"Some truths are easier to ignore than to face"
Brooklyn
May 22nd | ATL
6:30am
Morning came too fast as i groaned, hearing the blaring alarm disturb my slumber. For a second I debate smashing it into a wall, but instead I drag myself out of bed and grabbed the oversized hoodie that's become my new favorite piece of armor. It hides my growing bump just enough to keep curious eyes from asking questions.
Work at the clinic is steady but draining. I'm flipping through charts when Joshua appears with his usual clipboard and coffee in hand.
"Morning." He greets me.
"Morning." I smile.
He nods, glancing over my prep and sanitation work. "I've notice you've been working more shifts lately." He chuckled lightly. "Don't push yourself." He shot me a knowing look.
"Yeah, i know. Just trying to make my money, you know." I said as i took off my singular glove off to throw away. I had told Joshua and a few others here at work about my pregnancy.
It was time. Those days when i woke up too sick to go to work, or missed when i had an appointment caught up to me eventually. Jamal questioned why id been missing so much, following Joshua.
Jamal's goofy ass did the most. All loud and happy like it was a congratulatory moment. I didn't burst his bubble in the moment though, it wasn't until privately during our lunch break that i gave him a brief rundown.
I had been getting looks at the club lately too. That's when i began working every other weekend, not only due to my complete lack of energy to dance and charm all night, but Jonavon had also been suspicious of me.
I suspected he maybe knew something a few Saturdays back when he approached me, asking vague questions concerning being pregnant. I was showing but it wasn't drastic, i assume maybe the girls suspected me first and told him.
I brushed his questions off and he let it go, but he knew, possibly wanting me to confirm it myself.
Being pregnant was a big no no at his club. Theres been times he'd excuse girls in the first few months but the moment they began to show, they were gone. It's just not good for business. And if we're being honest, i'm not mad at it—i'd rather them not hire pregnant women to subject themselves into such an environment.
I myself didn't want to be in that environment, but.... the money.
I've debated recently about quitting though, alongside Torrian. He always had something slick to say. Shit pissed me off. His only concern should be the baby.
By the time my shift ends, I'm ready to collapse. But, i couldn't. I had class today, and needed to be present within the next 55 minutes. I drove to my university and first, stopped by the cafeteria to grab something to eat.
When i walked into the cafe, the overpowering smell of Chic Fil La fries filled my nostrils.
Oh, i know exactly what i'm finna get.
I ordered a chicken sandwich, added cheese and no pickles, with a med fry and Coke. I took my food to eat outside on one of the patio tables. The cool breeze balanced the warmth of the sun. It was a beautiful day.
"Brooklyn, right?"
I glanced up to see a tall guy standing a few feet away, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his hoodie. His dark curls were slightly messy, his smile very charming. I recognized him vaguely—he was in one of my classes, though I couldn't remember which.
