"Baby, tonight's the night I let you know. Baby, tonight's the night we lose control. Baby, tonight you need that, tonight believe that tonight will be the best you ever have," I sang aloud.

My voice paraded around the room as I got ready for my date. Even though Cathy and I have been on a million dates before, I still tended to get overly excited, yet somewhat nervous. I over-planned for tonight but, "Tonight will be the best she ever has. I don't wanna brag but it'll be-"

Beep! Beep!

When I checked my phone a list of messages adorned the top of the screen. My thumb slid up the illuminated screen, scanning through all forty-five of them.

💬
Lisa
         SOS       7:20pm

Lisa
         I need your help now!   7:21 pm

Lisa
          Please help!  7:22 pm

Lisa
         Derek SOS!   7:23 pm

💬

Ah, fuck!

I grabbed my car keys and rushed to the garage. Jumping in the car, I drove out before the garage door was fully opened. Cathy's number was the first to be dialed before nestling the phone in the phone mount.

A chirpy voice came on in the first few seconds. "Hey, babe."

Wanting to kick myself, I replied, "Hey."

With super senses, Cathy picked up on my tone. "What's wrong?"

"Something's wrong with Lisa. She sent me tons of emergency messages. I mean, she doesn't send them unless there really is an emergency."

Even as I spoke the words, I wanted to wallow in self-pity.

First, practice took longer than expected. Now, this. I should have known this date would have gone to shits. I do believe the universe had something against me. Ever since I had asked Cathy on this date, my week has been a roller coaster of setbacks.

When I realized practice took longer than expected —longer than all the other days— I had a feeling something else was going to happen.  Even after I sent Cathy a text —to let her know I was going to be late and she shot one back that she was going to the restaurant without me— I felt it. Nevertheless, I was too hung up on this date to even see the signs. Now, now…

Silence tickled my eardrums.

"Catherina?"

"Yeah, it's okay, Derek. Don't worry about me. Just go to her and make sure she's okay. Then, call me later."

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I tried to remain calm. "Babe, I'm sorry. If it wasn't for the—"

"It's okay, Derek. Really," she tried to reassure me.

"I'll make it up to you, I promise."

She laughed. A loud strain clogged the sound. "You better! Now go, it's not good to be on the phone while you're driving, okay?" she stated sternly.

Smiling, I responded, "Okay."

"See you later, alligator."

"In a while crocodile."

With that said she disconnected.

Hmmm, why had I started dating Lisa again? She was turning out to be nothing but trouble.

The vehicle halted at the stoplight.

So, much for making up, instead, I had made the situation worse.

I banged my fist on the steering wheel. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

*********************

Pulling the door, I invited myself in. "Lisa?"

Silence was the only response that greeted me. Stepping through the house, going up the stairs, I yelled again, "Lisa?"

"In here," she called out.

I ran up the remaining stairs, devouring two at a time.  Her voice led me through the bedroom, and inside the bathroom. She sat on the lid of the toilet with her eyes on the floor.

"Lisa, are you okay?" My heart picked up speed.

Fuck, what if it was something bad? Damn, what had I gotten myself into?

Her gaze met mine. Or it went through me.

My eyes left her face to scan for any injuries. Trying not to go into panic mode, I asked in a mere whisper, "Lisa?"

"I think I'm pregnant," she murmured.

Huh?

"What'd you just say?"

"I think I'm pregnant," she repeated louder.

The muscles in my forehead tightened. "I'm not sure I understand. What…why…what’d you mean?”

Her eyes went back to observe the blue tiles; defeat glowing in her features. “I think I'm carrying your child, Derek. Pregnant.”

I stood staring at her, dumbfounded. Was she for real? This was not happening. Did she bring me all the way here because of assumptions?

I scrubbed my palm over my face. “So, you're not sure, yet you sent all those emergency messages? Do you know how worried I was? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

She glared at me. "You fucking asshole! That's all you can say? Out of all I said, you only got that?"

A bitter laugh erupted from my throat. Could you believe this bitch?

God, I stood up Cathy for this shit!

"I've always used a condom, Lisa. Used my condoms," I said, emphasizing on my.  "Plus, you shouldn’t be worried, you’re on the pills, right?"

Her eyes were cast back to the tiles, studying them.

"Lisa?" The calmness evaporated. "Fucking hell, Lisa-"

"I might have forgotten to take it a few times, okay!" she interjected.

A wave of full-blown anger ambushed me. I closed my eyes. My brain flooded with a variety of emotions. The one that stood out the most against the rest was disappointment.  Disappointed in myself for not going on that date I had promised my best friend, for being such a sucker for emergency calls/messages.

I blew out a labored breath. “I have to go, Lisa. Let's pick this up tomorrow after you take a pregnancy test."

Too emotionally drained, I turned and walked away before she could utter a response. However, she wasn't done yet. She took the fastest route, hopping on the bed then bolted towards the door. At her destination, she stretched her arms wide across the door.

"You look pretty dolled up to be going home," she accused. Her eyes assessed my outfit.

Her accusation was ignored. "Lisa, honey, can you please excuse from the door?"

Her eyebrows pulled together. She tilted her face towards mine in a determined gesture. "No.”

"I don't want to fight. We need to get some rest, so we can have enough strength to handle whatever the result may be tomorrow." My voice remained impressively calm.

"Well, can't you stay here?" she whined.

Why did I always have to like the crazy ones? Why couldn't I get a break?

Not willing to stir up another argument, I laid on the bed. I patted the spot beside me and beckoned for her to accompany me. "Come, I'll stay until you fall asleep."

Lisa sighed aloud. The bed dipped and she relaxed in the spot provided.

Fucking space holders!