H is for Hormones

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my G is for Grandparents post yesterday.

Today, for letter H I have a scene cut from chapter three, where Megan visits a baby shop for the first time. Enjoy ... 

With my hunger now satisfied, I left the café with every intention of returning home to catch up on uni work, before heading over to my parents' for dinner.

But as I waited at the crossing, a little shop just down from the café caught my eye. I'd lived in this same area for a number of years, though before today, the baby store had never captured my attention. I suppose because I'd had no reason to notice it until now.

Forgetting the work that waited me when I got home, I turned around and made my way to the shop, which had a display of pushchairs in the window.

Inside the store, it looked as though a nursery had exploded. Everywhere the eye could see, there were baby clothes, accessories and other related items. The back wall was lined the cribs and Moses baskets, shelf upon shelf were stacked with sleep suits, blankets, stuffed animals and bottles. For a moment, I felt utterly overwhelmed at the amount of things one tiny baby could possibly need, and began to worry that I'd never have enough money or time before the baby was born to buy everything.

When my astonishment waned, my eyes were drawn to a display of miniature baby booties. I walked over to the shelf, and took down the first pair. They were small enough to fit into the palm of my hand, as soft as silk almost, and the most subtle shade of yellow. My heart leapt in my chest, and again, I felt utterly amazed. I was stunned to think that in just over seven months, I would give birth to a baby tiny enough to wear the boots.

Despite the fact that it was thought of as 'unlucky' to buy baby things before you second trimester, and that I haven't even told my parents I was pregnant yet, I just couldn't resist buying the boots. The sight of them sitting in my palm caused a lump to form in my throat.

Damn hormones, I inwardly cursed, as I took the boots to the cash desk.

“Is this your first?” the assistant asked.

I grinned, and nodded sheepishly. “I think I'm a little eager though, as I'm only eight weeks along.”

“There's nothing wrong with being excited,” she said me with a kind smile. “Enjoy it while you have time, because before you know it, you'll be up to your elbows in dirty nappies and night feeds.”

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today author I'm writing about the dos and don'ts of fangirling!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for I is for Interacting [with fans] . 

Until next time,