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Chapter Two
Luis was trying to kill the punching bag in the youth center. He was wearing only his cut-offs and working up a
real sweat. He was, of course, thinking about Sheridan. They'd finally gotten the imposter stuff cleared up and
now she was mad at him again. And, once again, he didn't have a clue why. He beat on the bag like it was his worst
enemy and thought about yesterday... he'd been looking forward to his date with her...
Luis' Flashback
Luis drove to the Book Cafe, about 45 minutes early for his
date. He'd tried to wait at home, but he found himself at loose ends. He'd finally given up on trying to read his
new Sports Illustrated and headed for the cafe. Maybe, if he was really lucky, Sheridan would be early too. If
not, there was always people to shoot the breeze with while he waited for her. He parked the jeep, smiling as he
thought about the date he had planned... Sheridan was going to love it... he hoped.
He stepped into the cafe, surprised that it was all but deserted. There was one older couple that was just paying
the bill and that was it. Luis approached the counter as the couple headed out the door. "Hey Beth."
He flashed her a toothy smile and she returned one. "Hi Luis"
"What's going on? The place is empty?" Beth frowned, "That new donut place on the highway opened
today. They're giving away free coffee for the opening." Luis nodded, "Right, well, don't worry. As soon
as the freebies are over they'll all come flocking back here."
Beth gave him a wan smile and as she suddenly gripped the edge of the counter Luis noticed how pale she looked.
"Beth, are you okay?" "I'm fine..." Beth began, just before the dizziness overcame her and
she slid to the floor. "Beth!" Luis flew around the counter and scooped her up. He strode across the
cafe and gently lay her on the couch, dropping to his knees beside her as she started to stir. "Beth, are
you okay?" Luis' heart was pounding. Even though he had no romantic feelings for Beth he still cared very
much for her... she was one of his best friends.
She tried to sit up, still a little woozy. "I'm fine Luis." "I'm gonna take you to the hospital,"
Luis stated firmly. "No Luis." "Yes Beth." He rose to go to the phone. "No, I know what's
wrong Luis." Luis stopped and returned to the couch. "You know?" Beth nodded, as tears dripped down
her face. "I've already been to the doctor." Luis' mind automatically began to gather reasons why someone
would get dizzy. Beth's face showed such devastation that he knew it must be horrible, like a brain tumor.
Therefore, when Beth said "I'm pregnant." Luis felt a quick surge of relief. "I'm light headed because
of the morning sickness. I can hardly keep any food down."
Luis quickly got over his relief that she wasn't deathly ill... now he was simply stunned. "Pregnant?"
he asked.
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