A Special Summer(53)
When their eyes locked Summer was the first to avert her line of vision. Not ready to face him head on she quickened her pace nearly slamming the bathroom door before locking it. Once
inside she leaned against the door and held the lower part of her abdomen as another contraction begin to form.
A frown marred Nick’s handsome features. Since when did she lock doors around here? The small voice taunted, since you started acting like a maniac. Nick groaned as he wondered how long she would continue to avoid him.
Looking at his watch he noted it was six-fifteen; he had to leave if he didn’t want to get stuck in rush hour traffic. Today he was headed to Harrisburg on business and couldn’t afford to be late. Joan wasn’t due to arrive until seven-thirty, which meant Summer would be alone for a little over an hour.
Knock, Knock
“Yes?”
“Can you open this door?” Nick hated talking through doors.
Summer’s heart began to beat rapidly as she gripped the doorknob.
“Yes?”
Nick’s stomach tightened as he looked down into her face. Her eyes still held the hurt and pain from several nights ago. Hurt and pain he had caused.
“I have to leave out earlier than usual this morning. Will you be okay until Joan comes in?”
“I’ll be okay.”
“Are you sure?” His gut was telling him something wasn’t quite right.
“Yes.”
Nick was hesitant as his gut continued to gnaw and nag at him. “All…right… then, I’ll be on my way.”
“Okay.”
Summer’s thumping heart returned to normal when she heard Nick leave. After emptying her bladder, she brushed her teeth then turned on the water for her morning shower. Adjusting the temperature of the water just right she stepped under the spray. The hot water streaming down her body was soothing, helping to relax the tightening in her lower abdomen. Grabbing shower gel from the caddy, Summer lathered her body from head to toe with a bath sponge. As she stood under the spray rinsing the suds away, she wished she could rinse Nick away from her life just as easily. Impossible. She was forever connected to the man for life. As long as the tiny life in her womb existed, was healthy and thriving, she would have an unbreakable link to him. Oh great. Just what I need.
♥♥♥
Joan arrived on time as expected, her usual chipper self.
“Hi sweetness,” she greeted Summer who sat at the kitchen table with her laptop.
“Hi Joan, how’s it going?”
“I’m good. How ‘bout you?”
Summer dare not tell her about the contractions, she’d be on the phone calling Nick with the quickness.
“I’m doing well.” Summer lied.
“That’s my girl. Have you had breakfast yet?” Joan asked as she moved around the kitchen going from the refrigerator to the cupboards.
“No, I was just sitting here ordering the little bambino some things. You know I hardly have anything for this baby. I don’t even have a crib.”
Joan chuckled softly. “I’m not surprised, you’ve had your plate full lately.” Joan witnessed the strained atmosphere every day she came to work.
“Yeah, tell me ‘bout it.” Summer halfway joked as she put items in the shopping chart. “Hey you want to see want I’m ordering?”
Joan pulled out a chair and sat next to Summer. “Sure let’s see what you got here.”
Summer showed Joan all of the adorable baby apparel in the shopping cart. Joan “oohed and aahed” over everything. “Summer these things are so cute. Chile your baby is going to be the best dressed baby in town.”
Summer giggled. “I know that’s right, Joan.”
Standing Joan said, “Let me get breakfast started. Want anything in particular?”
“Whatever you make will be fine.”
“Pancakes, bacon and eggs sound good?”
“Yep, sounds good.”
By ten that morning, Summer had several more contractions lasting forty-five seconds to one full minute. She hadn’t said anything to Joan even when the older woman mentioned Nick called asking her to stay later than usual because he would be tied up longer than expected. Throughout the rest of the day, the contractions had begun to come every seven to ten minutes apart.
Calling her parents Summer was disappointed when they informed her all flights from North Carolina were delayed due to the snowstorm sweeping through the Carolinas. Her folks would be grounded until the storm passed over the region. Summer did feel a measure of comfort when her father promised, “Sweetheart we’ll be there as soon as we can.” Her next call was to her labor coach. Summer’s disappointment slightly dissipated upon hearing Starr’s voice on the other end of the phone.