CHAPTER 32: A BREAK FROM EVERYTHING

MARIE I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened so far, and it seemed like my mind kept running a thousand miles each minute with my thoughts. I sometimes wondered what I had ever done to deserve all that—the pain, the betrayal—everything was finally taking a toll on me, and I didn't know how long I could hold up. I rubbed my flat stomach and smiled; that child kept me sane through it all. I kept rubbing my belly, whispering some baby words I didn't even understand, but it sometimes managed to take my mind off things. The sound of my phone broke my thoughts. I looked at the screen to see Crystal's name and smiled widely at the thought of her as I picked up the call. Her attempt at a strict voice came through the phone. "Hey, stranger." I laughed at her attempt to sound strict, but then I felt guilty since it had been so long since I heard from her. With everything going on, I sometimes didn't even remember myself. "Crystal, I am so sorry," I said genuinely. She