Well, this little bra and panty set does make me feel amazing. So, I guess she’s right. That decided, I’m ready to get changed. “Alright, out,” I say, pointing towards the hallway.
Obviously proud of herself for talking me into something I normally wouldn’t buy, Lexie gives me a huge smile before closing the door behind her. Five minutes later, I’m back in my own panties and sports bra. And feeling none too sexy about it either.
“So did you find anything?”
Lexie holds up three bras in a spectrum of different colors along with three matching panties. As we move towards the sales counter, I take a quick peek at the price tag and nearly gasp. So much for saving the money my father gave me last Sunday.
But Lexie’s right- I love the way I look in the matching set and I may not have anyone to wear it for, but that’s okay. After we’ve been rung up, we take our purchases and continue walking down the sidewalk.
After a few moments, I realize Lexie has grown quiet. Not that she’s normally an incessant chatterbox, because she’s not, but she usually isn’t silent either. As I think about it, I realize she’s been a little off today.
“Everything okay, Lex?”
We pass by two storefronts before she finally turns a small smile my way. “Yep, it’s all good. I just have something on my mind, but it’s probably nothing.”
My brows draw together at her words. If something’s bothering her, I’m surprised she hasn’t already shared it with me. “What’s going on?”
There’s a tiny little park with some playground equipment for small children along with a few park benches. Finding one that’s empty, we both sit before setting our bags down. When she doesn’t immediately launch into what’s going on, I decide to nudge her along.
“So fill me in.”
Her whole body deflates as she nibbles her lower lip. Instead of beating around the bush, she just comes out with it. “About two weeks ago when Dylan and I were having sex,” she pauses as her voice lowers, “the condom broke.”
My eyes widen just a bit as I nod my head in understanding. The only thing worse than a ripped condom is a positive pregnancy test. “What does Dylan think?”
She hesitates for just a beat. “Well, he obviously knows the condom broke. And honestly, I wasn’t all that concerned when it happened, but I’m pretty sure I should have gotten my period by now.”
“So you haven’t told him you’re worried?”
Again she bites her lip before shrugging her shoulders. It’s just a tiny movement. “I was going to wait until I was sure,” her troubled eyes flicker towards mine, “one way or the other.”
I can see the anxiety eating away at her and it makes me feel bad that she’s been dealing with this all by herself. “Should we buy a home pregnancy test? Or maybe go to a clinic?” Slipping my phone from my pocket, I glance down at it. “It’s still early, if you want, we can head over to the clinic on campus right now.”
It takes a moment before she finally admits, “I bought a test yesterday but I haven’t taken it yet. I think you have to wait until you’ve actually missed a period and I never keep very good track of it. It just feels like I should have gotten it by now.”
I nod because I’ve been guilty of the very same thing. I don’t always keep track of my monthly bill. Of course, I haven’t exactly been having sex… at all… so it seems kind of pointless to keep track of things.
“If you’re not sure, then maybe you’re not even late. Maybe you’re just nervous about the condom breaking and the stress is throwing your body off.” I’m trying to think of any plausible situation other than the obvious.
She glances towards the equipment where a few small children are running around and playing. Their loud happy voices drift over to us. I’m instantly reminded of Nora and Nolan. “I guess. But I also feel like my boobs are achy and I read that’s a sign of pregnancy.”
My brows draw together as I carefully consider her words. “Yeah, but I think that can also be a sign you’re going to get your period.” Trying to come up with a solid plan, I think about what would make me feel better if I were in the same predicament. “We should just go home and take the test. If it’s negative, then we’ll wait a few days. If you still don’t get your period, then we’ll get another test or go to the clinic.”
She stares off for a moment or two before finally giving a little nod of her head. “Okay.”
Without further words, we both get up, walking towards the parking lot. Our mood is so much more somber than it had been in the lingerie shop or even before that. But I’m glad she finally told me what was going on. I’m glad I’m here at Barnett, able to lend her my support. This is really the first time since getting back from Paris that I’ve felt this way.