No Strings Attached

Part 24 : No Strings Attached

The hall was already packed full of people; friends, family, loved ones, all smiling and laughing together. It really uplifted my mood seeing as mood swings seemed to be just around the corner.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around.

"Sep!" I smiled.

She was grinning from ear to ear, "Oh my gosh! Congratulations are in order!"

We both hugged.

"So," she said, patting my stomach, "How's my little niece or nephew?"

I laughed, "Good so far I guess, haven't felt any kicks yet. Although I don't think I'm that far gone. We have to consult the doctor."

"Good," she said, still looking at my stomach, "We don't want you giving your Mom any trouble, do we?"

I rolled my eyes, "Come on Sep enough about the baby... how are you doing."

"I've got great news...." she replied, still smiling all over her face.

"And what would that be?" I enquired

"Your little one better get ready," she grinned, "Cause he or she's gonna have a playmate!"

My jaw dropped open, "Sep... you mean....?"

"I'm pregnant! 4 months, but I wanted to keep it a secret as long as I could. I've been dying to tell you, can you see?"

I squeezed her so tight, "I couldn't even guess! How's Alex reacting? That's your Christmas present sorted out!"

She laughed patting her tummy, "Alex is good. I've sorted out everyone's Christmas presents too. Well, not exactly, the baby is going to be everyone's present. Except for you, Rick, my parents and Alex. Speaking of Alex, he is really excited about being a Dad. In fact he's gone into Dad overload."

I rolled my eyes, "You and me both..."

"So I take it Rick's over the moon?"

"Yup..." I replied, "September.. you're my best friend and best friends tell each other everything right? So I have to tell you this, okay? Don't be angry, oh God, please don't be angry...."

"What?" she asked, "Kim, you're scaring me... what's going on?"

"I... was going to get rid of it..." I whispered

"You were what?!" she shouted in a whisper.

I grabbed my head, "I know Sep, I know... what the hell was I thinking?"

"You're telling me!" she said, "Kim. This baby... our babies... they're part of us. Imagine that baby inside you... it's part of you."

I sighed, "I know Sep, and I love it so much already.... I know I've made the right choice. It was Rick who convinced me in the end. It's 100% the right decision."

"You're damn right it is!" she chuckled, "Now go on... go find your husband and give him a kiss."

I smiled, "That's the best idea ever."

I raced around the room trying to find Rick, to tell him everything.

The blood was rushing through my head, I felt kind of dizzy. Kind of weird.. The music seemed to just rush through me....

"There you are!" he smiled, "I've been looking for you everywhere!"

I regained my balance, cupped his face with my hands and kissed him.

A large cheer went up from the crowd of party guests.

I drew away...

"Woah!" he grinned, "Are you okay honey?"

"Yeah...." I whispered, "Just a bit... you know..."

"Pregnancy sickness? Do you want me to drive you home?"

I shook my head, "No thanks. I think I'll just take a walk, I'll be back in 5 minutes..."

He frowned, "Kim... are you sure?"

"Positive." I said.

When was the last time you said that word Kimberley?

"Okay then," he replied, "Call me if you need me...."

I smiled, turning away from him and walking out of the main entrance.

Fresh air. Nothing like it. Perhaps I'd take a walk to my old apartment, just to remember. It was strange how everything could change so quickly. I would've never dreamed that I could go from living here to a multi-million dollar mansion. Life could change in a split second and I'd learnt that now more than ever.

Walk and breathe. Walk and breath. Walk and---

I wasn't expecting to be pulled from around my waist, neither was I expecting the sharp point of the blade pressed against my neck that I knew was drawing blood.

I screamed but it was no use. The hooded man had his hand around my mouth.

"Don't bite or scream. I'll kill you." A muffled voice said.

My brain was scattered. I couldn't think. I couldn't breathe. The voice was so familiar yet so distant so far away, lurking on the edge of my conscience.

Oh God. I was going to die. And so was my child.....

Please God, if you're up there. Spare my life. Please. Someone. Rick. Anyone.

*************************************************************************************************************