Part 70
The next day was a travel day but all five buses stopped for breakfast together. Each occupant stumbled sleepily from their bus and made their way inside the Cracker Barrel to eat….all but one.
“Where’s Chelsea?” asked Leighanne as they all looked over their menus.
“She wasn’t feeling well so I told her I’d get her something.”
“Really? What’s wrong?”
“Nausea mostly but some dizziness. I left her with some ginger ale and crackers. It usually works.”
The entire group exchanged knowing looks.
“Has she thought about seeing a doctor?” asked Kevin.
“I don’t think so but I think I’m going to suggest it when I get back.”
“You might suggest she gets a home pregnancy test before she calls the doctor,” said Leighanne.
“A pregnancy test?” questioned AJ.
“When Leighanne first got pregnant with Baylee, she had those exact symptoms and riding on the bus made it worse.”
Kevin looked at AJ, “Haven’t you two been using protection?”
“It’s none of your business,” said AJ as he stared out the window at his bus.
“”Age’, are you okay?” asked Howie.
“Huh…oh, yeah…I guess. Just a little surprised.”
“I take it you guys haven’t talked about kids,” said Nick.
“Yeah, we have but she isn’t completely ready for them.”
“Should have used protection,” mumbled Kevin loud enough to be heard.
“You didn’t see the need for it,” countered AJ.
“Daddy, is Mama going to have a baby?”
All eyes turned to Annie as Kevin said, “I don’t know, sweetheart, and neither does your mom, yet. I’m sure as soon as she knows, she’ll tell you first.”
“I….uh….think I’d better go talk to Chelsea.”
“You need to eat too,” said Brian.
AJ looked desperate so Howie said, “I’ll bring you both something to eat.”
“Thanks,” and AJ rushed out to the bus.
Climbing on, he was quiet hoping that Chelsea was asleep again. He had left her in the bathroom feeling like she was going to throw up. At the back of the bus, he found her curled up with the blankets pulled around her and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Not wanting to disturb her, he went back to the living area of the bus and decided to work on some music while he waited for Howie to bring the food.
Not too long after he was settled, he heard Chelsea get up and rush to the bathroom barely making it before she threw up. He went to her to see if he could help.
“Are you okay?”
“I will be,” she answered as she took the face cloth and got it damp. “I thought you went in to eat.”
“I did but I was worried about you. Howie is going to bring us something to eat. Want some more ginger ale and crackers?”
“No. I just want to lie back down.”
AJ stepped out of the way to let Chelsea go first and then followed her to the bed where they lay down together. As he held her, he said, “You’ve been sick for over a week. Don’t you think you should see a doctor?”
“How? We’re on the road.”
“You could go to a doctor in the next town. I’m sure you could find one in the phone book.”
“I’ll think about it but I’m sure it’s nothing major.”
They lay a little longer in silence before AJ got the nerve to say, “Chelsea, Brian and Leighanne seem to think you might be pregnant.”
Chelsea looked up at him. “How do you feel about it?”
“Scared…but happy. What about you?”
“I’m not sure how I feel. I mean, I’m having the same symptoms I had with Annie so I’m almost positive I’m pregnant.” Chelsea settled her head back on his shoulder and played with his shirt. “Alex…I’ve been here before….”
“But you’re not alone this time.”
“Promise me this is forever…that you aren’t going to take off on tour and not come back.”
“This is definitely forever….for better or worse.”
Chelsea gave a sigh and they lay together in silence a little longer.
“Wanna find out if I’m pregnant or not?”
“It would be nice but we’re leaving soon headed to the next town.”
“There’s a store across the road. We could go over and get a home kit.”
“Do you feel up to it?”
“Sometimes fresh air and moving around helps. Let me get dressed.”
Five minutes later, the couple was headed across the street to get what they needed.
