Jane
She wasn't going to be able to keep it from him for much longer, maybe a month or two if she was lucky. He was going to notice things, start suspecting something was up with her.
Her clothes were getting tighter and she was eating her weight in oranges; she was sure the citrus scent had become like a perfume on her skin. Harvey had already asked if she had changed her shower gel; she'd lied and said she had.
Standing sideways in front of her tall mirror she could see the smallest of bumps popping out from her abdomen. She brushed a hand over her skin thought about the tiny life she was incubating, and wondered if anyone would had noticed the slight change to her shape. She highly doubted it – she was barely showing; and anyway it was easy to hide. She threw on an oversized t-shirt and baggy hoody. She turned from side to side and satisfied with her appearance she grabbed her boots and heavy winter jacket and headed in to town.
As she trudged through the snow she felt a pang of guilt in her chest. She was all for supporting the little guy, the local shops, and tradesmen, but Pierre's General store didn't stock everything. She was also pretty sure that if she enquired about certain pregnancy vitamins word would most likely get out and before she even got home the whole town would be talking about Harvey Jnr. Oh Yoba!
As she headed past Pierre's store she surveyed the crates of fruit in the window, the oranges looked juicy; and she knew they were because they were from her own tree. Would it seem ridiculous to pop in and buy one of her own oranges at most likely double the price she sold them to Pierre for? And would it raise suspicion – would it lead to questions about what she was doing or where she was going? Before she could make up her mind she heard someone call her name.
'Oh hello Harvey,' she smiled at him and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. She turned around and walked over to the slightly sheltered doorway of the clinic.
'I've got coffee brewing if you want to come up for a mug.' He planted a kiss on her lips and went a little pink. It amused her that he still blushed around her. He held a mug in his hands and took a sip from it. Oh Yoba - the coffee; the smell made her stomach churn. She did well not to show the revulsion on her face.
She pretended to scratch and itch under her nose when really she was trying to cover her nostrils; the coffee was strong. 'I can't right now, but I'll stop by on my way back.' She thought about the oranges in the window next door to the clinic, the smell of the peel and the way she liked to nibble at the membrane with her teeth.
'Where are you off to, I could come with you?' Harvey asked enthusiastically
'Oh no, I've got a few errands to run. You'll just be bored.' She shook her head, and hoped he'd take the hint.
'Not at all, just let me grab my jacket and boots.' He disappeared inside the clinic before Jane could say anything more. She thought about slipping away but knew he'd feel sad if she ditched him; she would also feel bad about it. She would need to invent some errands; she couldn't very well take him with her to Joja Mart to buy pregnancy vitamins. For fuck sake Harvey!
While she waited she thought about those oranges again and wondered if she had time to grab one and eat it before Harvey came back. Oh fuck it, I need one!
As she stepped through the doorway the bell jingled alerting the shopkeeper of her presence. Pierre leaned on the counter and greeted her cheerily, 'Good morning Jane, is there anything in particular I can help you will this morning?'
Jane smiled feeling rather hot in all of the layers. 'Morning Pierre, I'm just browsing thanks.' She went straight to the oranges and picked one up. She brought it to her nose and inhaled the scent; she had the urge to bite right in to the skin and suck out the juice. She told herself that would be considered odd behaviour and would probably get some funny looks from Pierre and his customers so she found a basket and dropped the orange and two more inside. She glanced around the store quickly creating a plan; creating some believable imaginary errands. She picked up some beets thinking they would do for Evelyn; she always appreciated the vegetables Jane brought her. She stroked her chin with her thumb and forefinger wondering who else she could treat. There was a small box overflowing with chilli peppers. Lewis! He loves those. She grabbed a handful and dropped them next to the beets. Parsnips, parsnips, parsnips. Who would appreciate those? It came to her, Pam loved them. She selected the three best looking ones and placed them on top of the other vegetables in the basket. Her basket was quite full, but she saw the peaches and remembered how much Robin had enjoyed them when she'd taken her some a few weeks earlier. She saw the price and pulled a face; Pierre was charging more than triple the price he'd paid her! She placed the basket on the counter and reluctantly paid a lot of gold for her own produce. Pierre smiled as he helped her pack it all in to her backpack. It was a good plan but it was going to cost her.
Harvey was just locking up the clinic when the door closed behind her. He walked over to her, wrapped up for winter in his thick jacket and heavy boots. The snow crunched under his feet as he approached. 'Thanks for waiting; I hope I wasn't too long.'
Jane shook her head and repositioned her backpack across her shoulders, the weight was disproportioned and it was pulling on one side. 'No, not at all. Are you ready then?'
Harvey shoved his hands in to his pockets to keep them warm. 'Where are we off to first?'
'I've got some beets to deliver to Evelyn and George, so we can drop them off first.' Jane wondered if she should have come clean and told Harvey what she had really intended to purchase, but she'd invested in to the lie so she'd have so see it through to the end. She knocked on the door hoping they hadn't gone out.
They heard George's grumpy voice, 'If you're selling something, go away we aren't interested.' Jane giggled when she heard Evelyn tell her husband to stop being an old grump. The elderly grandmother loved visitors and often talked Jane's ear off when she dropped food off. She almost always insisted she come inside for a cup of tea and something to eat.
'Oh Jane, come on in. And – you've brought your beau with you. It's so lovely to see you both.' It was hard to tell whose face was a brighter shade of pink; both Jane and Harvey looked equally as embarrassed. 'Come in and have a warm by the fire, I've just made some scones.'
'Ah, no Evelyn it's just a passing visit. I thought you might like these-,' Jane rummaged through her bag, '-beets, I thought you might have them for your supper.' She handed the vegetables over to Evelyn whose face lit up. The old woman pulled Jane in to a tight hug; her flowery perfume overpoweringly powdery.
'Oh, that's so kind of you!' For someone who looked so frail Evelyn had a bear like grip. When she finally released Jane she said, 'I insist – come in for a cup of tea and a scone.'
'Have you got coffee?' Harvey asked; his eyes bright and hopeful. Harvey! I haven't got time for this!
'Of course I have dear, you know I buy it in especially for when you visit. Come on in and take the weight off.' Harvey waved his arm in front of them indicating that Jane should enter first. Jane put on her best smile and went in to the musty smelling house.
The three of them sat at the kitchen table. They could hear the TV playing loudly in the other room. As they entered the house they heard George grumble a quick, 'hello,' but he didn't bother taking his eyes off the screen.
Harvey munched on a scone and sipped his coffee. 'That's good coffee, and the scone is really delicious.'
'Yeah, the scones are amazing. I may have to procure the recipe one day when I have a free moment,' Jane added.
'Thank you both, but never mind about the scones. I'm dying to hear about how Harvey proposed? I want to hear all the details.' She clasped her hands together in front of her chest and waited. 'Ohh I just love a good romance story.' He eyes crinkled at the corners, and she sighed dreamily.
Harvey choked on his scone and coughed violently. Jane burst out laughing. 'Proposed? You think we're engaged?' Jane looked at Harvey but he couldn't speak due to coughing so much.
'Yes dear, you must tell me – did he take you on a long walk across the beach? Is that when he got down on one knee?' Evelyn giggled and George groaned loudly from the other room, clearing not interested in soppy romance. Harvey wheezed loudly trying to breath.
'Stop being a busy body!' George grumbled, 'you've always got your nose in other people's damned business!
Evelyn ignored her husband. 'I bet the ring is beautiful, and I imagine the stone was expensive,' Evelyn's eyes were wide and dreamy, 'what with him being a doctor and all. You've got yourself quite the catch there honey.' Jane felt herself embarrassed. She turned to Harvey; he was watery eyed and had got red in the face.
'Harvey!' Jane got up and thumped him hard on the back, dislodging the bit of dry scone from his throat. His colour returned to normal. 'Are you ok? Yoba, Evelyn we aren't getting married ok!'
'Water...' Jane got up and ran the faucet. There was an old fashioned looking flowery glass upside down in the drainer. Jane filled it with water and pressed it in to Harvey's hands. He gulped it down so quickly he had another coughing fit. 'Thanks.'
Jane stood Harvey up; and frowned at Evelyn whilst she spoke to her beau. 'Come on Pelican-Town's-only-doctor-who-almost-choked-to-death-on-a-scone; let's get you some fresh air. Thanks for the drinks Evelyn, we'll show ourselves out.'
The old woman's mouth hung open in protest but before she could say anything Jane had grabbed their jackets and had pushed Harvey out of the house. They both shivered; the wind had picked up and it had started to snow again. Jane tossed Harvey his jacket and quickly put her own on.
'That was... um... awkward.' Jane said biting her lip nervously waiting for Harvey to say something. She watched his hand tremble as he struggled with his zip. 'Here... let me.' She stepped forward and he dropped his hands so she could do it.
His voice sounded a little rough, probably scratched from choking on the scone. He rubbed his throat, massaging away the irritation. 'Yeah, really awkward.' He laughed and kissed her nose. She stood on her tiptoes, hooked her arms around his waist and kissed him. When she pulled away he turned his head towards the house. 'She's watching us through the window.'
'I guess we should take this elsewhere.' She giggled and grabbed his hand; pulling him up the steps towards the grassy park. 'Come on, in here.'
Harvey stopped when he saw she was taking him to the Community Centre. 'Wait Jane, it's dangerous in there. The building is dilapidated and it's not safe.' Jane grabbed him through his trousers and squeezed. 'Oh fuck...' He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck.
'Come on, let's be a bit naughty.' She took his hand again and led him inside the spooky old building.'
Harvey
The door creaked as Jane pushed it open, the sound spooked a pigeon which flew up in to the rafters. Harvey flinched at the sound of its wings flapping, initially unsure as to what it was. He took in his surroundings. He had thought the Community Centre looked bad from the outside, but it was far worse on the inside. He pulled a face at the sight. The building had been neglected, left to rot. Perhaps left to die would be a more accurate way to describe it. He was shocked, and couldn't fathom why Lewis hadn't had it demolished. There should have been a warning sign at the entrance; and it should have been boarded up because it was a health hazard. The floorboards were rotten, and the smell of damp made him wrinkle his nose in disgust. Many of the floorboards had collapsed; allowing trees to grow within what used to be the main hall. Half of the floor was covered in snow, which had fallen through the giant hole in the room. Harvey looked up; he could see the sky and hear the wind gusting through the building.
'This isn't a good idea Jane, come on let's go back to my apartment where it's warm.'
She smiled at him, and pushed a door open. 'It's not all bad, come through... this way. I'll show you the improvements I've made.' She disappeared in to another room and left him staring up at the gaping hole. 'Harvey! Come the fuck on will you,' she called to him sounding impatient.
He groaned but followed her in the other room, treading carefully avoiding a broken floorboard that was jutting up at an angle. When he saw the room he did a double take. It looked nothing like the main entrance which was a rotting disaster waiting to collapse. He was genuinely surprised. 'Wow, this is amazing.' He glanced around the room, so bright and colourful, and welcoming. It looked like some sort of activity or craft room. There was a desk in the far corner, and next to that there was a very comfy looking leather sofa. There was also sewing corner with a spinning wheel and yarn in a variety of colours. Harvey was pretty sure he saw an artist's easel but the image whizzed past in a blur as Jane grabbed him and pulled him towards the sofa. She removed her jacket and Harvey instinctively did the same, he folded it and placed it neatly on the desk. Jane kissed him and suddenly Harvey forgot where they were, all he could think about was Jane and how he was going to make love to her.
Her hands reached under her large hoody and unclipped the braces of her overalls. 'I think we should keep some clothes on because it's so cold in here.' She sat down on the sofa, unlaced her boots and kicked them off. She pushed her overalls down her hips and stepped out of them. The hoody looked too big for her but Harvey didn't care; she'd look sexy in anything. He reached his hand underneath the material and gently cupped one of her breasts. Jane moaned and bit her lip. He felt her hands at his waistband; her fingers undid his fly. He pinched her nipple between his fingers and nuzzled his face in to her neck. She smelt so good, so fruity and sweet. Mmm... oranges! He planted kisses on her neck and in to her shoulder which made her giggle. 'I'm a bit ticklish there.'
'I'm sorry,' he moved his lips to her jaw. 'Is this better?' he asked and kissed her on the mouth. She pushed his chinos and underwear down over his hips and they dropped to his ankles. He sat down on the sofa and she followed him. She grinned and him, and he felt himself redden as he stared back at her beauty. She climbed on to his lap and gently eased herself down on to his erection. It was his turn to groan. He held her thighs as she moved and as he thrust up inside her. She teased him; she sped up and then slowed right down. She raised herself up until only the very tip of his manhood was inside her.
She grinned at him and then took all of him again and moved quickly. He grabbed her backside and pulled himself in deeper, panting from exhaustion. She cried out and the giggled, 'I'm sorry – that tipped me over the edge.' He continued to move but he could tell she was exhausted from her orgasm.
'Can I... go on top?' he asked feeling embarrassed. She climbed off his lap and took his place on the sofa. Harvey held his manhood in his hand. 'Umm... could I... No, never mind.'
'No, go on Harvey... what do you want?' She grinned; her face hot and sweaty.
'Would you mind if...' He looked away embarrassed, 'No, nevermind.'
'Harvey,' she stood up and stroked his cheek, 'Are you trying asking me if we can try it from behind?'
'I'm sorry – I shouldn't have asked. Please don't hate me.'
'Oh Harvey, you idiot – how could I ever hate you. Come on.' She got off the sofa and moved over to the desk. She spread her legs, and leaned forward supporting herself with her hands. 'Like this?' He couldn't speak, the desire took over his senses.
Harvey could not move quickly enough; he almost stumbled over his own feet – his chinos were still around his ankles. She was still wet, and it was so easy to slip inside her once more. He held her around the abdomen but she moved his hands to her waist. He tried to slow his pace but he couldn't. He thrust quickly and deeply, excited to be able to make love to her from a rearward position. With one finally deep thrust he released in to her; almost collapsing on top of her as he came.
'That was amazing Jane,' he breathed heavily as he pulled his underwear and chinos up. His head was buzzing. 'I am so lucky – and you are so beautiful.' He inhaled a dose of his asthma medicine and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. She smiled and rested her head against his chest.
'You aren't the only one who is lucky you know,' she squeezed him in to a tight hug, 'come on we'd better get going before it gets too late.' She dressed quickly and they sneaked out of the Community Centre, making sure not to be seen. As much as Harvey had enjoyed himself he was relieved to be out of the building.
Harvey continued to accompany Jane whilst she ran her errands. They held hands as they walked toward the carpenter's workshop, although Harvey found his pace slowing. He was reluctant to see the family again, not knowing what to expect when they knocked on the door. 'I'll stay outside whilst you go in,' he told Jane.
'Oh, ok – if you are sure.'
Jane went indoors and Harvey leaned back against the side of the property. He didn't want to have another awkward conversation, and hoped to avoid Maru and her father for as long as possible. He felt flustered and fidgety; he paced back another forth each time he past the door he checked his watch. His heart was racing and his sweat had started to bead at his forehead. Come on Jane! Hurry up, please! Luckily he didn't have to wait long for Jane to return; the front door to opened and she stepped out in to the snow.
'Robin wasn't home. I left the peaches with Demetrius.'
'Okay – where to next?' Harvey wanted to get away from there as quickly as possible to avoid any trouble.
'Umm... would you have any objection to popping by the Joja Mart store?' she asked and pulled a face that showed she felt guilty. 'Then we just have to drop some parsnips off at Pam's trailer and some Chilli peppers off at the Mayor's home?
Harvey laughed and shrugged his shoulders. 'Oh, I go there all the time. Sure – I could probably do with a few bits myself.' Jane smiled and hooked her arm through his.
Jane
The large sliding doors whooshed open as they stepped on to the sensor plate in front of the store. The gush of warm air was inviting and Harvey and Jane stepped through the door way. The doors whooshed closed behind them and an announcement over the speaker declared there was 20% off all TV dinners. Jane wondered if the announcement had been aimed at Harvey; he did seem rather too fond of TV dinners. She giggled and squeezed his arm affectionately.
Jane picked up a plastic basket that had the words Joja Mart printed along the handle, and told Harvey, 'I've got some personal items to pick up... feminine products.'
'Ohhh... okay, I'll meet you back here shall I?' He said looking slightly pink in the face. She watched him pick up his own basket and hoped he'd buy at least one healthy item.
'See you shortly,' she smiled and went to look for the vitamins she needed. She looked back over her shoulder to make sure he wasn't following her and then wandered down a random aisle. She'd been in the store more than a handful of times, as Pierre didn't stock tampons or pregnancy tests in his grocery store. She knew where to look and headed towards the section of the store that sold toiletry products. As she turned the corner she stopped in her tracks. Shit! She saw the Joja Mart employee ripping boxes open with a box cutter. It was Shane. He was stacking tubes of toothpaste in to neat rows on one of the lower shelves. He hadn't seen her; he was too busy working to notice her. She walked down the aisle, basket in the crook of her arm, careful not to make too much sound. She would be quick, she could see the pregnancy vitamins on the middle shelf; she recognised the packaging since she'd purchased the month before. As she got closer she reached out and picked up a box.
'Doc's knocked you up then?' he was staring right at her patting his own belly, with huge grin on his face. 'Or maybe it's not his...'
'Of course it's his!' she snapped at him but then slapped both hands to her mouth shocked at her outburst. She looked at Shane with wide eyes then spun around quickly; suddenly paranoid that Harvey might be in the vicinity. Oh Yoba, please don't let Harvey have heard!
Shane laughed. 'He doesn't know... does he?'
Jane sighed. 'Shane, you can't say anything. I'm not ready to tell him.' She dropped the vitamins in to her basket. He rolled his eyes at her. 'It's my business Shane... I don't need to justify myself to you, but I'd appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.'
'Fine, whatever... look I gotta get on with my work.'
'Thanks, Shane,' she smiled feeling relieved and carried on down the aisle. She stopped when she heard him speak again, the tone of his voice indicated he was clearly mocking her.
'I'm actually surprised that other girl he's fucking hasn't been in to buy a pregnancy test yet, give it time though... I suppose.'
'What!' Jane watched the grin reappear on his face. 'What did you just say?'
He cleared his throat. 'I said I wouldn't be surprised if Maru was also carrying the Doc's kid.' Jane dropped her basket which clattered to the floor. She grabbed on to the shelf; several toothbrushes and bottles of mouthwash tumbled on to the floor. 'Heyyy! I gotta pick all that up now!'
'I'm gonna be sick.' Jane fell forward on to her knees and spewed on to the floor, and then spewed again.
'Oh, that's nasty!' He grimaced.
'CLEAN UP ON AISLE TEN!' the voice over the speaker instructed.
'Ah fuck, mannnn! Now I gotta go get a mop!'
Jane put her hand out in front of her. He vision was blurry and her whole body trembled. 'No! Wait... tell me what you've heard!' She wiped her mouth with the back of her other hand and tried to swallow but her mouth had gone dry.
'It's not what I heard, more like what I saw.'
Jane managed to stand up, but held on to the shelf for support. 'Shane, don't be an ass, just tell me.'
'Well... I was leaving the Stardrop one night when I saw them. The Doc and Maru, his receptionist,' he took off his Joja Mart cap and scratched the top of his head, 'Are you sure you want to know?'
'Tell me... please.' Did she really want to know? She wasn't sure but there was no going back.
'Well, I was quite drunk but I'm pretty sure Doc was fucking her, banging her up against the side of the saloon. Maru was moaning and Harvey was grunt-'
'-That's enough Shane.' Harvey was standing behind her, a look of anger on his face. His basket full of TV dinners hung at his side. His expression changed when he saw the tears in Jane's eyes. 'Jane...'
She didn't say a word to him, she barged past him and walked straight out of the store.