Taking Chances
Page 67

Bree's intake of breath was audible. Crap. I couldn't stop myself, I glanced over at Chase and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw he was simply smiling at me. I smiled nervously, but Bree shot out of her chair, causing it to fall backwards.
“We have to go!” She explained while everyone looked at her like she was crazy.
I walked away with her, and once out of earshot finally spoke, “Subtle Breanna. Very subtle.”
“I'm sorry, but I swear I thought someone was going to say something! Can you even believe that just happened?”
“No,” I breathed, “you're right, it was weird to have them bring up those things within a few minutes of each other. I got nervous for a second there too. Did you notice anyone else at the table? I only looked at Chase. He definitely didn't get it, but that doesn't mean no one else did.”
“Just Maci. I'm glad no one brought up the fact that you're always wearing loose shirts.”
“Honestly Bree, I think we're the only ones that know that, and it's because we both decided it was for the best. I think we're just freaking out because we know I'm...well...you know.”
“Probably. Ugh, only three more days, and then he'll know.”
I almost started hyperventilating.
“Chill Harper! Breathe.”
“Oh God, I haven't even thought of how to tell him!” I looked around quickly to make sure no one was staring after my outburst.
“Calm down friend,” Bree stepped closer, “it will be easy, you told everyone else with no problems.”
“That was different, they were easier because I was already upset with myself. But he's the dad, and though I'm still upset with myself, I'm happy about the baby. Different. So different.”
“What's different?” Konrad pulled a squealing Bree in for a big kiss.
“God babe! You scared the crap out of me.” She slapped his chest but brought him in for another kiss.
He smiled and looked at me again, “Sup Kid, what's different?”
“Uh, I just. I just saw Brandon, it was weird.”
He nodded and wrapped his arms around Bree's waist. “Ready gorgeous?”
Bree looked at me, eyebrow raised, “You good?”
“Yeah! Yeah, I'm fine. See you guys after class.” I flicked my eyes to Konrad who, thankfully, didn't think anything was wrong. Jeez I needed these three days to fly by, not telling Chase was becoming ridiculously hard, especially with thinking everyone was going to somehow find out.
I saw Chase for the third time the day before my Birthday, and it was when I'd been rushing out of a class to hurl in the next available bathroom. Of course I hadn't been sick for three days, and then it decides to reappear and he's right there. I was throwing up violently into the toilet when his hand started making large circles on my back. When the morning sickness had taken full effect and turned into the every-few-hours-sickness, I'd worn my hair in a messy bun every day so I wouldn't have to worry about it. Though it had definitely tapered off, I was grateful I'd been running late so I hadn't had time to do anything else with my hair. I was already humiliated that he'd just watched that, but having to clean vomit out of my hair in front of him would have made it ten times worse.
“Go away.” I groaned and spit into the toilet.
He walked away but came right back with a cold wet paper towel. “Here you go Princess.” He said softly.
I took it and wiped my face before wiping my mouth and stood up to face him. “Thanks.”
“Are you okay? Do you want me to take you somewhere?”
“No, I'm great.” Weird, I know. But every time I finished throwing up, I felt like nothing had ever happened. Actually I was kind of hungry again.
“Great? You just threw up Harper.”
I looked into his blue eyes and immediately regretted it. Tearing my eyes away I walked to the sink to rinse my mouth out, “I know, and now I feel fine.”
“If you don't want me to take you, at least let me call Bree so she can take you home. Speaking of, when were you going to tell me you moved into my parent's house?”
I spit out the water, turned the faucet off and popped a piece of gum in my mouth. I was now always prepared with at least two packs of gum. “Does that bother you?”
“Not at all, but I just found out this morning that you've been living there over a month. I would have come around more if I knew you were there and not hiding from me in your dorm.”
“I haven't been hiding from you Chase.”
He hung his head, “You sure about that?”
Looking at Chase with his head down, I fought the urge to tell him everything. But now wasn't the time for all of it, I couldn't tell him in a dirty bathroom that we were having a baby. “I've just been busy, and you haven't been around much either. You haven't come to a family day in months.”
He laughed humorlessly, “As before Harper, I'm giving you the time you asked for.”
God I had to stop asking him to give me time, he flat out disappears when I do. Guys need to understand that sometimes, we mean exactly the opposite of what we say. I may need time, but I damn sure want you to show me that you want me. “Oh.”
I grabbed my backpack and waited for him to follow me out of the bathroom. Thankfully no one was around, I'm sure it would look awkward for us both to come out of the girl's room. We walked out of the building and spotted Bree waiting with Konrad not far away. Her eyes grew wide and she turned to talk to Konrad. I'm sure to prevent another freak out.