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Asher is out of town again, for the entire week no less, and Bug is either depressed about it or is rethinking her decision to attend school rather than do it online. She’s left the confines of her room even less than normal these past few days, not even to hang out with Christian.
Browsing through Truman’s Grocery, I’m wondering what food I can get to lure Darla to the dinner table. Ever since the urn incident, she seems to have a bit of a softer side when it comes to the babies, but that doesn’t necessarily extend over to me. When Asher is around, she’s cordial at best, but when he’s not, she keeps her distance. We live in the same house, but the two of us might as well be worlds apart.
“Allie!”
I turn away from the rotisserie chickens to see Ava Criss pushing her cart over. Instinctively, I try to camouflage my belly the best I can, but at twenty-four weeks, it’s pretty much a losing battle.
Her eyes never stray from my baby bump as she approaches. “Wow, I haven’t seen you in a while. You look great.”
Don’t touch your stomach, Allie, I repeat over and over in my bead. Don’t touch your stomach.
It’s a habit all pregnant women have. And it’s really, really hard not to do it, especially since one of the babies is jabbing me in the ribs right now.
“Thanks. So do you. I love your new highlights.”
“I’m trying different things out. Trevor’s coming home early next year. I’ve started working out and eating right.”
“It shows. You look fantastic.”
She moves a few things around in the top of her cart. “It’s going to be strange having him home all the time. For seven years, we’ve never had more than a few weeks together. And that doesn’t even count when he was away at college. It’s exciting and scary at the same time. What if he’s changed? What if I have?”
I step closer and put a hand on her forearm. “Ava, you and Trev have been together since you were, what, thirteen? You guys are perfect for each other. Sure, life experience may have changed how you perceive the world, but not who you are inside.”
She nods. “You’re right. I’m being silly.” She eyes my stomach again. “And with any luck, by this time next year, I might look like you do now.”
“Hopefully you won’t be quite this big.”NowI touch my belly. “Carrying two is no picnic.”
“You make it look easy. And I’d carry an entire litter if it meant getting to be a mom.”
I laugh. Then wince when one of the babies stomps on my bladder.
Her eyes go wide. “Are they moving?”
“I think the boy is dancing on my bladder.”
“Can I?... Would you mind?”
Ava and I aren’t the closest of friends, more like we’re in each other’s outer circles. She and her friend group are older than me and my friend group. But we’re tied together by a lot of people. And her best friend is married to my brother. Which is why she was there when I told everyone about Christopher.
I grab her hand and put it where the baby is moving.
Tears flood her eyes. “I’ll never get over this. I think it’s the thing I crave the most, feeling life inside me.”
“With Trevor being home full-time soon, I’m sure it will happen.”
“Well, I’m not getting any younger, and it can’t happen soon enough. It amazes me how easily some people get pregnant.”
“I’m sorry. You must hate me.”
“God, no. I envy you. But Allie, I’m happy for you. Believe me when I say that. Especially after what you’ve gone through.” Her jaw goes slack. “Oh my gosh, I really felt that one.”
“I think the girl is doing flips and the boy isn’t happy about it.”
“You know which one is which?”
I nod and move her hand lower. “She’s more down there. He’s on top. They’ve pretty much been like that the whole time.”
She scoffs. “Typical guy, wanting to be king of the hill.”