Free Pieces of Me by LaShawn Vasser Page A

finally speak with her. Of course, all the dignitaries wanted some of his time and a photo. He’d tried to convince himself that he only came because he wanted to make sure she was ok. She hadn’t answered any of his messages and that bothered him.
     
    Nicole didn’t think she had the energy for this meeting. She was standing face to face with the father of her child. She plastered on a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
     
    “Sorry that took so long. I hope you liked the school. Dana’s been working really hard on it.” Nicole knew she was rambling but she was so nervous.
     
    “You guys have done a great job. But, what I really want to know is why haven’t you answered any of my calls?”
     
    Nicole couldn’t meet his eyes so she looked down at the floor “I...I didn’t think that was such a good idea. Sometimes it’s better to just cut ties and move on.”
     
    He needed to touch her so he caressed her cheek “Is that what you’ve done? Have you moved on?”
     
    Nicole briefly closed her eyes. She whispered “Davis, what are you doing here? The last time we spoke you’d made the decision to see if things could work out between you and Anne. Has that changed?” There was hope in her voice.
     
    Now it was Davis who couldn’t look her in the eye. “I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t really had much time for my personal life. I still need to get some things sorted out.”
     
    Nicole looked incredulous. In a pained voice, “Why are you here?”
     
    Davis ran his hands through his hair. He was so uncomfortable. He’d never really let anyone peek inside of him the way he had with Nicole. His feelings were so raw and confusing “I feel somewhat responsible for the crash, for what happened on the island between us, and for you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and if there was anything you needed.”
     
    Nicole wasn’t sure she could take much more of this. She was doing her best to keep the tears at bay “Davis, the crash wasn’t your fault and our being together was probably more about two people needing to feel connected and alive. I’m not a priest so I can’t give you absolution but there is really no need for you to feel responsible for me.” The room started to spin. Nicole thought, oh god…please not now and not in front of him. If Davis hadn’t been standing so close, he wouldn’t have been able to catch her when she fainted.
     
    When Nicole came to she was laying on the sofa in her office. Davis was kneeling down by her side.
     
    “She needs a doctor Dana!”
     
    Dana had a cool cloth and a glass of water in her hand. “I’m sure she just probably overheated.” She gave the cloth to Davis and he put it over Nicole’s head.
     
    Nicole understood Davis’s panic was probably due to memories of his baby sister. Her heart ached for him. She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Dana can I please have some water.” Dana handed her the glass and a knowing look passed between them. The look didn’t go unnoticed by Davis.
     
    “What the hell is going on here?”
     
    “Dana, can I talk to Davis privately please?”
     
    “Of course.” Dana gave her friend’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze before quietly leaving the room.
     
    Nicole sat up and tried to put her feet on the floor. Then she patted the spot next to her for Davis to sit down.
     
    “Nicole, I’d like to know what’s going on.”
     
    “I don’t really know how to tell you this so I’m just going to say it. I’m pregnant.”
     
    Davis sat there for a moment stunned “Why didn’t your tell me? Or, were you going to tell me?”
     
    “Davis, I just found out yesterday. I know that you have a right to know but honestly I haven’t gotten past the ‘you’re pregnant part’.”
     
    Davis stood up and walked towards the door as if he were going to walk through it. He turned around and looked directly into her eyes “We need to get married.” He was so focused as if he’d just solved a