When The Light Falls - Book 3, N. Y. [good beach reads TXT] 📗

continue to walk slowly as I hesitate to answer.

 

''I'm pregnant.'' I tried whisper.

 

''I'm sorry, what?'' she replies.

 

 

''I'm pregnant.'' I whisper, stern.

 

''I can't hear Elle, speak up-'' Mom starts.

 

''I said i'm pregnant!'' I say loud enough for her to hear.

 

 

Nicki stops pacing behind us. I turn from the ground to mom with a smile.

 

She didn't seem surprised, just out of order.

 

I could Nicki was just as surprised.

 

 

 

''I'm confused, why didn't you tell Jacob.'' she says.

 

 

Mom and I had trailed outside to the back of Rikki's house.

 

 

My knees hugged close to my chest. I looked to the ground, then the light brightening the back of Rikki's house.

 

I watched as the gang danced inside. I then turn back to mom as she sat silently.

 

 

''I didn't know how to break it down to everyone. It was a scary moment just finding out that i'm pregnant.'' I responded.

 

''I know how you feel, I was scared the first time I told your dad that I was pregnant.''

 

Mom points her head inside to where dad sat.

 

 

I knew she was talking about my real dad, she had the look in her eyes.

 

''I wanted to run away, but I had to tell your dad. And when I finally worked up the courage, he was under a lot of pressure to carry on with his bloodline. But then I made a run for it.'' she says.

 

 

''3 weeks pregnant and I didn't know what to do. So I left for New York City and I started my life there. I met Henry in SoHo and within the time we went on our 5th date, I told him I was pregnant. He was not suprised, but he knew what he had to do.'' she says.

 

 

I look down to the ground below then back up again. I never heard mom say this story or anything like it before.

 

It was calming to hear her voice again, it was something truly beautiful.

 

 

''So what happened?'' I asked eager.

 

''He decided that we should get married,...but I told him only if we fall in love.'' she replies.

 

''And did you?'' I asked softly.

 

 

Mom nods her head with a smile, then opens her mouth to continue on.

 

 

''We did. And then we traveled while I still could, pregnant, up until I couldn't no more. Then you came along into our lives, and I promised myself that when you'd get pregnant that I would tell you this story.'' Mom says.

 

''Mom that's so sweet. But also hard for you...to just do that. You know everything that's happened before.'' I replied.

 

I felt tears began to form but I pushed them back.

 

 

''So how do you plan to tell Jacob?'' she asked.

 

''I didn't think much of that. I just suspected he would have known.'' I replied.

 

 

''Did you take a test?'' she asked.

 

''Yes,plenty. The first time it was tonight before we came here and then I broke it. But then the second time on the way here was at a gas station restroom with Bongo. Who, found my pregnancy test first and ate the results afterwards.'' I said.

 

 

A little laughter comes from mom as iI think back on earlier.

 

The surprise in Bongo's face was plenty enough, he barely barked the whole time which made me smile.

 

 

''Just to make it easier, I talked with Jacob while you were gone. He had plenty to say about kids, and you guys. I think it's time right now to say that you're pregnant.'' she says.

 

 

''But how, how did you do it?'' I say to mom.

 

She looked down silently then turned back to me with a smile.

 

''Just say it, like how I did with Bali and Henry.'' she said softly.

 

 

It seemed alright when she said it. But inside I still felt scared to say it out loud.

 

Bongo knows, Nicki knows and now Mom knows.

 

Everyone except Jacob who should have known in the first place.

 

 

''Guess, i'll go and tell everyone now.'' I replied.

 

Mom helps me up as I tried to get used to the feeling. I was pregnant and I knew what would happen sometime from now.

 

A baby, and possibly more if I want.

 

 

I head inside as mom trots behind me.

 

I couldn't back out now, it's time to tell everyone.

  

 

''Hey.'' I said loud enough.

 

Everyone's attention is brought to me. I slowly make my way to the center as I watch everyone stare for a second.

 

''I have some news.'' I replied

 

 

People gather to the center.

 

 ''So, some of you make question why i'm calling everyone to attention. But it's rather a big need of attention.'' I started.

 

''The truth is there's I can finally tell you guys.'' I said.

 

 

I look to mom in the crowd as she smiles, it instantly felt right in that moment to just say it.

 

It felt good in this second nature.

 

 

''I'm pregnant.'' I say.

 

Most of everyone just stood in slience, shocked. But most of them began to smile as I suspected.

 

Bella's the first to smile really wide as the party continues.

 

The music blares again as the silent moment passed. I slowly move from the high spot where I stood and move down to where Jacob stood.

 

 

''So that's what you've been meaning to tell us.'' he says.

 

He shoves his hands in his front pockets as I look up to him.

 

 

''Yes, and i'm sorry you had to find out this way. But-'' I trail off.

 

 

I spot Bongo on the ground sniffing my shoes and I pick up him up.

 

''Bongo here, found out first when I got home. Turns out Rikki left a surprise for us at our house while we were here.'' I said with a smile.

 

Jacob leans in the plant a kiss on Bongo's head as I continued to hold him.

 

 

''I think Bongo is a sign that this is perfect.'' I say.

 

"Yeah, I think it is." he responds.

 

''So you're not mad, that you're not the first to know i'm pregnant?'' I asked.

 

''No. Most of the time telling someone you really love that you're pregnant is hard. I understand, i'm just glad Bongo was there to help keep you calm.'' he replies, then smiles.

 

 

His fingers stroke the tiny hairs on Bongo's head as Bongo searches the crowd for refreshments.

 

 

I smile as I put Bongo down. His legs run to the cold rolled hand sandwiches.

 

I kneel up and look to Jacob who had a huge grin.

 

 

I could tell in his eyes everything was going just fine. Just as he imagined.

 

''I'm glad, and happy that we're having a baby. I knew how much it meant to you about having kids, and I want to let you know, i'm here all the way. No matter what.'' he finally says.

 

''Really?'' I respond.

 

 

''Really.'' he responds.

 

We both lean in as our hands clasp each other. Even in the outlook of the party we dance slow and steady to the upbeat music.

 

Our heads bump each other as we both smile.

 

I was glad the moment was over. Fnally I have peace and nothing to stress about.

 

 

''So do you want to keep Bongo, or are we just going to give him back to Rikki?'' Rikki interuppts

 

''Of course we're keeping him. Plus it'll be nice to come home to another responbility unlike yourself.'' I respond, looking at Jacob with a huge grin.

 

''Then Bongo stays.'' she replies

 

 

It made me happy to know that Bongo is officially a part of us.

  

 

''So do you think it's a girl or a boy?'' Jacob asks as we steadily dance.

 

''I think it should be a surprise.'' I replied.

 

 

I was anxious too in preparation to find out. But we'll have to wait till the doctors give a proper answer before birth.

 

But for now, it's just a little world with me and him.

 

--

 

Nicki's P.O.V

 

 

I pack the last sandwich I took from the platter, then I hear the swinging door widen across the room. I turn my head.

 

It's Mrs. Woods, she enters in with a smile.

 

 

''Hey Mrs. Woods, what are you doing?'' I asked.

 

''Just taking out the trash. Unfortunately Rikki is wasted and can't be responsible for much longer.'' she says.

 

 

She smiles and takes the bag near. But I stop her in that moment.

 

''Mrs. Woods?''

 

 

She looks back to my attention.

 

I was shocked she would even respond.

 

 

''I'm struggling right now, and I could use some help-'' I started.

 

 

I wanted to tell her how I can't pay rent after next month and maybe beg her to give me money to buy food.

 

But it was too much to ask for when she found me near the fisher's market.

 

 

I was hoping to get sushi for lunch, but then I couldn't pay. She was there and she offered to pay for me.

 

Then she invited me to come see Elle for a party. It made me feel happy to get to eat as much food as possibe and go home with a full stomach lasting till tomorrow.

 

 

I wanted to tell her i'm not going to survive any longer. But instead it would be better for my apathy in the past to tell her something else.

 

Something that means so much to me.

 

 

''Could you help me, i've been trying to find this person for so long. But I can't figure out anything about him and I need your help.'' I finally said.

 

 

She sets down the trash bag and heads over to me, a small smile on her face.

 

''Of course, anything. You're practically a friend of mine now. I'll help you, now what is it again?'' she reponds.

 

Her warm hands touch my pouty cheek softely as I look back at her.

 

 

I jump at the answer and take out the piece of paper i've been meaning to finally show.

 

 

''I'm been trying to figure out the name of these intials, I can't uncode them. So far i've come up with several names in hopes one of them will be a match. But I haven't searched them up yet. And, I have a letter, cut off, with most of the writing. But I figured it's the person's writing.'' I huff in a breath.

 

''Calm down Nicki, it's fine. Just give me the paper and we'll see if I can figure it out.'' she says.

 

 

I hand her the paper as I twist and turn my hands together in anticipation.

 

I was nervous she might back out of it, but she hasn't since I just gave it to her.

 

I bite my lips as she continues to read down the list.

 

 

I had it memorized in my head.

 

She would read the intials above first, then scan through the names I put down potentially resembling the intials. And the little writing excerpt from the letter.

 

I've read the words over and over again. It didn't make sense until it meant someone else was getting hurt.

 

 

Most of the words were blocked or smudged out. I couldn't get the orginal copy from the private investigator I hired, but it's the closest I have.

 

But at least most of the words were clear to read, and it meant something.

 

 

I just hope Mrs. Woods can figure it out for me. I know he must of have felt bad.

 

I just want to confront him and ask why he did it.

 

Or at least why he left and never came back.

 

 

Dear Clai--, I’ve done something bad and it led to my --------- about 2 months ago, so i ------ myself for our daughter's sake and fled the country. You’ve been a great mother and wife to me, i wish the best in her future and iwanted to apologize for------ You were one of the best things i loved, --- iif t means getting help --------- ------------. But over the years i've inspired our daughter in so many ways, i wish you and i still have that ----------  like she always did. But i’m sorry for ---------- your the most important person i ever met -------- in my whole life, I Love ---. 

 

Sincerely H----

 

 

 

I still have yet to figure out the name but I know Mrs. Woods can help me.

 

 

Shock rose in her face as I stood still. I knew in that moment she might had found me crazy.

 

The stunned look  left her face as she slowly faces me again.

 

Her head stays still as I stood there in silence for a second.

 

 

"Where did you get this?" she asks.

 

''Did you find something?'' I asked filling the awkward moment.

 

''No.'' she said flat out.

 

 

She looked out of place as if she saw a ghost. I thought maybe she was phased by what I found.

 

I