Chapter 17

CAMILLE'S POV

I was running out of time and I stupidly couldn't bring myself to go to the hospital despite Jack's threat. I felt alone, I couldn't tell anyone and since Jack got back from the hospital, Skye's attitude was different towards me, we were never really friends but she always tried to be civil. Now she gave me strange looks, sometimes sympathetic, sometimes disappointment but she always tried to conceal it. It confirmed my suspicions that she knew about me and Jack.

I wanted to talk to her, on reaching their house I heard screams. I peered in through the window and saw Jack throw her to the ground as she struggled to get away. I quickly dialled 911 and scurried away, moments later two cops showed up and Jack was in handcuffs as I watched from my front porch. Jack was definitely sick, he acted sweet and nice then, now he was a totally different person.

I was done clearing the sink when Roy entered the kitchen

''Honey''

''Yeah? What's going on?'' I asked drying my hands on a towel and moving towards him

''I feel we should talk. You've been hiding things from me but I know what's going on'' he said

I wished the ground would open up and swallow me. I stiffened in fear and shock, he knew about Jack and I? But he was being so calm. My mouth went dry and I couldn't form words when I tried to speak

''You're pregnant.'' He smiled widely ''I've been watching you, the mood swings, you try to hide when you puke in the morning.''

''What?'' I was dumbfounded

''Of course.'' He rambled on ''You even stopped using your favourite strawberry perfume recently. Look, I know we said we weren't ready and I'm not always around but I promise you things will change. I know you're scared and you didn't wanna tell me but I'm ready babe''

Tears welled up in my eyes, Roy. I hated myself even more as I saw the loving look in his eyes. He knew I was pregnant but he thinks it's his. I remained speechless as the tears finally poured and Roy pulled me into his arms.

''It'll be okay. I love you'' he kissed the top of my head and rubbed my back as I sniffed trying to calm down. How could I even begin to tell him I'd been having an affair and the baby wasn't his.

Roy seemed to be in a very good mood, offered to make dinner and after that. He took me to our room, the sound of heavy breathing, skin slapping against each other and moans soon followed.

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I was taking out the trash when I saw Skye parking at her house and going in. I needed to talk to her, everything was already messed up as it was and the last conversation we had, she seemed genuinely grateful that I had called the cops and for a moment it felt like she cared about my well-being asking if Jack had hurt me, I panicked and couldn't tell her.

I made my way to her place, lingering at the doorway before finally knocking.

''Camille'' Skye's blue eyes lit up in surprise as she saw me.

''I uh...I need to talk to you'' I squeaked

''No problem, come in''

We sat in the living room as she offered me wine which I reluctantly took. I was so nervous I couldn't even bring myself to speak, it was maddening because in the past I was outspoken especially when it came to her, my jealousy usually fueled my wrong sense of confidence.

I took little sips of the wine trying to get myself together. Her eyes never left me as I struggled to relax

''The baby right?'' She sighed ''I'll get you water''

I felt more ashamed at her calm demeanor at the situation, she knew everything. She definitely knew it was Jack's.

'How did you-?'' I stumbled in my question as she handed me a glass of water.

''About what exactly?'' She asked fiddling with her glass. I guess she was a bit nervous too.

''I'm so sorry'' I burst out, fresh tears falling ''I didn't mean for it to go this far. I'm so sorry''

She scooted over, handing me a tissue box and telling me to relax.

''Honestly'' she said taking a large gulp of her wine and refilling the cup '' I always thought I'd have to fight you or you know do something dramatic when we finally speak but I don't think I'm even mad at you anymore.''

''What?''

''It doesn't matter how I found out Camille. But I know you're pregnant for Jack, does Roy know yet?''

''He thinks it's his'' I wailed

''Oh dear'' Skye rubbed her forehead ''more wine'' she poured another glass. Honestly if you ask me, she was on edge too, something was bothering her.

''You tried to kill Jack. Why?''

I wasn't expecting her to know that ''Jack told you that??''

''Started from the hospital, your perfume then other little things. Look I don't really trust you but I'll be honest He thinks we planned it together because that same night after you ran out, I attacked him''

''Wow. I didn't see you as that kind of person.'' I mumbled ''I didn't think I was capable either''

''We're stuck in this bullshit together, especially now that he's angry, he'll threaten us, probably manipulate us into doing something stupid.'' She gazed into her glass

''What do we do?'' I asked

''We? You've got a lot more on your plate Camille. You're pregnant for your neighbor who's also married and your husband thinks its his. What the fuck are you gonna do about that?'' She took another sip

Her words made me flinch ''I'm sorry,I know this is all my fault. But I don't have anyone to talk to and Jack seems more violent, he...he -''

I felt breathless as I recalled how helpless I felt when be grabbed my face then seeing him attack Skye made my fear worse.

''He threatened you didn't he? Did he hurt you?'' She asked frowning

''No. He didn't hurt me. Just threats'' I looked down

''You should lawyer up and be ready, you have to leave Roy in the dark about it until you handle this baby issue''

''You're suggesting I get rid of it? What about Roy?''

''You'll figure it out, I can't make the decision for you'' She poured a half a glass of wine this time and I yanked it out of her hand, draining it of its content.

''Good to see you coming around'' she joked

''You're different'' I observed

''How so?'' She gave a somewhat mischievous smile.

''You know everyone knows you as this sweet, soft person. And now its like you're a different person''

''People change with time and experiences''

''I should go, Roy will be back soon'' I said getting up ''thank you for having me. I'm really sorry, I mean it.''

''Its fine. Just be careful'' she said before shutting the door behind me.

I headed back to my house to prepare for dinner before Roy came home.

As we sat through dinner talking, the decision to get rid of the baby became rooted in me. I wouldn't be able to hide the truth forever, I had come up with my plan.

I smiled, chewing slowly as I listened to Roy joke and occasionally reach out to hold my hand. It was going to be a long week, but still necessary.