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how and even I knew how.
    We used sex to comfort each other. It was hot and needy and the thought of playing it safe was thrown out the window. I know condoms aren’t a hundred percent effective and I had planned on getting the shot since I absolutely suck at keeping track of taking the pill, which I was on, but like I said, I suck at taking it. So, with both of those actions combined- SURPRISE, I got knocked up. Stranger things have happened, right? Such as Jesika getting pregnant when she was supposedly fixed. I believe in her case it was fate though. I mean, she’s damn lucky she survived, we all are, but I think it was meant to be. Derek needed a child of his own after all the nutty shit he was put through. I felt so bad for him. But he took it all like a champ. Most guys couldn’t and wouldn’t accept what he did.

    Today is the day that everyone is going to find out that my baby is a girl since they don’t believe me. Yes, I finally find out the sex today and I’m so flipping happy that I can barely contain myself. I will now be able to go buy all the outfits and frilly baby items I’ve been putting on my mental wish-list every time I walk through the baby department. In fact, that’s exactly what I plan on dragging Jesika to do as soon as we leave here. I made sure to take the rest of the day off just for that purpose alone. Like hell, I could go back and actually sit my ass at my cubicle and work, knowing I could finally be buying baby stuff. Hell to the no.
    “Okay, so after my motherly instincts are proven to be on point when the doctor confirms the baby I’m carrying has a cookie instead of a turtle, we are going shopping. I intend on finding the most diva-ish outfit for my princess to come home in. A pair of high-heel socks is a must.” I can’t contain the smile. I can’t contain the happiness. Even though I miss Seth like a bad habit, I can’t help but wish he was a part of this — that he was the one who was taking me to the ultrasound.
    “Umm, I’m not sure I’ll be able to go with you afterwards. I, ah, kinda of have a flight to catch later today.” I can hear the uncertainty in her voice. By the way she’s apprehensive to bluntly tell me all the details, I can only assume it deals with Seth. Yeah, yeah, I know what they say about people who assume, but seriously, that statement is a little past its expiration date anyways. It can pack its ass up and go back to the 90’s along with the whole ‘ you know the word gullible isn’t in the dictionary?’ Not sure if it was me channeling my inner ditsy blonde or what, but damn if I always fell for that dumbass line.
    I refuse to let anything bring me down today. Nothing. “No biggie, I’ll just go by myself.”

    “Mallory Prentice,” the medical assistant calls my name through the door she is holding open with her foot. She does the basic weight, blood pressure, temperature check while asking me the same questions they do every other time like they are going to magically change. Nope, I still don’t smoke, but since becoming pregnant I can’t help but drink a six-pack every night before I go to bed. That’s perfectly normal, right? Sheesh, I know it’s their job and all, but can’t they ask those questions once every nine months?
    I lie back on the chair-slash-bed and the paper crinkles under me as I try to scoot my short frame up into place. The ultrasound tech arrives shortly after we are escorted to the room.
    “Good morning Mallory. I see you are now twenty weeks along. Congratulations on being half way done.” I smile at the short round lady with shoulder length blonde hair. “Aw, you’re due December 23 rd . How exciting!”
    “Yay. Merry Christmas,” I mumble. I can’t help the sarcastic tone in my voice.
    Jesika laughs at me and tries to play off my reaction to the tech. “Mallory is dreading her daughter being born on or around Christmas. She’s a selfish woman and doesn’t want her sharing a birthday with the Big