Page 31 of Storm

With that in mind, I lift my shirt and dry my face, then give her a forced smile as Vance joins us, immediately sitting next to us on the floor. As odd as he is socially, he’s really a thoughtful guy.

“Okay, just need needed to get that out. Now, I’m going to go in there, piss on a stick to confirm what we already know, then I’ll make an appointment with my doctor.”

Vance simply hands me the bag, which I have to force myself to take, then gives me a little smile in support. Susanna still seems shocked, probably more than I am if I’m being honest, so I leave them to shut myself in my bathroom.

Quickly reading the instructions, I wash my hands again, then follow the steps. As soon as I’m finished, I set it on the counter and plant my butt on the edge of my tub to wait. I’d prefer not to go back out there, not when I can hear Vance’s poor attempt to whisper and Susanna shushing him a few times.

One thing I do know, I shouldn’t have blocked everyone from that weekend. I’ll have to figure out a way to get in contact with someone once I have confirmation from my doctor. I know what Tatum and Ezra do for jobs, but I don’t know where they work, so finding them will prove to be difficult. Honestly, my best bet would be either Kevin Cooper or Richard Leigh. Kevin would be easier. I just hate the idea of calling the police station to tell the captain, “Hey! So, remember me? Oh good, because I’m having your baby, maybe. Or one of the other three men you’re friends with.”

I shudder as I think about delivering that same message to Richard, the ass. As much as I’d rather not, it’s the right thing to do. He has the right to decide what path he takes, and I won’t push him. Honestly, chances are this potential baby is his or Tatum’s, well, or Ezra’s, but Richard was the one who insisted on not pulling out.Ever.

The alarm startles me, dread sinking into my heart. Turbulent feelings overwhelm me as I stand and wipe my sweaty palms over my leggings. I don’t want to be pregnant because I’m not in a place to do this right now, not with all my plans for myfuture. But a tiny part of me feels full with the idea of growing a precious little life. A piece of me and who will be all mine to love.

Quickly wiping away a tear that falls from my eye, I sniff and pick up the test.

Positive.

Shuddering in a deep breath, I straighten my clothes and check myself over in the mirror. I do look tired, and now I know why. My work and school schedule have never affected me before. I’m used to long hours and hard work.

I won’t let this slow me down until it’s absolutely necessary. Slipping my test back into the wrapper, I drop it into my trash and roll my neck from side to side to ease the tension in my muscles. With one more look at myself in the mirror, I nod my head and turn away to head back out to Vance and Susanna who are waiting for me.

“Positive,” I tell her the moment I’m back in the living room. To signal I’m not keen on talking about it more, I bend over and pick up my friend’s discarded clothes on the floor and start folding them. “Do you have a box for your clothes already, or should I get one going?”

I snap a sweatshirt to straighten it, then fold it a bit more aggressively than I need to. Susanna clears her throat and points to a box near where she was sitting early.

“Well, that’s unexpected,” Vance mutters unhelpfully.

Flicking my eyes toward him, I catch Susanna lightly smacking his arm. “Very,” I clip out. “Turns out, that’s what happens when you have sex.”

“Miri,” Susanna calls and I shake my head at her to signalnot now. She nods and asks Vance to grab some packing materials from his car. As soon as he’s gone, she asks, “Do you want me to not do this? I can stay here with you.”

“Absolutely not. You will not upend your life because my body decided it was going to defy medical odds and knock me upafter diligently taking my birth control. Women across the world have babies all the time. I’ll be fine.”

She’s silent for a moment before finally asking, “Are you going to tell them?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “I’m not sure who I’ll talk to first, but I’ll let them know.”

Thankfully, she doesn’t ask or say anything else, and we work in silence for another hour before my emotions completely drain the rest of my energy. Her other two boyfriends have arrived, but neither Chester nor Theo mention the news to me. I assume Vance or Susanna gave them a head’s up, which I appreciate.

“Are you okay if I take a little break?” I ask, feeling completely deflated and defeated. “I need to lie down,” I add, then don’t wait for permission before dragging my heavy feet to my room.

Shutting the door behind me, I lay on my side to stare out my window until exhaustion eventually forces my lids to fall shut.

CHAPTER 15

MIRIAM

Sitting at my desk with the folder from my obstetrician filled with pamphlets and forms to fill out at my side, I open my computer to finally connect with the guys.

I debate who I should try first and settle on Tatum. Of everyone there, he seemed to be the friendliest and easy to talk to. The peacemaker of the group. Comfortable with that idea, I begin searching on social media.

Tatum Cadelle is a very unique name, so it’s only a minute before I’m staring at his profile picture. A picture which shows a years younger Tatum Cadelle. Glancing at the date, I purse my lips when I see the date of his last post or photo upload. It’s been over three years with no activity.

Not wanting to feel defeated, I send him a friend request and a message anyway.

Hi Tatum,

I’m hoping you’ll remember me, but this is Miriam, the girl from the cabin two months ago. Funny thing, I might have blocked, then deleted all of your phone numbers, never thinkingI’d have to get in touch with you again. You know, because you guys were complete assholes, but here we are.

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