Trying to Get Over You Read online

  “I’ll have the steak omelet with biscuits and gravy,” Chris said.

  “Um. I’ll have the same,” Cooper added.

  “I’ll just have the strawberry pancakes, please.”

  “Okay. I’ll put that order in and bring you back some water.” Lucenda said as she walked away.

  I kind of zoned out, not paying attention to the guys at all, and started people watching. I loved looking at the different elderly couples, wondering if that was what Cooper and I would look like when we were their age. I also watched the different families interact.

  As I was musing on the different people located in the restaurant, our food arrived. The smell of their omelets took over my entire body. I realized I was wedged into the booth with a wall on my left and Cooper on my right. I felt trapped.

  I started shoving at Cooper to get up. I couldn’t say anything because I was scared if I opened my mouth, I would vomit there at the table. At first he looked at me as if I was crazy, but after I pointed to my mouth, he hopped up out of the booth almost instantly. I dashed to the restroom, praying the entire time that it was free.

  I reached the bathroom and luckily found it empty. As soon as I reached the toilet, I was vomiting again, just like the morning before. I purged into the toilet for the next ten minutes or so, hoping against hope that it had been cleaned recently.

  I cleaned myself up the best I could in a public restroom. Just as I was about to open the door, I heard a light knock followed by Cooper’s voice. “Em? Em, are you okay?”

  I unlocked the bathroom door and opened it. Cooper was standing in front of the door with his hand up in the knocking position. I collapsed into him, and he put his arms around me, stroking my back.

  “We made sure to eat our food already. I had the server pack your pancakes into a to-go box. Let’s get you home and in bed.” He said then kissed the top of my head.

  I wrapped my arms around him. “Thanks, but I don’t think I can eat anything.”

  “I didn’t figure you would want to, but just in case, I got a box.”

  I moved to Cooper’s side as he draped one arm over my shoulder and pulled me close to him. We walked back to the table where Chris was waiting.

  “You okay? I’m sorry about the food making you sick,” Chris said.

  “I’m fine. I had the same thing happen yesterday. I think I’m coming down with some stomach thing.”

  My brother got up and the three of us walked out of the restaurant into the parking lot.

  We had parked on opposite sides of the lot, so I grabbed Chris and gave him a hug. “Thanks for having breakfast with us. I’m sorry it was cut short.”

  “Not a problem. I just hope you didn’t just give me your germs.” He said while laughing through a grimace.

  “Oh crap. I didn’t even think about that. I promise I’ll take care of you if you get sick.”

  “Bye, Em. Bye, Cooper.” He said as he headed for his car. Cooper and I yelled “Bye!” in unison, then Cooper grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the car.

  “Come on. Let’s get you home and put to bed.”

  I followed him to the SUV, and he helped me get inside. My head had started pounding, and I was starting to feel hot again.

  “I’m sorry for cutting breakfast short. I know that you and Chris don’t get to spend that much time together, and he’s moving away soon,” I said apologetically when Cooper got inside the SUV.

  He looked over at me, grabbed my hand, and kissed it. “It’s okay. Your health is way more important to me right now than spending some time hanging out with Chris.”

  I smiled back as he put the car in drive, pulling out of the parking lot. I laid my head back and closed my eyes. I was so grateful that Cooper was there to take care of me. He had the radio on low, but I could hear him singing along which made me happy, even though my head was killing me. Every few minutes, he pulled my hand up to kiss it.

  We pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex, and I really didn’t even feel like moving. I could have just sat there in the car all day. I was trying to figure out if I had to get out when I heard my car door open. I felt a warm arm reach around me and unbuckle my seat belt, then I was being lifted out of my seat. Cooper gave me a kiss on the forehead while he cradled me. I felt him shut the door and start walking.

  “I can walk,” I mumbled. “I’m too heavy for you to carry.”

  “Shh. I got you. Just relax,” he said.

  When we reached the door, I could feel him messing with the keys, trying to juggle me and open the door. He finally unlocked the door and kicked it open, not bothering with closing it, just carrying me to the bedroom. Cooper sat me down on the bed, took off my shirt then my pants. I felt a little cold, but then he helped me lay down and covered me up. He didn’t say anything, just walked away.

  A short time later he was back with a cold washcloth, which he placed on my forehead.

  “You felt a little clammy. Hopefully the washcloth will help. I also placed a trash can beside the bed, if you need it. Do you want me to study in the living room or stay in here with you?”

  I couldn’t open my eyes to look at him, but I whispered, “Stay in here. You can use your side of the bed. You can even put the TV on. It won’t bother me.”

  “Okay. Let me go get my laptop and books. I’ll be right back.”

  He was gone only a short time. I heard him take off his jeans and then what I guessed was his shirt. I would have really liked to turn around and took a peek at his chest, but I was too tired. I felt the bed move as he sat down.

  “Cooper?” I whispered.

  “What is it, babe?” He asked as he leaned over me and stroked my forehead.

  “Thanks for taking care of me.”

  He kissed my forehead. “Always.”

  It was day five of me feeling like death in the mornings and great in the afternoons and evenings. I had somehow made it through all of my classes the past week, but I wasn’t sure if I had retained anything. I decided to call the university health clinic and get checked out, hoping they could give me something for my stomach.

  I picked up my cell phone and searched the Internet for the phone number. I found it and pressed the screen to call the clinic.

  “University health clinic,” a lady answered. “This is Rhonda. How may I assist you today?”

  “Yes. I’ve been having stomach issues for the last few days. I was wondering if I could be seen by a doctor?”

  “All I have open is tomorrow at two p.m. Would that be okay?”

  “That’s the earliest you have?” I asked because I didn’t want to wait another day.

  “Yes, I’m sorry. We’re a very busy clinic. If you need to be seen sooner, you can always go to the local hospital emergency room.”

  Whatever I had wasn’t an emergency, and I couldn’t afford anything else. The appointment that she was offering would have to do. “Tomorrow is fine.”

  “All right. What’s your name?”

  “Emily Reynolds.”

  “Okay. I have you down for tomorrow at two.”

  I disconnected with the lady as Cooper walked in the door of the apartment.

  “Hey, how are you feeling today? Any better?” He asked.

  “Same old, same old. I made an appointment at the university health clinic for tomorrow, though.”

  “That’s great. I can’t wait for them to tell you what’s wrong and get you well.” He said as he came up to me.

  “Me, either. I have classes I need to be studying for.” I said as he gave me a hug.

  The doctor came back in the room, closed the door, and looked at me with his head crooked backwards, nose in the air. “I have your test results.”

  “Oh, good. Please tell me you have some meds that will make me feel better.”

  “Well, I can’t really prescribe you anything for this,” he said with a smile, but his tone was a little snotty. “Congratulations! You are pregnant.”

  “Excuse me? There must be some mista
ke. I can’t be pregnant,” I answered matter-of-factly. Cooper and I have always been very careful. He had either mixed up the results with someone else or the test was wrong.

  “Do you realize that, according to the date you gave me, you are a week late for your menstrual cycle? What you have been experiencing is morning sickness,” he said rudely, as if I were stupid. I got that he was a doctor and I was just a student, but he had no right to act that way.

  In any event, his attitude was making me feel stupid. “Are you sure there can’t be a mistake?” I asked very weakly.

  “Your hCG levels are very high,” he said, sounding a little nicer. “That is an indication of pregnancy. I suggest making an appointment with your ob-gyn, and he or she will be able to prescribe you something for the nausea.”

  “Okay,” was all I could manage to get out of my mouth.

  “I’ll leave your paperwork at the front desk,” he said, heading for the door. “You can get dressed at any time. You’re free to go.”

  Just as he put his hand on the handle, he looked back with a sympathetic smile. “I know this was a shock for you, but I do wish you good luck. Babies can be amazing. I know, I have two.”

  I looked up at his eyes and choked out, “Thank you.”

  I left the office and made my way through campus. The sun was shining, and people were everywhere, but I was wrapped up in my own thoughts. All I could think about was what the university clinic doctor just informed me. At first I was terrified, thinking it couldn’t be possible. Walking home gave me some time to think and absorb the news, making me feel excited. Well, I thought I was, anyway.

  My mind started working with how I was going to let Cooper know that he was going to be a father. I decided I would cook Cooper a nice steak meal and tell him over dinner that night. I couldn’t wait to tell him. He wouldn’t be expecting it, but we had talked about getting married one day and starting a family, so I knew he would get excited like me. I wished I had the creativity and patience to do something cool and surprise him with the news, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to contain myself for long. A steak dinner would have to do.

  As I rounded the corner to our apartment door, I heard laughing. Great; we had company. I hoped they would leave early.

  I opened the door, and my world crumbled. Two beautiful blondes and Jason were seated with Cooper in our living room. To make matters worse, Cooper was holding a joint in his hand—which I knew would be the case, as soon as I saw the loser, Jason. One blonde was sitting way too close to Cooper and running her hand down his arm, with her boobs spilling out of her shirt for him to see. I couldn’t believe he would invite him over with two whores and practically cheat on me the day I found out I was pregnant.

  From the look on his face, he knew I was angry.

  I ran past all of them down the hall to our bedroom, immediately locking the door behind me. I’d demanded that Cooper not have anything to do with Jason. He always brought trouble with him. If he couldn’t give up partying for me, he certainly wouldn’t do it for our baby.

  Everything happening on the same day had to be a sign; we weren’t meant to be. I needed to pack my bags and get the hell out of there.

  I’d told him that the next time he got high with Jason, I’d leave. I was keeping that promise.

  As I was running to our closet to find my suitcase, I heard knocking on the door.

  “Em, let me in,” he pleaded.

  “No, Cooper. I just want to be alone right now.” I needed time to pack my clothes and school supplies so I could get out of the apartment. I could live without everything else for a while.

  “Just let me explain.” I could hear him trying to turn the door knob very forcefully.

  “What I saw was explanation enough for me.” I said as I grabbed clothes off of the hangers and threw them in the suitcase.

  “I know I told you I wouldn’t smoke pot again. I’m sorry I messed up. And those girls were with Jason. You know you are the only girl for me.”

  “I know that’s what you tell me.” I’d just let him believe I was mad about the girls, for right now. I couldn’t tell him I’m pregnant, not while we were upset and he was high.

  “Damn it, Em! You know I love you! They’re gone. Please. Let’s talk. Please, open the door.”

  He sounded pleading and apologetic, but I couldn’t let it go. I had to leave. I needed space to figure out my life, a life that had just drastically changed.

  “Fine!” I said harshly.

  I finished packing the last item that would fit in my suitcase and zipped it up. I unlocked the door and practically sprinted for the front door. Over my shoulder, I yelled, “I’m done! I can’t live like this anymore. I’m the only one that wants to grow up around here!”

  He followed. “What are you saying, Em?”

  “I’m saying the moment you let Jason come into our apartment with those slutty girls, we were done! You knew that when you made that choice. I told you this would happen!”

  “Oh shit! Emily. I’m so, so sorry. Please, let me make this up to you. I had a shitty day and ran into him at the gas station. He asked if he could come by, and I just agreed. I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry.”

  “I don’t give a shit if you had a bad day! Mine was full of surprises too! We are done!”

  I raced down the sidewalk to my car. I flung open the door and threw my luggage into the passenger seat and climbed in.

  I closed the door and started the ignition. I looked up to see Cooper standing in front of me with tears streaming down his face, shaking his head no.

  I turned and looked out my back window, putting the car in reverse and pulling out of my spot. I made sure I didn’t look in the rearview mirror as I drove away.

  I got down the block before I had to pull over and give into the sobs.

  After twenty minutes of crying, I somehow cleaned myself up enough to make my way to my best friend Jen’s apartment. She lived by herself but had a two-bedroom apartment. Her parents insisted she have a spare bedroom for when they came to visit. They paid for it, so she couldn’t really complain.

  I rang the doorbell and tried to calm myself with deep breathing. I couldn’t believe how my world had fallen apart. I hadn’t even mentioned the girl that was all over him. I couldn’t stomach thinking what could have happened if I hadn’t come home when I did. I really didn’t think he would ever cheat on me, but I’d also thought he was done with getting high.

  Jen opened the door, and I could tell by the look on her face that I hadn’t done a very good job of cleaning up my face. “What the hell happened to you?” She asked before giving me a hug.

  “Can I stay here for a while?” I asked.

  “Um, sure. You know you can. Mind telling me why you won’t be staying with Cooper at your apartment?”

  “We broke up. I left him.” I pulled away and looked her in the eyes. I didn’t want to explain everything that had just happened, but I knew she would pull it out of me.

  “You did what? Why, how? Oh my gosh. What the hell did that idiot do?”

  “Don’t call him that! Can I explain later? I just need to be alone right now.” We had just broken up, but I didn’t want her bashing him. Not even a little.

  “Of course. You know where the spare bedroom is. Do you want me to make you some tea?”

  The sympathy in her voice almost made me break down. “No, I’m okay. Not really that thirsty. I just want to lie down. Maybe take a nap.”

  She hugged me again. “You know I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks.” I made my way down the hall to the guest bedroom. I closed the door and fell onto the bed, dropping my purse next to me. I looked at it; my cell phone that hadn’t rung was inside. He wasn’t even going to call. Maybe I didn’t mean that much to him. Maybe he was glad to be rid of me so he could party all the time without my nagging.

  I grabbed my purse and took out my cell phone. I just wanted to make sure he didn’t care.

  I must have left my phone on silent
from my doctor’s appointment. Fifteen missed calls and a bunch of text messages. All from Cooper.

  He does care. He loves me. I knew this. I really couldn’t let the crazy thoughts take over. I needed to hang on to what I knew. I knew he loved me.

  That just didn’t change the fact that he couldn’t give up partying for me. He wasn’t capable of distancing himself from the people that caused problems for him, for us. I couldn’t let that into my baby’s life. I wouldn’t.

  I had already began thinking like a mom, and that made me smile. At this time the day before, I had no clue I was pregnant, but now I would do anything for the baby. Including giving up the love of my life.

  I fell asleep and dreamed the memory of Cooper asking me out on our first date.

  Our small hometown was about four hours away from the university, and I hadn’t seen Cooper since he had left for college the year before. My first week of my freshman year at the university, I ran into him at a party my brother, Chris, had insisted Jen and I come to, at the house of a friend of his. My brother and I were more like best friends instead of siblings, so he didn’t mind inviting me to things like that.

  I walked into the party and felt out of place. I knew absolutely no one. Beautiful sorority girls were everywhere, and I had never felt plainer. I had just gotten me a beer and seated myself in a corner when an arm went around my neck. I looked over to my left to see Cooper smiling down at me.

  “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you,” he said, with the sexiest grin I had never noticed before.

  “It has been. I never got a chance to see you when you came home or when I came here to visit Chris.”

  “Hmm. Well, I guess we need to change that.” His sexy smile grew, and I couldn’t look away from his mouth.

  “What do you mean?” I thought he was flirting, but I wasn’t sure. I’d only had one boyfriend, named, Daniel and he wasn’t the most flirtatious or talkative boyfriend. All he wanted was to tell other people that he had a girlfriend. I got tired of being in a third-grade relationship and ended it a week before Christmas. Sounds bad but I don’t think he really cared.