Everything Unexpected by Caroline Nolan

Author:Caroline Nolan [Nolan, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Everything Unexpected
Publisher: Caroline Nolan
Published: 2016-09-19T18:30:00+00:00

IT’S NICE AND quiet in the office. There are only a couple of first year interns working at their desks, trying to accomplish the exact same thing I am—getting ahead by coming into work on a Sunday. They barely notice me as I walk in, still in my yoga gear, a large bag covering my midsection. As soon as I get to my office, I close the door and get organized. I turn my laptop on and stream some calming music, knowing it will help put me in a good frame of mind. I set a bunch of files in front of me and get to work on reading, highlighting, and researching one argument after another. It’s amazing how much work you can get done when you have no interruptions or distractions. What’s more amazing is how much more productive I am when I’m not spending so much of my energy trying to keep my pregnancy a secret from my co-workers.

After a couple of hours, I’ve somehow found my way to the middle of my office, sitting on the floor with stacks of papers encircling me. But everything is systematic. I know exactly which pile I need to reach for when I need it. I should work like this every day. I’m so immersed in my work I don’t even hear the soft knock at my door, or it open for that matter. It’s only when I hear a clearing of the throat that I look up.

“Cassandra—Mrs. Fairfax,” I say, clumsily standing. “I—I wasn’t expecting to see you here today.”

“I heard the music playing—” But she doesn’t finish her thought. Something has blindsided her, shocked her into silence. Only then does it dawn on me that her confounded look isn’t about the piles of papers around me, but what’s in the center of the piles. Unhidden by my yoga attire, Cassandra’s eyes are dead fixed on my stomach.

Instinctively, I wrap my arms around my stomach, as if to protect it.

“This is …unexpected,” she says flatly, closing the door behind her. I’m surprised at how much I dislike the tone.

I stand upright, straightening my shoulders. “Yes, you’re right in that regard. This was…unexpected.” The urge to defend this pregnancy, this child, runs through me faster and stronger than anything I’ve felt before. “I was planning on telling you and the rest of the firm this week,” I say as confidently as I can, even though I’m lying through my teeth. I was hoping to still hide it from them for another few weeks.

“I see.”

“Rest assured, I’m not going to let this pregnancy impact the caliber of my work or the amount I’m able to handle,” I continue, lying, “therefore I don’t expect this to be an issue.” I pray she can’t see my legs shaking.

Her eyes wander over my body, squinting just a touch. “Consider this notifying us of your…situation,” she says, then turns to leave.

That’s it? That’s all she’s going to say? Simply call me a situation?

“Cassandra!” I yell after her.

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