Queen For A Day

Three days later Mariah and I went to the doctors. I was positive that I was pregnant, I was already starting to have weird cravings and my sense of smell was stronger than usual. Plus I was still throwing up constantly.
“Cali Hill?” The doctor called from a doorway.
“Yep, you can wait here Mariah, I’ll be ok,” I smiled down at my friend and followed the doctor to her appointment room.
“Hello Cali, I’m Dr Smith what can I do for you today?” She smiled at me as we sat down.
“Well, I found out a few days ago that I’m pregnant,” I told her quietly. The doctor proceeded to do another pregnancy test and basic check up on my heath. I’ve always disliked going to the doctors, it feels like such an invasion of privacy in my opinion. Plus it’s often just depressing.
Dr Smith walked back into the room with the test results and I looked up hopefully. Part of me still had a hope that my other test was faulty and I wasn’t actually pregnant. It was a long shot, but who knows-
“Well, Cali congratulations, you are two weeks pregnant.” Shit.
“Oh,”
“We’ll book you in for an ultrasound in a few more weeks, considering how early on you are. That is assuming you’re keeping it?”
I nodded, “Yeah, I’m keeping it.”
Sure, I could’ve done without this, I know it’s going to change my life forever, but there’s a tiny human growing inside me; that has half of my DNA. I couldn’t kill it.
The doctor smiled at me, “Ok, well you can book that in at the front desk, other than that I think we’re all done here.”
I quickly thanked her and got fast as I could. Mariah was still sitting in the waiting room, reading a magazine. She looked up and smiled when she saw me, grabbing her bag and following me to the front desk.
“I need to book an ultrasound,” I told the old lady at the desk. She turned to her computer and started typing at something.
“So how was it?” Mariah asked.
“Good, I’m perfectly heathy and two weeks pregnant.”
“Miss, is the 16th of December ok for you?”
“Yes that’s fine,”
“So that means you’ll be having it at around August?”
“What’s your name Miss?” The old lady didn’t look impressed about my double conversation.
“Cali Hill, spelt C A L I. Yes I guess so.” I whispered the last part quietly to Mariah. I’m not really a rude person, I just wanted to talk to my friend.
“Ok, you’re booked in, we’ll see you in a few weeks Ms Hill.”
Mariah and I wandered out of the building chatting about pregnancy and kids when someone in the carpark caught my eye.
“What the hell.” I hissed staring at the person.
“Is that who I think it is?!” Mariah asked with wide eyes.
I didn’t reply. He was walking towards us. I was frozen in my place. Shit he’s seen me. He’s walking this way. Kill me now!
“Cali! How are you?!”
“Hi Mike,”
“It seems like forever since I’ve seen you!” He pulled me in for a hug. Which I awkwardly reciprocated. There was only one thought going through my head. His brother knocked me up!
“Yeah, two weeks today right?” I tried to act natural.
“That’s right, are you alright? You seem tense?” Damn it I’m a terrible liar.
I laughed it off, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“What are you doing here? Were you just at the doctors?” He glanced between us and the building behind.
“Um, yes.” How do I reply to that?!
“She came with me,” Mariah rushed, “I had a checkup. For my pregnancy. I’m Mariah.” Wow she’s worse at lying than I am. Thankfully Mike bought it.
“Oh, congratulations! It’s nice to meet you, I’m Mike.” He smiled at her.
“Yeah, I know.” She giggled.
“Anyways, I need to get going, I’m meant to be at that restaurant in another five minutes.” He pointed across the road. “I’m meeting up with an old friend.”
“That’s nice, well it was nice to see you again Mike, see you around?” I was glad for the excuse to get out of there.
“Actually you probably won’t, we’re about to go on tour for a few months. We’re promoting our new album.”
“Oh,” This could cause issues.
“Well, maybe we’ll see each other when I get back? Um, should I get your number?” He reached up and scratched the back of his neck looking rather uncomfortable.
“Ok,” I said without thinking. I put it into his phone and he pulled me into another hug.
“It was good to see you Cali, we weren’t sure if any of us would ever see you again but I’m glad I’ve gotten to.” He squeezed me tight. Careful Mike, you don’t want to hurt your niece or nephew do you? Oh God.
“Aw, well I’m glad I’ve gotten to see you too! Catcha another time, Mike.” He said a quick goodbye to Mariah before walking away and crossing the street. Mariah stood and stared at me with a slightly angry look on her face.
“Cali, what was that!” She exclaimed. “You should’ve mentioned Vic or something! And I think that Mike wants to go out with you now.” She had a grim expression on her face.
“Just because I he asked for my number doesn’t mean he wants to ask me on a date! He’s meeting someone at a restaurant right now.” I motioned wildly to where Mike had gone, just to see him fist bumping with a guy about his age and walking into the restaurant.
“He said old friend Cali! He totally has a thing for you, but you’re pregnant with his niece or nephew!” Now I just felt guilty. What have I done?
“Well maybe I’ll just let him down easy if he ever does text me. Or I could ask to meet up with all of them?”
Mariah sighed dejectedly, “Well let’s just face it when it happens ok?”
I’d never really seen Mariah so down on something. I must’ve done something pretty wrong for her to be acting like this.. But Mike wouldn’t want to go out with me would he? He meets hundreds of girls every day, all of whom are prettier than me, so as if he would want me. Mariah and I walked got back into her car and drove off towards my place.
“I think Fay wanted to have a party at hers tonight, since her last one was cut short.” Mariah explained. Oh yeah, because I threw up.
“Oh, at hers?”
“Yep, that’s the plan, do you want to get changed quickly and we can go over together?”
“Sounds good.” I really needed some alcohol right now. “Shit.”
The blonde girl next to me sent a questioning look.
“I can’t drink.. or smoke.” There goes my fun.
“Oh yeah, don’t wanna hurt the baby.” She bit her lip and gave me a sympathetic smile.
We got to my apartment block and rode the elevator up to my floor. As soon as the door opened I came face to face with the last person I wanted to see at that moment. Besides Vic. Or Mike.
“Cali Abigale Hill where have you been!” My mother looked pissed. Almost as pissed as she looked the last time I saw her, at my birthday party.
“Mum what are you doing here!?” I stepped out of the elevator and walked straight past my Mum.
“Don’t walk away from me young lady, I’ve been here for twenty minutes looking for you. Where have you been?” She demanded, following me into my apartment. Mariah was hanging back a few steps and quietly excused herself to the bathroom when we got inside. I don’t blame her honestly.
“Why does it matter?” This is not the time to tell her that she’s going to be a grandmother. At age 43.
“Cali, what’s got into you, you’re never like this! Why are you being so rude?”
I swung around to face her angrily. “It doesn’t matter Mum! I think you should leave.”
I rushed to my bedroom, trying to hold back tears. Damn, this baby is making me more emotional than usual. Mariah came out of the bathroom and crept up to me.
“Do you still want to go Cali? I could stay with you if you don’t?” She asked gently.
“I think I’d rather just stay here alone, Mar, thanks anyway.” I whispered, cuddling into my pillow.
“Ok, call me if you need,” I heard her walk out and mumble a goodbye to my Mum, indicating that the woman was still in my apartment. After the front door closed I heard a sigh from the living room.
“Cali, please come talk to me darling,” She sounded tired. She’s trying to guilt me into talking to her, I can tell. I’m not going to give in though. “Please, I’m your mother, I want to know what’s getting you down.”
Damn it. I’m going to talk to her. I dragged myself off my bed and slumped my way to the living room. Mum was sitting in the recliner a glass of wine in her hand. She only ever drinks alcohol when she’s talking to me. I don’t know why.
I collapsed onto the couch opposite her and stared at the floor.
“Cali, you’re acting like a five year old.” Mum stated quietly. Shut the hell up.
“Whatever.”
I could see she was struggling not to yell at me. She downed her entire glass of wine before looking at me again. “What is your problem?! Are you on drugs again?”
“No Mum, I won’t be taking anything for a long time.” I mumbled. I didn’t really want her to hear me.
“Have you finally come to your senses then? Marijuana is not good for your brain.”
“I didn’t chose to stop, I just can’t..”
“Why not?” I couldn’t tell her.
“Just ‘cause,” I shrugged. “Why are you even here Mum?”
She hesitated before replying warily, “We need to talk. Your brother is getting married.”
WHAT THE HELL! Saxon!
I sat up and stared straight at her. “WHAT?!”
“Calm down Cali, I will explain.” She looked so composed. Fuck. How!?
“How long have you been talking to him for?” I exclaimed.
“A few weeks, he got into contact with me when his fiancé found out that she’s pregnant. They’re going to get married as soon as possible.” This is getting weirder and weirder.
“I didn’t even know he had a chick..” Saxon, my 25 year old brother left us when Dad did, 15 years ago. He had not made any direct contact with Mum or me since, but he lived with Dad until he turned 18. After that he moved out and not even Dad had heard from him.
“Hm, anyways Poppy is pregnant and they want to get married before she shows, if you get what I’m saying. After all we don’t want anyone to think she got pregnant before they were married. You know how much I am against that.” She smiled grimly. Thanks Mum, actually I didn’t know that, but now I feel even worse. I wonder if there’s any way I can get Vic to marry me in the next two months….
“So Saxon asked me if I can plan the wedding, they want to have it next weekend. But this is a family event so I want you to help out. I’ll pick you up out the front here at midday sharp tomorrow.” She stood to leave.
“O-ok Mum,” I hesitated, “at least he’s talking to us now right?” I gave her a half-hearted smile. This is so weird.
“Yes, it’s a shame under these circumstances though, with Poppy being pregnant. At least I know you’d never do all the stupid things Saxon has obviously done.” She smiled at me and pulled me into a hug. Oh if only she knew..
“Don’t worry Mum, I’m not planning on having kids any time soon,” Why the hell did I say that?..
“Good, I better get going now, it was nice to see you Cali,”
I said my goodbyes to my mother and closed the door behind her. Thank goodness she’s gone, I really need to throw up.

Notes

Is this one long enough??
Up until now the entire story's been pre-written so I'm going to have to try keep up with my updates! Sorry if they take a few days, things have really been going downhill for me recently and I've had other things to do. Anyways, thanks for reading

Beth xx