Chapter 6: Pregnant

As I was about to leave, Dax actually walked out with me. He didn’t say anything on the walk, but it was unexpected. Maybe deep down he had a kindness to himself that he kept hidden.

Dax walked with me until we were just outside the building. He said, “This is where we part ways. I’ll probably see you again at some point during this.”

“Okay. I’ll see you around. Have a good night.”

I wasn’t sure why I added the last part. I couldn’t be mean to Dax though. Maybe if I was kind that would help make him kinder. Or it could be wishful thinking.

Dax left without another word and headed back to the building.

A sudden thought came to me. I wondered if there was something in Dax that was more than just work. He couldn’t just be a workaholic; he had to care about something else. Maybe in time, I’d see other parts of Dax. I was kind of intrigued by him.

I wasn’t sure why I was intrigued by him, however. I pushed it to the side when I reached my car. I couldn’t continue to think about such a closed off man.

I wondered if I’d have to frequently return to his building during this position. I knew I wasn’t done seeing Dax and felt an odd feeling go through my being.

It wasn’t as if I was attracted to him. Dax may have been very handsome, but he was not my traditional type of man. He wasn’t that open of a person that I’d want a relationship with him. I wasn’t wasting time with someone who held back like that.

The days went by quickly after my meeting with Dax. It was hard to believe that I was two weeks pregnant. I had gone through all the necessary medical procedures.

There was no doubt that I had the usual symptoms. My first sign was that I had missed my period. I was also going to the bathroom a lot more than I used to.

Sometimes I’d even wake up and have nausea come over me. I knew that more symptoms would come as I got further along.

It was nice to have to have the day off, so I could visit my sister. I had to tell her something really important and couldn't wait any longer to share it with her.

After I got to Lola’s apartment, I knocked on her door loudly. She looked a little better, since her hair was brushed and a hint of makeup was on her face. She was even wearing a cute sweater and leggings with colorful fuzzy socks.

Maybe her fear had lessened since I took my position. I hoped I was helping her not be so terrified each day. I didn’t like how my sister was being threatened to give money.

Lola greeted me cheerfully and said, “Hey Danica. What brings you here?”

She let me into her apartment and motioned for me to sit down. I could afford to spend time with her. Besides, work had been hectic for me recently.

“I wanted to talk to you about something urgent sis.”

Lola plopped down on the couch and said, “Sure, we can always talk about anything.”

“Well, I was wondering if you could delay payment to that gangster. At least until after the baby is born. Do you think that’d be possible?”

She thought for a moment and said, “I think I could do that. But I can’t meet up with him. That wouldn’t be smart.”

“God no! Just call him and say you need more time, but you’ll have the money ready by then.”

“Okay. I’ll do that today.” Lola looked at me with curiosity and said, “How’s your pregnancy going?”

“It’s fine so far. Just got some morning sickness and other usual symptoms.”

“Glad to hear it. I was a little worried that you’d be miserable.”

I smiled and said, “It’s not as bad as I thought it’d be. Just interesting to think I’m having a baby unmarried.” I added, “I always thought I’d be married when this happened, like mom was.”

Lola said, “Well, you could end up with a man. I’ve seen pictures of that hot CEO. You never know what could happen between you two.”

I shook my head and said, “Lola, this isn’t a fairy tale. This is the real world, and stuff like that doesn’t actually happen.” I added, “I don’t even like Dax in a romantic sense.”

Lola laughed and took a sip of her water bottle. I knew she was trying to hold back from asking more about Dax.

My sister had always been so curious about my love life since we were younger. I didn’t want to answer any further questions about Dax. He needed to be the last thing on my mind.

Suddenly I checked the time and realized I needed to get back to the apartment. I had left it a mess and wanted to get things organized before the crazy week ahead of me at work.

I told Lola, “I’ve got to go but I’ll see you around.”

“Okay. See you later.”

I left her apartment and went back to my car. I drove off pretty quickly and thought about what I had to do at home.

After I returned to my apartment, I turned off the car and got out. I grabbed my purse and headed for the stairs that went to my door on the second floor.

It suddenly had a weird feeling, like someone’s eyes were on me. I had to just be imagining things; when I looked around, I couldn’t see anyone else. I continued to keep walking and went into my apartment and locked the door. I was positive that I was just imagining things.