Chapter 111 One hundred & eleven
The next morning hit Izzy like a freight train. Her head was pounding, every pulse of pain making her stomach twist. She groaned, covering her face with her hands, trying to will herself upright.
“I can’t… I can’t…” she muttered, stumbling toward the bathroom. The second she leaned over the toilet, her stomach rebelled, and she emptied everything she had eaten the night before.
Weak and shaking, she stumbled back to the sitting room, gripping the edge of the couch for support. Her skin felt clammy, and the nausea hadn’t eased. She could hear Maya bustling in the kitchen, humming softly.
“Hey, I’m making soup for the hangover,” Maya called out cheerfully, but the aroma made Izzy’s stomach twist again. She gagged and rushed to the side, barely making it before she threw up once more.
Maya’s steps paused immediately, worry flashing in her eyes as she came over. “Izzy! Oh my god, are you okay?” she asked, putting a hand on her back.
“I… I think I’m fine… just… my stomach…” Izzy said weakly, trying to catch her breath. Her hair clung to her sweaty forehead, and she slumped onto the couch, feeling completely miserable.
Maya crouched in front of her, placing a cool hand on her forehead. “That’s what you get for dinking too much. No soup right now, okay? Just water, and I’ll get you some crackers when you can keep it down.”
Izzy gave a small, shaky nod, feeling a tiny spark of gratitude through the fog of nausea. Even in her miserable state, having Maya there made everything feel easy.
Izzy spent the rest of the morning in a haze, her body aching, head throbbing, and stomach twisting with every movement. She felt cold and weak, drifting in and out of sleep on the couch. Every time she tried to sit up, nausea hit her like a punch to the gut.
When she finally opened her eyes, sunlight had shifted… it was already 2 p.m. Her stomach churned violently, and she felt herself heaving again. Groaning, she forced herself to stumble toward the sitting room.
“Maya… I think I’m… sick,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I don’t feel too good…” Her legs wobbled beneath her, and the room seemed to tilt.
Maya turned immediately, concern written all over her face. “It’s probably the alcohol. You overdid it last night, that’s all. Sit down, just breathe.”
Izzy tried to obey, but her body refused. Her vision blurred, darkness creeping at the edges, and before she could even steady herself, her knees buckled.
“Maya…” she murmured weakly, reaching out, but her fingers barely brushed the air before she collapsed.
Maya lunged forward just in time, catching her as she fainted. Panic shot through her as she held Izzy’s limp body, shaking her gently. “Izzy! Wake up! Izzy Stay with me!”
Her heart raced, the worry pressing down like a heavy weight.
Izzy’s eyes fluttered open, the bright white light stabbing at her senses. She blinked several times, trying to focus. The beeping of machines, the faint smell of antiseptic, and the soft shuffle of footsteps made her stomach twist nervously.
“Where… am I?” she croaked, her throat dry and weak. Her voice sounded strange even to her own ears.
A soft, steady voice answered from beside her bed. “You’re in the hospital, oh dear you gave me quite a scare,” Maya said gently, squeezing her hand. Her face was pale, worry etched deep around her eyes. “You fainted at home. You’re okay now, that’s all that matters.”
Izzy’s mind raced as she tried to sit up, but a nurse gently pressed on her shoulder. “Easy… just rest for now,” the nurse said kindly.
She glanced around the room, machines beeping softly, a monitor displaying her vitals, and for a moment, panic prickled again. “I… I don’t feel good…” she whispered, her body trembling slightly.
Izzy lay on the bed, trying to rest, but an uneasy feeling churned in her stomach. She couldn’t tell why she felt off, and it made her frown.
“Izzy, girl…” Maya’s voice broke the quiet, tinged with suspicion as she studied her friend closely.
“When was the last time you had your period?” Maya asked, her eyebrows knitting together.
Izzy froze, her eyes widening in surprise. Then understanding slowly dawned on her. She shook her head, a mix of disbelief and worry creeping in.
“No… no, it can’t…” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
“Are you sure? Did you check your calendar?” Maya pressed gently, concern lacing her tone.
Before Izzy could respond, the door opened, and a doctor stepped in. Clipboard in hand, he carried a calm, professional air, but his warm expression made her feel slightly reassured.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Hart,” he said gently. “How are you feeling today?”
Izzy shifted slightly, her stomach still uneasy. “Better… I think. Just… tired,” she murmured, glancing at Maya, who squeezed her hand reassuringly.
The doctor nodded, flipping through her chart. He paused for a moment, looking at her with a slight smile. “Well… we ran some additional tests while you were resting.” His eyes met hers. “And… we found out you’re pregnant.”
Izzy froze, her heart stopping. Pregnant? The word echoed in her mind, unbelievable, terrifying, overwhelming. Maya’s hand tightened around hers, and her wide eyes mirrored Izzy’s shock.
“What… what did you say?” Izzy whispered, her voice barely audible.
The doctor smiled gently. “Congratulations, ma’am… you’re going to be a mother.”
Izzy’s mouth went dry, her mind spinning. She tried to speak, to form words, but nothing came out. Maya blinked rapidly, a mix of awe and disbelief on her face.
Izzy’s hand flew to her mouth, and for a long, suspended moment, neither of them said a word…. just stared at the reality that had suddenly crashed into her life.