Chapter 4 OLIVIA I sat in the dark jail cell, thinking about my baby and how he was going to survive in a place like this. I didnt care about myselfthey could keep me there for as long as they wantedbut my baby didnt deserve this. He didnt deserve to be born in a jail or suffer for my sins. It was only the second day of my incarceration, and the police were keeping their word to Nick about not letting me out. But I thought they were taking it too far; they hadnt given me food since I arrived. It was good that nothing stayed in my stomach anymore. Id been starting to have morning sickness. But I still felt hungry, even though I knew whatever I ate would come back up again. Oh, my baby, I said, caressing my stomach, Im so sorry youre going through this, that youre going to start your life into this world like this. But I swear to you, I will protect you. Your father will never know you exist, and hell never hurt you or me ever again. Hes done enough. The cell door opened. I stood as Nicks best friend, Ethan, came into view. Oh, Olivia. Im sorry I wasnt there. I just found out what happened, and I gave Nick a piece of my mind. But he wont budge. He wont even show me the proof he claims to have against you. He refuses to drop the charges and get you out. I smiled sadly. Its all right, Ethan. Im just glad youre here. I need your help. He sighed, pity in his eyes. Dont pity me, I said. Ill be fine. I just need your help me with something, but dont tell Nick. He frowned. Olivia, he only let me to see you today. After this, he wont let me come back. Then lets make it count, I said with a nod. Im pregnant. Its still early, but Im afraid Ill lose my baby in here. Please, help me. His eyes widened in shock. Olivia… Nick doesnt know, does he? I shook my head. That moron. How could I be friends with someone so stupid? That woman you call your friend has him eating out of the palm of her hand, and he just cant see it! He started pacing, but we didnt have time for his anger. Ethan, please. Forget about Nick. Karma will deal with them both. I have to worry about my baby. He stopped and peered at me, concern in his eyes. All right. Ill see what I can do. Ill try to get you some prenatal vitamins to keep the baby healthy and then see about bribing a guard to get you that medicine and tell me when you go into labor. Relief flooded me. Thank you, Ethan. Please, check on my grandmother from time to time. Let her know Im okay, and tell her not to stress or worry about me. He gave me that pitying look again. Stop looking at me like that. Ill be fine. Just help me with this, and everything will be all right. I dont know how you do it, Olivia. I dont know how you can be so positive when you are in a situation like this. I had no choice. I couldnt afford to fall apartI had a baby and my grandmother to think about. Times up, Mr. Lewis, an officer informed Ethan. You only get ten minutes, and not a minute more. Ill do as I promised, Ethan said. Ill do everything I can to be able to see you again. Stay strong, Olivia. I smiled faintly and nodded. After he left, I felt a small surge of hope that my baby was going to be all right. Ethan was a man of his word. He would find a way to help me. I lay down on the thin mattress in the corner, curled into the fetal position, and thought about everything that had happened in such a short period of timehow my best friend had betrayed me, and how I had let my marriage fall apart completely, all without even knowing it. I fell asleep with those thoughts in my head. The clanging of the cell door woke me up. This is for you. The officer glanced around before tossing a small plastic bag into my cell. I wont always be around, but when I am, Ill take care of you. He closed the door and left. I rushed to the plastic bag and found both food and vitamins inside. Tears welled in my eyes, grateful to Ethan for what hed done. I quickly ate the food, took the vitamins, and drank water from the tap. Lying back down, I caressed my belly. Everythings going to be okay, baby. I promise. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.