Trailer Park Princess (12 page)

It’s been two weeks since I found out in The Diner bathroom that I am going to be a mom. Now, I sit here, worried to death, looking around the room. It’s nice. Pregnant mothers sit everywhere; some alone, some with the dads or other kids. The room is very homey with lots of pretty pictures on the wall and gold accents everywhere. There are no overhead lights, but there are plenty of lamps that give off a pretty glow. Everyone seems so happy. I will find out today when I am due; though, I have already counted it up in my head.

“Miss Wilde? Aurora Wilde? We are ready for you to come on back now.” I stand up and grab my bag. I get to the door and turn around. “Are you not coming?” Rome smiles and stands up.

“Of course I want to come. I just didn’t know how you would feel about it.” He puts his arm around my shoulder and walks the rest of the way down the hallway.

“Aurora, this is an ultrasound machine. With this, we can figure out the due date, the size, and later on, even the sex of the child. Today, we just want to make sure everything is OK and get a date.” I nod my head in understanding and reach over in search of Rome’s hand. “OK, now, because you are so early in your pregnancy, we are going to have to do this,” she holds up a long wand looking thing, “vaginally, OK?” I already know I am blushing. I look up and cover both eyes with my hands, but she reassures me. “It’s OK; you don’t have to be embarrassed. I’ll give you this blanket, and you just cover up from the waist down. Nothing will be on display, OK?” I let out a breath and take the blanket. I sit up on the table/chair thing, and am instantly thankful I wore a skirt. After tucking the blanket in so nothing can be seen, I hike my skirt up around my stomach. I tug my panties down from underneath and lie back. I feel like I am on fire. Luckily, Rome doesn’t say anything.

A few minutes later, the tech makes her way back over to me, squirting some clear stuff on the end of the wand…And
HELLO SUNSHINE!
I stiffen up, but it only lasts about two seconds because the next thing I hear is a loud
thud, thud, thud
. “Oh, goodness. Is that. . .” I try to ask, but she cuts me off.

“Miss Wilde, that there is your baby’s heartbeat. It sounds strong and healthy. Everything measures great, and judging by the size, I would say you are about two months along. So we are looking at a January baby.” She rips off a sheet of black and whites and hands it to me. “Here y’all go. Congratulations! At four months, we will be able to check for the gender. What are you guys wanting?” she asks, looking over my shoulder at Rome expectantly.

“I’ll be happy with whatever Princess wants,” Rome answers. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

“That’s odd; the dad almost always says he wants a boy.”

My smile fades. “He’s not the dad; he’s my best friend.” I slide off the table and arrange my skirt back in place before ripping the blanket off. I
will not
break down here.

“I may not be the dad, but I will be here every step of the way if she lets me.”

I look over at the smile on Rome’s face. I can tell by the dried tears on his cheeks that he would already kill for this baby. Even hating Toby, he will love this child. I know that because I know he will consider it family. Just like he does me.

“Mando, it was so weird. Oh my God, they put this thing up my” I drop the phone. Man, she’s loud! “YES! And Rome was beet red, too. So embarrassing… They say two months, and I will know the sex… Yes, of course I will te
xt you as soon as I find out… OK, I have to go; he just dropped me off at work. I need to talk with your mom and get busy.” I hang up and make my way to the back office. This is going to be fun.

It goes better than I expected it to. I make my way around, checking on everyone, when I hear the bell ring. In steps Ashley, hand in hand with Toby. I don’t mean to stare, but it’s the first time I’ve seen him since he drove off. He looks the same; he even seems happy. I remember what he said about staying away, and I don’t want Rome in jail, so I avoid him. Or at least I try to until he sits in my section. I walk over, my skin covered in a cold sweat. “Can I get the two of you anything to drink?” I am proud of how strong my voice comes out. I straighten my back and put on a smile.
It’s gonna be OK!

They are laying it on thick, both sitting on one side of the booth, Ashley pretty much sitting in Toby’s lap. “I want a choco shacko shake, and what do you want, baby?” she asks him, leaning in close to run her hands down the side of his face. “I’ll take the same,” he says. I look at him perplexed.

“You hate chocolate.” I didn’t mean to say it aloud, but it’s the truth.

“No, I dislike it. I hate you.” He looks away. “Just bring me a Coke float.” I don’t say another word and walk off.
Big girl panties, check! Fuck the world shoes, check! Mental workout, check! You got this, Rory. Just do you!

As I turn to head back with their drinks in hand, someone’s hand goes around my waist. I squeal because it shocks me. I turn to see it’s Rome.

“I thought you were gone.”             

His eyes light up. “I got a burger before I left. I’m headed to work for a while, but I’ll be back before you get off.” I nod my head and turn to go when he stops me again. “Don’t let that bother you,” he says, looking towards Toby’s table. “He’s not worth it. If you want to tell him, you can, but not here. You don’t need the stress. He will act all assy in front of a crowd.” I shake my head, but I don’t try to hide.

“No, not right now. It’s pointless; even I know that.”

He leans over like he has a hundred times and kisses my forehead. He lets his hand slide down my cheek. “See you in a few hours, Princess.” He shoves his shades over his eyes and uses his foot to shove the door open. The ding of the bell brings me back to the now, and I turn to take the drinks over. I am surprised to see the look on Toby’s face when I turn. He looks so vexed. I’m sure in his mind he sees more than what it is.

“About time you came over here with our order. I see you moved on pretty fast,” he spits out. 
Like he has room to talk
. I stand my ground.

“Calling the kettle black?” I look down where I see Ashley’s hand roaming over the top of his pants. He is hard as a brick and accusing me! Who does he think he is? I try not to be acrimonious, but seeing that while he accuses me sets me on fire.

“You know what, Toby? I have, and it’s great. Rome is a real man. He sets more than my soul on fire, if you get my drift.  I mean, like, when he undresses in front of me, my body goes into overdrive. That man is a perfect ten…all over.” I demonstrate with my hands, holding them up like I’m measuring his length right there. “Well, now you got me thinking about it, I’ll get you another waitress so I can go catch him and screw his brains out in the alley out back.” I walk off calling to Tess to deal with them. I walk right out the front door, catching Mrs. Riaz smiling because she heard the whole thing.

“Rome, wait!” I call out, walking like I’m on a catwalk. I stomp hard, one leg in front of the other, holding my head up high. I am on a mission. Rome sees it, too. He throws his leg over the motorcycle so he can stand up. I finish this show out in a full-on run. I know he will catch me when I jump. I spring with everything in my body, landing with my arms around his neck and my legs wrapped around his waist. His hands go around my hips, and he grips me tight. I pull his face to mine and attack his mouth with so much force I bet I bruise it. I run my hands through his hair as his hands slide down my hips to grip my butt. I clench my legs tighter. I am amazed at how natural this feels. It’s like fireworks are going off over our heads. Everything goes quiet, and the parking lot is spinning. I know he feels the same thing because when I pull back to look at him, he has a hazy look in his eyes, and he’s smiling so big his dimples are showing.

Breathless, I say, “Sorry to lay it on you, but Toby was being an ass by rubbing Ashley in my face, so I gave him what he thought he knew.” I lay my head down in the crease of his neck, and we both giggle. He lets me start to slide down his body and says, “Any time you need an earth-shattering kiss, you’re always welcome to jump in my arms.” I push up on my tiptoes and leave a small innocent kiss on his lips. “I’ll remember that.” I turn to walk off, and he swats my butt. I grab it as I yelp, “OUCH!” and walk backwards towards The Diner, looking at him. He winks and says, “See you after work, Princess.” I nod my head and almost back into Toby as he storms past us out to his truck with Ashley scrambling behind him.
Checkmate!

(Mando)

“Ashley, I have not told her. I know you want to believe I have, but you know me better than that. Just because we aren’t friends anymore doesn’t mean I would tell anyone. It’s not my story to tell. Get. Over. Yourself. He does not want you any more now than he did then. He’s using you to piss off Rory, and you know it. You think it’s smart to be hanging out with him? What if his mom finds out? She’d tell everyone your story and omit her involvement… Whatever, just be careful. You know he leaves in a few weeks, and you are staying here. . . What? He already left? So what’s with you two now? NO! You know what? Don’t tell me. I’m sick of this mess. I am so glad he left Rory alone. I would have never let her get involved with him had you told me your story sooner. Now, maybe you can let him go, too… What about Clay? He is super-hot and seems nice. I’d do him… HA! Shut up, hooker, I would and so would you. He has a very sweet body, and I think he’s staying here to work with his dad. . . Yeah, I leave in three weeks… Excited, I guess… OK, whatev, just stop making stupid choices; I’d like to see everyone happy. Help your dad, too; he needs it. I saw him locking up the other night, and he could barely sweep the floors. He is getting too old for that shit… Alright, later Ashley. Good luck in life. . . Yes, I already said yes. I promise I won’t tell Rory your secret, but I think one day, you will want to tell her yourself. And if you get the urge, go with it. She’s not so bad; I swear it… OK, bye.”