Page 10 of The Secrets that Surround Us

This one is dark gray instead of blue. But the paint has chips in it. The surrounding yard is still rough. I can tell that this house needs more work than the one Alex owns. There are a few boxes sitting on the porch by the front door.

I take a deep breath. “It’s okay.”

When I notice another car in the driveway, my breathing picks up once again. “It’s probably Dexter’s,” I mutter to myself, trying to reassure myself. Hazel breaks through my thoughts when she singsongs, “Welcome to my home. Are you ready?”

Grabbing my purse from the floor by my feet, I turn to open the door, but Hazel stops me when she puts her hand on my arm. “One thing you need to know first, Fiona. I called Alex when we were at the hospital. He doesn’t know about everything, but I asked him to come here.”

I swallow audibly and nod. “It’s okay. Just because I’m scared to tell him doesn’t mean he doesn’t get to know.”

Summoning strength that I’m not sure I really possess, I push the car door open. Getting out, I fill my lungs with fresh air. Hazel comes up behind me and wraps her arm around my shoulders. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Feeling the sincerity in her words, I reach up and squeeze her hand. I’m so thankful to her. Growing up, I only had a few friends living in Rose Valley and they had to meet my parents’ requirements. Any friend or even acquaintance or just anyone I could talk to had to be a part of the church, leaving me with a tiny pool to choose from. My parents believed everything should revolve around the church.

As I grew up, I refuted the church’s teachings, causing me to drift away from everyone. When I told my parents that I wanted to be a photographer, they laughed at me, telling me it was just a phase. I knew it bothered my dad that I wasn’t following the path of the church and taking my own, but becoming pregnant, that was the ultimate sin and way too far from the plan.

Hazel was the only person who I had some type of friendship with, and I use that word loosely. She was more of a client, but I thought maybe since she knows Alex, it gave me the courage to ask her for help. But now standing here on her porch knowing that he’s on the other side of the door, I’m not sure if I can do this.

“You can do this.” Hazel pulls my hand as she opens the front door and walks over the threshold. Here we go, ready or not.

“Dexter, I’m back!” she yells into the house as we walk into the living room.

“We’re in the kitchen.”

Sweat beads on my forehead. He said we, which means most likely Alex really is here. I can’t believe I’m about to do this. Keeping a swift pace, I try to keep up with her, but I end up trailing behind her as we enter the kitchen. Hazel drops my hand, and immediately runs over to Dexter, giving him a hug and kiss. My gaze never leaves them as my heart fills with warmth. I love how much they show their love to one another. A small smirk touches my lips when I hear a throat clearing, bringing my attention to the other man in the room, who is standing in a heathered gray V neck shirt that molds perfectly to his body. His hands are in the pockets of his jeans with his shoulders hunched over. Is Alex nervous? When our eyes connect, he mutters, “Hey Fiona.”

“Hey, Alex.” Feeling unsure of myself, I play with the strap of my purse in my hands, giving myself something to focus on rather than the fact that I’m about to change this man’s life.

Chapter seven

Alex

Keeping my hands in my pockets instead of grabbing Fiona like I want to, is harder than I thought it would be. I take her in. She doesn’t look well. Her clothes are baggy and hanging off her, telling me she’s lost weight. Her skin looks paler than the last time I saw her, and there are deep dark circles under her eyes. It’s obvious that something is going on with her, and I need to know what. But whatever it is, I want her to tell me in her own time. I don’t want to push her too hard.

I stay right where I stand in the corner of the kitchen, but I need to make my presence known to Fiona. When I clear my throat, her eyes connect with mine instantly, and I slightly jerk as if I’ve been struck by lightning. I watch Hazel as she walks over to Fiona, placing her hand on her shoulder. They look at each other and seem to have some type of silent conversation. When she nods, Fiona swings her gaze over to me. “Can we talk? I have something I need to tell you.”

A knot forms in my throat and nod. What does she want to talk about? She says nothing else. She just turns and leaves, heading to the living room. I follow her, and sit down on the couch. So many thoughts run through my head as Fiona paces back and forth, hypnotizing me. What could she want to tell me?

Shit, I forgot how beautiful she is. Her dark hair is up in a messy bun instead of down. Even in baggy clothes that are hanging off of her, she’s the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever seen. Maybe she’s been feeling this void in her chest like I have. I don’t know how many times I’ve thought about contacting her. But the fear of commitment and her judgment has kept me from going after what I want. Just like everything else, there’s always something that holds me back.

“Alex, I’m just going to come out and say this.” She pauses and wrings her hands together. Whatever this is must be big. She stays silent for a few moments, but I can see the wheels in her head turning.

“I was at the hospital today because I fainted, and they told me…” She trails off as she stares into the space behind me. My thoughts run rampant. Why would she have fainted? What tests did they run? And how does this all have to do with me? Softly encouraging her to continue I ask, “Are you okay?”

At first, she says nothing. She just stares out the window. “I’m pregnant.”

I stand and ask the first thought that springs to my mind, “Are you sure, Fiona? I clearly remember you saying you were on birth control.”

Placing her hands on her hips, she glares at me. “Yes, asshole, weren’t you listening? I just came back from the doctors. I assume they know what they’re talking about.”

The moment that she confirms it, I can hear a ringing sound in my ears as my vision starts to blur. My body sways when my entire world tilts.

“Alex,” my brother calls my name in a sharp tone, and I can hear someone in the background sobbing.

Opening my eyes, I stare at the ceiling of my brother’s house. How did that happen? Wasn’t I just standing?

“What happened?” Dexter’s voice demands from whoever else he is in the room.

“I’m not sure. I told him I was pregnant, and then he passed out,” a voice that sounds like Fiona’s sobs out.

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