Marrying my high school bully

Melissa

The past few days have been hectic for me. My emotions took an immediate roller-coaster ride the moment I rejected Dexter’s proposal.

Sometimes I became overwhelmed with guilt, but standing my ground was the only way I would forge ahead undistracted. Dexter didn’t love me, he was attracted to me, but I could tell that he was confused and he was trying to run away from his reality.

And that could only be possible if he was no longer on this earth.

I bent down to pick up my hair comb and regretted taking that action because I felt dizzy instantly. I quickly held onto the edge of my vanity table, leaning on it till I felt better then I gently collapsed on the bed.

This wasn’t the first time I felt like this and I couldn’t tell what it was. My doctor had cleared me of any illness the last time I went for a check-up so I couldn’t be sick.

My eyes flitted toward the clock and I quickly got up with a gasp. Just like the last time, I’d be running late for the meeting. I wouldn’t even be able to give a good apology, because it was already looking like a habit.

How would I convince them that I wasn’t usually this way?

I pinched my forehead as bile rose to my throat and dizziness strongly washed over me. I took a glass of water from the bed stand which helped to control the nausea.

Luckily, I got there on time, letting out a sigh of relief. Today’s meeting was very crucial because Leonardo and I would be submitting the fake project I’d told him about.

He wouldn’t be able to do anything without me since I was the mastermind of the idea.

As I stepped out of my car, I caught a glimpse of Dexter walking into the building. My heart skipped two beats as I slammed my car door and nearly broke into a sprint.

Since our last conversation at the bar, we had avoided each other. The urge to call him and tell him how hectic my day went was always there, but instead of going on with my intended action, I’d just walk away and leave my phone behind.

It helped tremendously, but it did nothing to extinguish the burning flames within my soul.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Dexter!” I shouted and he halted in his tracks, sparing me a backward glance.

His face lit up not so brightly, but I was glad that he didn’t scowl at me. “Good morning, Melissa. How are you doing?” He asked, his eyes searching my face with a disapproving look.

My tongue became bitter and I felt saliva gathering in my mouth. A knot twisted in my stomach and the dizziness reappeared.

“I’m.. doing great,” I managed to say and lowered my face.

He advanced towards me and tilted my chin up. “You don’t look good, Melissa. I’m not referring to your dress, it fits you perfectly, but your face lacks color. You look like you are very ill and pale. Are you alright?”

His detailed description of my outlook caused my heart to melt. I didn’t expect him to see through the layers of powder I doused on my face to cover up for my less glowing skin.

I wanted to reply but my mouth became full, and I quickly ran towards the end of the parking lot and emptied my bowels. His footsteps rang behind me as I retched out the omelet I’d forced down my throat early that morning.

Dexter’s gentle massage at the small of my back helped to soothe my discomfort, but now it was clear that I had to see a doctor. He helped me up as my strength failed me.

My body was as light as paper and I wasn’t even sure that I would join the meeting. The only good thing I liked about it was the fact that Dexter wouldn’t have to meet Leonardo.

“Do you want water?” He asked gently, leading me slowly to the back seat of my car.

I nodded, unable to say anything. My lips were heavy and my eyes too. I just wanted to lie on the bed and have a proper rest. He produced a bottle of water and opened the cap. I took it in small quantities until I couldn’t anymore.

“For how long have you been feeling this way?” He asked.

“Not too long, the symptoms only intensified this morning,” I explained.

He held my hand and amidst the chaotic state of my health, his touch still sent some sparks that electrified my body. “I know how important this meeting is to you because of your plans, but you also have to consider your health. I’m going to drive you to the nearest hospital where you can be checked and it’s non-negotiable. If your health isn’t important to you, it is to me.” He said sternly and I nodded, knowing that he wouldn’t listen to me even if I tried to persuade him.

“Take me to the hospital then.” I agreed and my eyelids, which were heavy the whole time, snapped shut.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and slowly opened my eyes. Dexter was right in front of me, and then I recalled everything that happened.

“We have gotten to the hospital.” He informed me and helped me with my bag. I hopped out of the car with a stagger and thankfully he placed himself right beside me so I wouldn’t miss a step. “I can carry you if you want.” He offered and I smiled at him.

He held my hands with a firm grip, apparently scared that he might let go and I’d fall. His caring and sweet nature was messing with my decision, and I wondered how long I’d be able to hold it off.

We got into the waiting area where I met other patients waiting to be attended to. My eyes stopped at some pregnant women whose stomachs bulged out heavily.

I wanted to be in this situation as well.

I wanted to be pregnant.

Dexter led me to a chair and disappeared into one of the offices after informing me that he’d be back soon.

My hand instinctively went to my stomach and I caressed it gently. An expecting mother who was sitting beside me gazed at me in surprise.

“Are you expecting as well?” She smiled.

I opened my mouth to answer when Dexter appeared beside me.

“The doctor is waiting for us.” He announced and I gave him a quizzical look. “Don’t ask anything. I have my ways,” He smirked, reminding me of how cocky he could be.

I waved the woman goodbye, smiling as we entered the doctor’s office. Luckily for me, she was a female. I wasn’t comfortable with male doctors asking me some kind of questions, even though I knew that they had oaths binding them to keep our conversations confidential.

She asked me some questions and told me that she’d have to run some tests. I agreed as I was willing to do anything that would help me feel better.

I was taken to a different room where I was supposed to be alone with her, but Dexter insisted on going with me. After the tests were done, she left, giving Dexter and me some privacy.

“You are going to be fine,” Dexter assured me after she left to run the tests.

“Thank you for being here with me, Dexter. I don’t know how I’d have juggled through my illness and driving to the hospital. Who knows, I might have run into an accident.”

“Well, I told you that I’ll always be there for you. I’m just fulfilling my promise.”

“Are you sure that’s what this is all about?” I asked carefully and he shrugged, training a flirty smirk at me.

“Do you want it to be about something else?” He countered and I felt my cheeks heat up.

“Let’s just forget about that and wait for the results of the tests.” I ended the conversation and his face fell.

The door to the room swung open and the doctor came in with a brown envelope. Her expression was quite relaxed but the brightness of her eyes couldn’t be mistaken.

“What’s the problem with her, Doctor?” Dexter asked while I squeezed his arm. He had to learn how to be calm.

She fixed her attention on me, her lips curling into a small smile. “She’s very fine, Mr Hemmingway. There’s no cause for alarm because what is happening to her is a normal phenomenon with every expectant mother.”

My eyes widened as I glanced at Dexter whose face was void of any emotion. My throat ran dry but I wanted the doctor to put it in clear terms.

“So what are you trying to say, Doc?”

“You are pregnant. Congratulations.” Her smile widened as she handed the envelope to me.

My hands trembled as the room suddenly became hot. My head felt heavier than normal and my vision became blurry. Everything they said to me sounded whizzy in my ears and in a fleeting second, a cloud of darkness was cast over my vision.