Vanessa    The call concerned me. Not because he would be late, but I was curious to see what the sheriff needed him for.   I put on a tank top, a pair of black leggings and some sneakers, asking myself if it was the appropriate outfit for horse riding as I paced back and forth, waiting for him to arrive.   “If you keep walking in the same spot, you will leave a hole in the floor!” Candice shouted from the kitchen.    Another strange thing about this is that she wouldn’t let me into my own kitchen, with the excuse that she was preparing something special for John. What could she be doing for her husband that I couldn’t even go in there? 

Vanessa    The festival was colorful and fun. There were children running around to their favorite rides and elders waiting for the live music that I was sure would start soon.    Emily was excited as she struggled to push Gabriel’s wheelchair, telling him of all the cotton candy and kettle corn they would eat.    John offered to help her out, but she politely refused, saying she had it all handled. She was a sweet girl.    I was feeling uneasy, seeing everyone’s eyes on us as Clay held my hand in his while we walked around the fairgrounds.    “This is going to be so much fun. I can’t remember the last time I wen

Vanessa    I fluttered my eyes open and looked around the room, rubbing them with the heels of my hand. Emily and Clay were still sleeping next to me, making me forget what happened yesterday. Their presence is comforting and peaceful.   Letting out a small yawn, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to do my business while they kept sleeping. I closed the door behind me, used the toilet, and washed my hands before I looked at myself in the mirror.    My eyes were swollen, there were bags underneath them, and my hair was messy.   “You look horrible, Vanessa Harper,” I whispered, grabbing the toothpaste and toothbrush to take care of my teeth. 

Vanessa    The news caught us by surprise. How could I be pregnant? At my age?   “That’s impossible, doctor. I’m at a high-risk age. How could that be?” I asked, knowing it was an ignorant question.   “Yes, you are at that age, and pregnancy is rare, but not impossible. You’re still fertile and healthy.” The doctor smiled as he checked something on the board. “You need to make an appointment with an obstetrician and they will check on you and give you instructions on how to take care of your pregnancy properly to avoid any complications.”   I smiled at him, not knowing what else to do. It was shocking, for sure, but I couldn’t say I wasn’t at least excited about having a baby.   After all that’s happened to me, God has given me yet another miracle

Vanessa    Today I was finally getting discharged, and I couldn’t be any happier. I was also glad the injuries were not severe, just a bruise on my face and a sore body. Alex got it worse than me and I still couldn’t believe how he was able to leave the hospital on the same day.    Not like he’s made of steel or whatever.    When Candice hung up the call, she told me what Clay had told her, and I was shocked. He stopped by the house yesterday to get my clothes after working, and when he arrived, Candice took Emily with her. They all needed a rest.    “I’m so glad to be going home today. Just one day in here and I was going crazy,” I said, honestly, as Clay helped me