4

4 months later.

I believe that I left off where I was running away. To be honest I didn't go far only about three cities over. But still, that was enough for me to start over. One of the first things I did was find a cheap apartment which isn't very hard to do. Then I found a job working at this small movie production company that specializes in foreign film additions as a secretary for the CEO. It is almost too easy to work there. All I have to do is answer phone calls and make appointments. After a couple of weeks, the CEO helped me to enroll in a well-reputed university to study business and law. Because I had already accumulated 20 college credits before I left I only had three months of study left and got a full-ride scholarship. So here I am with a master's degree in both business management and law still working as a secretary at Marksmen Productions. I had originally wanted to help create the films but I am not able to. Lately, I can't seem to lose this extra weight and all the jobs on the floor require them to be young, skinny, and energetic. I could usually flit past the "beautiful" part with the help of makeup but right now I do not look skinny. I was about to stand up and head down to the restroom when the phone rang.

"Marksmen Productions, How may I help you?"

"Hello? This is Molly May, I was supposed to come in for a meeting at 3 pm today."

" Miss May, it is already 4:30 pm would you like for me to set another appointment for you? The earliest is for next week. Thursday the 26th at 5:45 am."

I crossed my legs under my desk.

"No, I need it for this week before my model has to leave the country."

"When does she leave?" I ask.

"On the 21st."

"Ok here's what I will do Miss May, I will inform my boss about your position and then contact you with his answer by the end of the day."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

"Hello?"

"Thank you," she replied with a grim voice. And then she hung up.

By the time I hang the phone back on the hook and stood up I was practically bouncing from foot to foot. I raced down the hallway to the bathroom.

'Oh my God. I need to pee!!!'

Thank the Lord the bathroom was not occupied. I threw the lock on my stall and barely had enough time to pull down my pants before urine started to flow. I can't help but sigh in relief. I hurriedly Finnish up and wash my hands. While in front of the mirror I lean in to check my make-up but stop as soon as I feel a slight chill on my stomach. I stand up straight and place both hands on my distended belly.

I take a few steps back as if for the first time see how swollen my belly is.

"Oh wow. How far along are you?"

I turn my head to the voice.

"What?" I say confused.

"I asked how far along you are " Kelsey, my curly-haired coworker, answered.

I looked at her my confusion slowly turning to horror as realization set in.

"It can't be," I whispered.

Kelsey was now looking at me concerned. " Are you ok?"

"I need to go," I say pushing past her.

I rush back to the office and open my laptop.

I type into the browser 'Common signs of pregnancy.'

With shaking hands, I clicked on an article by the mayo clinic and scanned through it.

Fatigue? Check.

Nausea? Check.

Tender it swollen breasts? Hummm, not yet.

Increased urination? Definitely!

I sat back in my chair disbelieving what I saw on my screen.

'Could I be pregnant?' I picked up my handbag off the floor and pulled out my phone. I scrolled through my contacts until I found the number of the clinic I go to. I made an appointment for after I get out of work.

I look out at the sunset reflecting on the snow just outside the window to my left.

In less than thirty minutes I will have my answer.