Chapter4
Two months later
“I wish you’d stop pacing, Nina.”
“I’m just nervous. My stomach is in knots.”
“Nina, you’ve got this. You worked your ass off to graduate summa cum laude. You deserve this.”
“Thank you. And I did. I just didn’t know that it would mean giving a speech.”
“I thought you’re giving the speech because of your overall GPA. Lots of people graduated at the top of their class, but there can only be one number one, and that’s you. Breathe. Relax. You’re going to make yourself sick.”
“I feel sick. I’m nauseous and I have the worst headache. Maybe I just shouldn’t give a speech. They have a backup, you know.”
“Summer?” Jasmine sneered. “I can’t believe you just said that. No. There’s no way I’m going to let you let that arrogant twat have the moment that you earned. We all know that she paid people to write all her papers. She skated through half her classes while you worked your ass off.”
“You’re right, I did.”
“And Summer obviously bombed her finals, since she doesn’t do her own work. It’s a great combination.”
“She did,” Nina said, smiling. “But, it didn’t matter. The only way she could have beat me is if I failed all my finals. She didn’t have a chance even though she’s a dirty cheat.”
“I bet she’s furious.”
“She’s out of control, but she’s hiding it well. Her father made another large donation to the school during spring break. She thought that would buy her something.”
“Yeah, a free education.”
“She won’t say anything, but I could tell she was upset when she found out. It’s silly. She’s got the second highest GPA.”
“Second place is first loser.”
“I think that’s exactly what she’s thinking.”
“She’s lucky no one can prove that she paid someone else to do her work.”
“That’s one of the downfalls of the internet. They’ll never be able to prove it, at least not quietly. If they launch a full-scale investigation, dear old daddy will find out and he’ll stop donating to the school. They won’t risk that; that’s what she’s counting on.”
“I can’t wait to see her face when you’re up there.”
“What about you? How did you do?”
“They don’t give out an award for ‘just barely graduated’ so I’ll be enjoying your speech from the alphabetized section of the graduates.”
“Ouch.”
“A degree is a degree. I doubt anyone is going to care about my transcripts as long as I graduate.”
“You’re probably right.”
Nina’s stomach churned, and she took a deep breath, putting her hand to her stomach and frowning.
“Did you take something?”
“No. I’m fine. As soon as I get on the stage, I’ll be fine.”
“Just focus on me, alright. Now, let’s get going. It’s almost time for the commencement and we still need to take pictures. We’re never going to see some of these people again, and I want some pictures for my dartboard.”
Nina laughed.
“You don’t have a dartboard.”
“I don’t, but it made you laugh, right?”
“It did.”
They left on foot, dressed in their cap and gowns, ready to face the future head-on.
“I was thinking about taking another vacation before we have to start working.”
“I can’t, Jazzy. I have interviews lined up every day next week.”
“Already?”
“My scholarship money runs out at the end of the month. I’ll have to find a place to live, and I can’t do that until I know my budget. I can’t know my budget without knowing what my salary is.”
I thought you saved all the stipends that came with your scholarships.”
“I did, but that money isn’t going to last forever. I need to pay a deposit, turn on utilities, and—”
Nina stopped, reaching out and grabbing Jasmine’s arm to steady herself.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just feel awful.”
“Maybe you’re coming down with something.”
“I hope not. I can’t afford it right now.”
“Do you need to sit down?”
“No. I’ve got this. Can we just slow down?”
“Sure,” Jasmine said, putting an arm around Nina and slowing her pace. “Just relax. We’re in no hurry.”
“Thanks. You’re a good friend.”
“I’m the best friend.”
“And so freaking humble.” Nina laughed, though her voice was softer when she did.
She took a deep breath with each step, trying to calm her nerves so she could make it through commencement. It would be over soon, and all she had to do was get up there and give a short speech. Then, she could relax.
“Better?”
“A little bit.”
“It’s almost over.”
They walked up the steps into the huge auditorium, and Nina found her chair, waiting patiently while the seating filled up and the commencement began.
Her hands were shaking when the dean finally nodded her way, letting her know that she was the next speaker. She quietly made her way to the stairs, walking onto the stage once her name and academic accomplishments were announced.
The applause died down, and she found Jasmine in the crowd. Her friend gave her a thumbs-up, and Nina started her speech.
She took her time, careful to breathe slowly and evenly. She felt awful, but she was able to push through it, and in the blink of an eye, it was over, and she was heading toward the stairs again.
Her head felt light as she took the first step, then she felt as if she was floating. She heard a collective gasp from the crowd, but she was struggling to figure out what was going on, and how she’d ended up in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the stairs when she was still holding the rail.
“Nina!” Jasmine yelled, pushing through the people that had already gathered around her.
She knelt behind her, putting Nina’s head on her knees and taking the wet handkerchief that appeared out of nowhere. There was too much going on around her, but when the cloth touched her head, Nina closed her eyes and the ruckus started to fade.
“I think I’m sick,” Nina mumbled.
“It’s alright. The paramedics are on their way.”
Nina tried to shake her head “no,” but the motion made her gag.
“I don’t need paramedics,” she whispered.
“I know. Just close your eyes and relax. Jazzy’s got you.”
Nina didn’t respond. She was so tired, and it felt so good to just rest.
She felt hands on her, then a cool, firm mattress beneath her. Her body rocked as they wheeled her out the side door, and only her empty stomach saved her from retching.
“Nina, my name is Sara. Nina, you’re going to feel a little prick, then cold, okay?”
“That’s what she said,” Nina muttered.
Jasmine laughed from the jump seat on the other side of the ambulance, her hand wrapped around Nina’s.
“Jokes are a good sign,” Sara said. “We’ll get you to the hospital and they’ll get you sorted out. I’m giving you some D-50. Your blood sugar is really low. Have you eaten anything today?”
“She didn’t feel good when she woke up,” Jasmine offered. “She skipped breakfast.”
“Got it. This should help her feel better pretty quickly.”
Nina listened to the two of them go over her morning, the paramedic gathering as much information as she could on the short ride to the hospital. Nina was already starting to feel a little better, though she was still more exhausted than she’d ever been in her life.
“How are you feeling now, Nina?”
“I understand what my grandma meant by ‘bone tired’ now.”
“Have you been sick?”
“Not really. I’ve been feeling off for a couple days, but I woke up feeling horrible this morning.”
“Have you been around anyone that has been sick recently?”
“No. I’ve been studying.”
“We’re here now. We’re going to get you in the ER and turn you over to the doctors, okay?”
“Thank you, Sara.”
“No problem.” Sara and her partner pushed the gurney out of the ambulance and toward the doors. “You get to feeling better.”
And just like that, they’d passed her off, leaving her in the care of the emergency room doctors.
There was a flurry of activity, with nurses filing in one at a time, drawing blood, asking her questions, and telling her they’d be back ASAP. Then, they were all gone, and Nina was alone in the small room with Jasmine.
“Are you feeling better? You look better.”
“I do. I think I’m coming down with something, though.”
“Better now than the first week of work, right?”
“It is. But I have an interview first thing Tuesday morning. I hope I’m better by then.”
“That’s in three days.”
“Don’t remind me.”
She groaned, leaning back and closing her eyes.
When Jasmine shook her a few seconds later, she opened her eyes and looked around. The doctor was standing there, a soft smile on her face.
“I must have dozed off,” Nina said apologetically.
“You need to stock up on sleep now.”
“Am I sick?”
“Not exactly, but I did have them put Zofran in your IV, and I’ll send you home with a prescription. How do you feel?”
“A lot better. Still tired, but the nausea is gone.”
“Good. When you leave here, you’ll want to make an appointment with your OBGYN, and you’re going to need to make sure you don’t skip meals anymore.”
“My OBGYN? I don’t have one. Why do I need one?”
The doctor looked surprised.
“Have you noticed any changes in your body, besides the nausea?”
“Yes, but I thought that was just because I’ve been under a lot of stress lately.”
The doctor looked at Jasmine, and Jasmine shifted uncomfortably.
“What’s going on?” Nina demanded.
“I’m sorry,” the doctor began. “Usually women are at least aware, and I thought you’d already gotten a positive test at home.”
“Positive for what?”
Even as she asked the question, she knew. Her heart sank, and she began to panic. This couldn’t be happening, not now. She had plans and goals, and she needed a job and a place to live off campus. The timing was all wrong.
She waited, hoping that the doctor wouldn’t confirm her worst fear. She needed to hear it from the doctor.
“Well, we did a blood test, and you’re pregnant. According to your numbers and your LMP listed on the intake form, you should be right around eight to ten weeks. Your doctor can confirm.”
“I don’t have a regular doctor. I just go to the campus doctor. I’m never sick. Are you sure that I’m pregnant?”
“I can have them do an ultrasound right now, if you want.”
“Please. Maybe it’s a fluke.”
The doctor smiled, disappeared for a few moments, then returned with a machine on wheels with a square, old-fashioned screen.
Nina sucked in a quick breath as the cold gel hit her skin, then she held her breath as the doctor searched, then smiled.
“There they are,” she said, hitting a few buttons and printing off a small picture. “It looks like you’re due around Christmas, give or take.”
“When would I have conceived?” she asked, but she already knew.
Her hectic academic life didn’t leave much room for relationships. She couldn’t remember the last time she had sex before Alex, but she knew that it had been long enough. Unless she was about to give birth in the next few days, it was Alex Conrad’s child.
“Around the last two weeks of March. You’re eight weeks along.”
“Spring break,” Jasmine said.
“About then,” the doctor said.
She continued to talk, but Nina was still trying to come to grips with what she’d already said. How could she be pregnant? It was one night, and she was on the shot and—
Her heart stopped for an instant. She hadn’t gotten the shot the last time. She’d been too busy studying and had meant to get it at a later time. But somehow, it had slipped her mind. It just wasn’t a priority when she wasn’t in a relationship, and now, she was pregnant. Would Alex be furious at her for not taking precautions? Had he asked her if she was on the pill?
She couldn’t remember. The night was a blur of sex, decadent treats, and pampering beyond her wildest dreams.
“Are you alright?” Jasmine asked.
Nina smiled at the doctor, faking a calm she didn’t come close to feeling.
“Thank you, Doctor. Can I go home now?”
“Of course. Just make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible and choose a regular doctor. You’re going to need care often.”
“Thank you,” Nina said, but the busy ER doctor was already gone.
“You’re pregnant with a billionaire’s baby,” Jasmine said. “Holy shit.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going find a doctor. And I’m going to have to call Alex and let him know.”
“What do you think he’s going to say?”
“I don’t know.”
“You didn’t make this baby by yourself.”
“I know, Jazzy. Just calm down.”
“I’m trying to be calm, but I’m freaking out a little.”
“Me too,” she admitted.
She stared at the picture of the tiny little heart, wondering how the little bean could possibly be the start of life, but the truth remained the same. She was pregnant, and Alex was the only possible father. Her life was about to change in a big way, and not the way she’d been hoping. She was pregnant with Alex Conrad’s baby. She had to tell him, and give him a chance to weigh in on whatever decision she made. She’d taken a chance with a wild night, and it had blown up in her face. But she had to face this head-on, and that started with telling Alex.