Page 85 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Casey***

A baby. Ethan’s baby, growing inside me. I’m getting used to

the idea. I won’t need his shirt anymore because I’ll have an actual part of

him with me… forever. I wonder if his mother knew, would she still push me

away? It is her grandchild, after all. I lay my palm flat on my stomach

as I stare up at the moon. It’s not full yet, but I figured my situation

warrants a quiet, moon-watching night. Is it a boy or girl? What will I name

him or her? If it’s a boy, I’d love to name him Ethan. Ethan Jr.—everyone

would probably call him EJ. If it’s a girl, definitely Katherine, after my mom.

Girl or boy, I hope the baby has his eyes. I feel the little flutter in my

tummy and wonder if this is what it’s always been—the baby. The thing is, it

only seems to happen when Ethan is around.

A sound comes from the bushes, and I turn to see if Sheriff

has come to visit. When he emerges, I sit cross-legged, smiling at him as he

trots over. I reach out to pet him, and he excitedly licks my palm.

“Hey, boy.”

His ears perk up, and he looks around before circling me

carefully. He looks around once again then lies down tentatively, placing his

head in my lap.

“It’s just you and me, boy. And look.” I point to my face. “For

once, I’m not crying.”

Panting, he gazes up at me, his tongue hanging out of his

mouth.

“I mean, I could be, but I’m not. I have this situation… but

I’ve decided to look at it in a good light… a blessing.” He cocks his head to

the side as if waiting for me to continue. “You’re a good listener, you know

that?”

He whimpers as I run my fingers through his fur and lean

close. I wonder if he was someone’s pet before. He’s so tame and… smart.

“Wanna know a secret? You can’t tell anyone, okay?” His

ears perk up once more, and he wags his tail. “Got your attention, did I? Well,

I’m….”

He jerks his head toward the bushes, but when I look up, I

see nothing. Jumping to his feet, he whimpers, looking at me then back to the

bushes. Something’s happening, and I don’t know what, but it seems like he

needs to go.

“Go on. I’ll tell you another time.”

When he runs off into the trees, I pick up my blanket and

head inside. I can’t be sitting outside all night anymore. I do have a

baby to think about.