Page 25 of Broken

“I could ask the principle what she thinks.”

“And if you need help, let me know. I even know someone who would donate some money to the classroom.”

She perked up. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

I would hate to ask Damon for such a favor but it was an option if we had no other possibilities. I felt sorry for these kids and felt like they needed some good in their life.

Then I felt a tumble in my stomach. “I’ll be right back.”

This was definitely morning sickness, but at least I didn’t have an audience like Matteo wondering what was going on.

Thankfully, Olivia slipped some saltines in my bag so I could eat some once I got back to the classroom.

“Morning sickness?” Miss Bailey asked when I returned.

I just stared at her blankly before confirming it.

“I won’t say anything.”

Chapter Fifteen

KARA

“How was your day?” Olivia asked.

“Hard.”

“How come?”

“There is this little girl I was helping. I could tell she had a hard life. You know you can just tell when things are bad at home.”

“That’s sad,” Olivia said.

“I know. I wish there was something I could do. I just hate seeing any child suffer. But the teacher and I are trying to come up with ideas to fundraise so we can do a little field trip to brighten their day.”

“That would be nice. Do you plan on working through your whole pregnancy?” Olivia immediately covered her mouth once she realized what she said in front of Matteo.

“Guess the cat is out of the bag now.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Then I looked straight at Matteo. “Not a word. I will tell him.”

No response from Matteo, and that was not a good thing. I looked to Olivia. “I plan to work as long as I can.”

I couldn’t help but think about Matteo knowing I was pregnant. It was bad enough he watched Olivia like a hawk. I didn’t understand it. I didn’t need his eyes on me at all times. Ever since she arrived, I felt like he had some sort of feelings for her. But I didn’t know for certain. Maybe they talked while I was at work.

I stepped off the stool and announced, “I’m tired. I think I’ll go to my room for a nap.”

This pregnancy was taking all my energy. I retreated to my room and covered myself with the throw blanket. Exhaustion took over.

***

A slammed door startled me awake. There was only one person that could be. “Damon,” I said, now standing face to face with him.

“When were you gonna tell me?”

“I was gonna tell you. I didn’t imagine it would be like this.”

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