43. Layne

Chapter forty-three

Layne

Three and half weeks later:

L ife is back to normal after getting home from Scotland. Our honeymoon was absolutely perfect, the type of trip that women dream of when they get married. I’ve been non-stop nauseous since we came home. Wes has tried naming off probable causes: time changes, traveling, or catching something on the plane. Just my luck, returning from the best vacation ever only to get sick.

Story of my fucking life.

Wes left for work an hour ago, and I haven’t made any effort to leave the comfort of my bed. I even called into work today because I feel like utter trash. I sent Kris and Atlas a text to let them know I wasn’t feeling well. Kris promptly texted back that she hopes I feel better. Atlas has yet to respond. I sit up in bed and grab my phone from its charger and as I stand up, I’m hit with a wave of nausea. “Oh, no!” I make a break for the bathroom, almost not making it.

After throwing up everything in my stomach, I sit back against the glass shower door. My phone pings twice. I let out a deep breath and retrieve my phone from my pocket.

Atlas: Sick, huh?

Atlas: Pregnant?

“Oh, shit!” I realize that could be it. Opening up my cycle tracking app on my phone, I stare at it. The circle in the center reads, “LATE.” I feel a sinking feeling in my stomach as I process the implications of my late period. Could it be possible? Could I actually be pregnant? The thought sends a jolt of excitement and anxiety through my body. I quickly calculate the timing in my head, realizing that it aligns perfectly with our honeymoon in Scotland.

As the realization sinks in, a million thoughts race through my mind. Do I text Wes? Better find out if you’re actually pregnant first. I shake off my thoughts and focus on my immediate concern — my health. With every ounce of strength, I push myself up, my body quivering with exhaustion. I clean myself up and make my way back to bed, clutching my phone tightly.

With trembling hands, I open a search engine on my phone and type in the symptoms of early pregnancy. Nausea, fatigue, and missed periods all come up as common signs. The pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and a mix of emotions washes over me. Excitement, fear, and uncertainty swirl in my mind.

I need my best friend right now.

I dial Atlas’s number.

“Bitch, I swear if you tell me you’re just playing hooky, I’m gonna slap you when I see you.” He laughs, I can almost see his shoulders shaking .

“Have you left for work already?” I look at the clock that hangs on the wall above over bed.

“I’m just getting ready to head out. Why?” I can hear the suspicion in his tone.

“Can you do me a favor?” I sit back down on the bed. My hand lingers on my stomach, pondering the possibility of a baby inside.

“La La?” His voice is more concerned than anything now.

“I — I need you to bring me a pregnancy test.” I bite my lip. “Please.”

“Holy shit balls! 10-4 rubber ducky. I am on it. See you in like fifteen minutes.” He hangs up and I fall back onto the bed.

Is this really happening?

I lay on the bed, overwhelmed by the realization that I might be pregnant. Thoughts of what this could mean for Wes and me flood my mind. Am I ready for this? Are we financially stable enough? How will our lives change? The uncertainty is both exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time.

Minutes feel like hours as I anxiously wait for Atlas to arrive with the pregnancy test. I try to distract myself by scrolling through social media, but my mind keeps wandering back to the possibility of a baby. My phone pings and it Atlas.

Atlas: Gate code?

Layne: 102623

Atlas: Your wedding date? Wes is so unoriginal…

The sound of a car door slamming outside jolts me out of my thoughts and I rush to the front door, anticipation coursing through my veins. Atlas stands there, holding a small bag with a reassuring smile on his face. “I got you, girl,” he says, handing me the bag. “Now let’s find out what’s going on.”

I take the test into the bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest. Following the instructions, I nervously wait for the results. Time seems to stand still as the minutes tick by. Finally, the timer goes off, and I pick up the test, my hands trembling.

“What does it say!” Atlas shouts through the door.

I stare at the result, my eyes widening with shock. Two pink lines. Positive. The reality sinks in, and I let out a cry of laughter and tears. I’m going to be a mother . Waves of emotions crash over me — excitement, joy, and a hint of fear.

Clutching the test in my hand, I quickly compose myself and make my way out of the bathroom. Atlas looks at me, his eyes filled with concern. “Well?” he asks, unable to hide his curiosity.

I hold up the test, the positive result unmistakable. A smile spreads across Atlas’s face as he pulls me into a tight embrace. “Congratulations, La La,” he whispers, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

We sit on the couch, discussing the implications of this life-changing news. Atlas reassures me that everything is going to be okay. “Okay,” he looks at his phone. “Fuck, I have to go. I’m using my mom’s car today so luckily I won’t be too late. Tell me everything after you tell him.”

I hug Atlas and walk him back downstairs. Feeling a sense of relief, I reach for my phone and dial Wes’s number. As it rings, my mind races with a million thoughts. With a deep breath, I prepare myself to share the incredible news with the love of my life, knowing that our journey as parents is just beginning.

The line connects and Wes’s voice comes through a bit crackly because of the shitty ass connection .

“ Ma Petite Mort , everything okay?“ I can hear an office door closing on his end. Nausea hits me again, and this time I am unsure if it’s just my nerves or the baby.

“Yeah, baby. Everything’s great. Do you think we can order in tonight? I stayed home from work because I’m still not feeling so hot. Maybe you can grab some Egg Drop soup for me on the way home?”

Good plan Layne, keep him out a little longer so you can figure out how to surprise him.

“You need me to come home now? This has been going on for a while now. I can come home and take you to the doctor.” I can hear him click on his computer, knowing him he is exiting out of everything to come home.

“No, it’s okay. Just some soup for dinner sounds good.” My tone is a little more high pitched than normal. Stay focused Layne, don’t let him think there is something wrong. Control your tone.

I take a deep breath, trying to regain control of my emotions. “No, really, I think it’s just a little stomach bug. I think some soup will do the trick,” I assure him, my voice steady.

Wes takes a minute to respond. “You sure, baby? I’m practically sitting here with my thumb up my ass doing nothing.”

“Wow, babe. I didn’t know you were into that.” I joke, chuckling loudly.

“Brat,” he coos. “Seriously though, jokes aside. You’re sure?”

“See you when you get home in a few hours, baby. I love you.”

“I love you too, Layne.” The call ends.

Now to figure out how to surprise him.

I sit down on the couch, my mind racing with ideas on how to surprise Wes with the news. I want it to be special, something he will remember forever. After brainstorming for a few minutes, an idea strikes me. I grab my phone and start searching for baby announcement ideas. I come across a cute idea that’s Lord of the Rings related .

I quickly gather some art supplies and start working on the card. I carefully write everything out, making sure it looks just right. As I finish up, I can’t help but smile at the thought of Wes’s reaction when he sees it.

Time flies by as I put the finishing touches on the card. I hear the door open downstairs, signaling Wes’s arrival. My heart races with anticipation as I grab the card and position myself in the living room, ready to surprise him.

Wes walks up the stairs, carrying a bag of takeout and a concerned expression on his face. He looks at me, his eyes searching for any signs of distress. I take a deep breath, trying to contain my excitement.

“Hey babe,” I greet him with a smile, “you got the food! I’m starving.”

“Yeah, the place was fucking packed. I can’t believe how long it took for some soup, egg rolls and chow mein.”

Wes walks across the loft to the kitchen, and I get up and follow him. I set the card on the counter and slide it towards him. He raises an eyebrow, setting the takeout on the kitchen counter. “What’s this?”

“Open it and find out, geez Wes.” I shake my head.

Wes opens the card, and it says, “Are you ready to go on an adventure? Will it be an Aragorn or an Arwen?”

Wes’s eyes widen as he reads the words. Shock, disbelief, and pure joy wash over his face.

“No way,” he says, his voice filled with awe. “Are you fucking serious? Don’t mess with me, Layne!”

I nod, tears of happiness welling up in my eyes. “No bullshit, Wes. We’re gonna have a baby.”

He drops the takeout bag and rushes towards me, wrapping me in a tight embrace. We both laugh and cry, overwhelmed with emotions.

“I can’t believe it,” Wes whispers, his voice filled with wonder. “This is the best news ever. ”

We spend the rest of the evening celebrating, enjoying our takeout, and basking in the joy of our newfound parenthood. As we sit on the couch, holding hands and talking about our future, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible journey ahead of us.