Page 8 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

Is that really important right now? Besides, I’ve always liked it long.

My fingers start to hurt, and I realize I’ve been gripping the back of the chair so tightly, my knuckles are white. I ease my grip, trying to keep my breathing slow and even.

It’s okay. He’s just here for Bae or something. He’s not the one… he can’t be the one—

Jack is the last person to walk through the door. There is no one else.

Fuck! ItisJenks. It’s really Jenks!

My blood seems to run cold, and time stops for me. I’m in a tiny bubble where everything is surreal and slowed down while the rest of the world gallops on, leaving me behind.

“Yes, of course,” Jenks says, very clearly. I realize I’ve been staring straight at him for a few minutes while the entire conversation has taken place above my head.

I turn around quickly, my cheeks flaming. Knowing Jenks is behind me is a horrible feeling. I feel better keeping him in sight, but staring at him definitely isn’t doing me any good.

“That’s great,” Amanda says, smiling.

I clasp my hands together and try to pretend I know exactly what they are talking about.

“So, we’ll meet there around eleven,” Bae says. “Thanks for getting this so well worked out, Amanda.”

“My pleasure,” she answers, smiling. “We want as many happy occasions as we can get!”

“Agreed,” Bae says, smiling back. “Jenks, do you have anything to say to your bride?”

I turn around slowly, raising my eyes to his. He doesn’t smile, and it’s a shame because his broad, almost manic smile is one of his best features. Without it, he looks like someone slowly dying in a Renaissance painting.

“No, nothing to add,” he says, his voice surprisingly even. “I’m pleased with how this all worked out.”

Does he even recognize me?

“Great,” Bailey affirms, looking relieved. “We’ll head out to your place now and let Carla know. She’s got food and decorations ready; we just weren’t sure of the venue yet. We often do these at Shelley’s.”

“No, I’m good having it at mine,” Jenks says firmly. “My place has always been the party spot since way back in high school. Besides, I want to have a celebration to… I mean, to—”

Jenks visibly struggles and looks down at the ground. My chest tightens, and I feel a sudden warmth in my heart despite myself.

What’s wrong with him? He looks so upset all of a sudden.

Jack claps Jenks on the shoulder comfortingly. “You want to make good memories, don’t you? That’s all any of us want.”

Jenks nods, still not speaking. I still have high anxiety about the situation, but I’m fiercely curious now as well.

I’ve never seen him display that much emotion before. Maybe he’s changed.

Don’t bet on it.

The boys leave, and I turn back to the table, feeling numb. The girls start talking about the ceremony and details like the dress, but I barely pay attention. A screaming panic deep in my bones begs me to run, but I can’t.

The wedding is organized. I’ve committed myself, and the other witches aren’t ready yet. I have to do this…

Beyond that, I’m intrigued by the softness I saw in Jenks’s eyes. I can’t remember a time he cared about anything. An intense curiosity is growing inside me that I have to satisfy.

The meeting wraps up, and I end up going to Lucy’s. Since we returned from the canyon, I’ve lived with my sister, but now I know I have to let go of my old life. By the time we pick up my stuff and get settled back at Lucy’s place, I’m so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open.

Once my head hits the pillow, though, I can’t sleep. I curl up into a ball, wrapping the blanket tightly around myself in a little cocoon. My heart pounds and my lungs ache.

I can’t do this! But I can’t back out, either! Fuck!

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