All Is Silence - Deserted Lands #1

Chapter 35 - Part III

Lizzie let her head fall back against the pillow. Time. She had some now. She forced herself up and drank from the water glass on the nightstand. Jayce's calculator watch lay there along with one of the extra cell phones. Her eyes teared up. Mama and Jayce. She didn't have their voices anymore. But she had the memories. Maybe there were some in the house back in Bellingham-VHS tapes or something on the computer. Mama, I'm sorry I broke my promise, but I'm glad I left the house. She pulled the watch onto her wrist. I miss you, Jayce.

A knocked sounded on the door. Jess slipped in and closed it. "Hey, girl. How are you?" She smoothed Lizzie's hair away from her face.

Lizzie smiled. "I'm hungry."

Jess laughed. "I'll tell the doctor you're awake. If he says you can eat, we'll get you some food." Jess kissed Lizzie's forehead. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"For making me part of your family."

Lizzie nodded and smiled. Jess walked out the door and Lizzie closed her eyes. She was so tired. Everything ached. Anytime she moved the wrong way it felt like a hot brand searing into her side.

A gray-haired doctor entered the room. He looked exhausted. "Good morning, Miss Gooden. Glad to see you're awake. I'm Dr. Wright. Your father woke up?"

"Yes." She felt warm and fuzzy and hoped it wasn't the drugs.

"Mr. Guerrero?" the doctor asked in a firm voice. Her dad didn't wake up, but the doctor didn't seem concerned. He checked her dad's chart and wrote something.

"Is he gonna be ok?" Lizzie asked.

"He'll be fine. We gave him the next rabies booster. He needs plenty of rest and time to recover." The doctor came back to Lizzie's bedside. "And I am happy to report you and your baby are fine too."

"My what?" Lizzie was confused. "You mean Saj?"

"No." He smiled. "Your unborn baby. I automatically run blood work. Your tests show you're pregnant.

"I'm pregnant? But that isn't possible." Her stomach spun in response.

"Did you have sex?"

"Yes, but-" How could she have gotten pregnant? She and Zach had only had that one night.

"Then it's possible."

She was silent, considering. Thoughts bounced off one another. Having a baby? I'm not ready. Zach? Nev? "Does anyone else know?"

The doctor shook his head. "No."

Lizzie touched her belly. "Thanks." There were bandages wrapped across it, but it didn't feel any different. "Can I eat?"