Forrest novel Chapter 28

MEGAN

I WOKE up to an unfamiliar room with the feeling of the hangover of being roofied. I wished I could pluck the thought off of what happened last night. Ignoring the tightness in my throat, I got up from the bed.

This wasn’t the first time I’d hurt anyway. I was aware that we were utterly wrong for each other. If I made through it the last time, hell, I definitely would the second time.

I had to put a stop to whatever short fling I had with Forrest before it got deeper. That was the smartest thing to do. How twisted was that? Because I knew I was lying. It still freaking hurt.

A soft knock and Mom’s voice calling my name behind the door interrupted me from my deep musing.

“Come in.” I was still sitting on the bed when the door swung open.

“Good morning, Meggie. I thought you might need these.” Mom was done with the shower and already in her robe. She had a few clothes folded and undergarments in her hands and on the rack as well.

“Morning.” I smiled. Damn, even smiling hurt. I took the clothes from her and placed them down my unmade bed. “Thanks. Where did you get these?”

“I was supposed to send those as your birthday gifts, but I guess I have to do another shopping,” Mom said with a laugh.

I realized I had no other clothes than last night and definitely inappropriate working attire. “I don’t wanna be late for work. So, I guess I’m gonna wear them.”

She sighed, her gaze was still on me. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. I’ve been through worse.” I knew it was useless to lie, but I wanted to get through my mess with or without everyone’s help, even if it would be a long-term plan.

“I’m here for you, Meggie.”

“I know.” I held her hand, giving her a reassurance squeeze.

“You better hit the shower and get down for breakfast.”

“Okay. I won’t take long.” My eyes caught something on the nightstand.

I took a deep, painful breath as I reached the picture frame. Mom placed this on purpose. It was me and my dad’s picture. It was one summer, we were on the dock for a boat ride. I was a freshman in college at that time. Our bright smiles were evident. Our eyes sparkled, and never in a million years, this would be our last picture together.

My chin started quivering. Tears swam in my eyes, clouding with remnants of pain. “I missed you so much, daddy.” I ran my thumb on his face, and I wished I could return the time when our family was still complete and happy.

With sadness still tightening my chest, I went down to the kitchen after I took one last look at myself in the mirror.

I grabbed the coffee in the tumbler after I bit a toasted bread. Mom was already walking out toward the door when I grabbed my bag and snatched an apple.

“I’ll drive,” I suggested, realizing that I just said it out of the blue like we weren’t have been estranged for years.

“No, Meggie. I will.”

I nodded, averting my gaze when my chest ached.

“I don’t mean it like that.” Mom placed her hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“Let’s not pretend everything is okay, Mom. You have the right to get angry and blamed me. And that’s your car, anyway.” I shrugged. “Old habits.”

“I forgave myself, and things happen for a reason, Meggie. I still love your dad until now. Always will. Nothing’s gonna change that. We can’t live our lives with guilt or blame someone else every time something bad happens.”

I held her hand, shutting my eyes closed as soon as I saw the pain and concern clouding in her eyes. “I wish it’s that easy. I missed him every day, you, and us all together.”

“I know, Meggie. I’m just glad you’re here right now.” She squeezed my hand. “Enough of the drama in the morning, okay? And I’ll drive.”

I moved to the passenger side. “Fine, you’ll drive. So, wanna talk why did you collapse?”

“I’m pregnant.”