behind the scenes, but he was a natural in the spotlight, too.
But before I knew it, the whole world seemed to pull a Hitchcockian zoom. The floor beneath me stretched out, the walls around me warping. The dizziness that came after consumed me whole. Unable to find my balance, I remember falling forward and then—
Nothing but black.
Hunter is nowhere in sight.
“Ah, you’re awake.”
A doctor steps in through the thin blue privacy curtain that has me cornered off in my section of the emergency room. I’m really starting to hate the smell of hospitals.
The doctor reviews my chart. “We ran a few tests while you were out,” he explains. “We did some bloodwork. It appears that your iron levels are incredibly low. Did you eat anything for breakfast, Ms. Spencer?”
I think back to this morning. “A piece of toast with peanut butter.”
“That’s all?”
“I was in a hurry to get to work.” I look around. “Is Hunter here?”
“Mr. Stride? Yes, he’s out in the waiting room. We don’t typically allow non-family members in here. We’ve already contacted your mother. She’s on her way.”
I nod slowly, ignoring the tug of disappointment in my chest. The one person I really want to see right now isn’t allowed in. I suppose I could argue that Hunter’s my boyfriend, but…
That’ll only expose us.
“You were a bit dehydrated as well,” the doctor goes on. “I’m going to refer you to a nutritionist. It’s imperative that you eat a balanced meal, especially where the baby’s development is concerned.”
I bolt upright. A mistake, all things considered, because the blood rushes from my head and leaves me reeling. “What did you just say?”
“I said that a balanced meal is important for the baby’s development.”
“I’mpregnant?”
He nods. “I assumed you were aware. Five weeks along.”
My mouth drops open.
Oh. My. God.
That explains why I’ve been feeling so shitty lately. It wasn’t a stomach bug or food poisoning; it was morning sickness. I don’t know why I didn’t put two and two together.
My hand wanders down to hover over my belly. It’s an automatic reaction, completely involuntary. It’s hard for me to describe the feeling brewing in my chest. Now that the nausea has faded and the initial shock is slowly melting, I feel…
Warm. Good. Maybe even lighter than air.
