Page 67 of Bluebird

15

Ialways loved Christmas in Fairleigh. When I was feeling well enough, I drove myself into town and wandered around Main Street, eyeing all the beautiful decorations the shop owners displayed year after year.It was truly special.

Each store had their own display and all of them were in competition to win ‘Best Christmas Window’. It was a marvellous idea. The streets were full of locals and out-of-towners, so it definitely helped with tourism.

I never went near Easton’s Tavern, but being a small town, it was certain I would run into Luke at some point. It was something I would have to get used to.

Stopping in front of Marty’s Hardware Store window display, I contentedly watched a miniature Christmas train zoom around a miniature town, quite similar to ours. It was gorgeous and it definitely won my vote. My hand brushed over my stomach, and my heart warmed to think by next Christmas I would be sharing this with my baby.

My joy was suddenly overtaken by intense pain rippling through my abdomen. I fell back onto a park bench and tried to breathe through it.

As the pain eased, I lifted my head and saw them coming. Nate and Amanda were strolling down the street, with Luke and Marni trailing behind hand in hand. I tried to get up in a panic, but collapsed when the pain returned with a vengeance. To my relief, they were too preoccupied with shop window displays to notice my distress.

Amanda spotted me first. “Hey Natalie. Good to see you up and about.”

“Hey.” I grimaced, trying my hardest to smile.

She narrowed her eyes and joined me on the bench, whilst Nate stopped in front of me. Marni gazed my way and scowled, before pulling Luke over to the next window.

“Are you okay?’ Nate asked, tilting his head to the side. “You look a little pale.”

My jaw tightened. “I’m fine, Nate. I’m just having a rest.”

Luke gazed past Marni’s shoulder and found my eyes. I drew in my breath and quickly glanced back at my brother.

Nate’s hands sat casually in his pockets, as he rocked on his feet. “We’re about to head to Easton’s. You should join us for a drink.”

I drew in a deep breath and smiled tightly. “No, I’m good. I’m just about to head home.”

“C’mon Nat, it’s Christmas,” he said with a wide grin.

Another sharp pain rocked me, and I blinked away the tears. “I said no!”

Amanda sucked in her breath and Nate flinched. “Jesus, Natalie, what’s going on with you?”

My lower lip quivered. “I’m sorry.”

Amanda gazed up at my brother, and softened her voice. “Nate, I think you should take Natalie home.”

“I’ll be okay, guys. I can drive. I just need a minute,” I assured.

Nate handed Amanda his car keys. “Go have a drink and I’ll meet you later.”

Amanda rubbed my back in a soothing gesture before standing to leave. She pecked Nate on the cheek and walked over to tell Luke and Marni what was happening.

Amanda and Marni continued down the street to Easton’s, but Luke didn’t budge. He stood motionless as he watched me, frozen like a deer in headlights.

“We’ll catch up for a beer later, okay?” Nate yelled out to him.

Luke blinked a few times and nodded, before Marni latched on to his side and spun him around, tugging at him to catch up. As Marni tried to slip her hand back into his, he callously pulled away and placed his hands into his pockets instead.

Nate plonked himself down next to me. “What’s going on, Nat? And don’t give me the same bullshit story Mum is running with.”

I sighed. “I’m just going through a bit of stuff right now, that’s all. Go have a beer, I’ll be fine.” I attempted to get up again, but yelped in pain.

“You’re far from fine, Natalie,” he uttered, easing me back onto the chair.

“Alright,” I sighed. “But you can’t tell anyone.”