The Bet 2: Dark Secrets
By: Fox Almasy
Ch. 8
Is It Possible To Be This Happy?
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A gentle breeze blew through the park and encircled Naomi as she set her books and binder on a bench and sat down. She watched as little children ran about playing on the jungle gym or chasing after one another. She smiled slightly at the thought that one day her child would be out there. It scared her though. The thought of a baby, someone that would have to depend on her for survival. Was she capable of raising a child.
The knowledge that she was pregnant still hadn't quite sunk in all though the definite sign of her already growing belly told her plain as day. She had a doctors appointment next week and would be having a sonogram done.
Not only did she have to prepare for a baby, but a wedding that would be taking place next month. They hadn't even begun and Naomi was already exhausted. Glancing briefly at her phone she stood up, deciding she needed to get back to the apartment and discuss a few details with Brad.
The walk home was peaceful and Naomi couldn't help but think of how well the day had gone. She had gotten an A on her test and would be finishing her Thesis soon. And she would be married next month. Life was going good, a little fast, but good none of the less.
She made it to the apartment in record time, but was unprepared for the drama she was about to face. As she unlocked the door and pushed it open, urgent voices drifted out to her, before she recognized Brad's voice as he shouted something that was then followed by the slamming of something. Naomi frowned and shut the door.
Brad was standing in the center of the living room, eyes closed and fists clenched at his sides. Benji sat on the sofa with his face in his hands and Riley was seated next to him, with an unsure expression on her face.
Brad looked up as Naomi set her books on the counter and walked over to them.
"What's going on?" Benji looked up briefly from his hands, before lying back and staring at the ceiling..
"Sarah that's what's going on!" responded Brad as he kicked the phone across the room as it began to ring. Naomi jumped as it connected with the wall and broke apart. Taking a deep breath Brad ran his fingers through his hair. "She's feeding stories to those damn magazines again."
"So, it's not like they're real. I mean we figured that out with the article on your sister's baby remember?"
"Yeah, but the thing is this time they're true! The stuff taken from Benji's apartment was put in there!" he reached down and picked something up off of the table and handed it to her. Naomi stared at the magazine in her hand and flipped through the pages till she came to the one she was looking for. Her eyes quickly scanned the article before widening and looking up at Benji.
"Oh I am so sorry . . . Is this true?" he looked away before nodding solemnly. Pushing himself to a stand he reached out for Riley's hand.
"I think I'm gonna go home . . . I'll see you tomorrow OK?" both Brad and Naomi nodded and watched as Benji left the apartment. Naomi waited a moment before turning to Brad and studying his face.
"So . . . What's been happening since this article appeared?"
"Reporters, fans, you name it they've been calling with questions and some even had the audacity to yell profanity and tell me we deserve to go to hell because we're murderers. I think we even got the bad role model card." Groaning, Brad collapsed onto the couch and began to message his forehead. "I hope this blows over soon and doesn't cause too much damage." Naomi sat down beside him and glanced toward the destroyed telephone.
"Why is she doing this? I mean is the contract really this important to her?"
"She's a greedy bitch that's why." reaching out and taking his hand, she gently ran her fingers over his palm, and leaned against him. "Sorry I probably shouldn't worry you about any of this. You don't need that kind of stress."
"It's OK. I don't mind really."
They were silent for a moment, as they listened to the sound of traffic outside their window.
"I've been thinking." murmured Naomi as she closed her eyes.
"About?"
"The wedding . . . I think we should have it in that park down on Florence Ave. You know where that little gazebo is on the lake? I think that would be nice."
"Sure. What ever you want."
"And I think I'll go pick out my dress tomorrow and a cake."
"Don't do too much. I don't want you to get too worked up. You need to rest."
"Don't worry I'll be fine." she smiled and stood up. "What do you want for dinner?"
"I Don't care. What ever is easiest." she nodded and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Brad to the thoughts plaguing his mind. How far would Sarah actually go before she gave up? Brad could only pray she'd give up soon.
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Kelly watched, mildly surprised at the large plate of food Naomi was currently eating. She couldn't remember ever seeing her friend eat as much as she was now, and Kelly was shocked.
"Geez girl, it's amazing you ever kept your figure."
"Hey give me a break I am starving. I don't think you realize what kind of appetite a baby has."
"Obviously." Naomi rolled her eyes and took another bite. Kelly smiled and took a bite of her salad. "So where we going for this dress of yours?"
"I don't know. I doubt they sell wedding dresses at the maternity store. And we have to keep in mind that in a month the baby will be even bigger than it already is." Kelly nodded and glanced briefly down at Naomi's mid section.
When they had finished their lunch, they made their way down the street, examining different dress shops until Naomi decided to go into one. They visited 3 different store before turning into a fourth on the corner.
The shop was small and dresses covered almost every inch of the tiny room. They quickly rifled through the selection before the cashier came over and asked if they needed help.
"Uh…well I'm looking for a maternity wedding dress if you have one of those." answered Naomi as her eyes scanned the store, feeling slightly stupid from her question. The woman nodded before disappearing into a back room. Naomi wandered over to a chair and sank down into it. Yawning, she had to blink back the moisture gathering at the corner of her eyes from the yawn. Shaking her head to wake herself up, Naomi watched the woman emerge from the back room with a long elegant gown draped over her fore arm. She brought it quickly to Naomi and held it up for her inspection.
"It's beautiful." murmured Naomi as she reached out and fingered the material. It was a halter top with small white beads lining the hem.
"You can try it on and we can resize. When is your wedding?"
"Next month."
"OK we can have you come in about a week before and we'll resize it for you." Naomi nodded and took the dress into the fitting room.
It was slightly big, but that was good, given the circumstances. Gently removing the dress, she redressed and carried the gown out so she could pay for it. Naomi gave a sigh of relief when they left the store, happy to know that the whole dress shopping ordeal was over.
"So do any of you know any good caterers?" Naomi questioned as they walked across the street.
"Uh…well theres one over on 6th that catered at my cousin's wedding." responded Leena. "They were cheap and the food was good to."
"Well if Leena says it was good then I don't doubt it. Let's go check it out." answered Kelly. Naomi nodded in agreement and followed Leena as she led the way.
3 hours later, Naomi was happy to finally set foot into the apartment. The apartment was silent as Naomi dropped her purse on the hall table and shuffled to the bedroom. She passed a note on the way from Brad, stating he had gone to Benji's to help him get rid of the reporters that were swarming the apartment building.
Naomi replaced the note and sank down onto the bed. She was exhausted and her feet were killing her. She still needed to think of something for dinner, but all she wanted to do was curl up and sleep for about a week. Rosco jumped up onto the bed with her and curled at the foot of the bed.
Moving onto her side, Naomi tucked her arm under her pillow and drew it closer to her. She listened to the quiet sounds of the apartment and traffic below. Soon it began to lull her to sleep and she didn't hear the door open as she drifted into a fit slumber.
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Brad glanced around the apartment, searching for any sign that Naomi was home. Her purse was sitting on the hall table so he knew she was home. Moving across the living room, he crept into the bedroom and leaned against the door frame. Naomi was lying with her back towards him. Her breathing was deep and when she rolled over, Brad could see how exhausted she was, just by looking at her face.
He sank slowly onto the bed and laid down beside her and watched her sleep. He smiled as her nose twitched and her eyebrows drew together in a frown. Reaching out he gently touched her cheek with the back side of his hand. She leaned into his touch and scooted closer as his arm wrapped around her. Breathing in the scent of her hair, Brad closed his eyes and listened to the sound of her breathing.
After twenty minutes had passed, Brad sat up and gently nudged her awake.
"Hmmm?"
"You hungry?" he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She started to sit up, but Brad gently pushed her back and smiled.
"I'll handle it OK?" she nodded and was soon asleep again.
Naomi's eye's fluttered and she sat up and glanced at the clock. It was now 6:30. She had been asleep for an hour and a half already. Sliding from the bed she shuffled into the kitchen and smiled as Brad set a plate down on the table for her.
"I had no idea you could cook Brad."
"It's just spaghetti. That's easy and trust me I can't do much."
They spent the rest of the evening eating and then watching a movie on the TV in their room. Around eleven Naomi finally fell asleep and Brad stayed up a bit longer watching her as she slept.
Naomi frowned as the door buzzer rang through the apartment. Sitting up, she glanced around trying to regain her senses. Brad mumbled before releasing her waist and turning over onto his other side. The buzzer rang again and this time Brad sat up.
"What the hell? Who's here this early?" Naomi shrugged before slipping out of the bed and disappearing out of the room. Brad flopped back onto the bed and waited to hear who was downstairs.
"Hello?" Naomi's voice was loud in the silent apartment. And Rosco could be heard barking.
"Naomi! So glad you're awake! Your father and I were worried you and Brad weren't up yet." at the sound of Mrs. Fluegel's voice Brad sat up and groaned. Things just weren't going his way lately. Somehow he managed to climb from the bed and pull on a pair of pants as Naomi came in and quickly dressed.
"What are they doing here?" he questioned while tugging on a sleeveless shirt. Naomi shrugged as she turned to him.
"I didn't even know they were coming." Brad groaned before walking to the front door and opening it as Naomi's parents walked in. Her mom hugged him quickly, but her father simply glared and refused to come anywhere near him.
"Congratulations Brad I am so happy for the both of you!" Mrs. Fluegel cooed as she hugged him again, before entwining her arm through her husband's. "Where's Naomi?"
"She's getting dressed." Naomi soon emerged from the room and her mom quickly enveloped her in a tight hug.
"I am so excited for you!"
"Mom what are you doing here?"
"Well to help you with the wedding preparations of course! We need caterers a dress, DJ-"
"Uh mom we've already got the caterers and the dress."
"Well that's fine, but I'm still going to be helping. With you in this condition you don't need to be stressed." Naomi and Brad exchanged glances before Naomi led her parents into the living room. Brad didn't follow right away and simply looked up at the ceiling. God had it in for him he figured. Why else would he send Naomi's dad?
Following them into the living room he watched Naomi's dad wander around and examine everything. Like none of it was good enough for his daughter. He stared down at Rosco as the dog growled at him from a few feet away. Brad silently praised the dog before he glanced toward Naomi and her mom. He liked her mom a lot better. She accepted him and didn't care if he had started out poor.
They were talking about the baby and her mom kept talking about all the things she was going to get for the baby. He didn't want him or her to be spoiled, but it looked like Naomi's mom was on a mission to do so.
Brad sat down next to Naomi and leaned back, still tired. Brad glanced over at Naomi as she smiled at him. Her mom was still talking enthusiastically and kept on placing her hand on Naomi's stomach. He returned the smile and gently pulled her towards him to kiss her forehead.
"So Brad tell me how is your music thing going?" he looked over at Mrs. Fluegal and shrugged.
"It's alright. A little rocky at the moment, but we plan on cleaning that up soon."
"That's nice." she turned back to Naomi and smiled.
"Do you have school today?"
"Actually I do, but first I have a doctors appointment. They're going to do a sonogram."
"Oh how wonderful. Well while you two go to the doctors appointment I think me and your father will go out for breakfast. Make sure you call us as soon as you get back ok?"
"Sure thing mom." Mrs. Fluegal stood and motioned for her husband to follow.
"Well we'll see you later." Naomi showed them out and Brad remained on the couch and slowly stretched out and closed his eyes. Naomi returned and laughed softly as she stretched out next to Brad.
"Oh you poor baby. You're still tired."
"Yeah lets sleep some more." he murmured and pulled her closer against him. She smiled and buried her face against his chest.
"I'd love to but my appointment is in an hour and a half, so I'm afraid we need to go." Brad groaned and sat up.
"Alright, but only because I love you."
"Of course you do." she responded and pulled him to his feet.
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The doctor's office was extremely crowded and Brad hated how they always scheduled everyone's appointment for the same time. Kids were crying and pouting everywhere. Brad cringed and glanced over at Naomi.
"Please don't tell me this is what we have to look forward to." Naomi glanced out at the children and then back at him.
"Nonsense our kids will be very well behaved."
"God I hope so or else you're taking them to the doctors." Naomi rolled her eyes and slipped her hand into his.
"Don't worry I'm sure we can handle it." they looked up as the door opened and a nurse stepped out with a clip board.
"Naomi Fluegal?" Naomi stood up and Brad soon followed as they were led into the back. Brad hated hospitals, they always made him extremely uncomfortable. They were led into a room and told that the doctor would be with them shortly.
Naomi sat fidgeting with the engagement ring around her finger. Brad watched her from the corner of the room and smiled.
"Hey calm down what are you so nervous about?"
"I don't know." she released the ring and leaned back on her arms and stared up at the ceiling. "Do you want to know if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Do you?" she shrugged her shoulders and trained her eyes on Brad.
"I kind of do, but I kind of want it a secret to."
"It's up to you." at that moment the doctor entered holding a clipboard. She glanced up and smiled before setting the board on the counter.
"So you are here for an ultrasound and a check up correct?" Naomi nodded and waited for the doctors instructions. "Go ahead and lie back and we'll have the ultrasound first." Naomi did as she was told and slowly lay back on the table while the doctor prepped her for the ultrasound. Brad had moved to the side of the table and now gripped Naomi's hand in his. Naomi watched the doctors face as she examined the ultrasound. The screen was turned away from Naomi at the moment so she couldn't see anything.
"Oh my."
"What? What's wrong." the doctor looked over at Naomi and smiled.
"Oh nothing is wrong at all."
"Then what is it?" questioned Brad. The doctor smiled and turned the screen around so Naomi could see.
"Congratulations, you are going to be having twins." Naomi felt a surge of emotion grip her throat as she stared at where the doctor was pointing on the screen. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks as her hand fluttered near her lips.
"Twins . . ." she murmured and squeezed Brad's hand.
"Would you like to know the sex?" questioned the doctor as she turned the screen back around to face her. Brad looked down at Naomi and waited for her answer. Naomi smiled and wiped away the tears on her cheeks. Not finding her voice she quickly nodded and waited anxiously.
"Alright." the doctor was silent for a few more minutes before looking back up.
"You are going to be having little boys." Naomi smiled and closed her eyes. She could hardly remember a time when she had been this happy. She was going to be starting her own family and they would be having twins!
"Can we get a picture of the sonogram?" questioned Naomi.
"Of course, just a moment, I'll be right back." the doctor left the room and Brad helped Naomi sit up.
"Can you believe it?" Brad smiled and pulled her into his embrace as a fresh wave of tears graced her cheeks.
"Well your hormones must be really out of whack, you're really emotional."
"I know." Naomi laughed in between tears and tightened her embrace. Brad rested his head against hers until the tears finally subsided and she pulled back. "I can't even begin to explain how happy I am right now."
"Don't worry I can tell."
The doctor entered the room again and asked Brad to step out while Naomi had her check up. She handed him the sonogram pictures and then waited for him to shut the door.
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Naomi smiled as she quickly pressed numbers into her cell phone and waited for her mother to answer. Finally on the third ring she picked up and her high friendly voice came on.
"Hello?"
"Hey mom it's me."
"Oh Naomi how did the doctors go?"
"Great everything is fine."
"Did you find out the sex of the baby?" Naomi smiled and rested her hand on her stomach.
"Yeah they're boys."
"They're?"
"We're having twins mom!" answered Naomi trying to keep the excitement out of her voice, but failing.
"Oh how wonderful! Hold on let me tell your father." Naomi's breath caught in her throat as the other end became muffled. She could hear her moms reassuring voice then her father's deeper more intimidating voice. she blinked in surprise as her father's voice came over the phone.
"Congratulations. You must be so happy."
"Oh I am and so is Brad. He's excited about being a dad." her own dad grunted in reply before handing the phone back to her mother.
"Well I better let you get to class. We'll see you later love."
"OK bye mom."
"Goodbye sweetheart." Naomi flipped the phone shut and tucked it away into her purse. Regaining her hold on her binder and books, Naomi set off at a brisk walk as she crossed the college campus to get to her class. Kris, Kelly and Leena were all waiting for her outside the door when she finally arrived.
"OK so don't leave us hanging how is everything?" questioned Kelly as she playfully rubbed Naomi's stomach. Naomi laughed and shooed her hand away.
"Everything is fine. And on top of that . . . We're having twin boys."
"Twins?" Cried Kelly as she grabbed Naomi's hands. Naomi nodded before smiling widely. She could feel the excitement grip her again as Kelly pulled her into a hug. They stepped back and Naomi moved her eyes to see what Leena and Kris were doing. Kris smiled before hugging Naomi lightly and then stepping back again.
"I am really glad everything is going so well for you. I don't think I've ever seen you this happy before."
"Yeah!" chimed in Leena as she to gave Naomi a hug. "You and Brad will be great parents!"
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Sorry for the long wait. My friend was suppose to edit this for me and never did so please forgive me and try to ignore the mistakes ok.