Two Pink Lines

/ANNABELLE'S POV/

"So what does it say?" Diane questioned, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I stared at her blankly as I tried to speak, but it appeared that my words were stuck in my throat.

"Okay, come on, Annie, you are scaring me", she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she strode towards me and took the plastic stick that I was holding from my hand.

"Oh wow. Two pink lines, " she muttered, shock evident on her face as though she had just seen a ghost.

"Annie, so what are you going to do now?" She continued after taking a deep breath, her voice laced with concern.

"I don't know. But I think I have to tell him about the baby...he is the father, so he deserves to know, right?" I replied, my voice low as I was still in shock about the revelation.

Annie's eyes widened as she stared at me like I had lost my mind. "You are going to tell him about the baby? After throwing you out of his company like you were less of a human?"

Diane was still pissed about the incident that happened at Ethan's company a few days ago, and even though I tried desperately to behave like everything was okay, Diane did not have it.

" I know it sounds stupid, but he deserves to know. It's his child too, Dee. "

Diane's voice rose. "Really? He deserves to know?... After everything he had put you through? Have you suddenly forgotten because I could help remind you"

"I know, Dee. I know. "

"You know? Doesn't seem like that to me. He divorced you at your lowest point, Annie, and shortly after, he went ahead to get engaged. Have you lost your damn mind? " she screamed, raising her hands in the air like she was trying to knock some senses into me.

" I know he has acted like a monster these past few days. But Dee, this changes everything. I can't deny my child the chance of knowing his father, right?" I replied, my voice a calm contrast to Diane's outburst.

"Oh, sure. I'm sure Ethan will suddenly become the father of the year." Diane said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Annie, please think this through "

"I don't have a choice, Dee"

"Oh, trust me, you do have a choice. But it seems like your mind is made up, and there is nothing I can do to convince you otherwise," she surrenders, staring at me like she was pleading with me to reason with her.

"Okay, since that's your decision. I have a very funny feeling about this, though"

*******

I stood outside Ethan's door, my heart racing as I pressed the doorbell and goosebumps formed against my skin.

The door swung open, revealing Penelope's smug face. A sly smile curled up her face.

"Well, well well. Look who we have here" Penelope said, her tone laced with condensation.

I stood tall, my gaze steady. "I'd like to see Ethan."

"What could you possibly want with him?" She asked. Her smile widened, her face glinting with triumph. But before I could answer her I heard Ethan's voice from behind. "Who is it Penn?"

Penelope stepped aside revealing Ethan's towering figure. His eyes narrowed immediately after he saw me, and he stared at me in total disgust.

Penelope slipped her hand into Ethan's, a possessive gesture. Her eyes never left mine, like she was flashing a warning.

"What do you want Annabelle?" Ethan inquired. His tone was icy, devoid of any emotion.

"I need to speak to you," I replied, my voice firm.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "About?"

I hesitated, my eyes darting to Penelope as I watched her grip on Ethan tighten. "I'd rather we spoke alone, so can I come in?"

"First of all, you can't come into my house since you are not welcome here any longer. And secondly, if whatever you have to say is so important, I suggest you say it now, I don't have time to waste." He growled.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I'm pregnant, Ethan." Ethan's eyebrows shot up, his eyes widening in shock. His face paled and his lips parted.

Penelope's grip on his hand tightened, her hands flashing with anger.

Ethan's laugh filled the air. His laughter was cold and mirthless, sending a shiver down my spine. "You think this is a way to get back together? You must be delusional."

His words cut through my heart like a sharp knife, but I stood firm. "This is not about us, Ethan. It's about our child"

"Our child? You are not even sure it's mine"

"Of course, it's yours", I replied, indignation creeping into my voice as I clenched my wrists tightly.

Ethan's face hardened. "Look, Annabelle, if this is your ploy to trap me, it won't work. I want nothing to do with you or this... this..." He waved his hand dismissively.

"Child" I finished for him, unshed tears forming in my eyes.

"Whatever. I want nothing to do with it, get an abortion" Penelope's hand slipped from Ethan's and she stepped forward, happiness evident in her eyes.

"You have heard him, Annabelle. Take your leave now" she spat, her voice venomous.

"I...I'd never do that" I stuttered, staring at Ethan.

"Then you must be foolish Annabelle." Ethan retorted, gritting his teeth together in anger.

I turned to leave, my eyes locked with Ethan as I said the words I never thought I'd say. "For the record Ethan? I detest you now more than ever"

Ethan's expression faltered and Penelope's smile widened. I turned and walked away, leaving them standing at the doorway.

As I reached my car, I felt tears prick at the corner of my eyes, but I desperately blinked them back, refusing to cry over Ethan.

I slid into the driver's seat and started the engine with shaking hands. As I pulled out of the driveway, my thoughts spiralled out of control, Ethan's words echoing into my ears.

My vision blurred and I didn't notice the car approaching from a distance. I instantly tried to use the brakes but it was stuck. The sound of screeching tyres and crunching metals filled the air. I felt a jolt then nothing.

As the darkness closed in, my mind whispered a haunting refrain: "I regret the day I fell for you, Ethan".