A Night to Remember
Ella's POV
I still can't believe I did that. One night, one mistake, and my life changed forever. It was supposed to be a harmless night out with friends at the bar, celebrating my 25th birthday. Little did I know, it would become the most unforgettable night of my life.
As I sipped my cosmopolitan, I noticed him, tall, dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a charming smile. He introduced himself as Eric, and we struck up a conversation. He seemed mysterious, but I couldn't help being drawn to him.
"Want to grab some fresh air?" Eric asked, his voice low and husky.
I nodded, and we stepped outside. The cool night breeze hit me, and Eric's arm brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, his eyes locking onto mine.
I blushed, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Thanks."
Before I knew it, we were laughing and joking like old friends. Eric seemed different from the guys I usually dated, genuine, kind, and attentive.
The night wore on, and we found ourselves lost in conversation. I didn't notice the hours passing until the bar started closing.
"Want to grab a coffee somewhere?" Eric asked, his eyes sparkling.
I hesitated, but something about him made me trust him. "Okay."
We strolled through the quiet streets, the city lights twinkling around us. The coffee shop was cozy, and we settled into a corner booth.
As we sipped our lattes, Eric's hand brushed against mine again. This time, it lingered. I felt a spark, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Eric, I..." I started, unsure of what to say.
He leaned in, his lips inches from mine.
"I know it's fast, but I feel a connection. Can I take you somewhere?" He asked.
My mind screamed caution, but my heart overruled it. "Okay." I nodded.
The next thing I knew, we were in a hotel room, our clothes scattered on the floor. It was reckless, impulsive, and utterly exhilarating.
In that moment, I forgot about everything, my nursing career, my family, my worries. All that mattered was Eric's touch, his kisses, and the way he made me feel alive.
As the night faded into dawn, reality crept back in. I panicked, realizing I barely knew Eric.
"What do you do?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"I'm a... freelancer," Eric replied, his eyes evasive.
I raised an eyebrow but didn't press. Maybe I didn't want to know.
As we parted ways, Eric handed me a small piece of paper with his number.
"Call me?" he asked, his smile hopeful.
I nodded, still reeling from the night's events.
As I watched Eric disappear into the morning crowd, I felt a pang of uncertainty.
Had I made a mistake?
Little did I know, that night was only the beginning.
"Aftermath"
The days blurred together as I tried to shake off the lingering memories of that unforgettable night. Eric's smile, his laughter, and the way he made me feel haunted me. I couldn't concentrate at work, and my friends noticed the change in me.
"Earth to Ella!" Sarah, my best friend and colleague, teased during our lunch break.
"What's going on?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just tired, that's all." I said.
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "You've been tired for weeks. Spill the beans." She joked.
I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep it hidden forever.
"I met someone."
Sarah's eyes widened. "Details!"
I smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "It was just one night. We met at a bar, and... well, you know."
Sarah's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Ella. You don't know him."
I nodded, knowing she was right. But a part of me couldn't help wondering what had happened to Eric. Had he thought about me as much as I'd thought about him?
Weeks later, the silence between us grew thicker. I'd kept his number, but my pride wouldn't let me call. Why hadn't he reached out? I asked myself.
As the hospital's summer rush subsided, I threw myself into my work, determined to distract myself. My mother, the hospital's founder, noticed my increased dedication.
"Ella, you're doing great," she said during our weekly meeting. "I'm proud of you."
I forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt. If only she knew about Eric. I whispered
One evening, as I changed out of my scrubs, my brother, Alex, cornered me in the hospital corridor.
"Hey, sis, what's going on?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
I shrugged. "Just busy."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "You're not seeing someone, are you?"
My heart skipped a beat. How did he know? "No, why would you think that?" I asked.
Alex leaned against the wall. "You've been different lately. Distracted." He said.
I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep the truth hidden forever. "Drop it, Alex."
As I walked away, I felt a sense of unease. My family was protective, and if they discovered my one-night stand, they'd worry.
As weeks turned into months, and I slowly rebuilt my defenses. Eric became a distant memory, a fleeting moment of madness.
Or so I thought.
One morning, as I prepared for my shift, I discovered I was late; two weeks late. My heart sank, and my mind reeled.
No, it can't be.
I took a deep breath and rushed to the hospital's pharmacy, my hands shaking as I purchased a pregnancy test.
The result changed everything.