It had been two months since I'd moved out of Alex's house. We were meeting at the park to "talk," his idea.
I moved out the day after the incident in the shower. I stayed with Alana for a week and then miraculously a coworker was renting out a guest house. I was proud of myself. I was independent. I thought of that time with Alex as a blip on my radar.
"Bella," Alana came up behind me in my kitchen.
"Hi babe," I kissed her check. She flipped her blonde hair and let her hand slide to my slightly protruding belly.
"Hi baby," she cooed.
"Alana, please," I sat down and rolled my eyes at her.
I had only just found out I was pregnant, two and a half months along. I decided to keep it. Not because of a love for Alex or marriage, but because it was my kid. I was even a little excited to finally have my own family. Alana was equally happy and we had begun looking for a 2 bedroom apartment to share. The pregnancy had really brought us closer. The only point of contention had been my decision to not tell Alex. Alana felt it was wrong. I had to threaten her life to keep her from telling Fischer, plus I had to avoid him at all times.
"So, I found a couple of good places..." my cell rang cutting her off.
I grabbed my phone holding up a finger to Alana to pause. The number was unknown,
"Hello?"
"Bella, it's Alex."
I paused. I hadn't heard his voice in months.
"I was hoping we could meet up and talk. I've been thinking of you and I...well...I just want to talk."
"Um, ok." I shut my eyes, God damn, what was wrong with me.
"Hey," he came up behind me.
"Hi there," I uncrossed my arms unsure of how to greet him.
He extended his hand, and I gave him mine. He held it gently and smiled softly at me. He looked good. He hadn't shaved for a week or so and he was scruffy. His blue eyes glistened.
"You look great," He released my hand. I brushed a hand over my floral dress and jean vest. My hair was loose around my face.
"Thanks."
"Want to sit?" he gestured toward a bench.
We sat close enough to touch each other, but stayed apart. Alex cleared his throat. I looked him over out of the corner of my eye. He was wearing a dark suit and had obviously come from work. He looked tired.