The Billionaire's Unwanted Nanny

Chapter 10: Moving forward

I winced, opening the door to my apartment. Exhausted was not a strong enough word to explain what I felt. My eyes traveled to the cast on my wrist and the small bottle of acetaminophen I was given. Can't have anything stronger because of the baby. Setting everything down, I sunk into the couch. My OBGYN was contacted, and my first appointment was moved up, but, as far as anyone can tell, the baby is fine.

My blood pressure was elevated; not sure if that was a sign of future health complications or because I had just gotten into a screaming match with the devil. I texted my brother and my father that my wrist was sprained, but the baby was okay, and I was home safe. They both responded by thanking me for letting them know. I cursed when I realized I had texted them from my new number. I guess the two of them still had contact information for me. Not sure why, but I had a feeling they would respect my boundaries.

After ordering takeout, I went to take a hot shower. I wanted to break down, but I didn't have the time. I still needed to eat and work on this project. A month has passed since school started, which meant we only had three months left in the semester. I needed to focus on my schoolwork. Especially the runway show with Tyler. I had already had one crazy moment with him. I wouldn't burden him with all of my drama.

Clean and wrapped in my comfiest pajamas, I got to work. Only stopping to grab my food before getting back on the grind. I didn't focus nearly as much as I wanted to before the dinner, so I was severely behind. Hours later, I felt I had made significant progress. I texted Ty a picture of the plans I made, whimpering at the pain of holding my phone with the swollen wrist. I needed to get the whole sketch pad, and of course, that meant using both hands.

I was frustrated checking the time. I was glad to be able to take another pain pill and head to my bedroom. I laid down, my mind full. This weekend had to be up there on the crappiest days of my life. I thought my boss rejecting me was going to be the worst for this year. I really didn't see this coming up on my life's bingo card.

I needed to warn Tyler about my brace at least, but my eyelids were too heavy.

I sobbed when it felt like minutes later, my alarm was blaring. I didn't want to get up. Why would I, as a senior, pick morning classes? Emotional, I shut off the irritating jingle and slowly pulled myself up. Pain in my wrist battled with my usual nausea. It took everything in me not to just lay back down. I took the anti-nausea medication the sweet nurse at the urgent care prescribed. She also mentioned a great tea to try. I ordered it from sss. It will be here today, thankfully.

I waited for my stomach to decide one way or another. When I was mostly confident, I wasn't going to barf. I headed to the kitchen. Not eating made it worse, apparently. The doctor last night stressed that point to me after I mentioned not feeling well most of the day.

I rolled my eyes while making toast and slathering peanut butter on it. Thanks, kid I thought sardonically to the tiny little person in my stomach. I was so appreciative that their response to hunger was also nausea. Seemed like a great system. I snorted at my line of thought before packing my bag and heading to my car. My phone rang and Tyler's name popped up as I reached campus.

"Hey Tie, did you eat this morning?" I blushed. This is the bad part of worrying people. They took a while to trust you. "I forced down a slice of toast with peanut butter", I told him honestly. His groan made me smile.

"At least you ate something. Do you have a snack with you? I know your schedule is back-to-back, so you can leave earlier in the day?" I winced at that. My silence was an answer itself. No, I didn't remember to pack a lunch of any kind.

"Hopeless, I'll grab you something from the bookstore I was grabbing coffee," I chuckled and looked in that direction. We still had ample time before class I would meet him. I told him as much and started to walk that way.

"What the f**k Tiera?" he thundered when I found him in the cafe. I was confused by his anger before he picked up my arm. I forgot I didn't warn him. Crap.

"It is a really long story. The good news is it is just sprained. The bad news is it is sprained", I told him flippantly. Taking a huge whiff of his drink. It smelled delectable, and all I wanted was a coffee with an extra shot of espresso. I couldn't, though. With my blood pressure being elevated, I was given a strict food list. Caffeine was on the no-list.

"Did your family do this?" His voice was soft as he removed his drink from me with a censoring look. I guess it is common knowledge that coffee is a no for pregnant women.

"It's complicated, but the short answer is yes. We can get lunch after this if you want, and I can try explaining".

I watched him contemplate. His eyes were wild with rage. After a while, he sighed and took my bag from me. "I'm not done until 5pm today. It will have to be dinner." I nodded at him.

"Come to my last class with me," he asks. I wanted to, but I was exhausted. I wanted to go home, change clothes and take a nap. I tell him as much. When we get to the room, he stops us outside as people are already seated.

"Fine, I guess, but I pick the restaurant, and you now have to dress up for dinner." Before I could protest, he walked into the classroom, chuckling at himself. Ugh. I guess I have to.