Conflict Of Interest (15 page)

“Good morning, baby.” I gave her a gentle kiss on her head.

Hours went by quick today and I didn't want it to end. She filled my life of whatever was missing from all these years. We got up and I was making coffee. I took my cup and walked over, standing in the window of the living room in a daze waiting for her to come out the bathroom. I felt her coming closer and she hugged me from the back and placed her hands around my waist. I hold her hands with mine as I looked down to them.

“When is your birthday, Natalia?”

“My birthday?”

“Yes, we asked each other so many questions but not that.”

“August,” she says softly.

“Well, mine is in June.”

“What day?” she asks excitingly since we are in the month of June. I turn around and we kept the same position.

“I was thinking of going away after graduation for a week. Just the two of us somewhere romantic and away from here. We can celebrate graduation and my birthday. What do you think, pretty girl?”

“I would love to.”

“Okay, I will set it up and let you know the date we leave.”

“I have to go shopping for bikinis and clothes,” she says, dancing around like a little girl on Christmas morning.

“I will take you and you can try them on for me.” I wiggle my eyebrows and she laughs.

It is the middle of the week already; where does the time go? I am bombarded by work. I push my paperwork to the side and start googling romantic places. There are so many to choose from, it’s overwhelming.

After an hour of searching, I think I have picked a destination for five days and four nights. I book it and pay for everything online. I can’t wait to tell Natalia the news. Or maybe I should keep it to myself and surprise her. I pick up my phone to send her a text.

Evan: Get ready. Tickets are reserved for our getaway in two weeks. Let the countdown begin…

I set my phone down and continue to sort through this huge pile of paperwork when my cell phone suddenly rings. I pick it up, looking to see an unknown number. I press reject so it can go directly to my voicemail. The phone rings again with the same unknown number, this time I answer it.

“Hello, Evan’s speaking.”

“Evan?” I hear a female’s frantic voice on the other end. I get up from my chair.

“Who is this?”

“Evan, it’s me, Alyssa.”

“Alyssa?” I ask confused.

“Natalia passed out at school and they took her to Saint Williams Hospital in an ambulance.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

Now Alyssa is on the verge of tears. “I don’t know, but can you pick me up and so we can both go to the hospital?”

“I’m on my way.” I click end. Millions of thoughts run through my head at this moment. I am angry at myself for not taking her to the doctor like I wanted. I leave the office immediately. I find Alyssa waiting out front of the school’s building. She hops in and I haul ass to the hospital.

We get there and I am out of my car running inside to find the front hospital desk. Alyssa is right on my heels.

“I need information on Natalia Day.”

“Yes, sir.” The lady behind the computer who looks to be ancient starts typing on the computer. She studies my face and I know she can sense that I am desperate for answers. I start giving her hurry the fuck up look.

“She just was transferred to floor three.” She stands up pointing. “Take the hallway all the way down and make a left for the elevators.”

Alyssa and I run to the elevators. As soon as we walk up, there is one opening. We jump in and I press the number three. Damn, this elevator is taking forever. Finally, it dings and we rush off down the hall when we run into another information desk.

There was a young nurse sitting, looking over a chart. She looks up at me. “How can I help?”

“I am here for Natalia Day. I need to see her now.”

She raises her hands and asks us to calm down. “She is in stable condition now and awake. Follow me I’ll take you to her room.”

Alyssa runs in front me, almost knocking the nurse over, straight to Natalia and hugs her. My heart suddenly feels some relief seeing her face. I was terrified for a bit there.

“Hey, bestie; are you okay?” Alyssa asks.

“Yes, I was fine one minute and then I don't know what happened.”

“You passed out at school and the ambulance was called. I called Evan right away; I got the number from your cell. I got so nervous I called from my phone instead of dialing straight from yours.”

Natalia shakes her head and I take a few steps forward, not talking, my eyes fixated on of her. Alyssa moves over and sits on the opposite side. I grab her hand with the IV and rub her knuckles.

“You look worried. Are you okay?” she asks with her angel face full of concern.

“Not now, but I need to know what's going on. I’m mad I wasn't there to protect you.” She smiles that smile that brightens the room. I hear someone at the door and look over to see the doctor and nurse walk in at that moment.

He shakes my hand, then Alyssa’s hand and introduces himself. “I am Doctor Green. Your blood results should be up in a few, your vitals are normal. How are you feeling right now?”

“I feel better. I think this is just stress.” She continues informing him about the graduation and her new job.

“You have a new job?” Alyssa interrupts in the background and we all turned to look her way.

The doctor starts talking again. “Okay, we will be back as soon the blood test comes back and you should be on your way out.” The doctor and nurse leave the room.

“What, did you forget to tell me, girl?”

Natalia giggles. “I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you. I got a job offer as soon as I graduate.”

“Yay!” Alyssa hugs Natalia.

I guess I was pacing back and forth because out of nowhere, I hear Alyssa yell, “Evan, sit down.”

“Come here, Evan.” Natalia reaches out her hand to mine. She pulls my hand so I have no choice, but to sit on the bed next to her. “Everything’s going to be okay. I bet its nothing that I can't fix.”

“How can you be so calm?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “I don’t know, but please try to calm down.”

“I am not until we hear something.”

Few minutes felt like a few hours. I’m pacing again and they are both staring at me. The wait is driving me crazy. I feel sweat starting to form on my forehead.

“Holy shit Evan stop! You’re making us nervous,” Natalia yells

The doctor walks and seems to be in good spirits. He must have just been laid. I’m glad he is having a fucking good day.

“I have news,” the doctor says with his raspy sound in his voice.

“Tell us,” I say.

He looks at me and says, “I will.” His eyes widen. “But I need both of you out of the room.”

“What? I’m her boyfriend.”

“That’s great, but you’re not her husband and by law, she needs privacy. You both can come in after and she can share if she chooses.”

I growl startling him a little. “Evan!” Natalia yells.

“Come with me, Evan.” Alyssa grabs my arms and pulls me out of the door. We stand outside the room and Alyssa decides to talk. “This is standard procedure. Before you know it, we will go inside and be on our way home with your girlfriend.”

It was a little after ten minutes before the doctor walks out but with not a so happy face like the one he walked in with. Alyssa and I look at each other and rush right in. We both stare at her lying on the bed. Her face was sad, but her eyes were saying something else.

“What’s up?” Alyssa asks, walking to the front of the bed. Her hands and fingers are joined together. “Why so quiet, bestie; you are killing us.”

Her eyes are back on me, not comprehending any of what Alyssa is saying. I sit in front of her.

“You said you love me right?” she asks in a small voice.

“My feelings for you haven't changed; on the contrary, it’s gotten deeper. This is the God’s honest truth. Now please, tell me what’s wrong.” I cup her face with a grip so she can see my feelings through my eyes. I needed her to feel it. I also had to ask, not caring if it’s the right time or not. “Do you love me? I want to hear you say it if you do.”

She looks into my eyes and says those words I have longed to hear. “I do love you, Evan, and what I’m about to tell you is going to change our lives.

I straighten up and wait for her to tell me what was wrong. Her eyes go teary and I freeze.

Natalia's POV

Chapter 25

As the doctors walk out the door, my life flashes before my eyes. I can’t believe this is happening. One minute, I am at the top of my game with my whole life ahead of me, and the next, I’m at stand still. All it took was one tiny mistake, one lapse of judgment. Is this the next chapter of my life? I stand there thinking of all the possible of outcomes, like is he truly the one? When I’m with him, I feel like there is no obstacle we can't overcome. Am I ready for this? Give up everything I’ve worked for?

“Do you love me?” That is all I hear from Evan while the room and the rest of my world are frozen.

I shake my head trying to pull myself out of this lull. I turn to Evan. “I do love you, Evan, and what I am about to tell you it’s going to change our lives.” His face turns from worried to confusion. I couldn't wait any longer. I need to say it out loud to take it off my chest and maybe feel some relief from all of this. Is this the right time, I ask myself? Fuck it; let’s go for it.

“I amm…” Letting the m carry so long it sounds like I am croaking, I finally stutter the rest of it out quickly, “pregnant.”

I couldn’t keep it under control any longer. I let my tears run down my face like a waterfall. I look over at Alyssa. I thought she was about to pass out. Her skin had no color and her mouth was wide open. She didn't say a word. I look over at Evan and he didn't look mad, he looked more dazed. “Did you hear me?” I ask.

“Yes, but can you repeat it again?”

I repeat myself and he gives me a smile and reaches his hand over to dry the tears running down my cheeks with his thumb. “Natalia, I am relieved, stunned, and excited. Don’t worry, baby. This is a good thing.” His voice was soft, sincere, and deep. He made me feel at ease like it was not a big deal. We are bringing a baby into this world, our world.

“Oh my God, Natalia.” Alyssa runs over after a minute of paralysis. She sits next to me. “How?”

“I think we all know how this happened,” I answer her.

“I mean, I know how but weren't you on the pill? Using Condoms?”

I lower my head and close my eyes. This can't be happening; maybe I can fix it and put an end to this pregnancy.

“When can I take you home?” Evan asks, sounding frustrated.

I don’t answer him and start to answer Aly’s question, “I haven't been on the pill for a long time since I wasn't having sex, and then I met Evan. It slipped my mind.”

Alyssa hugs me. “Well, I am here for you, girl, and we will all get through this. Get that look off your face like you can do something about it. This baby is a gift, you know.”

“I know, thanks for being here.”

I hear the door close as I look up at Alyssa and she unwraps from our hug. “Evan left,” I said.

“I sure as hell hope he just didn't walk out on you; let me go check.” Before Alyssa gets to the door, Evan enters the room.

“I went to check when can I take you out of here and the doctor is releasing you in a few. I will be back for you. I have to make a phone call to the office first.” Then he walks away.

“I can’t believe you are going to be a mommy.”

I pull the blanket off of me and stand up. I start to pin up my hair into a ponytail with the elastic band I had around my wrist. “I am not sure about this. I have to think about it.”

“Well, what is there to think about? The baby is in you already and Evan is still here. He hasn’t run away,” she says.

“I know; I am grateful about that. I love Evan.”

I turn to Alyssa and she smiles and says, “I know. He's good to you and that is the most important thing.”

“I can't even imagine what my parents are going to think. They are going to kill me,” I whine.

“Stop it. They will understand; I assure you.”

“Congratulations,” the nurse says as she enters the room. “Per doctor’s orders, we have to make an appointment for a followup, getting a prescription for your vitamins and determine your due date.” She smiles and I just nod my head. She looks me up and down, “You can get dressed now.” Then she turns and leaves.

The nurse leaves the room and we are both standing there like what the hell just happened. I was released and sent home a few minutes after that. I’m still in shock and so is Alyssa apparently. This is all happening too fast in my life. How can I deal with this overwhelming feeling inside of me? I run my hair through my hair; I have no idea, I say to myself.

Our ride was quiet and the air was stiff. It was honestly a little weird before dropping Alyssa off at her apartment. We don't really say much of anything. I am sure he is overwhelmed like I am. We finally make it home and almost run inside. I head over to the kitchen counter to get a much-needed drink like I am so used to doing.

Suddenly I feel his hand on mine, holding the bottle. I look up at him like what the hell is wrong with you? “You are not drinking with my baby inside of you. Did you forget?” I slightly nod my head. “I understand if you have been drinking, but from now on, there’s no more drinking.” He stares hard at me. I let the bottle go, for now. I walk over to the living room, feeling his gaze on my back the whole time.

“So now…” He starts to speak and I interrupt him.

“I think I want an abortion, Evan.”

I can hear him walk toward me. “What did you say?” His tone was deep. I turn around and saw his eyes full of anger. It scared me a little. I had never seen this look before. I have to move away. “Don't move, Natalia.”

“I think this is too fast, too soon.” I lower myself and sit on the couch while he is still standing in front of me. I began to cry and put my hands across my face. He didn't console me or say anything. He was waiting for me to calm down so I did. I look up and I saw his face completely blank.

“Stand up,” he demands.

I stand slowly and look up at him.

“Is this what you want? You want an abortion?”

“I don’t know what I want anymore, Evan. I am so scared; aren't you?”

“Shhh,” he says, embracing me. He hugs me gently like I was a porcelain doll about to break. “I know you’re scared,” he whispers. “I get it. We both are, but you are going to be the best mother in the world. This baby—” He rubs my belly, “—is the luckiest to have the best parents in his life.” He wipes my tears away with his hands. “Listen to me, Natalia. I could say the decision is yours, but I am not. I have no plans on leaving. We are going to do this together. If you have an abortion behind my back, I would never look back.”

I look at him standing there. “I should have been more careful.”

“It’s too late, so now we move on. This is a shock to me, too, but it’s a good shock.” He reaches over to hold hands and he smiles. I return the smile. “Come to me and give me a kiss.”

I couldn’t help it; I give him a quick kiss.

“Now, I am not going to tell you again. Kiss me better than that. Like I am your man.” He chuckles. “Now.” We kiss passionately like nothing exists in this world. Now the two of us are one.

“Dinner in or out?” he asks after he devours me.

“I’m not in the mood to go out so in will work.”

“Anything specific you would like?”

“No just grab whatever you’re eating.”

He leaves to get us dinner and I go to take a real hot bath. I need it after this long day. I prepare my hot bath and I dip my feet in first. The water was hot, but I took it like a champ; it felt good instantly. Not skin melting or anything of that sort.

This water feels relaxing; I close my eyes as I lay back against the tub. I feel a little lost in my mind, thinking of the baby, me, and Evan over and over again. How are my parents going to take this? My dad, who spends his whole life preaching to finish school and to marry later in life and to get your career settled first. My mom always said that kids can wait till later after you lived with your partner for a while.

What to do? Keep the baby and slow my life down? Or have an abortion, live life without Evan? Do I have the balls to do such a thing? I curl up in the tub and hold my legs toward my chest with my arms. I fall to the side and sob.

After minutes of blubbering like an idiot, I have exhausted myself. I have to get myself together. I can't be like this. After all, it is my fault for not taking extra precautions. I finish up in the bath, then dry myself and put on comfortable clothes.

My heart started racing and I almost forgot about work. I call my boss quickly to explain my situation. Luckily, she as very understanding saying that she would help in any way possible.

I hear the keys and door opening. “I’m back,” I hear Evan from the other room.

“Thank goodness because I’m hungry.”

“I hope you like steak and cheese sandwich with fries because that was what I got.” He serves me some on a plate, “Sit down and eat,” he demands. Can he be any sweeter, I say to myself. I dig in this sandwich like I have not eaten in days. It tastes so cheesy and so delicious. I lick my lips after every juicy bite.

I happened to look at Evan and see his face was full of surprise. “What?”

“Nothing, I was enjoying seeing you eat that steak like a wild carnivore. You didn’t even stop to take a breath.”

I laugh. “This is so good; stop looking and eat yours.”

“I will as soon you stop making those noisy sounds after every bite.” He laughs.

We spend the rest of the afternoon together on the sofa watching TV shows cuddled up. We fell asleep on the couch and I wake up in my bed. Well, my alarm woke me up. I look over to Evan to see him still asleep.

I roll over, lean against his back, and reach his ear. “Good morning, baby.”

He replies the same with his deep morning voice. He turns around to face me and my chin rests on the back of my hand on his chest. He stares at me like I am his whole world. He smiles and caresses my hair.

“What are you thinking?” I ask.

He hesitates a little but he finally says, “I want this, I want us, and our baby. I want you. You and the baby have my heart; I want to have yours completely.”

He rolls me over and this time he is on top so fast I let out a scream. “You graduate next week. The baby is not due for another 8 or 9 months. You move in with me in the meantime. You don’t have to work; I want to take care of you. What do you think?”

We look into each other’s eyes intensely. No words are spoken out loud, but they are speaking loudly through our touch. That was the moment I decided to keep Evan’s and my baby.

We both went on about our day and agreeing to spend the night over at his house. Soon to be ours, he keeps saying. That is the least of my worries right now. I have too many other things I need to do and worry about first.

The next afternoon, Alyssa and I went to walk around the park to enjoy the cool, beautiful weather today plus get some exercise in. “I’m sending resumes to every company there is in Manhattan,” she says.

“I will find out if they are hiring for something close in what your degree is in at my job,” I tell her. She studied business marketing so there should be plenty of options for her.

“How are you and the new baby deal?” she asks me, giving me a warm smile.

“Well, I have decided to keep it. Evan is all for it and for us. He wants me to move in and take it from there,” I explain to her everything we spoke about yesterday. “The only problem and big deal is how and when I am going to tell my parents.”

“Oh wow,” she says. “Don't worry; they are pretty good with things like this.” She stops walking and then turns to me. “But I do have an idea. Call them up and ask them out for dinner and take Evan with you to spill the beans. If they try to kill you, well Evan would be there.” She laughs.

I smack her shoulder. “Oh my God, Alyssa.” I shake my head and roll my eyes. She is right in a way. I think I will go to them with Evan. Kill two birds with one stone. The question is when?

We finish our walk and go our separate ways. She went home and I went to mine. I wanted to call my mom when I got home. I take my cell and dial her number. She answers on the first ring.

“Hey, Natty. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Mom. We are getting ready for your graduation and I want to take you to dinner afterward.”

“I can’t wait,” I answer her. I had to perk up my tone so she didn’t notice something was going on and she would bombard me with an interrogation.

I couldn't tell her that I needed to talk to her then and there. I will wait till another time. I spoke to my dad a little and then we ended our conversation.

My phone rings to a text and I check it; it is from Evan. Automatically, I smile.

Evan: Don't forget you’re spending the night. I am in a rush to see you soon and have you all to myself.

Nat: I want to be in your arms already. That is home to me. See you soon.

That is exactly how he makes me feel. Like the most priceless possession he has.