A Changed Life Read online

  With Simon being the youngest out of the Paulson clan, he kind of had a rebellious side to him. He always had a different vision of what he wanted out of his life, and now that future included me. I can only hope he truly was happy in the decisions he was making for us.

  The loud snap of the gun startled me as the 400 dash began, and Jimmy wore a determined expression on his face. He wanted this win and to be noticed by the scout from Stanford. Simon was ahead of Jimmy, and the other competitors. At that moment, I noticed Simon slowed down a bit. Jimmy passed him on the final turn, making him win the 400, and Simon coming in second. The crowd just erupted with applause for Jimmy, and he was beyond thrilled that he had just beaten the track star.

  Simon looked up at me as he caught his breath. I now knew what Simon had done for his friend, and I couldn’t have loved him any more than I did at this moment. His coach charged him and you can hear him yelling at Simon.

  Simon held his own, and calmed his coach down. “What the hell did you just do, son?” His coach screamed at him. “Don’t worry coach…I know what I am doing.” Simon had said.

  “We are one race away from winning the title, Simon. Please don’t be reckless and take foolish chances.” What the coach didn’t know was Simon was focused and ready for him and Jimmy to bring home the win. This was for Jimmy, the entire team, and his coach. Simon didn’t need any more validity at his accomplishments. He had wanted it for them.

  Other events were taking place now, Simon and his team had some time before the final event that would be the relay race. Simon had greeted my parents, who were sitting with his parents and brothers. All the introductions were made earlier when we first arrived. I was nervous about meeting his brothers, but they were all very nice, and each of them picked me up into bear hugs. Simon had warned me earlier they would do that, and not to be scared, since it was the Paulson signature greeting.

  I laughed and was prepared for the greeting they were sure to give me. All three brothers were over 6 feet in height and Andrew was the biggest, weighing in at 245 pounds. You wouldn’t know it by looking at them, but they were all built and toned throughout their physical appearance.

  Mr. Paulson had joked that they should have been lumberjacks on account of their size, but was happy they were all football players and doing quite well at it.

  “Hey beautiful,” Simon greeted me with a chaste kiss to my cheek. “Walk with me for a few minutes.” We made our way down through the stands while we heard hooting and hollering of best wishes for the final event Simon was to compete in.

  Simon walked us away from the spectators and asked me how I was feeling. I looked at him confused, wondering why he would ask me that. “I’m fine and having a fabulous time might I add.” Simon sensed something was off with me, and asked one more time in a more stern voice. “Nicolette, you look pale, and when I kissed you, I could feel how warm your skin is. Do you have a fever?”

  How could I hide anything from him? Simon has a sixth sense when it comes to me.

  “Don’t be upset, but I haven’t been feeling well for the past couple of days. I thought it was normal due to being pregnant. I spoke with my mom, and she agreed with me.”

  “I’m not upset with you, Nicolette, but you should have told me that you were sick. I wouldn’t have had you come here today had I known. Does your mother know you’re running a fever now?”

  “I haven’t said anything to her yet.” I begged Simon not to worry, and tried to convince him that I was fine. I suddenly felt another sharp pain down through my side, and I tried to hide my gasp and wince as the pain traveled through me. Simon knew something was wrong by my expression. He was so worried about me that he began to pull me along back to my parents, and I stopped him by telling him that I was fine, and it would pass. I was determined not to ruin Simon’s day, so I played it off as best as I could.

  “Nicolette, why are you being so stubborn about this? If you are feeling sick, at least tell your mom.” Simon kept on pushing me. As if I knew deep inside my soul what was happening, I prayed for nature to take its course, and believed that everything happens for a reason. I cupped Simon’s face, and kissed him. I kept reassuring him that if I felt any worse, I would leave and go see a doctor. This was the best I could say to help him calm down.

  Simon was so protective of me, and I couldn’t blame him for something that always came natural to him. He walked me back to my seat, and shook his finger at me making me keep my word to him. I smiled back and crossed my heart.

  I noticed Simon walking over to his brother, Andrew, and pulling him aside. He had asked his brother to keep an eye on me, never believing that I could take care of myself. I guess that’s my fault for Simon to doubt me. I haven’t always been honest with Simon when he begged me to trust him. I saw Andrew agree, and bear hug his brother. Simon had to return to the field, and get ready for his final high school track event.

  Alexis was wearing a split grinning smile on her face. She was so proud of Jimmy, as we all were, and I couldn’t wait for this to be over. My nerves were tied in knots. With the snap of the gun, they took off and the fans were going crazy.

  Everyone was standing and cheering the guys on. I went to stand and felt suddenly dizzy. Andrew caught a glimpse of my almost stumble down the bleachers. Andrew was by my side in seconds. He grabbed my arm, and wrapped it around his neck. Everyone was too focused on the race to notice me. I was thankful for that, and I promised myself the least amount of drama today.

  “Andrew, I’m fine. You can let go of the death grip you have on me.” After my dizziness subsided, Andrew was convinced that I was better. He finally did let go, and sat down beside me. “Sorry sis, I have my orders to take care of you today.” I smiled at his slip at calling me sis, and he gave me the famous Paulson wink. I drank some cold water, and went on to cheer my man on. It was the final turn; Jimmy was handing off the wand to Simon.

  He was so focused on the finish line. It would be close, and he had two other runners on his tail. Simon sped up and crossed the finished line in victory. His coach and teammates rushed him, lifting him up in the air shouting at their win! They finally did it! My mom along with Simon’s mother was crying, the dads were high fiving, and his brothers ran down the stands to have a turn at congratulating their baby brother. I was about to join them when my pain stopped me where I stood. It was severe, and I was now bent over breathing heavily. Bailey came to my rescue and helped me up.

  With all that was going on around the stands and field, no one actually noticed me yet. “Bailey, you need to get me out of here, and I mean now!”

  “Nicolette, I think you need to go to the hospital. I’m going to sit you down here, and get Simon for you.”

  “No! Bailey, I’ll be fine in a few minutes. Let me just sit and rest.” I begged her not to say anything. “This is Simon’s day, and I will not spoil it for him. I’ve caused him enough stress.”

  “Nicolette, why are you being so stubborn? If something happens to you, how do you think Simon will react knowing I could have done something to help you? Please don’t put me in this position? That guy loves you something fierce, and I don’t want to piss him off.”

  “Bailey, I’m much better. I just need to sit and rest for a few minutes. It’s hot out here today, and I didn’t eat that much at breakfast.”

  “Nicolette, you are a bad liar. Fine, play it your way. But the minute you feel sick again, all bets are off, and I’m telling Simon.”

  “Ok, Deal. Now give me a hug, before I start to cry. You’re a great friend Bailey, and I love you.”

  “I love you too, Nicolette. You are stubborn, and drive me crazy. Go congratulate your man, before a cheerleader steals him away from you.”

  I laugh. “Bailey, there’s no chance in that happening.” I smiled at my friend, and walked down the stands into Simon’s waiting arms. “Hey Baby, give your man a kiss.” I kissed Simon, with everything I had. He was so hot and completely adorable. Simon lifted me up, and he squeezed me hard, m
aking me wince with the pain I was feeling. I took in a quiet gasp of breath, and released it before he could see my face.

  “I am so proud of you, Simon. You were a rock star out there today. Look at Alexis; she is kissing Jimmy like no tomorrow. I am so happy for the two of them.”

  The entire school was erupting with applause for the Track and Field team. They all did great, especially Simon and Jimmy. We had noticed the scout talking with Jimmy and his parents, with Alexis looking on. We all had our fingers crossed for good news.

  “I’m happy for Alexis and Jimmy too, but I would rather be kissing, and loving my girl than anything else in the world. I’m going to take a very quick shower, and then come find you.” After receiving congratulatory hugs from his parents, my parents, and all our friends, Simon took off to the locker rooms. Sam and Jameson were with Jimmy, and the other guys leaving us girls to wait for them. Alexis noticed I didn’t look too good, but I just ignored her observations, and made my way to the bathroom.

  I splashed some cold water on my face, and saw my reflection in the mirror. I knew now I had a fever, and the cold water helped a bit. I just sat for a while and tried to calm myself.

  Dr. Jonas and I discussed the possibility of my body rejecting the pregnancy, and resulting into a miscarriage. With how I have been feeling the last few days, I suspected what could be happening to my body. The pain wasn’t going away, and it was beginning to intensify. I left the decision in god’s hands. I had to believe and trust what my body was telling me. I just needed to get through the rest of this day, without setting off any alarms to my parents or Simon.

  Alexis and Bailey were entering the bathroom as I was exiting, “Are you ok Nicolette?” Alexis asked me. “Bailey, don’t give me that look. I feel much better. Now let’s go find our guys, and have some fun.” My friends were not exactly convinced I was telling them the whole truth, but didn’t push me either. My focus was Simon and Simon only. Jameson and Sam met up with us near the football field, and by now the party was in full swing throughout the gym, and it was carrying over and onto the field. We had our school band playing. It was chaos, but in a good way. Everyone was having a terrific time.

  Through the large crowd, Simon wasn’t hard too hard to find. He stood out from most guys, with his tall and muscular frame. He was with his brothers and some members from the track team. Simon looked so freaking hot in his jeans, and white v neck t-shirt, I could have easily eaten him up. His tanned body was majorly toned, and just enough muscle to make any girl swoon. Yeah I was swooning, and did it quite often. Simon was exceptionally easy to look at. He must have felt my eyes burning holes through his back, because he turned around, and locked eyes with me. He gave me his best panty dropping smile, and ran over to me.

  My boyfriend loves to scoop me up into his arms, and this time, he added a twirl. He was making me dizzy, so I pleaded with him to put me down before I threw up. As Simon slowly returned me to the ground, he made sure my body took its sweet time, sliding down his muscular chest. He was just gazing into my eyes, studying every feature about me. It felt like he was trying to create a forever image. I was beginning to think he’s right about our connection… just by the way he’s looking and touching me now.

  “Hey do I have something in my teeth” I asked him jokingly.

  “Yes, you do. It’s green, and it’s stuck between your front teeth.”

  “Ha, ha, now I know you’re teasing, but I love it. I love you.”

  “I love you too, baby, so much that it can actually make me hurt when you’re not with me. Sorry, I didn’t mean to freak you out, but looking at you just drives me crazy. It makes my mind wander to places it shouldn’t go right now.”

  “I’m sorry, Simon.” Alarmed at my apology, he held my face in his strong hands, and asked me why I’m sorry?

  “I’m sorry because I can’t be with you, the way you want to be with me. I’m pregnant, which just complicates our situation even more.”

  “Nicolette, you’re not hurting me, by not sleeping with me. Our time is coming baby, and I will wait forever for you. Please don’t stress over sex, and with us, it would be so much more. Stop worrying, Nicolette. I can see the wheels working over-time in your head. If you ever catch me staring, it’s because I am happy, and you are the reason behind all my smiles. I love you, Nicolette, and I am going to make you so happy, you will never know anything else.” Seriously, swooning is an understatement. How can Simon be more wonderful than he is right now? I am so in love with him that I can’t see straight.

  He pulled me out of my day dreaming, and walked us over to Alexis, and Jimmy. Jimmy’s talk with the Stanford scout went well, and he was taking Alexis out for a private celebration. I was happy for my friends.

  Bailey, Jameson, and Sam were going home to change, and were planning on meeting up with most of the track team. They were all going clubbing, and wanted us to go. Simon passed, and said he has other plans for us tonight. Simon, smiling back at me, just made me weak in the knees and nervous at the same time.

  Simon would never pressure me into anything I wasn’t ready for, and he had told me that repeatedly. With my hormones raging and feeling sick, my mind was wandering all over the place. Both our parents and Simon’s brothers were having such a good time that they all decided to go to dinner, while Simon and I chose to be alone. I finally got him to tell me where we were going. He had arranged to have a catered dinner for two set up at the beach house for us. Simon couldn’t contain his smile, and he was so breathtaking to look at especially when he was happy.

  I didn’t have time to open my door when Simon ran over to my side, scooping me up into his arms. He carried me all the way up the stairs, and asked me to close my eyes. He set me down, and allowed me to open my eyes when he was ready.

  I opened my eyes to see the deck decorated in twinkling bright white lights, and a table set up for two. It was the most romantic gesture anyone has ever done for me, and I was speechless. Simon wrapped his arms around me, and asked me if I liked my surprise. I turned to face him, and I placed my arms around his neck, pulling his lips down to meet my own. It was beautiful and amazing.

  How could I not love my surprise, and the man that arranged it for me? He escorted me to my seat, and placed the linen napkin across my lap. We drank sparkling water from flutes. Simon had one more surprise waiting for me, and he was rubbing his hands together in delight. Now my curiosity was raging, and I needed to know. Once again, he instructed me to close my eyes, and keep them closed until he gave me permission to open them. My excitement was getting the best of me, and then Simon said, “Open your eyes honey.” He lifted the silver dome, and to my surprise it was my Aunt Sara’s famous Roof Top Buster Burger from their restaurant. I asked Simon how he managed to arrange this for me. He smiled, and said he worked it all out before Uncle Jack flew home.

  It was prepared and shipped out right away. I hadn’t had this burger since we left Chicago almost a year ago. My mouth was watering, and the burger smelled amazing. I already knew it was delicious. Simon had already begun eating his while I was nervous on how my stomach would react. I managed to eat more than half my burger, and the delicious steak fries that were with it. I was stuffed while Simon cleaned his plate and finished what I had on mine.

  After dinner, Simon asked me if I would dance with him. He had chosen John Mayer’s “Your body is a wonderland.” This was one of my favorite songs by John. The day Simon and I met, he was driving home when this song played on the radio. It has become Simon’s favorite, and it reminds him of me every time he hears it. It was our song, and I love it. I also loved Simon for choosing it. We entwined our arms around each other, and danced in front of the fireplace to the soulful sounds of John Mayer. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Simon sang to me, and my body was so relaxed that my pain was gone. All I felt was Simon’s gentle kisses he was placing along my neck and shoulders.

  I had noticed the time. It was close to ten, and I began to wonder when Simon was going to drive me
home. He didn’t seem too anxious to leave. It wasn’t past my curfew yet, but honestly I didn’t want to push it with my parents either.

  We danced through several more songs, and then I was asked if I wanted to go to bed. I looked up at Simon and he kissed my forehead. “Relax baby, I meant sleep and nothing more.”

  “You mean sleep? As in, sleep here at the beach house, and with you?” I was stuttering over my words, and it was like my tongue was swelling.

  Simon could read me like no one else could. “Yes, we are both sleeping here tonight, and before you ask, your parents know we are here, and are totally fine with it. They trust us both.”

  I went upstairs to the master bedroom to find my small bag filled with my pajamas, toiletries, and fresh clothes for tomorrow. Simon had thought of everything, and my heart was just bursting with love for him.

  He had run a bath for me with my favorite lavender salts. While I was soaking in the tub, he showered in the other bathroom. I wanted him to join me in the tub, but he laughed, and said he didn’t think that would be a great idea at the moment. I didn’t tease him, and enjoyed my bath. I joined him in the bedroom. The bed had been turned down, and fresh flowers were on the nightstand. Simon was propped up on his elbows inviting me in to lay with him. Simon pulled me into bed with him spooning me from behind.

  He wrapped me up in his arms, and legs entwined with mine. I couldn’t have asked for a more intimate moment with the man that I love. My breath began to even out, and my eye lids grew heavy. I was out like a light, and drifted off into the most contented sleep of my life.