____________________

When I finally wake up it's to an empty bed. A frown tugs at the corners of my mouth as I attempt to back track through my thoughts.

Did Alex say he has hockey practice this morning? I run my fingers over the rumpled bedding on his side to find that it's cool to the touch. How long has he been gone? I wonder as I swing my legs over the edge of the mattress. My legs feel like jello from the events of last night, the muscles in my thighs not used to such a workout.

With my arms held high above my head in a morning stretch, I let out a satisfied groan before getting up to find something to wear. I settle on a zip-up hoodie and a pair of jeans that Alex insisted I keep at his place, which is far better than the red dress I wore last night. At least this way I'll be a little more comfortable.

Ten minutes later, after getting dressed and brushing my teeth, I'm padding down the hallway and heading for the staircase when I hear Kelsey's voice drift up from below.

"I'm telling you the truth," I hear her say in an exasperated tone.

Why is she here? I inch closer to the steps, bearing my weight carefully as to not disturb the old floor boards.

"Take another test then," Alex responds coldly. "And then show me."

I take a few more steps, hugging the wall on my way down. What's going on?

"You don't believe me? Seriously Alex? After everything—"

The sharp sound of glass shattering cuts her off. It causes me to jump, but curiosity gets the better of me and I continue down the staircase. I make it to the main floor and hover near the kitchen archway, listening intently as Alex lets out a string of curse words.

"Why the hell would I trust you, Kelsey?" He growls and another loud thud follows his words. "You're fucking nuts. How do I know this isn't just some set up?"

"It's not. I'm pregnant."

My breath catches in my throat and my knees shake so violently that I topple over. My shoulder slams into the nearby wall and a searing pain shoots through that side of my body, causing a strangled cry to fly past my lips.

"Mabes?" Alex calls out uncertainly. "Mabel, are you there?"

"Seriously?" Kelsey snaps. "That skank slept over?"
"I'm pretty sure I told you to watch your mouth in regards to how you speak about my girlfriend," he growls back, and I can almost visualize the anger rolling off of him in heavy waves.

Nausea twists in the pit of my stomach, threatening to crawl up my throat.

"Girlfriend? I hope you realize—"

"Realize what? If you think for one second that even if you are pregnant and that it's mine that you and I will be together you're out of your mind." The shuffling of footsteps against the tile floor alert me to Alex moving closer to the door and I hurry into the living room to hide. "Let's go. We're going to get you a test and then I'm watching you take it. You hear me?"

Kelsey mumbles something in response that I'm not able to catch and then the front door slams shut, rattling the entryway.

I stay frozen in one spot for quite some time, unsure of exactly how I'm supposed to proceed. My heart hammers against my rib cage, nausea twisting in my gut, and then I can't hold it back anymore. I rush to the downstairs bathroom and crouch in front of the toilet just in time for the vomit to hit the water.

I can't do this anymore, I groan internally. Dry heaves wrack my frame. There's nothing left to come up, but the sick feeling just won't go away.

Hot tears sting my eyes as they roll down my cheeks, splashing against the cool porcelain toilet seat. My palms are sweaty and clammy and they slip against the rim as I struggle to stand back up.

I have to get out of here. I have to leave. A part of me wants to wait until alex comes to me, to find out if Kelsey is actually pregnant and if it's his child, but I don't know if I'll be able to bare it. What will happen if she's not even pregnant? Something else will surely come along. Kelsey will think of something else to try and force her way between Alex and I, and I just don't know if I have the strength to keep up with it anymore.

I grab my phone from the vanity, slumping back against the wall. Hazel picks up on the second ring.
"Hey babe, what's going on?"

"Can you come get me?" The violent sobs break free and suddenly I can't catch my breath.

"What? Yeah, yeah. No problem. Hang tight Mabel I'll be right there."

✖️✖️✖️

"What happened?" Hazel asks hesitantly, handing me a mug of tea.

She sits down next to me on the couch, turning so she's facing me with one arm draped over the back of the sofa. Her blue eyes are wide with concern as she studies my expression.

My cheeks feel tight from where my tears dried. I warm my hands on the heated ceramic cup and chew my lip for a moment. The sobbing stopped shortly after we arrived back home, and now I just feel...empty.

"Kelsey showed up claiming she's pregnant," I whisper hoarsely. "She thinks Alex is the father."

"Are you serious?!" Hazel exclaims. "Do the dates even add up?"

"I don't know," I answer weakly.

"Is she implying that he slept with her while you guys were together? Do you think he'd do that?"

"I don't know."

Hazel sighs loudly and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry."

"It's okay." I take another drink, the liquid coating my dry throat in warmth. "I just think it's getting to be too much, you know? I told him I loved him last night and he didn't say anything."

"Do you?" Hazel asks softly. "I mean do you love him?"

"Of course I do. I've never met anyone who makes me feel like he does."

She reaches out to run her fingers through the ends of my hair. "I'm so sorry, babe."

"Do you think it's wrong of me to have ended things?" I turn to face her, my brows pulling together. "If he's going to be a dad do you think I should stand by him...?"

"With a crazy possible baby-mama like Kelsey?" Hazel scoffs, clicking her tongue at me. "Fuck no. I get that you love him, Mabel, I really do, but she's nuts. It would only get worse from here on out."

"Yeah, you're right."

"I wouldn't hold it against you if you want to try though, but I can't make that decision for you."

Hazel is right. This is something that I need to decide on my own. I might've reacted too quickly by leaving Alex's house without much of an explanation, but it needed to be done. I wouldn't be able to think clearly in his presence. It's not that I think he would try to persuade me into something I didn't want, but I don't know if I can hear his side of the story. I don't know if I'll believe him. Kelsey isn't exactly the most reliable source, but who would lie about pregnancy? Would she actually go that far?

____________________

Don't worry, the drama has just begun...

Do you think Mabel was right to leave? Should she have waited for Alex?
Make sure to comment and let me know your thoughts!

BT ranked # 75 in Chicklit today guys and OH EM GEE. Crazy. Remember to vote/comment/add this story to your reading list to keep the ball rollin'!
😘😘