To Sweden With Love

The next few weeks flew by between focusing on meetings and setting up my classroom, but I was ready for my mini vacation.

First stop, New York City.

If only I felt like I wasn’t going to die.

As soon as I got off the plane at JFK, I ran to the bathroom to hug the toilet. I had been puking for a week straight.

After I was done, I rinsed my mouth out and washed my hands and finally made my way down to the baggage claim where Ellie was waiting for me.

“Jesus Liv, you look like complete shit.” Ellie said as I grabbed my bag.

I groaned. “I’ve been fighting some kind of bug for the past week. Hopefully it is almost over.”

“I mean, you didn’t have to come out and help pack. I’m sure I could have had Derick do it.” She said as we walked to the car.

“Oh please, he wouldn’t know how to pack your stuff up. He would just throw all your clothes into a box and not take into consideration what needs hung or what stays folded. You would have a mess on your hands when you get back from Sweden.” I laughed.

“Oh so true.” She laughed as we got in the car and started driving away from the airport.

“So you excited to move to Ottawa?” I asked as we sat in traffic.

She nodded. “We found the cutest house. And we are going to be close to his family, so that is a plus.”

My stomach turned over. Ugh not again.

“So I take it his family loves you?” I asked opening the window for some fresh air as the nausea kicked in.

“The feeling is mutual, they took me in as their own. Liv are you sure you are okay?”

I nodded as I tried to hold back the urge to vomit. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.”

Twenty minutes later, we pulled into his garage and walked over to his apartment.

As soon as we walked in, the smell of food made the nausea come back.

“Ugh. Excuse me.” I said as I ran to the bathroom.

Five minutes later, I came back out with my hand over my nose.

“Dude Liv, you alright? All I made is spaghetti. I figured you’d be hungry.” Derick said as he plated some food.

I shook my head. “I cannot handle the smell of food. I’ve been sick for the past week and it isn’t getting any better.”

“Maybe you should go see a doctor.” Ellie said as Derick gave me a look. “Get some medication or fluids or something.”

I waved her off. “I’ll be fine. I am just gonna go lay down for a bit.”

I walked back to the guest room and laid down. As soon as I got comfy, I called Carl.

“Hey love, I take it you made it to Ellie’s? And are you feeling any better?” He answered on the first ring.

“Yeah. And no. Derick was actually cooking, but the smell of it along made me puke. Ellie thinks I need to go get checked out.”

“Liv. I think she is right.” He sighed. “I’m worried about you.”

I rubbed my head. “I will be okay. The nausea comes and goes. And I nap more too. So that helps. I am just over being sick.”

I heard a knock on the door and yelled come in when I saw Derick come in.

“Uh Liv, can we talk?” He said as he shut my door behind him.

I gave him a look and nodded. “Hey Carl, I’ll call you back. Brassy needs me.”

I hung up and sat up in bed. “What’s up sugarlumps?”

He rolled his eyes as he sat on the edge of my bed. “First off, did you bring the ring?”

I faked shock. “I was supposed to bring it?”

He looked like he was going to faint when I started laughing.

“Yes of course I brought it. Who do you think I am?”

“Someone who thinks she is funny when she really isn’t. Okay, second thing. Are you pregnant?”

My smile faded as I stared at him. “Excuse me?”

He sighed. “Look, I know the symptoms of pregnancy when I see them. My sister dealt with them tenfold because of the twins. So I will ask again, are you pregnant?”

I shrugged. “Der, this is just a stomach bug. I will get over i-”

“When was the last time you had your, you know, woman thing?” He asked uncomfortably.

I thought for a minute. “I don’t know? But Derick, there’s no way that-”

He laughed. “Really Liv? You expect me to believe there is no way in hell that you are pregnant? Please. Remember, we had adjoined hotel rooms in Toronto.”

I blushed. “Okay fine. We slept together. But we were careful every time, I think.”

He smirked. “See this is why you don’t have sex drunk. Go buy a test and take it Liv. I’m telling you, you are pregnant.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. I’ll go out tomorrow and buy one. But do not tell Ellie. She is leaving in two days for Sweden. I don’t need her worried about me.”

He held out his pinky. “I promise not to tell her if you promise you go get a test tomorrow.”

I hooked my pinky with his. “Pinky promise.”

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The next morning, I woke up feeling a lot better. I got out of bed and threw my hair up as I walked into the kitchen.

“How you feeling today Liv?” Derick asked as he pulled the bacon out of the oven.

I stole a piece and munched on it. “Much better. I told you it was just a stomach bug.”

He chuckled. “Wait until later today. Just remember our promise Liv.”

“What promise?” Ellie asked as she walked into the kitchen.

Derick and I looked at each other.

“He promised that he would help me pack and won’t mess anything up as long as we get most of it done today.” I smiled at him.

He gave a fake smile. “Yep. That’s the promise.”

She rolled her eyes as she poured herself some juice. “You guys are weird. I take it you are better today?”

I nodded. “A little bit. I am able to stand the smell of food and actually eat. So that is a plus.”

Derick laughed behind us. We both turned to look at him, Ellie questioningly and myself with narrowed eyes.

“What’s so funny about her feeling better?” Ellie questioned.

“Yeah Derick? Why are you laughing?” I smirked as I crossed my arms.

He thought for a minute. “Just thinking about something Hags said the other day.” He said as he emphasized Carl’s name. “An inside joke you two wouldn’t get.”

I rolled my eyes as I made myself a plate of eggs and bacon and took a seat at the table.

We ate in silence as Derick kept shooting me glances, like he was waiting for me to vomit all over the table.

After breakfast, I went to go start packing up the living room, when Derick stopped me.

“Liv, didn’t you say you wanted to go to the store?” Derick said with a half smile.

I groaned. “I did, but I changed my mind.”

Ellie gave us both a weird look. “What is going on with the both of you?”

“Nothing” We both said as we went separate ways in the apartment.

Ellie sighed as she joined me in the living room.

“So are you excited to go to Sweden tomorrow?” I asked, changing the subject.

She nodded as she smiled. “It will be so nice to see Patric and his family. And of course the Cup!”

“Don’t forget Carl.” I joked.

She laughed. “God forbid I forget him. He wouldn’t let me live it down.”

I gave a slight smile. “I wish I could go with you.”

She hugged me. “Me too Liv. But I promise to give him a big hug and take lots of pictures.”

Oh if she only knew what was in store.

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Later that night, we all sat around the empty living room eating Chinese.

“Liv are you sure you don’t wanna try this wine? You never turn down wine.” Ellie said as she poured herself another glass.

I shook my head as I pushed my food away as another wave of nausea hit.

“No. My stomach is starting to act up again. I think this food is spoiled.”

Derick shook his head as he took as drink of his beer.

“Maybe you aren’t over your stomach thing, maybe you won’t be over it for, oh say, few months?”

I shot him a glance as Ellie hit him.

“Derick that wasn’t funny.” She said rolling her eyes.

“It’s alright Ellie. Not your fault your boyfriend is a complete ass.” I said as I stood up. “Depending on how I feel in the morning, I may go with him to drop you off, if not have fun in Sweden with our boys and the Cup.”

She got up and hugged me. “I will. I’ll let you know when I land.”

I nodded as I walked down the hall to the guest room. I got comfortable in bed and shot Carl a text.

El leaves in the am to come see you gorgeous Swedes. Be nice to her and have fun!

I put my phone on the stand and was asleep shortly after.

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I was awoken the next day by something landed on my legs.

I opened my eyes and saw a bag sitting at beside me.

As I slowly sat up and grabbed the bag, I heard Derick speak.

“I bought you four different pregnancy tests. You are going to take all four.”

I peeked inside the bag and groaned.

“Derick.”

“Olivia. Please, just believe me. I dealt with the symptoms with my sister. Just take the damn tests.”

I groaned. “I’m afraid of the results.”

He laughed. “Why? Cause you might be growing a mini Hags inside of you? Yeah, you’re right, that is scary.”

I rolled my eyes. “No. Yes. I don’t know.”

“Just take the damn tests.” He said as he pulled the covers off of me and pulled me out of bed.

He pushed me into the bathroom and shut the door behind him.

“So are you just going to stand there at the door and watch me pee?”

He started to nod then paused before he turned around.

“Is this better?”

I sighed as I sat down and pulled the first test out.

A few minutes later, all four of the tests were laid out on the counter as we both stared at them.

“How long do these take again?” He asked.

“Three minutes, or about that.” I said rolling my eyes.

“Three minutes is an eternity.” He said drumming his fingers on the counter.

My timer went off on my phone as I took a deep breath and looked at the tests.

Four positives.

“I think I am gonna vomit.” I said grabbing my stomach and leaning over the toilet.

Derick grabbed my hair as what little contents were in my stomach came up.

After I was done, I sat with my head on the seat for several minutes, crying. Derick sat beside me and rubbed my back.

“Olivia, it will be okay.”

I sniffled as I lifted my head to look at him. “My life is a wreck. Two months ago, I was supposed to get married. Now, I am pregnant with another guy’s kid. A guy that we haven’t even put a label on what to call us.”

He chuckled. “Haggy loves you. And I know when you tell him, he will be ecstatic. Hell everyone will be.”

I wiped my eyes. “I don’t want this to overshadow your surprise in Sweden. Can we just not tell anyone yet?”

“Uh no. Nu uh.” He said as he stood up and helped me up. “You have to tell Carl. Don’t keep this from him.”

I smiled. “Well yeah, I will tell him. But no one else. Deal?”

He nodded. “Deal. Now go clean yourself up. I’m gonna take you out to a congratulatory lunch. I’m gonna be an uncle again!” He exclaimed as he walked to his room.

I walked to the guest room and shakingly grabbed my phone and dialed a familiar number.

“Olivia! What a pleasant surprise! How are you doing?” Patric answered, being his usual cheerful self.

I felt the tears run down my face again. “Can I talk to Malin?”

“Liv? What’s going on? Did Carl do something? Do I have to find a hiding spot for a body?”

I chuckled. “No, I just need to talk to Malin.”

“What am I not good enough anymore? I thought we had a special friendship Olivia.” He said feigning hurt.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Okay fine. Are you sitting down?”

“Actually yes, so what’s going on?”

I took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

“Wait. Say again?”

I smiled. “I’m pregnant. I just took four tests and they all came back positive.”

“Älskling! Detta är en sådan underbar nyheter! I am going to be an uncle!” He exclaimed.

I laughed as I wiped my face. “I guess you are.”

“Have you talked to Carl? Does Ellie know?”

“No and no. I plan on telling Carl in a week when I surprise him. And I am holding off on telling Ellie, because I don’t want to ruin Derick’s proposal.”

“Oh man, I thought Carl was going to be super happy to see you, now adding this, this might actually beat having the Cup for the day.” He exclaimed.

I laughed. “Nothing will be better than him having that Cup. But I need to go, Derick is taking me to lunch and we need to finish packing this place up so we can actually have them ready to be moved when we fly out to you in four days.”

“Okay Liv, be careful. I will see you then.”

We hung up and I rubbed my stomach.

Holy crap. I am growing a living human being inside of me.

And that scares the living hell out of me.

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Four days later, I wheeled my suitcase down the hall into the living room.

“Liv, I told you I would come get that.” Derick said as he rushed over and grabbed my bag off of me.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not helpless Brassard. I can wheel my bag down a hallway.”

“Yeah but you are a mommy to be now. You gotta take it easy.”

I groaned as he took my bag and put it in the car.

“Are you going to treat me with kid gloves this entire trip?” I asked as I followed him out to the porch.

“Yes, well no. Are you ready to go? Need to puke or anything before we are off? It’s gonna be a long flight.”

“Yes dad. I am ready to go. And no, I am good on puking right now. Ask me again when we get to the airport.” I said as I grabbed my purse and carry on from inside the door and shut it before walking to the car.

A little under an hour later, we were finally sitting at our gate after getting through customs.

“You doing okay Liv? Need anything while I’m up?” Derick asked.

“A water would be great. Maybe some crackers if you find any. My nausea is starting to come back.”

He nodded as he walked down the terminal to the closest shop.

I heard my phone ping and I pulled it out to see a picture and a text from Carl.

this is the sunset from last night. I miss you and wish you were here. Xo

I smiled as I texted him back that I missed him too before calling Patric.

“Your flight still on time?” He asked as soon as he answered.

I chuckled. “I take it you aren’t around Ellie.”

“No, on my way to meet Carl for a training session. How are you feeling?”

“Good. Derick went to go get me crackers and a water. I hope I can make it through this flight.”

“Just sleep. It will be good for you.”

I sighed as Derick walked back towards me. “I'm gonna try. But Derick is back with my stuff, so we will see you in a few hours.”

“Yes, and I will try to contain my excitement over seeing you when I see Carl.”

I laughed as we hung up and Derick handed me a ginger ale.

“This is what I used to drink when I was a kid and had an upset stomach.” he said shrugging. “I figured you could see if it helps you.”

I smiled and took a drink. “You know, now I see why Ellie loves you so much. You truly are a good guy.”

He smiled and sat back. “I do what I can. No but seriously. You are family Olivia. You ever need anything, I'm here for ya.”

I put my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. “I'm just glad you got us first class seats. I can actually relax and try to sleep most of the flight.”

He chuckled. “Oh now you're happy to be flying first class. Preggo needs luxury huh?”

I sighed. “Now there's the Derick I've grown to know.’

I tried to get a few minutes of sleep, but as soon as I was getting there, the flight announcement for boarding rang through the speakers.

I begrudgingly got up and went to go grab my carry on as Derick beat me to it.

“I got this. Go.” he said as he pushed me towards the gate.

Once we were in our seats, I put my head back and shut my eyes as the stewardess came around asking if we needed anything.

“Do you have a full box of those vomit bags? Cause she might need them.” I heard Derick ask next to me.

I opened my eyes and saw him snickering as I turned to the stewardess and apologized.

“Sorry, I just found out I was pregnant and he thinks he has jokes.”

She smiled. “Well congratulations to the both of you. You two are such a cute couple.”

I stared at her in confusion as she walked away.

“Well darling.” Derick said laughing. “Shall we get prepared to see our mistresses in a few hours.”

I smacked his chest as the announcement to buckle up came across the PA system.

Sweden here we come.