AFTER THE DUST SETTLED (Countdown to Armageddon Book 2) by Darrell Maloney

Author:Darrell Maloney
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2014-03-03T05:00:00+00:00

Sara’s secret was out. After Scott, she took Joyce aside and told her about her past, and she asked Linda to tell Tom just the basics. So that he didn’t wonder why Scott cancelled plans to search for her parents out of the blue.

But that wasn’t her only secret.

She stood in front of the bathroom mirror, naked, and looked to see how her body was changing. It still was barely noticeable, at least she thought. She might be able to hide it a little bit longer, if she continued to wear loose clothing. Joyce had given her a couple of pairs of sweat pants, and some loose blouses. It would make an odd combination, fashion-wise. But it would buy her more time to figure out what to do.

She looked down. That was when it was most noticeable. She could see the bump, and less of her feet than before. She also noticed that her belly button had started to distend.

When she’d missed the first period, she wasn’t that concerned. They were still irregular for her sometimes. Especially when she was stressed. And God knew, there had been a lot of stressful days then.

When almost a month went by, she tried to convince herself that it was somehow normal for a seventeen year old girl to occasionally skip a period for no reason. That must be it. She counted the days on a calendar, sure that the next one would come right on schedule and everything would be okay again.

Now all pretense was gone. All the fairy tale logic and false hopes wouldn’t bring it back. And she was terrified. Terrified at what Jordan would say. And terrified that the family, which she’d grown to love, would send her away.

There was a tap on the bathroom door. A very subtle, almost a secret tap.

She went to the door and placed her face against it.

She whispered, “Yes?”

The response was another whisper.

“It’s me.”

She opened the door to Jordan, fully naked and unashamed. Jordan was somewhat taken aback, but not unpleased. He held her and complimented her, told her she was beautiful beyond description.

She was half hoping he’d notice the bump. So she wouldn’t have to explain it. And also half hoping he wouldn’t, so she could carry on her charade a little bit longer.

“How much time do we have?”

“A little. But probably not much. They’re all downstairs playing cards. Except the twerp, and he’s watching the monitors. Probably half an hour or so. Want to sneak into the bedroom?”

“No.”

He looked crestfallen.

“I mean, I don’t want to get caught. It would mess everything up. Wait until tonight, when they’re sleeping. It’s just safer that way.”

They kissed, and he dejectedly headed for the door.

“Jordan?”

He turned and looked at her, once again unable to take his eyes off her body.

“Yes?”

“Tomorrow I’d like to take a walk. A long walk. Like down to the fishing pond, and maybe around it a couple of times. I have something important I want to talk to you about.”

Jordan hated it when someone knew something he didn’t.

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