His New Roommate

FML (1)

POV. Pepper

    Six months ago...

Boys, Boys, Boys by Lady Gaga starts playing loudly. “Ughhh!” I groaned as I reached for my phone that ringtone is reserved for one person. “Cherry this better be important. You interrupted a very spicy dream about Ryan Reynolds.” I hear her laugh while I try to wake the f**k up. With the phone to my ear, I rub my brown eyes when I hear, “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. If I wasn’t awake before I sure was now.

“Dammit Cher, I have a killer headache and I feel like s**t!” I rubbed my ear and decided it was best if she was on speaker. Then it hit me, “Wait, what the f**k are you talking about?!”

“It’s your one-year anniversary of being a Californian! And your six-month anniversary with Leo. Which is basically like a year of dating for Cali natives.” I can hear her bubble laugh through the phone before she continues. “We have to celebrate! Unlesssssss you’ve got plans with him already…?” She’s prying but I don’t really mind because we actually don’t have plans.

“I’m free and clear. We f****d like crazy this morning and then he left for Thailand. Some merger stock business type thingy. He’ll be away for four weeks!” I whine at the last part. My heart aches just a little for him. His touch, hands, and lips. Ugh! I hate when he’s away. I miss him. I miss running my hands through his golden blond hair while his hands lift me up. My legs wrap around his waist and he thrust-

“Hello! Are you still there?!” I’m snapped back into reality by the sound of her voice.

“Yeah,” I clear my throat, “I’m still here.”

“Okay good! So, we gotta get dressed up and go out tonight. What time you free?”

“Anytime works for me, but I gotta drag my ass to the see the doc today. I either have a 48-hour hangover or food poisoning. Speaking of which-” our conversation is interrupted by a rumble in my stomach and an increasing feeling like I have to barf. I quickly untangle myself from my blanket and sprint to the bathroom. For breakfast, my toilet is having yesterday’s spicy chipotle burrito and red wine.

“I gotta get to the f*****g hospital.” I let out a pitiful sigh until I hear, “Jeez! Sounds like you should have been at one.” Then a very loud laugh.

“Cherry!?” I shouted into the phone. ‘You’re still there?!”

“Yeah, we were talking duh.” I let out a light laugh. If it wasn’t for the pain, it would’ve been much louder.

“Why?” I questioned. She responded, “Because you never said goodbye…” She sounds so fake. But I love her, so I give her what she wants, “BYE CHER! I call you later about tonight.”

I hang up the phone and ready myself to go see Dr. Chavez. I put on a dark green t-shirt with a tiny front pocket, black leggings, and high-top converses. I tie my dark brown hair into a ponytail before I call the temp agency and let them know to tell the office I won’t be in today. They do exactly that.

I head for the garage and hop into my light blue 2003 Ford Focus. Its not the most glamorous car. I really need to replace my dummy tire, but I get around. It isn’t long before I reach Dr. Chavez’s office.

Of course, before I actually get to see the doctor the nurse comes in. “Hello, Josette Sanders?” he says staring at the clipboard. When he finally looks up his blue eyes meet mine. He is wearing green scrubs and looks kinda dorky. That might be because he’s a ginger.

“That’s me but I go by Pepper. Its my middle name.” I respond awkwardly. I didn’t hate my name. I just like my middle name more.

“Okay Ms. Sanders, what is the problem today?” he questions with pen in hand.

“I just feel like s**t…might have food poisoning. Ya know the taco stand guy has questionable ass hygiene, but the taste is worth the pain I’m feeling now.” I clutch my stomach and fight the growing urge to throw up again.

“When did you have your last menstrual cycle?” When the last words leave his mouth, I realize I don’t know the answer. I don’t even know what today is…

I hesitate in my response, but I decide to lie, “Couple weeks ago. I think…” Oh s**t he just wrote that down.

“Okay, the doctor will be in shortly. However, I going to draw some blood to run some preliminary test to rule out pregnancy, alcohol, toxins, etc.” He smiled and left. I alone for what feels like forever but its only 30 minutes. Doctor Chavez enters.

“Hello again Pepper!”

“Hi, is this good news or bad news?” Her demeanor confuses me. Why the f**k is she so happy I have food poisoning.

She smiles, “Depends on how you take it. You don’t have food poisoning, but you are pregnant!”

“What?!” I go completely numb. A heavy fog clouds my brain I am barley able to hear what she’s saying but still she continues.

“Nurse Jacob should be bringing in the ultrasound machine shortly. I’m going to look at everything and then get you in contact with a-” I interrupt her.

“No! I mean uh not now. I have to go to work! Uhh…later though we’ll definitely get it on the books.” I shoot the fingers guns at her and smile while I blast out of the room and to my car.

It feels like I’m going to have a panic attack. I reach for my phone, but I have no one to call. How long have I been pregnant?! What would Leo say?! I don’t want to tell anyone before I tell him. OH GOD! I have to tell him. I hope I didn’t hurt the kid… I’ve been partying pretty hard the last few weeks! I am already a terrible mother and a s**t person. I drive home and cancel on Cherry. I don’t tell her why. I turn on Pretty Woman to drown out my own thoughts.

It’s been two weeks and I still haven’t told anyone. It’s been so hard ducking Cher. I wanted to tell her, but I wanted to tell him first more. Every time I go to pick up the phone and call him, I p***y out and I hang up. What the f**k is wrong with me?! He’s the dad! He deserves to know. But if I say it then its real. These are the thoughts that have been keeping me awake.

“I’m sorry little bean. I am a punk ass. Plain and simple. I can’t tell him…over the phone that’s something you tell people in person, right?” I say looking down at my stomach. Just then I am startled by a pounding on my front door.

* BANG! BANG! BANG! *

“Open up beyotch! I know you’ve been dodging me! I have no idea why but its starting to hurt. Really bad!” I could hear the pain in her voice. I walk over to the door. I see a beautiful drunk blond with normally green eyes, but she has her purple contacts on. The whites of her eyes are blood shot red and her mascara is running. Her hair is disheveled. It looks like she straightened it, but it wasn’t straight anymore.

“Hi sweetie.” I say giving her a pouty look.

“Why are you ignoring me? You’re my best friend!” She slurs her words. I grab her purse off the ground and the jar of peanut butter she was holding for some reason and usher her inside.

“I’m sorry Cher bear.” I squeeze her tight. I really did miss her. She would’ve known something was up when I wasn’t drinking. “I want to tell you, but I can’t right now.”

She whines as we move to sit down on my brown tweed couch. “Okay but stop ignoring me! Pwetty Plwease” She puckers her lip out and shows her big doe eyes. We both start to laugh.

“I’ll stop. I promise. Now let’s turn on Toy Story and find something to put this peanut butter on.” I say to her in our laughter. Drunk Cherry loves cartoons. I turn the move on and walk towards the kitchen area to look through the cabinets. I jog back over when I hear my phone ring. Who could be calling at two in the morning? I look down at my phone. It’s Leo. I quickly answer.

“Hey baby! Did I wake you?” His voice sounds so sweet to my ears. A smile plasters across my face. I love talking to him.

“No, you didn’t. Drunk Cherry did.” we laughed

“Cherry’s the only one that’s drunk?” he said suspiciously.

“Not everyone goes as hard as Cher. She’s sleeping it off now. Why are you up so early?”

“Over here its day. We just finished the meeting. I called to tell you that this is gonna wrap up sooner than we thought.” He sounds excited. I’m excited for him and for me. I get to see him and…I have to tell him.

“When will you be back?”

“Within the week and when I do, we got some big things we need to talk about.” I didn’t mean to, but I laugh at the irony. He doesn’t question it.

“I love you, P. Sweet dreams.” My heart flutters. Maybe this could work. Maybe we could be a family. I never really had one before. The idea warms my heart.

“I love you too. I’ll see you in a week.” I grabbed my stomach and when back to the couch. Cherry was knocked out cold. I flipped her on her stomach in case she had to vomit. I put I tiny red trash can, aspirin, and a bottle of water on the floor next to her. I decided I’m keeping her jar of peanut butter. I grab a spoon and go to my bed. I grabbed my stomach. What was fear has now turned into anticipation. I drift off to sleep.

When I wake, I got a text from Cherry. A simple thanks and we make plans for lunch. She’s such a good friend. I strut towards the shower. I picture the Leo. His smile, his body, the birthmark on his butt. It must be the hormones or something because just the thought of him turns me on. The hot soapy water cascading down my body is making it worse. I’m not running late or anything so…why not.

I take out my phone and facetime him. He picks up. I show him my firm naked body. “Are you alone?” I ask in a sultry voice as I rub my breast.

“I am now.” I bit my lip. I can see him leave his business associates and head to his own hotel room. “Where are you?” he asks me, and I answer excitedly.

“In the shower. I was thinking about you…” he’s now alone on his bed. “I showed you mine. Now show me yours.” He quickly pulls down his pants. He’s hard.

With the images of him, I clutch the grab bar in the shower with my left hand and place my foot by it. My right hand finds its way between my legs.

I rub my swollen c**t and he strokes his erection. I moan. The whole time I imagine he’s here and it’s his hand touching me.

"Tell me that you miss me." I say through a moan as we both quicken our pace.

“I miss you. So f*****g much." I grin and adjust the camera. "Put your fingers inside you.” His voice is commanding. I change the camera angle. Then plunge two fingers inside my wet p***y. I keep thrusting them in me. Fantasizing that it was him. That it was his hands grabbing at my breast; His mouth biting my n*****s; His tongue stroking my c**t; His c**k thrusting inside me. I hear him grunting as I moan. I almost collapse as I c*m. I hear him gasping on the phone. "There's gonna be more of that when your flight touches down." I wink, lick my fingers, and kiss him goodbye. Through my water-soaked phone, I see the time. s**t! I wasn’t late before but I’m about to be.

I finish quick and jump out the shower, quickly dry off my soaking wet body, brush my teeth. I throw on a questionably smelling white button up shirt, grey slacks, black flats, and tie my hair up in a messy bun. I run out to my car and race to the office.

I arrive with five minutes to spare. I head to the breakroom and prepare Mr. Quinn's coffee the way he likes. After that I head to my desk. I hand him his coffee he thanks me. He calls me into his office.

He was a grey-haired guy in his fifties. He had a thing for all his assistants…that’s why they hired temps. “Don’t worry. You don’t in trouble I just need to give you the rundown for the week.” He chuckles, “You missed a button.” I looked down at my shirt the center button came undone. How long has my chest been exposed?! Ugh. I quickly close it. He tells me all his meetings, cancellations, lunch, and dinner plans. We were done quickly. I stand up to leave and he walks over to me.

“Did you miss that button on purpose?” he is so close he practically whispers it in my ear. His gross old guy hands rub my back, and he grabs my ass. I go to push him away and I feel a sharp pain. “Ow!” I cry out. I’ve never felt pain like this before. “Oh God, OW! This hurts so bad!” I clutch my stomach and kneel on the floor. Mr. Quinn who had stepped back now has one hand on my shoulder.

“Are you okay? I didn’t do anything!?” he looks worried not for me but for his reputation. That’s when I see it and my heart drops. There is blood on the floor. I see it trailing down my leg. Blood stains my slacks.

“Ah! This isn’t about you, you f*****g pervert! Call an ambulance!” I shout at him and he does exactly what I say. I curl up on the floor. I start praying for the first time in years.

“Please, I didn’t want it before, but I do now. I want this baby so bad. Please God, don’t take it from me.” I close my eyes. It’s fifteen minutes before the ambulance gets there; Ten to reach the hospital; and only three for the doctor to tell me my baby died.

“I’m sorry Ms. Sanders, it appears you had an ectopic pregnancy. That is where the egg is fertilized outside of the uterus. These pregnancies are never viable. I’m sorry for your loss. We will need to get you into surgery soon to remove the damaged fallopian tube and the embryo. Also, I have to inform you that...” His voice is muffled. I can hear what he’s saying but all I feel is numb. I nod my head.

“Is there anyway for you to put an IUD in while I’m under? I don’t want this to happen again.” I tried to speak loudly but my voice came out weak. My throat was so dry.

“This is a rare occurrence and the likelihood that this will happen again is-” I cut him off. “I don’t care. Can you do it or not?!” he nods his head, and the nurse comes in an sedates me. When I awake, I feel empty. A part of me is missing. I don’t know who to call. I’m alone.

I left the emergency room hours ago. Its night as I lay on my bed completely numb. I clutch my stomach. Before I know warm salty tears are pouring down my face. My phone rings again. Leo is calling.

“Hey babe! Looks like we’re getting back even earlier than we thought. My flight lands in two hours.” He sounds excited to see me. For a second, I forget that I’m feeling the worse pain imaginable. How could I miss something I never had? How was I going to tell him!!? I never even told him I was pregnant!

I can’t be here when he gets in. I gather myself and clear my throat before saying, “Oh crap love, I didn’t know you were coming back tonight! I made plans with Cher!” I fake disappointment.

“That’s okay babe. Have fun. I’ll wait up for you.” Now he sounds disappointed.

“Totally come over but we might take forever. She’s had a really bad day.” I lied again. He says okay and then I quickly call Cherry. She’s my party girl, so she’s always down to drink. Its not long before we’re at some random bar.

“Hey blond bombshell!”

“What’s up my brunette beauty!”

"Lets make this night really fun..." She stares at me scrunching her eyebrows.

"I thought you didn't do that stuff?" I clutch the NA chip in my pocket. Memories of the past few weeks flood my brain. I want them gone. "I'm doing it tonight. Call your guy."

"No need. I stocked up before coming here. Ever club needs a party girl." She laughs as she takes four yellow pills out of her purse. I didn't wait to hear what they were. I needed this pain to be gone and I'd take anything to make that happen.

" Let’s find a tab to put our drinks on” she laughs, and I don’t hesitate to go along.

She finds a ginger haired nerd. Oh, s**t it’s the nurse from the Dr. Chavez’s office. He doesn’t seem to recognize me. Shot after shot. Tequila, vodka, whiskey, and rum all go into my mouth and down my throat. It burns in my chest. The alcohol activates the pills because I'm floating on air. We must've taken X. It’s been weeks since I’ve had a drink and years since I took drugs. But this shits like riding a bike. The time drifts away. I could dance forever. I feel nothing and I don't want to ever come down. I lost track of how many drinks I've had. I'm drunk. I know I’m drunk because I can’t stop myself from getting on a table. Once I’m up there I start singing Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks. Between songs someone grabs my arm. I’m in a cab and then an apartment. What the f**k?! Its Cherry! It's my apartment! Was I more drunk than she was?

I’m placed in a bed by delicate hands. She kisses me on the forehead and leaves. A warm body embraces mine. I know that scent anywhere. Its Leo! He waited up. His light blonde hair, deep brown eyes, and strong arms engulf me. I don't know if it's the drugs or the man but his touch electrifies every nerve in my body. I grab his face and kiss him. Running my hands down his naked chest. He pulls me on top of him. Not breaking the kiss. As a reward, I deepen the kiss. His strong hands unzip my dress. I pull down his sweatpants. My heart pounds in anticipation as I expose his long hard d**k.

“I love you” he whispers in my ear. I was able to forget everything that happened today, but those three words bring it all back. I silence him with another kiss and fight back tears. I push my panties aside and slide on to him. All of my senses ignite and I let out a moan. He grips my ass while I move up and down. He pinches my n*****s hard. Then leans up to suck the pain away. I feel intense pleasure and I quicken my pace. I throw my head back as I can feel us getting close. He puts his hands on my waist, "Oh Leo!"

I f**k him. I f**k him until I can’t feel my legs, pain, or anything but pleasure. With every thrust of him inside me, I’m whole. We c*m and his hot seed fills the inside of me. We kiss one last time. I fall off of him and into a deep sleep.

When morning comes, I am punished with the worst hangover I have ever had! Leo is awake and handing me aspirin and water. “Good morning lush.” He laughs.

“Please don’t yell.” I say jokingly and reach for my sunglasses which makes him laugh again. I swallow the pills while fighting the urge to barf.

“Glad you have fun.” He gives me a crooked smile. “We have to talk. It’s about what I had to tell you. Well, ask you is more like it.” I wait. “Let’s move in together!”

And just like that everything I partied away comes flooding back. Before he can say another word, “I wanna break up…” Why did I just say that?! His face turns from excitement to hurt. His brown eyes turn blue with tears. I don't mean that. Why did I say that?! I need to tell him about the baby. I need to say the words out loud.

“Wha- what? Why?” he questioned

Tell him now! “No reason really. Do I really need a reason? I’m bored. You're never home and I-” I stop myself. No Pepper. Don't make this his fault. It's not him! Just tell the truth for once.

“Things were just going so great I thought- If I’m moving too fast, we can slow down. We don’t have to live together.” his tone is so understanding. It makes me hate myself even more.

“Listen its not you. Really it isn’t. Its me. I’m broken and I know if I stay with you or tell you…I’ll break you too and I don’t wanna do that. I can’t do that to someone I love- loved.”

“Tell me what?! What does that even mean?” he looks so pitiful and confused. I don’t know why I’m doing this, but I know I have to. Losing the baby broke me and if I tell him. The glimmer in his eyes would go out…like they did in mine.

"I'm f****d up Leo! I've always been f****d up! Once you see that you'll leave anyway. I'- I'm f****d up! I can't f**k you up too! You're way to good for that. You deserve so much more than me. I won't make you happy. I can't."

I quickly gather my stuff. I’ll shower at Cherry’s place. “Don’t be here when I get back. I'm sorry! I'm so damn sorry!”

“THAT'S NOT FAIR!” I hear him shout. I stop dead in my tracks but I don't turn to look at him. I can't. He continues, "It's not fair for you to just end us and I don't even know why?"

"I CAN'T. I just can't." It wasn't a lie. I can't bring myself to say the words, to deal with the pain, or to heal. My body betrayed me and I hated it, me, everyone, and everything. The only thing I couldn't hate is Leo. I bolt out the door in complete silence. The only sound was his heart breaking. Mine too.

IMPORTANT NOTE!! I had to split Pepper's story into two parts because I made it too long but I didn't want to damage the the story by omitting details and making cuts so its just easier to split them up. My bad!!