Page 57 of Abel

“She’s got her life planned out to the T. I’m talking, graduate by the time she’s twenty-four, have a job in the art field for two years, take time off to travel and explore the world, find new art to share and inspire her to create some of her own.”

“Fuck, and a kid fits nowhere into that plan of hers.”

“Not exactly, but she’s made some adjustments to make sure it will all work out in the end.” He says, moving to a bookcase on the other side of me, drumming his fingers along some of the books sitting on the shelf. “I’m going to help her.”

“Where are her parents? Does she have any family?”

His face damn near turns green like he’s gonna be sick. “She’s gonna kill me for telling you, but I think you mean well. Her mother left, her father wasn’t there for her because he was convinced she wasn’t his kid and Miss Hattie, her grandmother, raised her.” He stops fingering those books and turns around to face me with a sad expression on his face. “She died last year, and now she’s convinced she’s all alone. More so after that asshole, Jake, broke up with her.”

“Who the fuck is Jake?”

“I’ve said too much. Please, don’t ask me any more questions because sometimes I don’t know when to shut up.” He nervously looks around like someone’s gonna jump out and grab him.

“I want something out of the deal.” I mumble, rising from the chair

“What?”

I stride to where he stands, grabbing him by the shoulders. “I want her to meet me, to talk to me. I need to know why she left me.” I take my hands off him, but my eyes never leave his as I say, “I know that baby is mine.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ivy

June/July 2023

God, this feels amazing.

My creativity has been suffering tremendously since I found out I was pregnant. I haven’t been able to put my mind to drawing anything worthy of being shown in even the shabbiest of galleries.

But today, today my brush collected the paint on her fine, little tips, begging to spread her ink on my canvas like the dirty, little slut she is. My hands wrapped tightly around the handle, her very own hand necklace. I loved the way she felt there, letting me control her every move.

This was what I’ve been missing, and I knew the reason behind my sudden burst of inspiration.

Abel.

Ever since our first appointment and every one, after that, he’s all I think about. Each time we meet, it’s like our first time all over again, except without all the hot sex. It’s like playing twenty-one questions each visit.

So, here I am, waiting to have an ultrasound… Again. They were so close the last time, but Bug led everyone on a wild goose chase and still didn’t cooperate. “Alright, Bug, today is the day. You’ve got to act right so I can know what to call you. Alright?”

I feel a little kick, like they’re agreeing with me. Lifting my shirt, I sit back on the cold table, chill bumps erupt across my skin from the cold AC blowing my way. I use the blanket at the edge of the table to toss over my legs, trying to keep myself warm just a bit when suddenly the door pops open.

The room seems to light up when he walks in, eyes finding mine as soon as he enters, causing a smile to grace his lips. I swear, if I weren’t already pregnant, that would have did it.

His smile.

It’s as beautiful as he is.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, completely speechless to the fact that he’s here and looks good enough to eat in regular clothes.

I mean, I knew he was hot, but those tattoos cover every inch of his body that I can see. Whoever said tattoos were okay has obviously never seen a doctor covered in them.

Cam was supposed to be here, but canceled at the last minute. I have a feeling I know the truth behind the cancellation now.

“As your doctor,” He says with a smirk that confirms I may be correct, “It’s my duty to be present.” It’s not really, but my face flames beet red anyway.

“Lies, you do not have to be here.”

“You’re right, Iwantto be here.” Stop it right fucking now or I’m gonna cry. “I hope those are happy tears.” Too late, cue the waterworks.

---