A/N - Sorry for the delay - Life as a single mum can be challenging at times and between that and writer's block it's been a struggle. Hope you enjoy xx
The crisp morning sunlight softly crept into Elizabeth's bedroom, rousing her from her restless sleep as it cast a rosy glow. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, attempting to focus. Having cried herself to sleep, she had now woken all puffy faced and snotty nosed. As she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but chuckle "Oh that's attractive."
Walking across to the window, she opened the shutters, allowing the warm yellow rays to permeate the room with a comfort she so desperately needed. Staring out on another day, she rolled her shoulders and let the tension ease from her neck. The nausea hadn't presented itself yet, although it was only a matter of time before it did. Keeping anything down was becoming a real challenge and it was making her feel like the walking dead.
Her hands tenderly cradled her bump as she closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath. "It's just you and me now, kiddo."
As she let the silence surround her, Elizabeth suddenly felt a strange sensation. It was like bubbles floating around and tickling her inside. Her eyes shot open and she looked down "Is that you little one?" She waited patiently and sure enough, a few minutes later she felt the same thing.
A huge grin instantly spread across her face and suddenly everything felt very real. She was actually growing a tiny, living person and to feel it moving was like nothing she had ever experienced in her life before. If she had any doubts left about how much she wanted this baby - They had all just disappeared in an instant.
"I hope you know how much I want you and love you already - Because I do little one!" Elizabeth kept her hands pressed to her bump and then laughed "And I'm talking to my stomach - That's how the madness first starts."
As she walked towards the bathroom and turned on the shower, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her lower back, taking her breath away. It made her so dizzy, she had to grab onto the counter to steady herself. She remained still until the feeling had passed and then stepped under the hot water, letting it wash over her ever changing body. Once it started running cold, she wrapped a towel around herself and headed back into the bedroom to get dressed. Just as before, Elizabeth was overtaken by the sharp pain and dizziness, the room spinning way more than it should. She sat on the edge of her bed until everything had settled. This was a new pregnancy side effect that she could definitely live without - Especially as she had very little time to get herself ready.
It was already 9.45am and Elizabeth was running late. Andrew had left a cryptic message on her answerphone the night before informing her he would be there at 10am sharp and to be ready because he didn't like to be kept waiting. He had given her no indication of where they were going or what she should wear - Although her options on that front were starting to become rather limited.
She was down to one pair of jeans that still buttoned up and a handful of shirts. If she didn't surrender to the inevitability of maternity wear soon - She would be living in yoga pants and Andrews Seattle Mariners Sweatshirt, which really wasn't a viable option.
Elizabeth grabbed the letter off the kitchen side, shoving it in her bag to post if and when she plucked up enough courage, and buzzed Andrew up. She was still feeling a little unsteady and thought it would probably be a good idea not to tackle the stairs alone.
"Are you okay Bess? You look a little peaky."
"Gee, thanks." Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him, "Just what I needed to hear."
"Don't get all huffy with me young lady - You know I'm only concerned. Would you rather we didn't care?"
She pondered and shrugged "Maybe."
"Liar."
"Drama queen." Elizabeth waited for the return insult but Andrew just laughed.
"You're not wrong there. So, are you ready to go?"
Elizabeth nodded and then shook her head immediately, dashing to the sink to bring up the tiny amount of water she'd managed that morning.
Andrew looked everywhere but at Elizabeth, trying desperately not to wretch himself. He didn't do well with any kind of illness, bleeding and puking being the two definite causes of overreaction in him. "Can I get you something from another room maybe?" He was already trying to edge out of earshot before her puking made him sick too.
"It's ok Andrew, I'm done - For now." Elizabeth slung her bag over her shoulder and grabbed her keys.
"Oh thank god. You know I love you Bess but I can't be doing with all that, It makes me feel all icky."
"It's not exactly a walk in the park for me either."
"Wellllll - That will teach you for getting all hot and steamy in the desert, won't it honey." He gave her a nudge with his elbow and she smiled "Let's get going."
"Where exactly are we going?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out. Oh - And grab a sick bag or something because I'm telling you Bess - If you dare puke in my car, I'm throwing you out."
Andrew and Greg had watched Elizabeth struggle, her refusal to reach out to her friends causing them real concern. She needed their support more than ever and shutting them out was only hurting her more. So, they had been rather covert themselves and spoken to Isabelle and Juliette.
The girls had only been told that Elizabeth was going through a tough time and she needed her friends. Andrew thought they should know about the pregnancy, but Greg had made a compelling argument that it was not their place to share details about Elizabeth's life. It had taken a lot for her to turn to them in the first place and there was no way in hell they were going to betray her trust.
Elizabeth just needed that little nudge to let people in - But now their plan was about to be executed - Greg was starting to panic. This was going to go one of two ways. Elizabeth would either be really happy that she could finally share this with the people closest to her - Or - She would feel ambushed and retreat back into herself, cutting herself off from the only support she had. Greg just hoped it was the former.
Andrew stopped the car and smiled at Elizabeth.
"What are you smiling at? And why are we at Royal Lake Andrew? I don't have the energy for this."
"You need some fresh air in your lungs honey so we're going to have a nice picnic, take a walk and you might even be pleasantly surprised who you bump into."
"Oh wonderful! An autumn picnic where I freeze to death and can't eat anything because I'll only puke it back up again! And as for socialising with anyone - Can't say I'm hot on that idea either."
"Elizabeth Adams - Stop bitching and moaning about everything that's wrong in your life and start noticing the good stuff!" Andrew rarely raised his voice, especially to Elizabeth, but he needed to get through to her "You are so lucky to be given the chance to be a parent. Do you know what Greg and I would give for that? I know it's scary and I know it's not the way you wanted it but sometimes you have to just play the cards you're dealt." He softened his voice and smiled "You have people who love you - You are not alone but you have to let us in Bess! If you keep yourself locked behind a wall of hurt, you will never be happy! And you are too incredible to stay hidden away."
Elizabeth's bottom lipped quivered and Andrew shook his head at her.
"Don't do that! Don't you dare start crying because you'll get me going and puffy eyes are not a good look."
"I'm sorry for being such a bitch - I do appreciate you!"
"I know you do sweetie."
"The whole picnic thing though — I honestly won't be able to eat anything unless you want me to recreate a scene from The Exorcist?"
"As fun as that sounds, honey, I think we'll avoid it at all costs. You can watch us eat instead."
"Who exactly do you mean by 'us'?"
"Well holy fuck! There is very little in this world that can still surprise me — But you've just managed it Bess. "
Elizabeth stood there, mouth agape.
"I would ask what you've been up to - But I think that's pretty damn obvious! Jesus Christ girl - Did I teach you nothing? Come here." Isabelle pulled Elizabeth into a tight hug "When were you going to tell us about this exactly?"
"I hadn't quite decided."
Juliette was the next to wrap her arms around Elizabeth "You know how much we've missed you, right?"
Elizabeth looked at her friends and burst into tears "I'm sorry."
"Oh shit Bess — You are more than aware - I don't do the whole emotional scene thing and now you're forcing me to be compassionate." She pulled Elizabeth into another hug "I'm only doing this to stop you blubbing,."
"We both know you're full of shit Isabelle." Juliette rolled her eyes and laughed "She's been missing you just as much as the rest of us."
Elizabeth wiped her tears away and smiled "I've missed you both too."
"Missing is a strong word - You're extremely good at your job which makes my life easier! And so much fun to go out drinking with —" She looked down at Elizabeth's bump and sighed "Well, you were good to go out drinking with but I guess now that you've gone and got yourself knocked up - That will have to wait for a while."
"I do wish everyone would stop referring to me as being 'knocked up! It's a baby and it happens to be something I'm thrilled about."
"Christ Bess - Don't be so touchy."
"It's her hormones" Juliette looked at Elizabeth sympathetically.
"No it's not - Bess has always been a moody bitch! That's why we get on so well." Isabelle flashed Elizabeth a wide grin "You know I love you, right?"
Greg joined the party "Look at my girls reconnecting. I'm so proud."
Elizabeth snorted "You make yourself sound like our pimp."
"I'd make a bloody fortune out of you three - Well, maybe not you right now Bess."
Isabelle raised a brow "Some guys are into that—-."
"ISABELLE —" Juliette and Elizabeth both shouted at the same time.
"What? I was just saying—"
"Here's an idea - Don't say it."."
Elizabeth suddenly felt extremely dizzy and had to grab Greg's arm to stay upright.
"Oh honey - Still not feeling too good?"
Elizabeth shook her head as she tried to steady herself.
"Okay - Let's get you sitting down." He walked her over to the picnic table "You do look decidedly peaky girl."
"Andrew has already shared that particular compliment with me. - Have you two never heard of bolstering?"
"Oh you know me Bess - I say it as it is and you look like crap honey."
Sitting around the table, the long overdue catch up was in full swing. Isabelle shared sordid tales of her love life which, as always, was way more information than was needed. Juliette flashed her 3.5ct diamond engagement ring which Aiden had slipped on her finger during her birthday trip to Paris, Greg and Andrew let the girls in on the little secret that the adoption was progressing nicely and by next year they should be parents themselves - And then all eyes were on Elizabeth.
"Come on then Bess - Spill." The silence around the table was thick with anticipation.
"I'm pregnant. Good talk - Next subject."
"Oh hell no! I want details and do not leave anything out." Isabelle was grinning "You cannot come back pregnant and not share the ins and outs - And everything in between."
Juliette and Elizabeth looked at each other and then looked at Isabelle which caused raucous laughter.
"The three of you are so childish." Andrew shook his head "Leave the poor girl alone! Some details should remain private."
"Ssshhhhh Andrew - I want details." Greg was grinning from ear to ear "Please Bess - I need to know."
"Gregory - Don't you test me today! You do not need to know anything that will feed your dirty mind."
"I beg to differ. I very much want to hear this story."
Andrew glared at Greg "I'll tell you a story Gregory - It's about a guy who's partner leaves him because he's a nosey old queen who tries to live vicariously through others!"
The girls continued pushing Elizabeth for information.
"You sure had your pic of hot guys - So which one was it? Or would a more appropriate question be - How many was it?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes "Do you all think I'm some kind of slutty nymphomaniac?"
Isabelle grinned "Yes we do! Who was it that brazenly flirted with the guy in Calico's and then went home with him - Ohhh yes, that was you Bess."
"That was all your fault - And if I'm being honest, so was this." Elizabeth rubbed her bump "I blame the pair of you entirely."
"WHAT?" Isabelle and Juliette both looked at her in confusion.
Isabelle held up her hands "Nothing to do with me - I am not physically capable of doing that to you. I mean, I know I'm good but even I have my limits."
"You put that bottle of JD in my bag."
"I don't recall sticking a note to it saying 'Drink me and fuck a stranger"
"He wasn't a stranger." Elizabeth smiled "He is - I mean — He was someone special."
The girls both smiled at each other and then looked at Bess "Really! Ohhhhh - It was that cocky marine wasn't it - Rodriguez! You dark horse Bess. I wouldn't really say he was your type but good for you."
"It wasn't Rodriguez - Give me some credit."
"I think he's kinda hot in a brooding sorta way."
"Isabelle - If a guy has a pulse and will buy you a drink, you think he's hot." Juliette laughed, "Your selection process is nonexistent."
"That's not true!"
Elizabeth and Juliette both looked at Isabelle with a knowing smirk.
"Okay -Fine! Maybe there is some truth to that. But we're digressing, I want to know - Who was this non stranger that seduced you?"
"Henry." Even saying his name felt foreign to Elizabeth now - As though she wasn't even entitled to say it any more.
"Henry? Who's Henry?" Juliette felt like she was falling behind.
"The guy from the bar - Keep up Juliette. What the hell was he doing out in Iraq?"
"Conrad sent him out as an ethical advisor. Sure as hell took me by surprise I can tell you. It appears our boss knew far more about my—." Elizabeth went through the words in her head. Boyfriend, Lover. Acquaintance. She wasn't sure what the hell they ever were. "Well — Far more about Henry than I ever did.'
"That's what you call a small world - I thought he was a lecturer - Or was it a librarian?"
"Turns out he's an ex marine."
"Wow - This story gets better and better - Did you do it on your desk? Or In the shower block? Or did you go all Arabian Nights and get it on behind a sand dune. I never knew you had it in you Bess but I bow down - You got him to travel halfway across the world just to bang you."
"Can you ever actually hear what comes out of your mouth or does it happen so fast you can't keep track?" Juliette frowned "Bess is sat right there."
"I know she is! You know I have no filter, don't you Bess? - It's a gift and it's one of the many reasons you all love me so much - I'm awesome."
"It's a good job we do." Juliette turned her attention to Elizabeth "So honestly - How do you feel about this honey?"
Elizabeth looked down at her bump and smiled "It was a shock at first, especially as Henry and I aren't even a thing anymore - But honestly - I think this little one is the best thing that's ever happened to me - It's like the universe knew what I needed even when I didn't."
"Does Henry know?"
"Yep."
"Oh - He doesn't want to be involved?"
"He's with someone else now and I don't want to mess up his life. It's my decision to keep this baby and I can do this on my own." Elizabeth wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Oh Bess - This was a little bit more than a fling to you, wasn't it? You love him?"
Elizabeth nodded "I really do! But we couldn't seem to find a way to make it work so it's better this way. I'll be okay."
"Of course you will! You have us - Although I'm not changing any diapers or clearing up baby puke - I will take them out when they're old enough to drink - Juliette can do the younger years and I'm sure you could rope George into a few babysitting shifts - He knows how to pull a quarter from your ear."
"I'm so glad you're here - I really thought I needed to close myself off and do this alone but I should have known better — Thank you."
"No need for thanks - it's what friends do." Juliette squeezed her hand.
"I'm always willing to accept a little gratitude. Could you maybe hook me up with Rodriguez?"
"You're insatiable - You know that?" Elizabeth shook her head and laughed "Do you ever think about anything else?"
"It's possible! So, is that a yes?"
"You may have noticed I have other things on my mind right now." She tried to stand up but the dizziness sent her straight back down with a thud "Fuck —."
Juliette looked concerned "Are you okay Bess? You're ghostly white."
"I'm fine — Just tired."
Andrew felt her forehead "Jesus honey - You're burning up?"
Elizabeth leaned forwards "Actually, I don't feel so good - My back is killing me. I just need to go home and get some rest."
Isabelle shared a look with Juliette, Greg and Andrew "I think maybe you should go and get checked out Bess - Just to be safe."
Elizabeth stood back from the table and just made it to the trash can before she threw up.
"Come on sweetie - Let's get you to the hospital." Greg tried to take her arm but she shrugged him off.
"I want to go home."
"I know but it's only to get you checked over."
Andrew looked at Isabelle and shook his head "Somethings not right —" He put his arms around Elizabeth to take her weight but as he did, her body went limp.
"Bess — Wake up sweetie — Bess?"
Greg was panicking and Isabelle stepped up to take charge.
"Andrew - You need to get her to the hospital — Nowl! It isn't far and it will be way quicker than waiting for an ambulance - I'm going to ring Conrad and see if I can't get hold of Henry - I have a feeling she might need him here."
"What shall I do?" Juliette felt lost. "I want to help."
Isabelle squeezed her arm "You're the believer - Pray to god that Bess and the baby are okay."