When Constellations Form (Light in the Dark 4)

I pay for my bracelet and head to the front.

“You look really fucking happy about something,” Jace comments, holding the door open for me.

“I just got a job,” I tell him.

His eyes widen, impressed. “Good for you.”

“It’s not social work, but I think I’ll like it. I mean, I love clothes so it should be a good fit.”

Jace walks me back to my car and helps put the bags away.

“See you later,” he calls, walking away. “And never text me ever again.”

“I’m calling tomorrow, honey pie!” I call after him.

He gives me the finger. “Blocking your number, psycho.”

I get in my car and text Xander.

Me: I got a job.

I’m surprised when he texts right back.

Xander: Really? Good for you? Where?

Me: A little boutique downtown. It’s called Sunshine’s.

Xander: Cool.

That one word tells me all I need to know. He’s not happy about this.

But I need to get out and have my own life. Can’t he see that?

Thea

18 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a sweet potato

I leave work early and head straight to my doctor’s appointment.

My heart is racing in my chest, I think it’s excitement, but maybe it’s fear. I can’t really tell anymore.

Today, we find out if we’re having a boy or a girl.

It makes it all the more real, because now, instead of some vague shadowy creature that I see in my head it’s going to be a real person.

Not that the baby wasn’t real before, because I know it is, and there’s no denying the kicks I now feel—Xander still hasn’t been able to feel one—or the outrageous morning sickness I’m still dealing with.

My phone rings and I press a button my steering wheel to answer. “Yeah, hello?”

“I’m almost to the doctor’s office, are you there yet?” Xander asks.

“No, I’m on my way, though.”

He breathes out a sigh of relief. “Okay, good. I might beat you there, then. I’m close. Coach was being a pain in my ass and didn’t want to let me leave practice early.”

“Xander,” I sigh. “I don’t want you to get in trouble in work.”