When I didn't take the shoes, Brandon's expression hardened. "Sylvia, what's your problem? You're almost 30, and you're still giving a young girl a hard time? Is this really necessary?"
He threw the box at me, hitting me square on the head.
I groaned, grabbing my forehead as tears filled my eyes.
Brandon looked alarmed. "I didn't mean to do that. Let me see."
I pulled away as he reached out. "I'm fine," I muttered.
Ignoring me, he pried my fingers away from my forehead, seeing the swelling. His face darkened. "This doesn't look fine. Stay here. I'll get some ice."
Before I could stop him, his phone rang.
The screen lit up, showing the caller ID: "Little Trouble," dripping with affection.
"Brandon!" Jenna's voice came through.
Hearing her whimpering, Brandon tensed. "Jen, don't cry. What's wrong?"
"I have a stomachache," Jenna sniffled. "I want to go to the ER, but I got on the wrong subway and I don't even know where I am."
Brandon frowned. "Why didn't you call me when you decided to go to the hospital? We agreed I'd drive you."
Jenna's voice was timid. "I was dumb again today and made Sylvia mad. I didn't want to bother you both."
Brandon's tone turned serious. "Jen, you're pregnant. Nothing is more important than that. Send me your location on WhatsApp, and I'll come get you."
"No! Brandon, I can get to the hospital on my own, really. Don't forget, today's Sylvia's ovulation day. You need to stay with her and make sure you two have a baby!"
Brandon chuckled. "Silly girl, one more time with her isn't going to magically get her pregnant. You're what matters right now. Send me your location."
He hung up the phone and gave me an exasperated look. "Did you hear that? Jen's so concerned about you, and all you can do is act paranoid. I'm taking her to the hospital. I'll grab some ice packs for you on the way back."
He snatched his car keys, ready to head out.
"Brandon, wait," I called out.
He spun around, clearly at the end of his patience. "Sylvia, can you stop? This is about two lives--hers and the baby's! Don't turn this into some jealous tantrum."
I didn't bother trying to defend myself. Instead, I walked over to the coat closet, grabbed the jacket he'd worn a few days ago, and pulled out a card. "Jenna's insurance card. You'll need it."
Jenna never bothered with handling her own appointments; Brandon always kept her insurance card.