Adam used the key he borrowed to unlock the front door and held it open for me. His friend left the lights on in the lobby so we didn’t have to forage around with flashlights. It felt so weird being the only ones inside the aquarium. Kinda spooky too. Good thing I wasn’t alone or unarmed.
I rested my head against his shoulder as he pulled me close. We crossed beneath a huge mannequin whale dangling from the ceiling toward the sea turtle reef. It was so cool to see the giant turtles swimming around with all the other fishies.
I always loved animals, even the aquatic ones. When I was little, I wanted to be a vet. I volunteered back home but dropped my dream quicker than a hot plate when Emmett wanted to move to New Syracuse, and god-forbid, start his gang. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do anymore. Becoming a mom certainly hadn’t been on my mind until now.
“I’m glad I get to be here with you tonight.” He reached down and held my hand.
“Me too.” I smiled. “What should we check out first?”
Adam shrugged. “Whatever you want. You lead the way.”
We walked down the narrow path to the reptile den since it was the closest from the entrance. My eyes widened as soon as I saw the huge python. It looked at us and stuck it’s tongue out like a warning. Or, maybe it was sizing us up to eat. The geckos, lizards, and frogs were far less intimidating.
“Holy shit. Look at that.” Adam pointed to the tank of tarantulas. “Those things are huge.”
I pulled my phone out to snap a picture. “I’m gonna send this to Emmett. He’s sure to crap his pants. Spiders scare the hell out of him.”
After the reptiles, we wandered through the Shark Cove exhibit. It was surreal seeing them from beyond the vast tanks. Then, we made our way toward the manta rays. I watched the hugest one swim around with the other small fishies. Clearly it was pregnant. Much like myself.
“Aren’t those colorful fish so pretty together? They’re like a family, sticking close together,” I said.
He nodded. “Sure, I guess so.”
“Do you ever think about our future together?” I asked.
“Of course,” he replied, turning to me with a grin. “I think I know what you might be hinting at.”
“You do?”
How did he find out? I took the pregnancy tests at the Voiceless Rebel’s hideout, and I made sure to take the trash out myself.
“You want us to get a pet, right?” he asked. “Probably not fish.”
“Wait, what?”
“I mean, fish are fine too. I can totally buy them if you want. I was more so thinking about getting a Rottweiler though. I heard they’re great dogs.”
“Adam, I don’t want any damn fish.”
“Oh, my bad. Can we still get a dog though?”
“I don’t think we need a dog right now,” I told him.
“Why not?” he asked.
“Because I’m pregnant.”
Adam didn’t say a word, just stared at me in shock. He looked like he had saw a ghost. We hadn’t planned for this to happen. I should’ve been more careful with my birth control. I knew he loved me, but did he love me enough to have a baby with him?
“Are you sure?” Confusion spread across his face.
“I took two tests on Tuesday,” I replied. “So, yeah. I’m sure.”
“Wow. I’m really gonna be a father?”
“Yeah. Are you upset?” I asked softly.
“What? Why would I be upset? I mean, this is unexpected but I’ve always wanted kids.”
“Really?” A weight had been lifted off my chest. “I had no idea. We’ve never talked about stuff like this.”
“It just wasn’t a surprise I expected tonight, so it threw me off guard. I guess I’m kinda in shock still?” he chuckled awkwardly. “But I’m happy too.”
I grinned. “I feel the same way.”
“Does your family know?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No, I haven’t told them yet.”
“Emmett’s gonna kill me, probably cut my balls off.”
“No he’s not.” I sighed. “Emmett won’t be too pleased with either of us, but I know he’ll come around. Once he meets his little nephew, he won’t be as pissed with us anymore.”
His eyes lit up at that. “We’re having a boy?”
“Oh, uh, it’s just a hunch I have,” I admitted.
Adam smiled and pulled me in for a kiss. “Girl or boy, I’ll love our baby no matter what.”
We had a bright, happy future ahead of us. I couldn’t think of anything that could ruin it. Not until we left the aquarium.
“Tonight has been one of the best nights ever.” I grinned.
Adam nodded. “It has.”
Emmett taught me how to detect when someone was tailing me. Signs of stalking could be found almost everywhere, but I was in such a dreamy happy state, I forgot just how cruel people in our town were. We had almost made it back to his truck. If only we had walked faster.
Bright headlights filled my vision as I scooted closer to Adam. It got brighter as we neared the truck. I couldn’t see the driver, even after they rolled down their window. I thought someone would climb out. Maybe question us or try to jump us, especially if it was gang members. Whatever happened, I knew I was safe with Adam by my side.
But when the deafening gunshot rang out, there was no time for either of us to react. The painful impact knocked me right off my feet.
My world faded to a blur the moment the bullet hit my stomach. There was no forewarning. I couldn’t control the ringing in my ears. I couldn’t hear what Adam screamed. My erratic heart thumped too loud.
Adam drew his own gun and shot their back windshield, but the driver didn’t stop. He got away. I felt like I couldn’t breathe as I reached down, desperately clutching the wound as blood seeped over my fingers. Why did it have to end like this? I didn’t understand at all.
“I’m here, baby. I’m here.” Adam placed his own hands over mine desperately. “Help is on the way. Just stay with me, okay? Everything will be fine. Just keep your eyes open for me and take deep breaths.”
Trembling, I reached one hand out for Adam, begging him not to let me go. “I don’t want to die, Adam. Don’t let me die.”
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