“Why’s that?” She just raised her eyebrow at me and it clicked. “Oh, right. Morning sickness. Anything I can do to help?”
“I wouldn’t say no to a glass of water. I’ve got some pills that I can take to help. Sometimes they work really well, sometimes they hardly do anything, but they always at least take the edge off.”
“I can do that.”
I went about getting her one, wondering if she wanted ice or not, but deciding to give it to her because she could always take it out. By the time I was walking towards the bedroom, I could hear the telltale sounds of her losing her lunch. Except we hadn’t had lunch yet, or yesterday, so I supposed she was losing a meal from far too long ago.
I cracked open the door of the bathroom to see her kneeling there. She seemed to be done with most of the act but was holding onto the bowl and resting her head on the edge. I patted her back and handed her the water, which she sipped at gratefully.
“This is supposed to be ending soon,” she said with a sign. “This is not nearly as glamorous as last night, huh?”
“It’s alright,” I said, continuing to pat her back. “It’s a part of the process, I guess. Can I get you more water?”
“No, I’m fine. I can feel it fading now. Should just be a couple more minutes.”
“You sure?”
She nodded, and we stayed like that as long as she needed. True to her word, it only took her a little bit longer to pink up and start feeling better. Like nothing had happened, she stood up and washed her face then headed to get changed.
I couldn’t believe how strong she was. While I liked to think of myself as a fairly tough individual, stomach bugs almost always made me want to curl up in bed and sleep until I felt human again. But here she was, acting like everything was normal and she hadn’t just been desperately heaving.
I busied myself with washing our water cups and putting them upside-down to dry, but while I did, I couldn’t help but wonder how many mornings Nicole had already spent so sick, only to paste on a smile and march through her day. I hated the thought of her being alone, no one to get her a glass of water or comfort her. It seemed a bit cruel in fact. Maybe I could talk to her about getting a dog? Or some sort of support animal who could give her company and sympathy when she was feeling ill or worn down.
“Ready to go!”
I finished wiping my hands and flashed Nicole a grin as she walked out of the hallway. She was wearing a warm-looking knit dress and black leggings with a denim jacket. It was a cozy sort of outfit, but she looked good enough to eat.
Maybe I’d have to do that later.
Chuckling quietly to myself, I grabbed my jacket, keys and wallet, then headed to the door to put my shoes on. Nicole was right behind me, and I noticed that she had already switched from the sneakers I had seen her in last time to slip on shoes. I bet that was quite a bit easier considering the life growing inside of her. Soon, I wondered if even the slips ons would be too much for her.
How had women been doing this since the dawn of time? It was such an inconvenience and it left her so vulnerable, it was strange to imagine women gathering and fending off predators in ancient times all while carrying the next generation.
“Ready?” She asked, looking up at me with a smile.”
“Ready,” I confirmed, opening the door and offering her my arm. She linked hers through mine and then we were out, walking to the elevator to start our day.
We weren’t talking about anything important, but I was enjoying the conversation nonetheless. Sometimes it was nice to get away from discussing mergers and acquisitions and next quarter sales.
I was in a pretty good mood as we headed onto the foyer and towards my car only to notice a figure standing by the door.
Nicole stopped dead in her tracks, and a second later I recognized it as the same asshole who was here the day before.
“James, let’s go inside. We can order food.”
No. I was not about to let this happen. “I’m not going to let him dictate your life. I know guys like this, once you give them the slightest victory, they push and push and push until, before you know it, they’re ruining your life.”
“I, uh, I think it would be better to-”
But I was already out the door, coming face to face with the man.
“You need to leave, or I’m going to call the police for harassment. Get out of here.”