Chapter One.
"Finnick, have you seen my-"
"Here you go." Finnick says handing me my manuscript that I am pushing my company to publish. I work in a very small but respected book publishing company. It was a start up company when I first started, so I am in the high ranks now.
I'm not CEO or anything but, I don't have to go through as many people to get a meeting. The company has expanded ever since one of the books got a movie deal. We have published better books, in my opinion, but since this is a five book series the money will come in. I don't think it will be Harry Potter or anything but, it gave our company more credit and publicity.
Finnick and I currently live outside of New York we have a small apartment. Neither Finnick or myself wanted to live in the city. It is more expensive as well.
Finnick traveled around the world when he was getting his PHD. He went to Australia, California, Florida, Panama, Brazil, certain parts in Asia and Europe.
I could've left the book company so we could move somewhere more exotic. Finnick could do more interesting marine biology work then. However, Finnick wanted to stay in the US. He worked at the zoo for awhile but then became a professor for a college. He got to set up projects and experiments for students. He loved it at first but then it got frustrating, especially with some of the students.
When Finnick and I started trying to have a baby Finnick decided to look for a different job. One that didn't involve traveling. He got his old job back at the zoo. Well not exactly the same job. He has a bigger title and he makes more money.
Finnick and I currently live in a two bedroom apartment. It's better than our first few apartments when we first got married.
Finnick and I could put money down for a house. We make enough but, neither of us seem interested.
We will have to move eventually and probably within a year because we are having a baby.
"Thanks." I say and kiss his cheek.
"You're welcome. Be careful today, walking I mean". He says.
I roll my eyes.
"I'm only seven and a half months." I say.
"I'm just worried about you."
"You don't have to be." I say.
He puts his hand on my stomach.
"I wasn't talking to you Annie." He smiles and kisses my forehead.
I smile.
"You sure you don't want to know what we're having?" I ask him.
"I'm fine either way." He says. "I'll just be so glad when we meet them."
"Me too." I say.
"We should go shopping this weekend. Get stuff set up for their room." He says.
"You do realize we will get lots of stuff at our baby shower, right?" I say.
"Yes but no one will paint the room." He says.
"You want to paint our kid's room already?" I ask.
"Well, we should at least start looking at colors. God knows we won't agree on one easily." He smiles.
"Fine." I say. "This weekend." I say and start to head towards the door.
"Yes." He says. "Goodbye kiss?" He asks.
I kiss him then he kisses my stomach.
"Bye Annie, bye baby." Finnick says and I smile.
"Bye Finnick." I say and close the door.
Work seems to go bye slowly today. Ever since that book got the movie deal it seems that the press is always here.
I wasn't the publisher but, the company is involved.
"Gregg." I say and walk into his office.
"Miss. Annie you look radiant today." He says.
"What do you want?" I ask. Gregg was also here from the beginning. He's nice and I would consider us friends. He helped Finnick and myself move into our current apartment and we have always gone to his house for Labor Day.
"I was wondering if you could get rid of all these people." He says and motions towards the lobby.
"I don't like it either but it's getting us noticed." I say. "And why me?" I ask.
"Because people have more sympathy for pregnant woman." He says and I roll my eyes.
"I'll try and do it if you publish this book. Twenty- thousand for the first run." I say.
"That's not that much-" He says and takes the manuscript from me.
"See how it sells first then we can print more on the next run." I say. I wince and put my hand on my stomach.
"What's wrong?" He asks.
"My baby is just moving around." I say.
"Good because I don't want you to go into labor here. I don't think Finnick will be fond of that either." He said.
"Well, give me maternity leave early enough and I think we'll be okay."
"Don't worry I've already been thinking about that. I just remember when my wife had our daughter." He says and I nod. "You'll get a long paid maternity leave."
"Good." I say. I wasn't very worried about it. Finnick was though. But since I've been here since the company was at the crappy beginning I think I earned it.
I go to the lobby and get the dwellers and other people to leave.
"Christina." I say to our receptionist.
"Yes Mrs. Odair?" She asks.
"Please don't let a crowd come in here. Try and send them away. Are there any important appointments today?" I ask and she looks down at her notes.
"Nothing for you today." She smiles.
"Thank you." I tell her.
"You're welcome." She smiles.
I think she hates me for some reason. Even though I'm reason she got the job.
I go back to my office and sit down.
I rub my stomach when I feel a kick again. I scrunch my eyes together. The baby has been moving around a lot recently. I've also had some bab cramps.
It's nothing really but, it isn't the best thing. At least I'm not throwing up all time or my having my breasts ache.
When it hits four I pack up my stuff to go home. I usually leave early on Fridays.
Once I'm home I take off my work clothes and put on sweats. Something much more comfortable. Maternity clothes are still uncomfortable no matter how you slice it.
Finnick comes home in an hour. He smells like fish so I know he was working with the whales today.
Finnick takes a shower. I hate the smell of fish usually but my pregnancy has made it worse.
Finnick kisses me.
"Have a nice day?" He asks. He smells like shampoo, nice and clean.
"Yeah." I say and rub my stomach.
"You okay?" He asks.
"I just have stomach cramps. I think I shouldn't have had a turkey sandwich." I say. Turkey has made me nauseous ever since I got pregnant.
Finnick nods and kisses me.
"What do you want for dinner?" He asks.
We always order in on Fridays.
"Just pizza with cheese only on my side." I say.
He nods. Certain veggies make me feel ill still, but since I already feel bad I guess it shouldn't matter.
Finnick and I watch a terrible romantic comedy that is playing on television.
"Mmh." I say and put my hand on my stomach. "I can't eat anymore." I say and put down my piece.
Finnick nods.
"Do you feel sick?" He asks.
I shake my head.
"I think I'm just tired." I say.
Finnick nods.
I go to bed early tonight. I just don't feel it. It takes me awhile to fall asleep. By the time Finnick comes into bed I'm still up. My stomach doesn't hurt much but being pregnant makes sleeping not so easy.
Finnick and I waited five years after we got married to have kids. Mostly because we got married right out of college and I didn't want kids then. I wanted to have a decent job first. Finnick and I both have stable jobs and we have enough money to support a child. Still I'm nervous we'll run out of money or something.
I'm sure it's just a first time mom thing. I know Finnick and I will be able to care for our child.
I feel Finnick kiss my forehead before I drift off to sleep.