Chapter 12

Killian caught her just in time. He felt the heat radiating from her skin.

"She's burning up," he said to Nikita.

"Get a doctor!" Nikita cried.

Latisha drifted in a long, dark dream. She was a child again, locked in the storage closet by Renata. The darkness was absolute, swallowing her whole. She beat against the door until her hands were raw, but no one came.

Just as she was giving up hope, a sliver of light appeared. The door creaked open, and a figure stood silhouetted against the light, a savior descending to banish the shadows. He held out his hand.

In that moment, he was her god, and she, his most devout follower.

But as she reached for his hand, he pulled it back. The door swung shut, plunging her back into darkness.

Latisha's eyes flew open. The bright hospital lights seared her vision. She gasped for air, the panic from the dream still clinging to her.

"She's awake," she heard Nikita say.

"You tell her."

"No... bro, you should do it."

"... You really think that's a good idea?"

Latisha turned her head. Nikita and Killian were standing by her bed, arguing in hushed tones. Killian cleared his throat, patted his sister on the shoulder, and quietly left the room.

Latisha pushed herself up. *What are you talking about?* she signed.

Nikita sat on the edge of the bed, looking uncomfortable. She took Latisha's hand, but couldn't seem to find the words.

Latisha stared at her, waiting. Finally,

she pulled her hand away. *Nikita it's not a terminal illess, is okay, you can tell me. I'm prepared

If only it were. At least then she wouldn't have to wonder what the point of living

was.

"Don't be ridiculous," Nikita said, swatting her hand lightly. "It's not a terminal illness. You're pregnant."

The words hit Latisha like a physical blow. She sat there, stunned, staring at Nikita. After a long moment, she

recovered, her fingers flyg. 4)

frantic jumble of signs.

"Slow down, I can't follow," Nikita said.

Latisha took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She repeated the signs slowly.

*Are you sure the doctor didn't make a mistake? I took a pill. We used protection.*

Nikita handed her a lab report. “See for yourself."

Latisha took the paper, her eyes scanning the text until they found it: Pregnancy: 5 weeks.

A little over a month ago.

She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to still her racing heart. She thought back.

It was Clifford's birthday. They had

gone to Lambert Manor. He had drunk too much that night, and when they got home, they... The next. morning, she had woken up late and

in

gotten an earful from Polly In the

chaos, she had forgotten to take a pill.

That must have been when it happened.

Nikita watched her pale face and sighed. “It's okay. It's still early. It won't be a difficult procedure."