The next four weeks went on, as eventful as could be.

Though there was no word about the swat sting yet, both Eli and Cole kept me on my toes.

I knew it was wrong of me- especially as an employer- to accept their courting, but I couldn't say no. 

I chalked it up to pregnancy hormones.

Perhaps I could go along with it all, convincing myself that it was a gathering between friends. 

None of it was true.

I'd caught myself masturbating after seeing Hero's face on my dates a time or two. This was what I had to do to get through life.

If I couldn't be with Hero in the present, I needed to find a way, strange or not. 

I could remember the last date I went on with Cole as clear as day...
____________________________________
I sat across from Cole as he sipped on his ice-cold glass of wine. I watched as the condensation ran down the side, making me lick my lips. It was embarrassing craving alcohol, especially while pregnant, but I couldn't help it.

I imagined that it would taste like crisp apples and grapes- 

When I noticed Cole eyeing me over the brim, I tore my eyes away. 

He must have mistaken my guiltiness for shyness with the blush covering my cheeks because he released a wide grin. 

"Kristina, I am so pleased that you decided to join me tonight. I'll be honest:I never thought I'd get the chance. What made you change your mind?"

I shrugged, taking a long sip from my very own apple cider, patting my round belly. 

"You were right the other day. Hero isn't here and I thought, hey, I'm sure I can make a few... adjustments..."

Cole dug into his steak once more. 

"That's great." He paused to chew his food. "You know, you look absolutely stunning in your pregnancy. Do you know if it's a boy or girl?"

I stilled, not quite sure I wanted to divulge this information, though I didn't have a clue yet. 

"I'm so sorry," Cole stuttered, "I have no right to ask this of you-"

I simply laughed. 

"No, it's fine. I just don't know the gender yet. I want it to be a surprise."

"Ah," Cole smiled again, "I see."

Then, as if not being able to hold back any longer, he scooted his chair next to mine.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't sit away from you any longer." He took my hand without permission. "Just know, that shall you need a thing, I will drop everything to help."

I cleared my throat, feeling a tightness in my chest. Not because I felt uneasy with this declaration, but because at that moment, I saw Hero's softened face, having come home at last. 

But alas, he was not home. It was Cole in the flesh. 

I barely held back the tears. 
_________________________________________

Then, of course, there had been the outing with Eli...
_________________________________________

Eli and I trudged our way around the trail of the park, side by side. 

"Do you remember what it was like in grade school?" He asked, a faraway expression in his gaze.

I scoffed. I tried hard to not remember but the memories were still fresh. 

"Yes, I do. I was the weird fat kid. The students were terrible to me and I couldn't fathom why." 

Eli furrowed his brows. 

"You weren't weird or fat. As for the bullies, well, they were young and dumb just like we were. Kids do stupid things." 

I laughed. 

"You have to say that. You were my friend and my protector most days." 

Eli's shoes skid on the concrete. He swiveled, grabbing ahold of my shoulders. 

"Kristina Tiffin. I actually don't, but I do because I see who you are underneath. It didn't help that I had the biggest crush on you." 

I shook my head in disbelief. 

"I still will never understand that. You were the cool kid. The one everyone got along with. Plus... I saw the chicks you hooked up with." 

Eli frowned. 

"First of all, I never hooked up with my girlfriends. I had more respect than that. Second... I only used them as placeholders. I never thought I was good enough for you, Addison." 

Once again, my vision was plagued with the sight of Hero. I wanted to jump up and hug him but I couldn't. 

it wasn't him. 
_________________________________________

I was in my own personal hell. 

Yet I was doing nothing to change it. 

Out of the blue, my office phone rang.

Rolling my eyes out of habit, I struggled in my chair feeling like some overweight penguin. 

"Hello?" 

"Is this Mrs. Tiffin?" A familiar voice asked. 

I instantly sat up in my chair, nearly making the wheels slide out from under me. 

"Is... is this the captain?" 

"Yes. I am calling to inform you the sting will commence this following weekend. Unless you've changed your mind, we are ready for you." 

I gasped taken aback by all that was happening. 

"Yes, yes! I'm ready! Just let me know!" 

After giving me a few directions, the captain and I bid each other farewell. I sat for what felt like eons, running everything through my head. 

This was happening. This was really happening. 

As if the world was turning on its axis, I felt my bundle of joy kick inside me. 

I grinned. 

You can feel a change, too can't you? 

Then, like clockwork, my cell pinged with a message. 

Unknown: I'M COMING HOME. 

Well, well, well..

Who could be texting her??

I promise it's a good thing.