Annabeth
I can't miss anymore days of work.
Annabeth lays in bed, deciding whether or not to call out.
It's already been two weeks, I'll be lucky if they even let me keep the position.
She had spoken with Hazel who had insisted she take all the time and rest she needed for the health of her baby.
Annabeth sits up. She rolls and stretches her neck, and steps out of bed.
Laying around all day isn't going to help me feel better.
She walks into the bathroom and brushes her teeth. She scrolls through her phone, looking for an audiobook to listen to.
She selects one and listens as she makes her breakfast. She dresses herself and leaves for work.
The day passes in a whirl. She can't concentrate as well as she'd like to on her work. Her coworkers seem to walk on eggshells around her.
By the days end, Annabeth is frustrated with herself. She signs out of her computer and clocks out.
Her phone rings. It's her mother.
"Hi mom,"
"Hi Annabeth, how are you doing?"
She sighs as she packs up her things.
"I've had better days, mom."
"Oh sweetie I'm sorry, is there anything I can do for you? I'm flying back to Washington soon."
Annabeth thinks for a moment. "I would like to get dinner with you before you go. I know we don't see each other very often and this was a bad time. If possible I want your visit to end on a good note."
"I think that's a wonderful idea. Would you like to go tonight?"
"Yeah, I'm just leaving work. I'll go home and change and I can meet you at the restaurant."
She walks out the building and takes a deep breath.
Out of the corner of her eye she notices a black SUV parked near the firm.
Is that...? She squints to catch a glimpse of the driver. That's weird, he looks like that Russian guy from the funeral.
Annabeth turns and begins to walk away but keeps the car in her peripheral vision.
It doesn't move and she breathes a sigh of relief as she begins to descend the stairs to the subway.
She walks through the double doors into the warmly lit restaurant and looks around the room.
A blond woman sits at a table, looking at a cell phone. Annabeth walks over to her and she looks up.
"Hey mom,"
"Hi Annabeth," She stands up and hugs Annabeth before sitting back down.
Annabeth sits as well. "When did you say you're leaving?"
"I'll be flying out on Wednesday morning."
Annabeth nods. "Thanks for coming out here."
"Of course, I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Annabeth shakes her head. "I don't think so."
A waiter steps up to the table. "What can I get for you ladies to drink this evening?"
"Just water," Annabeth says, taking a menu.
"Vodka cranberry and a water."
"Alrighty, I'll be right back with those."
The waiter leaves and Annabeth's mother clasps her hands.
"Annabeth, I didn't want to bring it up at first, but Bianca told me you are expecting. Is that true?"
Annabeth sets down the menu. "Yeah. I wasn't going to tell anyone yet though. I'm only about 10 or so weeks."
The waiter comes back; He sets down a glass of water and a vodka cranberry. "Are you ready to order or do we need a few more minutes?"
Annabeth's mom pipes up. "A few more minutes, please."
The waiter nods and whisks away. Annabeth sips her water. "I guess I'm excited, but now I'm also kind of scared. I didn't think I would have to do it alone."
Annabeth looks out the window, it had started raining and raindrops splat against the dark road.
There it is again! A black SUV slowly drives past. A chill runs up and down her spine.
"I know it can be scary," Her mother takes her hand bringing Annabeth's mind back to the present. "But I want you to know that I'll be here for you. For both of you."