But my body has other plans. I drop my purse on the ground and run back to the bathroom. I can’t believe there is anything left to get rid of, but my body finds a way.
I reach for my phone and send a text to the only person who knows about me and Roman.
I need you.
What’s wrong???
Can you come over here now … with pregnancy tests?
Her response is immediate.
On my way.
I clean myself up the best that I can—brushing my hair and my teeth before I change into fresh clothes. I opt for jeans and a baggy T-shirt.
I unlock the front door, tell Jessie to come on in when she gets here, grab a water bottle, and lie on the couch as I wait.
It’s like time stands still. It’s the longest thirty minutes of my life as I lie here and think of all the worst-case scenarios. My business crumbling because I can’t keep up with it and a baby. Roman hating me forever, bitterly sending money, but telling me he wants nothing to do with me or the baby.
Jessie comes dashing through the door, just in time to save me from my self-destructive thoughts.
“I’m here,” she shouts.
“Over here on the couch,” I reply as I sit up slowly, hoping my stomach will remain settled.
She throws the convenience store bag on the coffee table, drops down on the couch next to me, and throws her arms around me.
I blink away the tears that threaten to spill over. If I start now, I won’t stop.
Jessie pulls away. “Okay. Tell me what’s going on.”
“I woke up this morning and threw up. At first, I didn’t think anything of it. Just figured I was sick. Then my birth control pill reminder went off. When I went to go take the pill, I realized that I had just finished my last placebo pill and hadn’t bled at all.”
“Hmm. That is … suspicious timing when you put both no period and being sick together.”
The tears win out and begin to run down my cheeks. “I know,” I cry. “I don’t know how it could have happened. I’m on the pill. It’s always worked. I take it at the same time every day.”
She places her hand on my back and begins to run soothing circles. “Before we go there, let’s take the test. Okay?”
I nod my head. “I need to finish this water first. I puked up everything earlier. I don’t think I can pee right now.”
“Ugh, I’m going to have to ask you to refrain from puking in front of me. I will be of no help if I witness that.”
I chuckle at her dramatics. “Got it. Just stay out of the bathroom, and you’ll be safe. I’m feeling better now.”
“While we wait, can I get you anything?”
My stomach is empty, and I’m starting to feel hungry. “Can you maybe grab me a granola bar?”
“On it,” she replies, then leaves and comes back with a bar. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.”
I open the bar and start to eat it slowly, the taste not making me feel nauseous this time.
“What’s been going on with you?” I ask, in desperate need of a distraction.
“I saw your stupid brother at the courthouse the other day,” she says so nonchalantly.