Chapter 2
Once the nausea finally subsided, I splashed some cold water on my face and stepped out of the bathroom.
I checked my phone, no new messages from Emily.
I let out a sigh of relief.
Looks like my words made her back off.
Maybe this whole mess is finally behind me.
Just as I was about to toss my phone back onto the couch, the screen suddenly lit up.
The caller ID flashed, David Summers.
My heart skipped a beat.
As soon as I picked up, he came at me, all guns blazing.
"What's that supposed to mean, Sarah?
"Emily already complained to me, saying you wouldn't even help her with such a small favor.
"You're acting like the Summers family means nothing to you these days," he snapped.
His voice was heavy with overtime fatigue, and he didn't bother to hide his impatience.
Rage exploded inside me, shooting straight to my head.
I was dying to snap back at him.
I wanted to spill everything. How it felt like the baby inside me was totally in sync with my emotions.
But I swallowed the words, forcing myself to stay silent.
He wouldn't believe me.
He'd just think I was losing my mind from being pregnant.
David was just like his mom, hardwired to pamper his sister Emily.
David's mom was selfish, but whenever Emily and I argued, she'd always side with Emily without a second thought.
And David guarded Emily like she was his own eyes.
Other than that, he really was a good husband.
But that was the one thing that always gets to me, breaking me down every time.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself and keep my voice calm, though I couldn't help sounding a little fragile, just like any pregnant woman would.
"David, you know I've been dealing with terrible morning sickness lately.
"Greasy smells make me want to puke, so dog fur is just out of the question.
"That dog's smell makes me sick," I said.
As soon as I finished talking, my stomach twisted up again.
I couldn't help it. I started dry-heaving right into the trash can.
David could hear me retching on the other end of the line.
He fell silent.
A few seconds later, his tone at last softened.
"Honey? Are you okay?
"I'm sorry, I-I didn't realize you were feeling this awful. Emily never mentioned that your reaction was this intense.
"But I already promised Emily.
"You know how stubborn she is. I just can't win an argument with her.
"She's probably already at our door. What are we supposed to do now?" he said.
My heart dropped.
Just as he finished speaking, Emily started banging on my front door like she was about to tear it off its hinges.
"Come on, Sarah. Open the door. I know you're in there. David told me everything," Emily yelled.
I was shaking with rage. I tossed my phone aside and pressed a pillow tightly over my ears, just trying to shut everything out.
I pretended not to hear anything.
But Emily was relentless. Each knock was louder and more desperate than the last.
David's message popped up on my phone.
He texted: [Honey, just let her in. You know how she gets. If you don't, the whole building's gonna hear her.
[Come on, don't be so stubborn.]
I didn't even bother texting him back.
"Sarah, open up." Emily was now yelling at the door.
David called again, and I just hit decline without a second thought.
He immediately sent a long voice message, his tone desperate.
"Sarah, listen, just let Emily bring the dog inside for now. Tomorrow, I'll take the day off and stay home to keep an eye on it. I swear I won't let it anywhere near you.
"Why don't you go out for a bit, do some shopping, meet up with your friends? It's just one day, it'll be over before you know it," he pleaded.
I looked at his message and let out a bitter laugh.
Then I replied with just two words: [Absolutely not.]
Just then, someone in the building group chat finally spoke up.
[Whose place is this? It's almost eleven, and you're knocking like it's a demolition site. Are we ever going to get any sleep?]