I Am The Luna

VALERIE.

Somehow, I was expecting that reaction from him. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t expecting him to be ecstatic over the news and, in a way, I’m glad I was prepared.

Being a doctor, I’ve come across a huge variety of reactions from couples, or even single mothers. Accidental pregnancies are not a small matter, and our relationship is so recent and so new that I don’t blame him for reacting like that even if it does hurt a little.

More than his rejection of the pregnancy, what stung was the way he closed up. My only solace was his parting words, proof enough that he’s trying to be considerate and will return.

In all honesty, it was my carelessness. I told him I’d take the morning–after pill and I should have gotten onto birth control. What was I expecting? But at the same time, so much happened I can’t fault myself for forgetting.

I pick up a gown, still feeling exhausted from the intense sex we had and slip it on as I slowly sit down on the bed feeling… alone, despite the lingering feel of his touch dancing along my

skin.

If I am pregnant, I wouldn’t get rid of it, but I also need to consider Zade and help him come to terms with it. He has his insecurities no matter how much he tries to hide them. And I’m assuming he probably doesn’t see himself as a good father. We’re adults and we will deal with this like two sensible adults.

“I’m waiting for you, don’t be too long,” I say quietly to the empty room as I drop sideways onto the pillow, waiting.

Five minutes become ten, ten become fifteen and, although I feel restless, sleep begins to beckon me. Through half–hooded eyes, I glance at the clock, wondering where he’s gone at

this time.

After another five minutes, I sigh. I can’t sleep like this!

Just talk to me, Zade…

I sit up, deciding I’ve waited long enough. I’ll go find him myself. I take out some clothes and get dressed before I pull on some shoes and leave the room. Looking down the hall, I ponder over where he might be. Deciding he probably went outside, I hurry towards the stairs.

I’m halfway down the stairs when I stop, seeing a shadow from the corner of my eyes. I turn sharply, not even realising I’m more on edge than I ever used to be, more aware of my surroundings.

1 let out a sigh of relief when I realise it’s just Sebastian gulping down a water bottle as he

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walks towards the staircase.

“What are you doing awake at this time?” he asks,

I shake

briskly. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

my head. “I could ask the very same, but if you must know, I had things to do,” I say.

He nods slowly, an expression that clearly tells me he’s not buying it. “Sure.”

I frown, noticing how Sebastian observes me, and that long stare makes me slightly

uncomfortable. “I see you’re returning to your old ways.” He finishes off the bottle and places. it down on the cabinet in the grand foyer as I cock a brow.

“My old ways?”

“The

pre–coma Valerie. If memory serves, you were the annoying thorn in my side, always having to defend anyone and speak up for anyone who needs help. I wonder, do you ever put yourself first?”

What is this man going on about?

“Of course I do,” I state.

He cocks a brow before he jerks his head towards the back hall. “He’s out there.”

My heart skips a beat wondering what he knew, but I don’t say anything watching as he walks past me and heads upstairs. Letting out a huff of air, I walk down the hall to the back door and

hesitate.

What will I say?

Turning away, I decide to make some coffee first. It’s getting colder… Once I have two steaming mugs of coffee in my hands, I open the back door and step outside.

Once I take a few steps, I look around and catch the glow of a cigarette. I turn to see Zade sitting against the wall, one leg sprawled out in front of him, the other with his knee up and his arm resting on it.

“Hey. Coffee?” I say, not sure if I should go over to him. Would he just move away? The thought hurts when I frown, no we’re stronger than that.

“I could do with some coffee,” he says quietly as he blows out a string of smoke. I walk towards him, my heart racing, although I’m trying my best to stay calm.

He reaches up and takes both mugs from me and places them on the ground. I’m about to sit down beside him when he squeezes my thigh, caressing it gently before he tugs me down to sit between his legs.