Chapter 56 ::

Chapter 56 ::
\-ZOEY ASHFORD-

"Zoey.."

I turned sharply at Mariah as soon as she walked into my room.

"What is it, Mariah? What was that you did back there? Asking them to take responsibility for my pregnancy? Is that it? Is that the only thing you could come up with?" I snapped.

I don't know why, but I'm overwhelmed by my emotions and I'm getting angry at her for no reason.

I'm yelling at her when I shouldn't.. I get angry when I could just be calm and listen.

But, I can't help it.

"What else would you have me do? It's the best and I'm only doing this for you"

"I never asked that you do anything for me. Besides, you should know better than asking them to take responsibility..."

"That's the best thing to do!" She snapped back.

"It's not. You are being inconsiderate, Mariah" I said without thinking.

"You know what, Zoey?.. I'll assume it's your hormones that's making you say hurtful words to me. I'll simply overlook it. And yes, you never asked me to do anything but I'm doing everything it takes to make sure you feel better as a friend..."

Realization dawned on me.. I shouldn't have said that to her.

In her eyes, I saw how hurt she was and I felt extremely bad.

"I have a job, Zoey... A job that takes most of my time and you know that. You need someone to always be there for you and I can't do that. I can't always be there for you. What if you suddenly collapse? Who's going to call an ambulance? What if you feel dizzy, who's going to help you to the bathroom?... They might seem small, but you are pregnant and it's not something so small"

I remained silent. She continued.

"Your child needs a father figure. You have both men willing to take responsibility and you are acting so stubborn.."

"I don't need them.. You should be in my side, Mariah but it feels like you are taking sides with them"

"I'm not taking sides with them. You should be lucky you weren't rejected. I'm not asking you to give either a second chance. All I'm trying to do is letting you give the a chance to becoming a father figure to your baby... up until a DNA test is done"

"But..."

"I'll go right out and wait for just five minutes. If you don't step out in five minutes, I'll assume you want me to stop interfering in your life. And trust me, I'll wash my hands off it completely"

Before I could say a word, she left my room in anger. I know I made her feel bad with my words..

I said things I shouldn't have said to her.

She's the only one I can trust right now but her sudden decision overwhelmed me and I didn't think before saying things.

I'm just so annoyed with the fact that I'll have them watching and taking care of me throughout my pregnancy journey. It's going to take a lot of time.

Nine solid months. How do I bear with all of these?

But then, I've hurt Mariah's emotions and I must make it up to her regardless.

I must put my emotions aside and accept to do this so she doesn't feel like her efforts were all in vain.

With a deep breath, I walked out of my room and joined them.

They were all seated in total silence... Even a pin drop could be heard.

And Mariah, she had a huge frown on her face. I've really annoyed her this time.

"Go ahead, Mariah.. I won't interrupt" I said to her.

"Very well then. Let's get down to business" She faced Wes and Chase.

"You two have the paper already.. It contains everything you need to know. Looking after Zoey will have to rotate between the both of you and I have created specific time and days for you two.. That way, you won't have to get into petty fights"

"You did have to make such arrangements. You know I can always spare time for Zoey. I don't mind looking after her at all times" Wes said.

"Trying to be perfect uh?... This is about trying to buy your way back up, Wes. You have to consider others. Why not put your interest aside and do things for the sake of this baby and for peace"

"I'm just trying to state other opportunities just in case someone else doesn't have time to spare" He said, indirectly but obviously referring to Chase.

"If that someone isn't interested, then he won't be here. And Wes, you are already violating the rules of this agreement. No bickerings, no fights, no foul words in front of the baby, no competition and no trying to be perfect. This is about the baby and not Zoey... Do you understand?"

Mariah told him sternly. I kinda love how she put it straight to him. She's acting like an attorney helping a client out.

"I also have my days.. And that's when I'm not at the hospital. I hope you all can comply with the rules and regulations. If no further suggestions, you two can leave"

I stood up first to leave. Just as I was about to walk past Chase, I accidentally hit my leg against the table and almost tripped.

But he caught me right on time. I was startled, yet surprised at how he quickly reached out to me.

Ever since he arrived here, he hasn't said a word.

Not when Wes almost started an argument with his words.. He remained calm.

"Are you okay?... You should be careful" He said softly.

I stared at him while memories flooded back into my head.. Our sweet memories. How we first met.. His charming nature and how he was able to charm me so easily.

I can still vividly recall them..

But to ruin that special moment came the bad ones. His lies and everything that made him look like the one man whom I hate so much. The man who ruined my teenage years with a false marriage proposal and still led me in with a new lie.

"Are you okay?" His voice pulled me back to consciousness.

"It's none of your business" I pushed him off and rushed into the room, shutting the door behind.

My heart is pounding really fast.. From anger and not from anything else.

I bit my lower lips, trying hard not to cry because my emotions are still affected and I still feel really heartbroken.