When Lexie finally comes back to the kitchen, I notice her eyes look puffy and red like she’s either spent the night crying or hasn’t slept a wink. Even though she doesn’t say a word, I set the bowl down on the counter before pulling her in for a quick hug.
“You want to talk about it?”
Inhaling a deep shuddering breath, she blows it out slowly. “I took the test and it said not pregnant.”
Pulling back, I hold her at arm’s length as I quickly search her face. What I don’t understand is why she still looks like something is wrong. “That’s good news… right?”
She nods. “Yeah, of course it is. I’m twenty-one years old, I’m not ready to be a mom and Dylan certainly isn’t ready to be a dad.”
But obviously something’s bothering her. “What’s the problem then?”
“I still haven’t gotten my period and I’m worried that maybe I took the test too early. Maybe I really am pregnant and it’s like a,” she pauses, “you know… a false negative or something like that.” As soon as she says the words, tears fill her big brown eyes making them look all shiny and bright. Shaking her head, she pinches the bridge of her nose as if she has a sinus headache. “Christ, my parents will kill me if it turns out I’m pregnant. Neither one of them finished college because my mom ended up pregnant. I’m the first of us to go to college and be on track to finish. I can’t drop out now.” Thick emotion clogs her voice until it reaches a breaking point. “I just can’t!”
Slowly I rub her arm with soft soothing strokes. “I think you’re getting ahead of yourself here. You took a test and for all you know, it was accurate and you’re not pregnant. So what are you going to do now?”
“We’re going to the clinic on campus after Dylan finishes with his classes this afternoon.” She swipes at her eyes as tears start rolling down her cheeks. “I can get a more accurate test done there. I just can’t sit around waiting anymore. I need to figure this out so I can decide what I’m going to do about it.”
I nod. “That makes sense. Do you want me to come with you?” I hate blowing off classes, but I will for Lexie. We’ve always been there for each other and that will never change.
I hold her eyes for a long silent moment before she finally shakes her head. “No, it’ll be fine. Dylan is coming with me.”
I think about my schedule for the day. It’s just about nine o’clock in the morning. I have my business ethics class at ten and then French and dance. On Fridays, I also teach two classes at the dance studio in town. It’ll be well after seven by the time I return home.
“Just text me when you find out what’s going on, okay?”
Nodding, she turns towards her room.
My voice is riddled with concern as I ask, “Aren’t you going to class, Lex?” She’s like me- she never misses class.
Glancing over her shoulder, she meets my eyes before finally shaking her head. “No, I can’t concentrate today. And I’m really tired. It doesn’t feel as if I slept at all last night.”
I absolutely hate seeing her hurt like this. “Okay.” After she closes the door, I go back to finishing my cereal. I can’t stop thinking about Lexie and the potential situation she could be in. It sucks. What’s even worse is that they were trying to be careful and responsible by using condoms. Unfortunately, no matter how cautious you are, accidents still happen.
It makes me suddenly glad that I’m not sexually involved with anyone right now.
Of course, as soon as I think about sex, Roan’s gorgeous face pops into my head. That’s another sticky situation because I think I might be developing feelings for him. I’m just not sure how smart that is.
Thirty minutes later, I’m showered, dressed, and ready to go. I’ve just checked on Lexie who is sleeping soundly so I don’t bother telling her that I’m leaving. Just as I open the door to head out into the hallway, I have to stifle a small yelp because Roan is standing there blocking my way.
He’s also holding two coffee drinks.
“Hey,” his smile is bright and warm. It does strange things to my insides. “I was just about to knock.”
I can’t resist returning his easy smile. “Hey, yourself.”
He holds out an iced coffee to me. “Thought you might need a little caffeine this morning.”
Feeling absurdly touched, I take the tall cup from him. “That was really nice of you- thanks.”
My eyes hold his as I take a small sip. I really shouldn’t feel this gooey over him bringing me a coffee. But I do. God, do I… As I lock the apartment door behind me, I realize I’m in huge trouble with this guy.