Build a Baby (A Billionaire Secret Baby Romance)`

I'm all sweaty from jogging and the day. I walk to the bathroom and decide to take a relaxing shower. I really need it right now. Keeping this baby a secret is going to be a lot to handle, but it is what I have to do. I couldn't bear going through that emotional torment again.

“It's okay, it will be okay. I will get through this,” I mutter to myself as I step in the shower and let the water wash over me. I close my eyes and wonder how I am supposed to feel about all of this. I shrug my shoulders and hold my stomach. I can't believe this happened. I’m scared and nervous.

Chapter Thirteen - Mia

Finally, the end of the school year has arrived. I just finished taking my last final exam. I walk outside the building then sit on a bench to catch my breath. Other students are chattering around me. There is an air of excitement as people get ready to leave.

It's another warm and gorgeous day. This, however, does nothing to lift my spirits. I do my best to ignore the others’ happy vibes. I wish I could join in with them. I should be relieved that school is over. I should be happy and celebrating too, but I can't.

My hand gently touches my stomach. I’m still pregnant with Isaac's baby, and this troubles me—so many conflicting emotions. It's so tricky trying to keep this to myself. I wish there was someone that I could turn to for advice. It's going to be scary doing this all alone. What if I am not strong enough to handle it?

A group of giggling girls startles me. I look around, suddenly remembering where I am. I should really get back to my dorm room or get something to eat. I'll have plenty of time later to obsess over this like I always do.

I’m about to get up from the bench when my phone rings. I sit back down, pull my bag off my shoulder, and start digging through it. Finding my phone, I answer it just as the ringing is about to stop.

“Hello?” I ask, a little out of breath.

“Mia, hey! How are you? How did you do on your finals?” Kylie asks in her usual bubbly voice.

“They went good, I guess,” I reply, unable to match her cheerful enthusiasm. I cross my legs as I sit there talking on the phone to her.

“What is really going on? You sound so down. You should be celebrating because it's summer and school is over,” my friend says with concern. I know I have her undivided attention, so I tell her everything.

I let out a deep breath. “School finished great. I'm worried about my parents. My mom is bugging me to go see her in Atlantic City again. I'm worried about my dad because it's like he just disappeared off the face of the earth. Plus, and this is big, I'm pregnant and don't know what to do because I cannot tell Isaac,” I vent quietly into the phone.

“Oh, wow! Just relax and take a breath. We can figure this out,” Kylie assures me calmly.

I breathe in silence for a few seconds. I feel in better control of my emotions now.

“So, here's what I came up with,” Kylie announces. I calmly listen to her. “Why don't you come and stay with me for a little while? That way, you can have a chance to relax and clear your head before you go and see your parents.”

Her idea is tempting, but it also reminds me that my father isn't even aware of my impending visit. Staying with my friend would be the best way to track down my dad and see what he is up to. Also, I would be closer to Isaac. Maybe Kylie can help me figure out what to do regarding that whole situation.

“Okay. I'll do that. I'll call you as soon as I'm on my way. Thanks for this,” I say, taking her suggestion.

“No trouble. I'm always happy to help and see you. Talk to you soon,” Kylie says before we hang up.

With a plan set into place, I feel better. Putting my phone back in my bag, I get off the bench and walk through the crowd back to my room. Once there, I hang my bag behind the door, go to my closet, and pull out my suitcase.

I might as well get started now.

Leaving the suitcase open on the bed, I pull clothes out of my dresser. I fold and sort them for the trip, then take a stack and put them neatly in the suitcase. One shirt falls from my grasp and lands on the floor. I notice it and reach down to pick it up. With a startle, I realize it’s Isaac's shirt, and I stare at it in shock. I must have accidentally grabbed it when I was in a hurry to leave his place.