The kids run off to the playground as Katelyn and I walk hand-in-hand to the bench. We can sit here for hours and watch them play.
“I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?” she asks, without taking her eyes off the kids.
I lean my head on her shoulder and wait for the tears to start. When they don’t, I am even surer this is the right decision for me, even if I didn’t make it. “Meredith is keeping the baby.”
Katelyn turns in a snap, causing me to hit my head on the wooden bench.
“Ouch, shit, that hurt.”
“Oh crap, Josie are you okay?”
“Yes, and no. My head hurts, but surprisingly I’m okay with Meredith’s decision.” I rub my head, wondering if I have a concussion.
Katelyn grabs my free hand and holds it. The stroke of her thumb against my hand is soothing, but not doing much for the headache that I’m getting.
“I’m so sorry, Josie. I know how much you guys wanted this baby. Do you need me to do anything?”
“Help me clean out the room?” I say, sheepishly. Cleaning is never anyone’s ‘fun’ job. “I think I’m going to give Meredith the stuff. I don’t want it, and it’s really for the baby, not me.”
“I think that’s very noble of you, Josie. You’re a strong woman.”
“I don’t know about that. I’m not even upset. I mean, I was when Aubrey called, but I don’t feel like I think I should.”
“Everyone reacts differently. Doesn’t make you any less of a person.”
“I guess. I still haven’t told Liam. I’m thinking of going out there this weekend since Noah’s game has been moved. Maybe surprise him before breaking his heart.”
“Hearing it from you in person will be better, plus your other news.”
I look at her strangely. “What other news?”
“Oh come on, Josie. If I’m noticing, he has to be noticing.”
I slide away from her and give her my best “what the hell” look.
“You’re pregnant.”
“Am not.”
“Are too. I’ve been there before.”
“So have I, in case you’ve forgotten. I’m not pregnant.”
“Your boobs are bigger and so is your ass.”
My mouth drops open, but she just shrugs. “How dare you!”
“Eh, it’s the truth, and you’d tell me the same thing.”
I turn back to watching the kids and count off the days since my last period. And when that doesn’t work, I try to remember the last time I bought tampons at the store. Still coming up blank.
“Did you figure it out yet?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I tell her, crossing my arms in defiance.
She leans into me, resting her chin on my shoulder. “Josie, I think you’re pregnant. I’ll watch Noah while you scoot over to the hospital for a test.”