Page 37 of Nick

Opal

This is ridiculous. I have to buy some dresses that stretch. These babies have just started growing. I called Tina and told her I would be late. “I can’t fit into anything. We need to make that good raisin bread. I’ll do that when I get back. Are you going to be okay?”

“Yes, Grandpa is here making up some dough. He doesn’t want you overdoing it.”

“Make sure he doesn’t overdo it himself. I’ll see you in a few hours.” I went through two stores and found three dresses. I loved the ones I found and stopped at my favorite place.

“Opal, I’m so happy to see you. Can I help you find anything?”

“Yes, I’m pregnant with twins, and my clothes don’t fit me right now. Do you have any in my styles that will stretch enough for my babies?”

“First of all, I’m so happy for you. I’m unpacking some dresses we just got in. I’ll show you where they are if you want to look at them.”

“I would love that. Thank you.” I followed her to the back. She left me there on my own when we heard the bell over the door go off. I had seven new dresses with me as I walked out front. I had just paid for them when the bell sounded again.

I looked at the guy who came inside and knew immediately that this would turn out bad. The guy had sores all over his arms and face. He was sweaty, and his hair was greasy. I watched his body jerking.

“Sandy, why don’t you get down?” I whispered, looking at her so she would know what I meant. She glanced at the guy and nodded. My mind was thinking fast. I walked around and acted as if I worked there.

“Can I help you find something?” I said, not taking my eyes off him. I could hear Sandy on the phone calling the police.

“No, I’ll find it myself.”

“If you need my help, let me know.”

“Okay, if you insist, I will take your help. Unload the cash register into a bag and hand it over.” Sandy reached up and tried to pull me down with her. I looked at him, and he held a gun in his hand.How do I open this cash register drawer? I have no idea.

“If you don’t open the fucking drawer, I’ll shoot that spot where your baby is.”

I looked down at my tummy, and my hand covered it. He was making me angry. I knew I could knock him out. While I was thinking, he shot me in the shoulder.

“The next one will be in your stomach. Give me the fucking money.” My fist went out and hit him in the neck. It was reflex. He went down, and I ran around and kicked the gun away.

The police arrived, and then Jeff, Amber’s ex-partner when she was a detective, showed up. “What brings you here?”

“I heard your name over the radio and decided to ensure you were okay.”

“Did you call Amber?”

“Yes, she’ll be here any minute.”

“The guy was going to shoot my baby. I had to hurt him.”

“Of course, you did,” Amber said, walking into the store. “That bastard shot you. Let me see it. Where is the ambulance?”

“Why don’t you take me to the hospital, and then you can bring me back to pick up my car?”

“I’ll drive your car to the hospital for you, and Jack can pick me up,” Jeff said, walking up to us.

I heard Sandy scream and turned in time to see the guy fall to the floor when one of the police officers shot him.

“Give Jeff your keys. We need to get you to the hospital.”

“Opal, don’t forget your dresses.”

“Thank you, Sandy. Are you going to be okay?”

“Yes, the boss is on her way here. My husband is also on his way. He’s taking me home.” She hugged me, “You are so brave.”

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