HIDING THE SECRET

Chapter 5

Isabella

It's been a few weeks since James turned up at my door. He is crazier than I thought. He told Riah and Torian everything, and I can't believe Riah tried to bash his head in. She was on the phone with me as soon as he left.

She wasn't angry with me, only concerned.

I don't want to see her disappointed in me, so I will see her when the babies are born. We still talk every day and it kills me not to share this with her as she only has two months left. It's helpful as she tells me everything I should expect.

I've spoken to the registrar at the University about my situation and they have agreed I can continue with all my work online towards the end of my pregnancy and once I give birth.

As my body changes, I have grown to adore my tiny bump. I'm amazed at how this tiny being is growing inside me. After my initial shock wore off, I have irrevocably fallen in love with my little baby. As each day goes past, that love only gets stronger. I have cut out all the junk food. I drank little, to begin with, reduced my working hours in the cafe and taken prenatal vitamins daily.

I pulled away from my thoughts as Keira runs into my room. With a bunch of multicoloured roses this morning.

"What does it say this time?"

"Like I would open it before I begged you if I can!"

I chuckle at her.

"Go on. I know you are dying, too."

"Oh, if he wasn't such a slut. I would say forgive him. He has been begging you for weeks now. Is he still emailing you?"

"Yes. Every day."

"Have you ever responded to him?"

"No, I can't. I feel so guilty about not telling him about the baby yet, so I don't respond."

"Babe, you're going to have to speak to him at some point."

She looks around at where she can put the flowers and squeezes them in on top of my dresser. My room, the living room and the kitchen have flowers everywhere. We will need to take them into the local care home from next week.

She rips open the tiny envelope.

Keira reads the card but instead of reading out aloud. She hands me the card.

I take the small card which has 'I'm sorry' and a love heart on the front of it.

Why isn't he just giving up?

I read the card.

'I'm sorry. I'm getting the help I need. One day, I hope you will forgive me.'

I look up at Keira, who looks at me sympathetically.

"He is trying, honey."

I let out a heartfelt sigh.

"Maybe it will make him a good father. I want nothing to do with him other than co-parenting."

"I get it."

She leans down and kisses my cheek before giving my tummy a quick rub.

"When do we find out what we are having?"

I can't help but laugh at her excitement.

"Not till another couple of months yet."

"Boo. Do you need anything?"

"No. I'm good, thanks. Even though I constantly feel sick, I've not been sick, so I'm just going to keep nibbling on my crackers and do some revision."

"Okay, hon, message me if you need anything."

Keira leaves, closing my door softly behind her.

I pick up the card and read it again. It takes a lot for a man to admit they need help. No matter what he says. I don't trust him. I'm not sure if I ever will again.

∞∞∞

Another few weeks go by and it's the Easter break. I'm so glad to have this time off. I've been feeling so tired between coursework and working in the cafe. Riah said she will support me, but I just want to stop feeling like a burden to her. I want her only to focus on my niece and nephew. Riah is due in six weeks, sooner if they induce her. So there is no hiding this from her for much longer.

I finish my shift at the cafe and walk back to our dorms. My head is still thinking of all the things I will need to get before the baby comes. I look up and see James standing by the doorway.

My bump has got bigger, so there is no mistaking that I'm pregnant now.

His gaze goes down to my stomach and his mouth falls open.

Shit.

This is not how I wanted to have this conversation.