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“I wasn’t expecting you back in New York so soon. I’m sorry it didn’t go like you hoped.”
“You can say ‘I told you so’ again, if you want,” I muttered.
“Oh, no! Did it get worse after our call?”
“Yep. Much worse.”
“I take it things didn’t smooth over with your parents then.”
I shook my head solemnly.
“I’m so sorry, Heart.”
“I had to get out of there. My mother. God. She’s just so cold. It’s like I can’t even remember who she was when I was growing up because who she is now has tainted everything.”
“And your dad?”
“The same pushover he’s always been.” I sighed. “However, he did surprise me. He stood up to her and drove me back to the airport. At least he’s better than my mom. I just really thought we could make things better, but I was living in some sort of dreamland. They will never accept me or support my choices. Especially not now. Having a child out of wedlock is my mother’s worst nightmare.”
“Well, she needs to get with the times. It’s not the fifties anymore.” Monica rolled her eyes.
“True, but I did really make a mess of my life.”
“But you have a beautiful baby in there who loves you and needs you,” said Monica, placing her hand on my bump.
“I felt her. Him. It. Kick.”
“Shut up!” said Monica excitedly.
“Mhmm. Last night. It was like they were telling me I wasn’t alone in this.”
“You’re not.”
I leaned my head on her shoulder as we weaved slowly through traffic, until we were in front of my apartment. Even though I had only been gone for one day, it felt like so much had happened that a year might as well have passed. I was exhausted. Between traveling and the unexpected hospital visit, I just wanted to lie down and pass out.
While I paid the driver, Monica grabbed my suitcase from the trunk and waited for me on the curb. When we entered the building, I saw Edna hanging some papers on the community bulletin board. She turned around and when she saw me, her eyes immediately traveled to my bump.
“Oh, my God. You’re pregnant?” she exclaimed loudly.
I realized I hadn’t bothered to cover it up, like I had been for the past few months. Really, I had grown so much bigger that there wasn’t really a way to hide it now. I didn’t see the point.
“You know it’s rude to assume,” said Monica coolly.
“It’s okay, Monica. Yes, Edna. There’s a bun in the oven.”
“Whose is it?” she asked, raising a brow.
“It’s also rude to ask that question,” snapped Monica, crossing her arms.
“It’s that guy in the suit, isn’t it?” said Edna excitedly, clearly ignoring Monica. “He is so handsome. And rich too, I bet. I was wondering where all those packages were coming from. It all makes sense now.”
Edna kept talking, basically to herself at that point, but I didn’t confirm any of her assumptions.
“I’m really tired, Edna,” I muttered, looking toward the stairs.
“Oh, of course. Of course, sweetie. Go on now. Let me know if you need anything. Chocolate. Crackers. Tea.”
“Thank you.” I nodded.