The Ladies Man

It was about 10am and I had just rolled out of bed. I slowly made my way into the kitchen, debating what to have for breakfast. It didn’t matter much; I knew I would probably throw it back up shortly after. I knew I had to try though. Toast sounded like the best option. Yeah, toast with peanut butter.
“Well you sure slept late.” Madison said. She was sitting on the couch reading a magazine. I think it was Kerrang.
“Yeah, well, I was tired.” I said.
“Did you stay up late or something?” She put the magazine down and followed me into the kitchen.
“No, just tossed and turned all night. It’s been getting worse. The more I think about Ashley and the baby, the less I sleep.” I explained.
“If that’s the case, all the more reason to talk to him about it.”
“No.” I put some bread in the toaster and went to the fridge for some juice. “I still think that’s a terrible idea. We’ve had this discussion over and over again. Why do you keep asking?”
“I keep hoping you’ll have an epiphany and decide to tell him yourself.” She said with a shrug.
“Well, no epiphany today.” I grabbed my toast and slathered it with peanut butter. I went to the table and started eating my breakfast.
“Okay, so we’re still not telling him.” She confirmed.
“Right.”
“So you’ll just live with me forever and never resolve your relationship with him.” She deadpanned.
“Yes, that’s the current plan.” I said. I knew it wasn’t healthy, but for now living in denial was my best option.
“You are so stubborn.” She huffed.
“I know, but it’s one of the things you love about me.” I said. I put away my dishes and went into my bedroom to get dressed.
“I finally found a new roommate.” Madison said through the door.
“Oh yeah, so where will I stay?” I asked.
“You can stay here.” She said. “But I need someone who can help me pay the rent, especially when you get back together with Ashley.”
“I thought we decided I was living here forever.”
“You decided that. I’m an optimist.” She replied.
“Well then, you can be an optimist for the both of us.” I said as I walked back out and over to the couch. Then the there was a knock at the door. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“No.”
I quickly walked back over to my bedroom door. “If it’s Ashley, make him go away.”
“I’ll try.”
“What do you mean, you’ll try?”
“If he seems really sincere or desperate, I’m letting him in. You know where I stand on the issue.” She placed her hands on her hips and gave me a stern look.
“Fine.”
She went over to the door to open it. I could hear them from my room.
“Madison, is Belle here?” It was Ashley. Damn.
“She doesn’t want to talk to you Ashley.” Madison replied.
“But I really need to talk to her. I think I know what I did wrong.”
“That’s not the problem Ashley.”
“Then what is?”
Morning sickness chose that moment to appear. I ran for the bathroom and dropped to the floor. My entire breakfast came up in seconds.
“What was that?” Ashley asked.
“Umm.”
“Is Belle sick?” He asked. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Umm.”
“I’m going in there to see Belle, and you aren’t going to stop me.”
Great, thanks for nothing Madison. I slowly got up and went to rinse out my mouth. When I turned to leave, Ashley was standing in the doorway.
“Belle, are you all right?” He asked. He had a worried look on his face.
I couldn’t lie to, him that would be cruel. It was so much easier when I just didn’t tell him; this would be straight up lying. “Yes and no.” I said.
“I’ll just be in my room.” Madison said, quickly retreating.
“What does that mean?” He sounded confused.
“You might want to sit down Ashley.”
He visibly paled. God, when I told him he was going to bolt straight for the door I just knew it. “Why?”
“I don’t want you passing out or falling over.” I stood in front of him as he lowered himself onto the couch.
“Are you dying? What’s going on? What haven’t you been telling me?” He looked scared now. If only I were dying, that would be so much simpler than this.
“Ashley,” I took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”
He froze, just staring at me.
I started to cry, I couldn’t stand this. “Ashley, say something.”
“Are you sure?” He sounded dazed, as if he were in shock.
I cried harder and started to scream, my emotions were like a rollercoaster at the moment. “Of course I’m sure! Not that you’d care! I’m surprised you’re not halfway down the block by now! Well, regardless of what you want, I’m keeping it. That’s with or without you!” I choked on a sob.
“Belle. Why would you say those things?” He looked hurt.
“Why?! Why?! Because you’re ASHLEY FUCKING PURDY!!! That’s why!” I stopped for a second to breathe. “A baby is the definition of commitment. You are the polar opposite of commitment.” I choked on another sob.
“That’s why you left? That’s why you haven’t talked to me in a month?”
Seriously? That’s what he was focusing on? “Yes, Ashley that’s why!” I knew this was a bad idea.
“Why didn’t you tell me first? At least give me a chance to answer?”
“Because I knew what you’d say and I was scared!”
“Yes.” He said so quietly I almost didn’t hear him.
“Yes, what?” I asked.
“Yes I want to be a father.”
I was speechless. I just stared at him, my jaw hanging open. “Since when?”
He shrugged. “The last couple of years. I’ve always been alone. That never meant I didn’t want a family. I just never met the right girl.”
“So, you want to do this?” I clarified.
He stood up and wrapped his arms around me. “Yes, I want to do this. We’ll figure it out together.” He kissed the top of my head. He pulled away to look at my face. “How far along are you?”
“Just over six weeks.” I replied.
“Six weeks, that means-“
“I know, I did the math too. We conceived that night in Las Vegas.” I smiled.
“Belle, will you come home with me?”
“Yes.”
I went to my room and started packing the few things I had brought with me. After saying good-bye to Madison, I took Ashley’s hand and we went home.

Notes

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