15-05-2021-052358It-Ends-with-Us

“Really?” Allysa puts her hand on my stomach and we’re both quiet
for the next five minutes as we wait for it to happen again. It does, but
it’s so soft, it’s almost unnoticeable. I laugh again as soon as it
happens.
“I didn’t feel anything,” Allysa says, pouting. “I guess it’ll be a few
more weeks before you can feel it from the outside, though. Is this the
first time you felt it move?”
“Yeah. I’ve been scared I was growing the laziest baby in history.” I
keep my hands on my stomach, hoping to feel it again. We sit quietly
for a few more minutes, and I can’t help but wish my circumstances
were different. Ryle should be here. He should be the one sitting
beside me with his hand on my stomach. Not Allysa.
The thought almost takes away all the joy I’m feeling. Allysa must
notice because she puts one of her hands on mine and squeezes.
When I look at her, she isn’t smiling anymore.
“Lily,” she says. “I’ve been wanting to say something to you.”
Oh, God. I don’t like the sound of her voice.
“What is it?”
She sighs and then forces a gloomy smile. “I know you’re sad that
you’re going through this without my brother. No matter how
involved he is, I just want you to know that this is going to be the best
thing you’ve ever experienced in your life. You’re gonna be a great
mom, Lily. This baby is really lucky.”
I’m glad Allysa is the only one in here right now, because her words
make me laugh, cry, and snot like a hormonal teenager. I hug her and
tell her thank you. It’s amazing how hearing those words gives me
back the joy I was feeling.
She smiles and then says, “Now go get my baby and take her away
from here so I can have some sex with my filthy rich husband.”
I roll off the bed and stand up. “You sure know how to bring levity
into a situation. I’d say it’s your strong point.”
She smiles. “That’s what I’m here for. Now go away.”