Okay. Yes I know it's a short chapter. But like I said before I hate when my stories go over 25 chapters. So this will be continued in another project. That I'm working on currently.
Chapter 24
Rick and Kate dated quietly, neither was ready to plastered on the front page of every newspaper and trash magazine. He took her to her favorite places and some of his. He knew she was never into fancy dinners so he kept it more to the classic date night fun. Two weeks into their secret relationship Martha caught Rick trying to sneak Kate out of the loft early one morning. They decided it was time to reveal themselves to everyone, except the press. Kate's roommate knew already, Martha took it well, remembering Kate from five years previously, Alexis was Rick's biggest concern, his daughter didn't remember much about Kate, only that she was super nice.
Another week passed uneventfully, until Friday morning. Rick gasped out loud when he was walking to pick up Kate's normal coffee and saw the cover of the newspaper was a photo of him and Kate walking and laughing in the park, holding hands. He grabbed a copy and paid for it, now nearly jogging to Kate's apartment, forgetting about the coffees. When he arrived he knocked loudly on the door. It was pulled open after a moment revealing Kate's roommate, Lanie.
"Hey Castle. She's in her room, she called in sick to work today, she hasn't been out of her room since last night. Do you know what's going on? Are you okay? You look like you've just seen a ghost." She steps aside to allow him entry.
"Thanks." Rick answers, without a second thought he jogs to her room. Her door is closed. He knocks, calling her name. "Kate. It's me. Can I come in?"
He waits a minute, there is no response. He can feel Lanie watching him. "Kate." He was about to knock again when she opens the door.
He takes in the sight in front of him. She looks tired. Her eyes are red and puffy, like she's been crying. Before he can speak, she wraps her arms around him and exhales a shaky breath onto his shoulder.
"Kate are you okay?" He momentarily forgets about the newspaper wedged in his back pocket. She doesn't respond but pulls him into her room, waves to Lanie and closes the door.
"I have to tell you something." They both say at the same time.
"You first." They both point to each other.
Rick stops her, "I'll go." He pulls the paper from his back pocket. "The press knows."
"Oh." Is all she can say. "Well it was bound to get out." She whispers, suddenly withdrawn from the world. He can see that her mind is elsewhere. She turns slowly, no longer facing him, her arms wrapped protectively around her torso.
"Are you okay Kate?" He steps closer to her.
She looks back to him. Her eyes almost empty, vacant. Her mind still going. He can feel the wheels turning as she thinks.
"Yeah. Fine."
"I know when you're lying."
"I'm fine Rick."
"No you're not. And you aren't telling me something. Kate what is it? We're in this together. Remember?"
She turns her body back towards him. He now stands directly in front of her, his hands running soothingly up and down her arms.
"I'm pregnant." It's a whisper, so faint he barely hears her.
Reviews are always a nice way to end a day. Or start a day. Or read in the middle of the day. Or anytime really. Just please review. I really want to know your opinions. 'Varsity Gambit' is officially finished but please read 'Baby Steps' the continuation.
Thanks for sticking with me for a long run.