Chapter 53 :

Chapter 53 :
\-ZOEY ASHFORD-

I stood in front of the mirror.. my shirt was raised up, exposing my tummy.

I still can't believe that there's a tiny little human growing in my belly.. It feels like it's a dream, but dreams won't stay this long.

Being pregnant.. I should be happy about it but I'm not.

I'm so sad right now.

I wish none of these happened. I wish Wes didn't come into my life.. And Chase too.

They have both placed me in a difficult situation.

But, is any of these their fault?

It's entirely my fault.. I let my emotions get the better of me.

Now, I can't turn back the hands of time... I'm pregnant with a child and I have no idea who the father is.

I feel bad that things had to turn out this way.

I rubbed my belly gently.

How on earth am I going to handle this alone?

I know nothing about parenting and I'm about to become a single mother.

Tears rolled down my cheeks just thinking about it.

Except the child is born.. The paternity status will not be known.

Mariah suggests we have a word with them.. But, am I really ready to face them?

This is going to draw more lines between them. If not, turn both men to sworn enemies.

I feel like they will both claim to be the father.. Who's going to give up?

Not Wes.. I know him to be so adamant when it comes to certain things. And Chase?.. He might not as well step back.

I left the mirror and went to my laptop.. I feel like I should write and get this weight off my chest. It's the only thing that can help me.

"I'm heading out, Zoey.. But I won't be long. Make sure you test when you feel like and don't stress yourself writing too much"

Mariah said, walking into my room. I simply gave her a nod.

"Don't forget to take your medications once it's 4pm, okay?"

I nodded again.

"Is there anything you're craving for? I know pregnancies have lots and lots of cravings"

I shrugged... I feel like my cravings have increased since the doctor confirmed I'm pregnant.

"Meat pie.. I want meat pie"

"Alright.."

She made to walk out but I called out to her.

"Mariah"

I stood up, went to her and pulled her into a hug.

"What?.. What's this hug for?" She asked, patting my back.

"For being a true friend. I'm sorry I have to be a burden to you.. Now you have to look after my unborn child and I.. I'm sorry I created this mess, Mariah"

I heard her chuckle.

What's so funny when I'm being emotional right now?

"Who says you're a burden?... Or is it your hormones kicking in?"

"Stop it Mariah.. I'm being serious right now"

"Okay.. okay. But just so you know, you're not a burden, Zoey.. you never were and you won't be. I know you would do the same if I'm in your shoes. Besides, I can't wait to officially become an Aunt.."

I smiled.

"Thanks, Mariah.."

"You're most welcome. All we have to think about right now is how to get you enough support. Like I said, We have to talk to both Wes and Chase"

"Fine"

"I'll see you when I'm back"

She patted my shoulders again and left the room.

When I sat down, my hands lingered on my phone as I wondered if I should put a call across to my parents and let them know about my pregnancy.

Of what use is it going to be?.. All they'll do is reprimand and call me a fool especially since I'm clueless about the child's paternity.

I'd rather do this alone than involve them in matters concerning my life.

Besides, I have Mariah here. Having her is already enough fulfillment for me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.. it was a message from Wes. He had a delivery sent to my apartment and he's also asking that I give him a second chance to prove himself worthy of my trust.

Just reading the text makes me feel disgusted.

I know I should be mad at him but he's Chase's cousin and has always known but pretended.

He watched me cry and talk about my past and never said a word.

How can I trust someone like him again? I don't think I'd ever do that.

I didn't bother replying to it but instead went to get the door.

The delivery man was holding a bouquet of tulips.. I took it, signed the papers and waited for him to leave.

I didn't want to make him feel like his efforts were a waste. I'm referring to the delivery man and not Wes.

After making sure he was out of sight, I went out straight to the trash can and trashed it.

I was about to walk back when I found a car parked a few distance away from my house.

I can recognize that car just anywhere. It's Wes'.

He must have been watching, expecting me to smile and jump excited over flowers.

Or better still, call and say that I was grateful for his kind gestures?

Hell no.. I would do no such thing.

And I'm glad he saw for himself that I trashed the flowers he sent.

I walked back into the apartment, shutting the door behind me.

\-WES MARTINS-

I thought flowers would do the trick.. I thought she's going to accept but wholeheartedly.

But I guess I was simply underestimating her.. She's hard to win over when her trust is broken.

When she trashed the flowers, I felt really bad.. My efforts were all just a waste.

Sitting in the car and watching her stare at my direction, I could feel her glares.

Like, there's a lot of words she's holding back.. If only she could scold, yell and hit me as much as she wants.. Just to let go of the grudge.

I wanted to step out and go meet her but I thought that would be a bad idea.

Maybe it's not the right time yet.

I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration.

What else do I do? How do I make things right? How do I show her that I'm deeply sorry?

How do I give her all the care she needs in this crucial moment?

And my baby?.. I also need to be close to my baby.

Different thoughts and feelings reeled in my mind and I'm left extremely clueless.

No single clue about what to do or where to begin from.