Chapter 130 Abandoneded
ARYA’S POV
"Today's the day, sweet boy!" I bounced Dante gently in my arms as I surveyed my outfit in the mirror. "Aunt Cherry is finally coming home, and you're going to meet her, and she's going to absolutely lose her mind over how cute you are."
Dante made a soft cooing sound, his dark eyes tracking my movements.
I was dressed in a dress that actually fit my post-baby body, my hair washed and styled instead of thrown up in the messy bun that had become my default. Even a little makeup.
"What do you think?" I asked Dante, doing a little spin. "Do I look like someone who has their life together?"
He blinked at me solemnly, which I chose to interpret as approval.
A knock on my bedroom door interrupted my one-sided conversation.
"Come in!"
Marco stepped inside, already dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt. "Hey, dove. I was thinking we could go to that new restaurant that opened downtown. The one with the rooftop garden. I made reservations for…”
He stopped, taking in my appearance. "You're already dressed."
"Oh! Yes!" I couldn't contain my excitement. "Cherry texted me this morning. Her train gets in at two, so I'm going to pick her up from the station. I can't wait for her to meet Dante, and-“
I stopped, noticing his expression.
"That's wonderful," Marco said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I know how much you've missed her."
I winced, recalling what he was talking about when he entered. "We can reschedule the restaurant though! I'm so sorry,” I rushed out, moving closer. “I should have checked with you first before making plans for today."
"No, no." He waved away my concern, moving closer to stroke Dante's head. "You should go and spend time with your friend. We can do dinner another night."
I twisted my fingers nervously. "Are you sure? I feel terrible canceling on you."
"Arya." He cupped my face gently. "Go. Enjoy your reunion. I'll be here when you get back."
Relief flooded through me. "Thank you. You're the best."
He kissed my forehead, lingering just a moment too long. "Have fun."
After he left, I gathered Dante's diaper bag which was packed with enough supplies for a small army, because I was still paranoid about being caught unprepared and checked my phone.
Cherry: Just landed! Getting luggage now. Can't wait to see you!!!
My heart soared. I quickly typed back: On my way! See you soon!
I settled Dante in his carrier, grabbed my purse, and headed out to find Marco and let him know I was leaving.
But the apartment was empty.
"Marco?" I called out but there was no response.
Strange. He was here just five minutes ago. I shrugged it off. He probably had errands to run.
I walked out of the house and hailed the first can I could find.
The cab driver was an older man with kind eyes who smiled when he saw Dante.
"Beautiful baby," he said as I settled into the back seat with the carrier. "How old?"
I smiled, feeling pure. "Three weeks."
"Ah! Congratulations." He pulled a wrapped candy from his console. "For being such a cute little one. You can save it for when he's older."
The gesture made me smile. "Thank you. That's very sweet."
The drive to the train station passed in comfortable silence, Dante sleeping peacefully the whole way. When we arrived, I paid the driver and carefully extracted the carrier.
Outside the station entrance, a man was selling balloons. On impulse, I bought a yellow one, Dante's favorite color according to the completely unscientific system I had developed.
"For your baby?" the vendor asked, tying it to the carrier handle.
I shook my head. "For my friend, actually. She's coming back after being away for months."
"She’s a lucky friend," he said with a warm smile.
Inside the station, I found a spot with a good view of the arrivals area and settled in to wait, checking my phone.
There were no new messages from Cherry. She was probably still getting her luggage. The station was always chaotic.
I texted: I'm here! Near the information desk with a very handsome baby and a yellow balloon. You can't miss us!
Fifteen minutes passed then thirty.
Dante stirred, making small fussy sounds. I rocked the carrier gently. "Shh, it's okay. Aunt Cherry will be here soon."
But my phone remained silent. I tried calling but went straight to voicemail.
Forty-five minutes passed then it was two hours.
The balloon I was holding slipped from my fingers, floating up toward the high ceiling of the station before getting caught in the rafters.
I barely noticed.
My feet were aching from standing, so I found a bench and sat down heavily. Dante was awake now, starting to fuss in earnest.
"I know, baby. I know you're hungry." I pulled a blanket from the diaper bag and arranged it to nurse him discreetly.
People walked past and I solemenly eyes the reunions happening all around me.
There were families embracing, friends laughing… everyone was finding the person they were waiting for.
Except me.
"Excuse me, miss?"
I looked up to find a security guard standing nearby, his expression concerned.
"Are you alright? You've been here for quite a while."
"I'm fine. Just waiting for someone." My voice sounded hollow even to my own ears.
He smiled grimly. "How long have you been waiting?"
I checked my phone. Three hours already. "Not long."
He didn't look convinced. "Do you need help with anything? Someone to call?"
"No, thank you. I'm fine. Really."
He nodded slowly and moved on, but I saw him glance back at me several times.
The afternoon light shifted, turning golden, then orange. The station grew quieter as rush hour passed.
Still no Cherry.
I tried texting again: Cherry? Where are you? I'm getting worried.
There was nothing. I called again and it went straight to voicemail.
Dante had fallen back asleep against my chest. I looked down at his peaceful face and felt my own crumble.
She wasn't coming. I didn't know what had happened but she wasn't coming.
The tears started slowly, then came faster. I pressed my face into Dante's soft hair, trying to muffle the sound of my crying.
I was so excited to see my friend, and to have someone to talk to.
And now I was sitting in a train station, heartbroken, with no idea what had gone wrong.
"Arya?"