XVI
(edited.)
Carmen looked at Abby as she walked back and forth in front of her, obviously unhappy about their new roommate.
"Why did you let him to come here?" Abby asked, stopping to look at her.
"I don't get why you're so against him being here," Carmen said.
"I understand that he's the father of your child but Carmen," she sighed, running a hand through her hair, "he can't stay here forever."
"I never said that he was staying forever, Abby. It's just for the night."
Her best friend looked at her with her eyes as wide as an owl.
"Just for the night? How much does one person need for one night? Did you see all those bags?!" Carmen smiled slightly as she rolled her eyes.
"He lost the keys to his dorm and it's too late for him to go to the office. Besides, you're overreacting Abby─"she began to say but before she could finish her words, she felt a sharp pain travel through her from her belly.
"Are you okay Carmen?" Abby asked, beginning to panic. Carmen opened her mouth to say that she was fine but the pain returned, causing her to cry out.
Immediately, Taylor came into view, rushing towards her.
"Are you okay?" he asked her, grabbing onto her arm.
She took in a deep breath, hoping that the pain would not return. And when she felt safe that she was alright, she nodded her head.
"I'm fine."
Both Taylor and Abby looked at her silently for a few moments before looking at each other. Carmen couldn't tell what was going on but somehow they were able to communicate with just their eyes. And in the next moment, she was escorted into the living room.
Taylor moved his jacket from the couch as they approached and helped her to sit down. She laughed to herself at how gentle they were treating her, almost as if she was as fragile as glass.
"Why are you laughing?" Taylor asked.
"I think she might be going crazy," Abby said as she looked at her.
"I don't think that's normal when you're pregnant," her best friend continued. But that only made her laugh more.
Suddenly, realization dawned on her and she felt tears beginning to surround her eyes. Abby immediately noticed and sat down beside her, putting her arm around her.
"What's wrong Carm?"
Carmen kept her eyes on her protruding stomach and began to rub it soothingly.
"I think the baby just kicked."
A large smile took over her face as she said that and she looked over to Taylor who appeared confused by the news.
"That's great," Abby said, hugging her sideways. "That's always a good sign."
As soon as Abby pulled away from the hug, she felt another pang from her belly and looked down with a small smile.
"Looks like he or she is a very strong baby," she said more to herself. She had been so entranced by the feeling along with her thoughts that she didn't notice as Abby moved over and Taylor sat right beside her.
"Do you mind if I..." Taylor trailed off as if he didn't know what to say.
"You want to feel the kick?" Carmen asked, to which Taylor nodded. Reluctantly, she nodded her head and watched as he reached for her belly with slightly shaking hands.
She saw his lips turning up into a small smile as she too felt their baby kicking again. As they marvelled at the miracle together, Carmen didn't question the comfortable feeling she felt.
---
It was the next morning after the three of them had eaten breakfast when Taylor invited Carmen to watch him practice. Not knowing what else to do for the day, she had agreed and followed him to the rink. She sat down quietly in the stands, occasionally pulling her scarf tighter when she began to feel cold.
And after scoring, Taylor would always look at her, almost as if he was seeking reassurance. And although she didn't know much about the game, she made sure that she was smiling and clapping when he turned to her.
It hadn't been too long since their arrival when she heard the sound of the door opening echo throughout the large space. Thinking that it was maybe a janitor working during their winter break, Carmen didn't bother to look. However, it wasn't long before she noticed a figure in the corner of her eye.
"Hey, you're Carmen right?"
She turned around at the sound of the unfamiliar voice and looked at the guy before her with a confused expression, hesitantly nodding.
"My name is Mike and I'm Taylor's best friend."
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