Chapter 8 EIGHT
Brienne's hands trembled as she dialed Janice's number on her phone. Holding it to her ear, she waited anxiously for her friend to answer.
"Hello, Bree?" Janice answered.
"Nice!" Brienne exclaimed, her voice breaking as she sobbed. "Nice, I need your help, please. I'm at home," she added.
"Okay, Bree. I'll be there. Wait for me!" Janice replied and ended the call. Brienne slumped to the ground, clutching her belongings tightly.
When Janice arrived, she didn’t say a word. She immediately embraced Brienne and helped her carry her belongings to the car. As soon as Brienne settled into the front seat, she broke down.
"Bree..."
"I don't k-know, Nice. They’re selling the house," she whispered, covering her face as she cried.
"Without your consent?! They can’t do that," Janice replied. Brienne knew this, but hearing from her sister that she was no longer welcome in their lives now that their parents had passed away hurt her deeply.
"Please, Nice. Help me find a place," she whispered. Thankfully, she had saved some money.
"I know of a place. It's close to us and quite affordable, but it's small. Would that be okay with you?" Janice asked softly. Brienne nodded.
"It’s fine," she replied. Janice smiled at her friend, squeezed her hand, and started the car.
Janice parked the car at the place she had recommended and helped Brienne with her things. She spoke with the elderly security guard, who directed them inside. Janice nodded, and Brienne followed behind her. Since Brienne was too distraught, Janice did most of the talking with the owner.
"You're all set. Here’s the key to your room. Let me take you there," Janice said. They took the old staircase because the elevator was undergoing maintenance. Brienne’s room was on the second floor, the last door to the right. Janice opened the door and helped Brienne with her things. As Janice had mentioned, the space was small: a single bed with three pillows and a blanket, a small sink and bathroom, a built-in cabinet, one table with a chair, and a squeaky fan.
"I’ve already paid the rent and the deposit. Just transfer the money back when you can, okay?" Janice said.
"Thank you so much, Nice. I don’t know what I’d do without you," Brienne said, rushing to embrace her friend and crying on her shoulder.
"Hush now, Bree. Everything’s going to be alright," Janice reassured her. Before leaving Brienne’s new place, Janice made sure to buy her some food and water.
After locking the door, Brienne lay on the bed, hugging the pillow. Her lips trembled as tears streamed down her face.
"Mom... Dad..."
Brienne fell asleep thinking of her deceased parents. When morning came, she had no energy to move, but she still needed to go to work.
Brienne’s phone beeped as she rode the bus. Raven's name flashed on the screen.
"Good morning, gorgeous. Come see me at our spot."
Brienne slipped her phone back into her pocket and leaned against the window. She closed her eyes, waiting for the bus to reach the building where she worked. Upon arrival, she got off the bus and walked into the building, completely ignoring Raven and his message. She robotically pressed the elevator button and rode it up. Once in her department, she began working immediately.
"Brienne, I need the financial report by Tuesday. Thanks," the department manager said. Brienne nodded and stood up, but darkness suddenly engulfed her vision, and she collapsed to the ground, barely hearing the manager calling her name.
An hour later, Brienne slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She sat up and took a deep breath. She was in the clinic.
"Are you feeling alright?" the doctor in charge asked. "You lost consciousness due to stress and hunger. Here's some soup and water that your friend left for you," she added, placing the bag on the table.
"Yes, thank you," Brienne replied softly, reading the name tag on the doctor’s coat. "Can I go back now, Dr. Smith?" she asked.
"After you try this," Dr. Smith said, handing her a pregnancy test kit. Brienne furrowed her brow.
"N-No, I'm not pregnant," she said with a nervous laugh. "Y-You're mistaken, Doc," she added.
"Just to be sure, Ms. Cohen. We need to confirm," Dr. Smith insisted with a smile. Brienne slowly took the kit from the doctor’s hand. "The bathroom is right there; you can go in," Dr. Smith said, pointing to the door on her left. Brienne nodded and headed to the bathroom. She locked the door behind her and stared at the test kit. Taking a deep breath, she tore open the package with trembling hands and followed the instructions. She stood up, tapping her foot anxiously while waiting for the result. Five minutes later, the result began to show. Brienne gasped as the test kit revealed two lines.
"N-No, this can't be," she whispered, clutching the test kit in her hand.
"Ms. Cohen?" Dr. Smith called out, knocking on the door. "Are you alright? I'm going to open the door," she added, but before she could find the key, Brienne opened the door and came out, tears streaming down her face.
"Are you alright? Come sit down, Ms. Cohen," Dr. Smith said, helping Brienne to the bed. Brienne looked at the doctor and opened her palm, revealing the test result. Dr. Smith immediately understood and comforted her.
"It can be shocking at first, Ms. Cohen. I advise you to visit the hospital for a thorough check-up. It will be best for you and your baby," Dr. Smith said, offering a warm smile.
"P-Please don’t tell anyone," Brienne pleaded. The doctor nodded.
"It's the privacy of my patient. Rest assured, I will keep it confidential," Dr. Smith assured her. Brienne rested for a few more minutes in the clinic before returning to her department. As soon as she reached the entrance, Janice greeted her.
"Bree! Thank God! Are you alright? What did the doctor say?" Janice asked, holding Brienne’s hands.
"It’s due to stress and hunger. I’m f-fine now, but she suggested I go home early," Brienne lied.
"Brienne, it’s okay. You can go home and rest for the day," the manager, Kit, said as he saw Brienne and Janice talking.
"Thank you, sir Kit," Brienne replied.
"Let me get your bag for you. Wait here," Janice said and went inside. Kit walked over to Brienne and handed her a paper bag.
"What’s in this bag, sir?" Brienne asked, confused.
"Food and water," Kit said, scratching the back of his head. Brienne thanked him and saw Janice running back towards her.
"Here’s your bag, Bree. Let’s go. I’ll take you outside," Janice said, but Brienne stopped her. She needed some time alone to process everything.
"It’s okay, Nice. I’m fine. I’ll message you when I get home," she said and turned away. Brienne sat at the bus stop, waiting for the bus. She opened her bag and took out her phone.
20 missed calls
20 messages
All from Raven.
"Bree? Baby? Please message me when you wake up. I was so worried when I heard you fainted. I even went to the clinic but couldn’t stay. Please, baby."
Brienne wiped the tears from her eyes and put the phone back in her bag. She took a deep breath and touched her belly.
"It will be alright."