Page 19 of Pretty Little Disaster

“Not that I know of… You know what I mean.” She’s getting frustrated again.

“I guess I feel kind of powerless to all this. I need to know what I’m up against,” I admit, tapping my fingers on the wheel when we hit traffic.

“Youfeel powerless?” She laughs sarcastically. “Nic, in the past twenty-four hours, I’ve moved in with you, quit my job, and had my car taken away. That's a lot of change for one person to make. And last I checked, I’m the one up against this. I’m the one who can taste metal every time I swallow. I’m the one throwing up andI’mthe one who is going to get fat. Oh, and guess who gets to push the human out at the end of all that and is scared to death because she watched a video on YouTube that she now can’t unsee?” She finally takes a breath once her rant is finished.

“Feel better?” I check.

“Yeah.” She looks a little surprised as she nods back at me.

“You want to go to Macey’s and pick up some of those sports bras?”

“Absolutely.” She turns her head back to focus on the road and keeps it held high as I drive on.

LORNA

SIX WEEKS LATER

Istep out of my bedroom and see Nic resting on the couch, studying the latest scan picture we got from Dr Walsh’s office this afternoon.

“You still looking at that thing?” I laugh to myself as I pick up my purse and check I’ve got everything I need.

“It’s just incredible to see how much it’s changed in such a short time. It was just a blob before. Now, it’s a blob with arms, legs, and a nose that kind of looks like Uncle Franco from my mother’s side.” He turns the image on its side. “No wonder you’ve been needing to sleep all the time.” He looks up and his confused expression changes to shock when he sees me standing in front of him. “Where the hell are you going dressed like that?” he asks, straightening himself up.

“Some of my college friends are getting together for a few drinks, and since I’m starting to feel a little more human, I’m going to join them.” I start making my way toward the door.

“Hold up.” He races after me. “What bar and what friends?” His eyes look down at the thighs I have on display.

“Not that it concerns you, but I’m going to Sceptre in Manhattan and like I said, I’m going with some guys from college.”

“Okay, let's straighten this out. This absolutelydoesconcern me because where you go, my baby goes too and when you say college guys, are we talkingguysor girls?” Up to now, we haven't had to face many challenges, Nic’s been a little overbearing but at the same time, caring and considerate. He’s been occupied with whatever work he does for Dario and I’ve been too tired to even think about going anywhere other than college. I have a feeling this is going to be our first test.

“A mix,” I answer him, moving to step around him and being immediately blocked by a side-step.

“I don’t think you should be going to a bar, especially a busy one like Sceptre; it’s Friday night, and there’s going to be a lot of drunk people, what if you get pushed around?”

“Nic, it’s sweet that you're worried about us, but we’ll be fine. Besides, I was going to use tonight as an opportunity to tell them all the news” I smile, hoping that he’ll move out of my way so I can get going.

“I’m sorry but I can’t let you go.” He crosses his arms and stands firm.

“Let me?Let me?!” I almost choke. “Nic, this is the first time in weeks that I’ve felt up to doing anything other than sleep or be sick, and yes, I may be pregnant with your child but that doesn’t mean you get to dictate what I can and can’t do.” I shove him out of the way and start moving toward the door again, this time he doesn’t stop me, he picks up his keys and follows me. I wait until I get to the elevator before I turn around and question him.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m coming with you. If you insist on taking my baby to a bar, dressed like that, I’m going to have to come along.” Heshrugs and instead of allowing his immature behavior to stir a reaction out of me, I take a deep, calming breath and smile.

“Fine, I’ll cancel my cab, you can drive me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He holds back the elevator doors when they open and gestures for me to step inside.

Nic was right, it really is busy in here, the bass from the music is so loud I feel it vibrating through my whole body and can’t help wondering if the baby can feel it too.I’m sure Nic would know.

I keep my hand pressed over my tummy, protectively, as we move through the crowds toward the booth where my friends are.

“Lorna, you brought a friend.” Cass’s eyes light up when she sees Nic, who’s far too busy scouting the joint like he’s working for the FBI.

“Kind of.” I shrug, taking the seat beside her while Nic stands close beside me, trapping me in the booth and acting like a human barrier.

“You gonna introduce us to your bodyguard.” Our friend, Wes, looks him up and down while Jonah does what he always does, and remains unfazed.

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