Drowning in the East River by Kimberly Pierce Read Free Book Online

unseasonably warm weather which hung over New York like a wet blanket.
     
    David pulled out his last cigarette, before crumpling the wrapper in his hands and dropping it into the alley beneath him. There was a muffled clang as it bounced off something in the darkness. Lighting the cigarette, he took a deep puff, slowly releasing the lung full of smoke into the air above his head.
     
    He turned around as the window behind him opened. Jessica brushed a stray hair out of her eyes as she climbed through to the fire escape. The rickety steel creaked underneath her weight. She inhaled sharply and stretched out the knots in her back as she took a quick look around the balcony. A look of wound exhaustion flashed over her face.
     
    Moving towards the railing, Jessica unclasped the top button of her white blouse, which was already pulled out from her crimson colored skirt. Behind her, the warm glow from the gas lamp flooded through the window of their living room. Jessica's face glistened with sweat as she looked out over the city below them.
     
    “You look tired," David asked, looking over at her. He took a half-step to his right, positioning himself next to her, intwining his fingers with hers.
     
    "I finally got Thomas to sleep." Jessica said, he could hear the exhaustion in her voice as she softly exhaled and laid her head on his shoulder. Her body softly relaxed into his, leaning on him for support. "I wish I knew why he was so fussy today.”
     
    Looking over, Jessica's blouse was almost transparent with sweat. "It's so damn hot," David replied, rolling his sleeves up around his elbows. His tie already hung loosely around his neck, the buttons of his shirt were unhooked to his collarbone.
     
    They fell into a comfortable silence. Jessica was definitely mulling over something she wasn't sure about; she squeezed her eyes shut. David wrapped his arm gently around her narrow waist. "You're a million miles away. What's the matter?”
     
    "I saw the Doctor today," Jessica said.
     
    "And..." David said, trying to eliminate the pulsating silence which surrounded them in the early morning darkness. He searched her pale face, trying to find any hint as to what might have been wrong. He tightened his grip on her shoulder ever so slightly, afraid she was going to faint. “Jess..."
     
    "We were right," Jessica replied, finally breaking the silence. A small smile spread across her face as she let the moment sink in. She braced a hand over her stomach as she continued. "I'm pregnant. It's still really early, but I am. The doctor said I'm not more than six weeks along.”
     
    "You're..." David paused and studied her face which was suddenly glowing in the soft light streaming through the open window. Joy brimmed in her eyes as she looked up at him. He continued carefully, swallowing back his worry. "I thought he said you couldn't have any more... after Thomas." His tongue starting to trip over the thoughts which were racing through his head. He wrapped his hands around her elbows, holding her at arms length.
     
    The brightness in Jessica's face helped him relax somewhat as she replied. "The Doctor said it was a chance in a million, but it happened." She paused, it was her turn to study him. She took a step closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. A worried expression crossed her face, replacing her smile. She cocked her head to one side as she continued. "You are happy about it, aren't you?"
    Forcing a smile, David ran his fingers down her soft, round cheeks. He spoke slowly, considering his words carefully. "I am...It's just...you had such a rough time with Thomas..." He could hear the worry in his own voice as he continued. Looking into her eyes, he opted for simplicity. "I just can't loose you.”
     
    "You won't." Jessica reached up, lacing her fingers behind his head. She guided his head down, kissing him lightly on the lips. She looked up into his eyes as a mischievous smile crossed her face. She took his hand in