Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen
Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen
Alana
I’m on my way back from the bathroom to the table. I notice Ezra and his father in what appears to be a heated conversation. I try my best to walk by without being seen, but before I do, I hear my name being mentioned. I stop in my tracks and make sure I am out of their view. I know I probably shouldn’t be listening.
“Dad, what the hell is going on? Why are you acting so off with Alana? At the start, you told me your behaviour was due to the threats from Bella. She isn’t around anymore, yet you still choose to make Alana feel like shit.” I can hear the anger in Ezra’s voice.
“Because Alana doesn’t belong in our world, Ezra. I have nothing against her personally, but she isn’t the right fit for you or the society we are part of. I am sorry, but she isn’t good enough for you. I am sure she is great, but not for you.”
I can feel tears brim in my eyes. Yes, I have heard these things before, but they don’t get easier. The fact I am pregnant makes me even more sensitive and emotional.
“Stop, okay. I can’t believe we are getting into this again, Dad. I thought we had sorted things out. I love Alana. Alana loves me; nothing will change that. And she is more than good enough for me. Christ, she is too good for me, if anything.”
“It will never work, Ezra. Why can’t you see that?”
Ezra’s fists tighten by his sides. He is close to losing it. “And why can’t you see that Alana and I are made for each other?”
“She will never survive in this world. She doesn’t have the strength or courage needed to do so.”
I knew Mr Barclay disliked me, but hearing how he talks about me makes me wonder if he actually hates me. Tears roll down my cheeks. I quickly wipe them away, but more come.
“Alana has more strength and courage than any of the fucking assholes in here. She has more than you. You have no damn idea what she has been through. Don’t worry, Dad, neither of us will be part of this damn shit show for much longer. I am moving to Scotland with Alana to start our life together,” Ezra snarls.
This was not the way I wanted his father to find out he was leaving.
“Excuse me? There is no chance in hell you are moving to Scotland to be with some woman you barely know. So I was right all along, huh? She wants to take you away from everything and everyone you know, probably spend all your money and then leave you!”
Does Ezra’s dad genuinely believe I would do that to him? He doesn’t even know me. We only met once.
“Yes, I am. Our plan is already in action. I am not a child. I will do as I please, not as you want. I am moving to Scotland with Alana. We plan to buy a house, marry, and raise our child. Alana doesn’t want my damn money! She has never asked me for anything. She is the only person who knows the real me, everything about me, and she still chooses to love me, scars, demons, and all. So, don’t you dare say those things about her!” Ezra yells and steps in closer to his dad.
Ezra’s dad runs his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated. “Ezra, please, open your eyes and see the truth. I am sure the right person is out there for Alana, but it isn’t you. You should end things before anyone gets hurt.”
A loud, unexpected whimper escapes from my lips. It is loud enough to draw their attention to me. A guilty look takes over Mr. Barclay’s face, and a concerned one takes over Ezra’s.
“I-I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to listen to your conversation. I should go.” I sob and rush off.
“Alana, wait,” Ezra calls after me.
I head for the exit, but before I can make it, I lose my footing and head towards the ground face-first. I know I won’t be able to stop myself, so I put my hand on my stomach to try and prevent it from hitting the ground with force. It hurts when my entire weight lands on my arms, but I don’t feel any pressure on my stomach, which hopefully means my baby hasn’t been injured.
“Alana!” Ezra’s panicked voice yells out.
I take my time to turn onto my back. Ezra drops to his knee next to me.
“Alana, are you okay? I am so sorry. This is my fault. I should never have brought you here.” He whimpers.
I slowly sit up. “I think I am okay. I think we are okay.”
I place my hand on my stomach. “I hope,” I whisper as tears roll down my cheeks once more.
“Ezra, Alana, I am sorry.”
“No! Get the fuck away from us. I swear to God, if either Alana or my baby is hurt, Dad, I will never forgive you,” Ezra hisses, and his entire body tenses with anger.
“Ezra, we are fine,” I say softly, hoping to help calm him.
“We should go to the hospital and get you checked out.” I can hear his fear in his tone.
“I don’t need to go to the hospital, Ezra.”
“Please, Alana. I want you both checked. I need to know you are both okay,” he pleads.
I nod. “Okay. We can go. Can you help me up, please?”
I can feel everyone staring, but I don’t care. My only concern is my baby right now.
Ezra helps me to my feet. “Are you hurt?” he asks, looking me over.
“Just my arms because I wanted to protect my stomach.”
Angelina and Jenny came rushing over. “What happened? Are you okay?” Angelina asks.
“I think so, but I am going to take Alana to the hospital to get checked out. Can you call your driver and get him here quickly.”
Angelina nods and finds her cell to call the driver. He must have been close by because he arrives only five minutes later. Ezra and I head outside and straight into the waiting car. The hospital isn’t too far, probably a ten-minute drive.
I break down on the way.
“Alana, what’s wrong?” Ezra asks in pure panic.
“What if something is wrong with the baby? What if I hurt the baby when I fell.” I sob as my heart pounds in my chest.
I will never forgive myself if something happens to Bubs.
“Are you feeling any pain or tightness in your stomach?”
“No, nothing like that, but it doesn’t mean nothing is wrong.”
Ezra hugs me to his side. “I am sure Bubs is fine because they are strong like you.”
Ezra tries to sound confident, but I can hear the doubt in his voice. He is worried too, but he is trying to comfort me. I rub my small bump.
“Please be okay, bubs,” I whisper.
I know the next ten minutes will be the longest of my life.