Celine’s POV
I woke up with a splitting headache as it was starting to dawn on me through the curtains. When I woke up, I was naked and lying on an opulent king-sized bed. As I tried to piece together what had happened the night before, panic struck. I could hardly fit my memories together like a puzzle with missing pieces.
Gingerly, I sat up and took in this strange room. The walls were covered with abstract paintings and opulent-looking furniture. I was not at home.
Whose place was this? How did I arrive here?
There was a little table with a message written on it. I noticed this as soon as I picked it up: *Had a great evening yesterday. I am sorry for leaving so early.*
I was overcome with confusion. Who might this be? I ignored the lingering effects of my hangover and tried to stop my mind from racing.
While I was getting dressed, the phone in the room rang. "Good morning," I answered. Would you like to check out or stay longer?
"Check out," I hurriedly replied. I quickly put on my clothes, my mind racing.
I approached the receptionist at the front desk. “I am sorry, but I do not remember how I ended up here. I got up in one of your rooms. Please, could you help me?”
The receptionist regarded me with concern. She said, "Let me check our records," as she was typing. She looked up after a few minutes. "You checked in alone and used a business card to make the payment. I apologize, but I have no further information.
“ Please could you tell me anything more? My heart sank.
"Unfortunately, no. I am hoping you two can resolve this.”She gave a handshake.
I thanked her and left feeling uneasy. My friend Mary in particular has left me voicemails. As soon as I could, I took a taxi home.
As I walked into our flat, Mary paced. She hurried over and hugged me tightly. "I am so glad you are safe! Where did you spend the evening?”
I sighed. “ I was naked when I woke up in this strange room, Mary. I am not sure how I got there, but I had a great time.”
“You had s*x with an unknown person?” Mary's expression became serious.
"Yes," I said. “I was drunk.”
"You were having a good time, while we were worried sick?" Mary was anxious, raising her voice.
“ It was not like that. I was drunk.” Tears filled my eyes.
"Please stop crying, Celine." She wiped away my tears and said, "We need to think clearly."
She asked, "Did you use protection?"
"I am not sure," I said, was a little confused.
“Are you unsure?" Mary's eyes widened.
"I do not think so," I said, shaking with fear.
"Get ready to visit the hospital. I will wait in the car," Mary said as she went outside.
As I hurried to get ready, worries filled my mind. After showering and getting dressed, Mary and I got into the car. We took a quiet drive to the nearest hospital. Mary shook my hand in an attempt to reassure me.
We ran to the front desk at the hospital. Mary briefed us on the situation and then directed us to the appropriate section. A doctor listened to my story, ran some tests, and said everything was OK.
A feeling of relief overcame me as Mary and I left the hospital. How was it, she inquired.
"The test results were clear. Everything is okay," I said with a smile.
"Let us take a break and enjoy ourselves now that we are more mentally clear," she said and smiled in response.
We decided to visit a nearby mall. Buying things and walking the crowded halls offered a much-needed distraction. A few hours later, we met at a café for lunch and conversation.
"What?" Mary raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing, just thankful for you," I said with a smile.
"Aw, come on." Mary gave me a playful push
"I love you," I said with a wink.
"I love you more." Mary replied with a smile.
Later, as I was eating cheeseballs and checking my phone on the couch, Mary surprised me by arriving early.
"Are you okay, Celine?" she asked, her expression worried.
"Yes, but how?" I replied.
“You do not look like the person I last saw,” Mary said.
"Oh, it is just work-related stress. Nothing serious." I laughed and kept eating.
Mary went into the toilet after me. Her face peered through the door. She looked worried.
“Is it feeling better now?”She asked.
“No, Mary. I feel even worse.” I shook my head.
I ran to the toilet because I thought I was going to vomit. Mary was at my side in no time at all, pulling back my hair and giving me comfort.
When I finished, Mary gave me a sympathetic look. "She asked, 'How is that possible?"
“Pregnancy?” I said, my voice was shaking. Mary's eyes widened.
I attempted to laugh it off, but I was unable to do so. Mary started getting anxious.
"When was your last period?" she asked urgently.
“I’m not sure. It has not been reliable lately," I said. It was hard for me to remember
“Your one-night stand, not your ex." Mary appeared grave
"Please wait here; I will be back shortly," she said. The situation was depressing as she got to her feet.
“Where are you going?” I asked, feeling powerless.
“To buy a pregnancy test,” said Mary.
I stood on the toilet, thinking all the time, anxiously. Mary reappeared with a pregnancy test in her hand and worried eyes.
"Celine, take the test," Mary said gently.
I followed the directions while my mind was racing, waiting for the results. As soon as the test result was positive, I broke down in tears.
"It is good," I muttered. Mary put her arms around me and started crying.
"We will figure this out, I’m here for you,” Mary said.
Later on, Mary asked, "How are you feeling?" while we ate dinner to
gether.
"I guess I am okay," I replied.
"What are your thoughts on this?" Mary looked at me.
“I’ve made up my mind…”