The Fighter Pilot’s Baby

Chapter 6

Halfway through the week Bianca missed Alex. Who was she kidding, halfway through the first day she missed him, but she tried to stay busy. Between work, and her college night classes starting back up, she wasn’t home pining for him as much as she thought. That didn’t mean she wasn’t thinking about him regularly while going about her day at school and work. She could still feel those last desperate kisses they shared the morning he left; the way his clothed body pressed against her naked one. Just the thought had moisture soaking her underwear. She couldn’t wait for him to get back.

“Bianca? Did you hear the question?” Her head popped up off of her hand as the professor asked her a question.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” She asked quietly. Everyone was looking at her.

Her face heated with embarrassment at being caught daydreaming about having s*x with her boyfriend by her professor. Not that she knew what Bianca was thinking, but it was still awkward.

“I asked you what were the three ways a student could make connections with a text?” Dr. Reynolds pursed her already small lips until they were just barely a line.

Bianca sighed. “Text to self, text to text and text to world,” She recited from memory.

The professor’s look changed from ticked to mildly surprised. For some reason she didn’t like Bianca and called on her any chance she could to try to make her flustered. Unfortunately every time, even when not ready for the question, Bianca answered correctly.

“Very well,” She muttered before moving on to something else.

Bianca smiled and her friend Jeanie, a fellow teacher’s aide from the school where she was a teacher’s aide, stifled a laugh. With a huff, the professor finished class. Bianca wasn’t sure what crawled up her ass and died but she didn’t really care either. She had more important things to think about. Like Alex’s last kiss, or her period finally being late. Suppressing a squeal of glee as she walked from the classroom, Bianca told herself she would take the pregnancy test as soon as she returned home.

“Where are you headed?” Jeanie asked, falling into step beside Bianca as she walked into the parking lot.

“Just home. Between work and classes I am so exhausted,” she answered, stifling a yawn as if to demonstrate.

Jeanie nodded in agreement. They would graduate the same time and had been taking classes together from the beginning. “I know what you mean. It doesn’t help any that Marley isn’t sleeping at night and since my mom can only help me with her in the evenings I have no energy left.” Jeanie was raising her eighteen month old daughter alone and while it seemed hard, Bianca knew Jeanie wouldn’t change anything about her life at the moment.

“Maybe your mom will take Marley to the park one afternoon so you can squeeze in a quick nap?” Bianca wondered.

“I wish. My mom books it out the door as soon as I get back,” Jeanie said with anger.

“If you ever need an extra set of hands…” Bianca started.

Jeanie waved her off, “It’s alright I’m used to it. But I’ll keep you in mind if I need an extra babysitter.” She smiled at Bianca tiredly.

Bianca walked Jeanie to her car and told her to text when she got home. With a sigh Bianca flopped into her car. She was exhausted as well. Trying not to make more of being tired than just working too hard and night classes, Bianca drove home. Her mind wandered to Alex again. The look on his face the last time she saw him was imprinted in her mind. He was upset, possibly angry, about something. But what? Was he angry at Bianca? No, that couldn’t be right; they hadn’t even fought before he left. Bianca pulled into her garage and cut the engine. She snagged her bags from the passenger seat and walked slowly into the house. There was no rush to get home to an empty house. That never bothered her before. Before Alex. Now the house seemed so empty and the company of her cat didn’t cut it. She longed for Alex to return and hold her. She missed having conversations while they ate dinner, or snuggling while they watched a movie on her couch. After only a few weeks, Alex was a big part of her life. The thought scared her a bit, the worry, or whatever it was, etched on his face as he left made her fear for their relationship. Running a hand through her hair, Bianca slinked up the stairs to her room. She had no appetite this evening and just wanted a hot shower and a warm bed.

After her shower, Bianca dressed in one of Alex’s t-shirts that he left in her closet. She pulled the collar up to her nose and sniffed. It still smelled like his cologne and natural scent. The smell made Bianca feel safe and cozy and she climbed into bed, pulling the comforter up to her chin. As she drifted off she remembered she was supposed to take the pregnancy test tonight. That would have to wait until morning.

*****

 Bianca woke up with a start, the shrill ring of her phone filling the room. Looking around she realized it was still dark. Who was calling her so late? Suddenly worried about friends and family, Bianca snatched her phone from the night stand. It was Alex.

“Alex? Are you alright?” She answered; suddenly worried he was in some sort of trouble in Chicago.

“Bianca, slow down.” Alex said in a voice full of sleep. “I just wanted to hear your voice.”

Bianca relaxed back against the pillows, cradling the phone against her ear. “You scared me. It’s late,” She said.

“I know, it’s after three. I missed you and needed to hear your voice.” Alex said, something in his voice sounded defeated. Bianca suddenly worried about his health.

“You’re working too hard, Alex. Please come home. We’ll figure this business thing out together,” Bianca pleaded with him.

Alex took a moment to respond, “I can’t. I have another meeting tomorrow with a possible investor. I need this to work out. For us.” He added with a whisper.