All I can do is stand there and watch Kyst walk away. Soon he is out of sight. This is the most disappointment I have ever felt in my entire life. My body feels so heavy, I’m surprised I can stand up.
I was shocked to see Kyst here. That's why I walked over. I mean, sure, things are awkward between us, but I was still touched that he showed up. I just want to know why he left like that. It takes me a few seconds to realize that he left as soon as I got close. So I guess Grayson was right, Kyst never wanted me, and he certainly isn't going to want the baby either.
I sigh deeply as I feel my heart break all over again. I can't believe that Grayson is right about something. That only adds to my feelings of despair.
My ex stands next to me with a smug grin on his face. “See, I told you that he didn't want anything to do with you. So now you can be with me,” he says, gloating.
A few people are close enough to hear us, so they turn a little and watch. The majority of them glare at Grayson. He is too busy gloating that he loses his grip on Huggie and drops him on the ground. Several people gasp in horror and anger.
Seeing the way that Grayson is acting now brings up all the memories of our past relationship. I am reminded of the way he treated me and the whole reason that I ended things. He is such a jerk. Even if he's right about Kyst, I never should have listened to him. I should have had the guts to kick him out like Kyst did. Maybe that's what I should do now.
My hands clench into fists at my side. More people in the crowd have turned to watch us now. There are whispers. They form a circle around us and are all glaring at Grayson.
“Get it through your head. I'll never be with you no matter what!” I yell in anger, finally finding my voice. Someone in the crowd applauds. Grayson glares at me and is ready to argue, but I speak first. “I would rather be a single mother for the rest of my life than end up with someone as cruel as you!” I yell.
The crowd claps and cheers. “Whoo! You go!” someone yells out.
Grayson takes a step backwards and looks around. The people edge closer to him, voicing their anger. He takes a few more steps before he starts running. Some of the rowdier members of the crowd chase him away.
I’m still trembling with emotions, but part of me feels lighter as I watch him leave. I hope that is the last I will ever see of him. I know I can't lose control of my feelings, so I start to walk back into the clinic. There are pats on my back from the crowd. Some are congratulatory, others are sympathetic. It's nice to be acknowledged, especially in moments like this. I don't know how I am going to make it through the rest of the day, but I have to try.
***
I try to smile and appear as normal as I can throughout the rest of the day. It is so difficult. As I continue my work, I feel like I’m wearing a mask. I have this smile on my face, but it's not what I feel inside. It feels like my heart is breaking. I'm so sad, and I really miss Kyst. Not to mention I am terrified by the idea of having to raise this baby on my own. Still, I force myself to smile and put on a cheerful front while I am with the clients. This is the most miserable that I have ever felt. I don't think things could get any worse than this.
By late afternoon there is a little relief. All of the puppies were adopted. I'm glad they went to loving homes. The mother dog was one of the last ones to get adopted. It was adorable to see her jumping all over her owner. But, the most surprising thing to happen today was someone adopting the boa. I never would have predicted that happening.
The crowd finally left. I go to my office, get a sip of water, and a few seconds to myself.
My day isn't quite over yet. I have one client left, so I finish my water and walk out to the waiting room. An older lady sits there with her poodle.
“Okay. I'll see you now,” I say pleasantly. We give each other polite smiles as I lead her and her dog to the back. I lift the dog onto the examination table.
“Thank you so much for seeing us today,” the lady says.