Chapter 2: Building Tension
I slid the shower door open and stepped out onto the plush bath mat, grabbing a soft white towel hanging on the rack nearby. Swiping damp hair out of my eyes, I took a long look at myself in the mirror. Then I screamed - no, it was more of a girly, ear-splitting shriek.
Standing in our brand-new, modern bathroom that was built for two, there I was –– what felt like a third leg had burst forth from my body. Impossible. It was like living out a bad comedy movie or an episode of "South Park.".
I wrapped myself tightly in the towel, knots in my stomach growing tighter by the second. Staring at my reflection, I felt something within me shift, like the ground had cracked open and was about to swallow me whole.
I tiptoed on shaky legs to our bed and slipped on a pair of shorts and a tank top, knowing Richard would be up soon. After taking a deep breath, I heard him stirring in the kitchen before he poked his head into the bedroom.
"There's coffee ready whenever you want it, babe," he said, flashing me a dazzling smile—a smile I could no longer trust with the secret I was harboring.
I forced a thin smile and walked past him. Sitting down at the breakfast nook, Richard poured me a cup and joined me, studying my face with concern. "Why do you look so pale? Everything okay?" His eyes were full of genuine love and curiosity, reminding me of the incredible bond we shared.