Chapter 21

6 1\2 Months Later:

"Louis, hurry up!" I yell from the living room.

Louis is driving me to the bus stop where I will take a bus to the park, and right now, I am about to assassinate him if he doesn't come down this minute.

"Okay, okay, I’m here," he says, sauntering down the stairs dressed in black jeans and a black t-shirt.

"Come on, let’s go. I can't wait to see him," I say, walking towards his car at a slow pace.

He pulls out of the driveway. "Make sure you don't hurt yourself while walking," Louis says, parking near the bus stop.

"I know. Okay, bye, see you at the house," I say, stepping out of the car and waving goodbye as he drives off. I sit on the bench and wait for the bus.

"Shiloh," a voice calls from a car parked in front of me.

I stare at the driver, surprised that he knows my name. He steps out of the car and sits beside me. "Have we met before?" I ask, studying his features.

He is muscular with short curly black hair and hazel eyes. He’s dressed in black combat trousers and a brown t-shirt that shows off a tattoo on his left hand. His stance gives me goosebumps because he looks so intimidating.

"I really feel hurt," he laughs. "Have I really changed that much?" he asks, staring at me intensely.

"Sorry, I don't still know who you are, but I can see you’re very good at introductions," I blurt out sarcastically. Shiloh, stop this, it's not the right time to be sarcastic. This man might be a serial killer.

"Okay, let me introduce myself," he says, snapping me out of my creepy thoughts. "I am Blake Jackson," he says smugly.

"What? Blake? As in the Blake Jackson I knew in high school?" I ask bewildered.

The Blake Jackson I knew was nothing like this intimidating man sitting beside me. He was a nerd who was slender and shy.

The only resemblance he has with this man is his curly black hair and brown eyes. He used to have a crush on me during high school, but I never accepted because I only had eyes for Chance.

"In the flesh," he says with a smile.

I gaze at him in awe. "I can't believe this. You’ve changed so much," I say, smiling and still in shock.

"Yeah, people change. So, what’s your destination? Let me drop you off," he says, standing up and helping me up with a smile.

"I am heading to the park," I say, picking up my bag.

He opens the door for me, helping me in before getting into the driver’s seat. “You’re in college, right?" I say, starting a conversation as he drives.

"Hmm," he says.

"Okay, that’s good," I say, gazing out the window as we drive in silence. He was never much of a talker, which I’m grateful for now. He didn't bother asking about Chance, though I guess he doesn't need to because Chance and Sam’s engagement is all over the news.

He parks at my destination. "It was nice seeing you today."

I smile at him. "I feel the same, and thanks for the ride," I say before getting out.

I wave goodbye and look for Garrett since we agreed to meet at the park.

After our encounter, he has really been a supportive brother to me. He calls and checks up on me and I appreciate it so much.

I find him seated on a bench beside the water fountain. I sit beside him and say, "Hey."

"How are you doing?" he asks with a smile.

"I am doing fine," I say before a frown appears on my face. "Where is Edward?"

I pleaded with him to let me see Edward after not seeing that bundle of joy for almost nine months, so he agreed to bring him today.

"He’s over there," he says and points out Edward, who is playing with a puppy.

"You got him a puppy? He always wanted one," I say, watching him play with the fluffy white dog.

"I got her as a birthday gift for him."

"Edward!" I call.

"Aunty Shiloh!" he yells and runs towards me with the puppy running behind him.

I laugh, elated at how excited he looks. "How is my favorite nephew?" I ask. I pick him up and place him on my hip.

"Fine, Aunty Shiloh. Dad bought me a puppy. Her name is Fluffy," he says, grinning widely.

"Wow, she’s so pretty." I kiss his cheeks, making him giggle.

"Aunty Shiloh, are you going away and leaving us here again? Mummy told me you traveled far away from us," he says looking sad and curious. For four years old, he is very clever.

"No, I’m not going away because I will miss you too much," I say, making him grin happily.

"Your stomach is very big, Aunty Shiloh," he says curiously.

"My stomach is very big because your cousin is in here."

"Okay, let me take you home," Garrett announced cutting off Edward’s unanswered questions.

We walk towards his car. The drive back to the house takes twelve minutes and Garrett had to leave immediately for a meeting.

I walk into the quiet house with Edward holding on to my hand as Fluffy walks behind us.

I place his backpack and my bag on the couch before directing my gaze at his inquisitive eyes. "So, what would you like to do?" I ask, making him sit on the couch beside me.

"I brought The Lion King. It’s in my backpack," he says, playing with Fluffy.

I check his backpack and switch on the TV and DVD player. A few minutes into the cartoon, Edward whines. "What is it, sweetheart?" I ask, placing him on my lap.

"I am hungry," he says.

"Okay, let’s go bake cookies," I say cheerfully.

After we’re done eating the cookies, Edward takes a nap, leaving me alone to read until Garrett comes to pick up Edward.

"Bye! Be a good boy, okay?" I say, ruffling his hair before placing him on his feet.

"Okay. Aunty Shiloh, please come visit," he says with pleading eyes that make my heart melt.

I stare at Garrett for help. I can't bring myself to lie.

"Come on. Get in, Edward. Aunty Shiloh needs some rest because it’s late," he says, urging him into the car before putting his seatbelt on.

He closes the door. "Take care of yourself and the baby. Let me know if you need anything," he says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

I nod at him. "Thank you so much for today. It means a lot to me." I smile sadly, knowing this may be the last time I get to see Edward.

Garrett pulls me into an embrace, patting me gently on the back. "Don't stress yourself out by worrying too much," he advises before getting into the car.

I wave goodbye and then walk back into the house. I make myself comfortable on the settee with the dim light surrounding me. Now I am officially home alone since Emma is spending the weekend with her parents. I have no idea where Damien and Louis are.

And Chance has been gone since he, Damien, and Louis graduated. After we kissed, he became distant. I haven't seen him or Sam for three months because he traveled out of the country with Sam.

I actually miss him a lot. In a way, his absence is good. I don't have to see him, but it feels different. When I was trying to avoid him, it was okay because he was still around, but now I have no idea where he is or what he’s doing.

Anyway, I should be happy because a few weeks from now my baby will see this world. I sigh loudly, placing my hand on my belly, which makes my baby kick. Sometimes it’s painful.

I still experience bleeding and cramps, but it’s okay because my baby’s health is not affected.

A yawn escapes my lips as my eyes feel heavy with sleep. I plod to my room to have a good night’s sleep after taking a relaxing shower.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I’m coming! You don't have to knock down the door," I scream at the person who has woken me up so early on a Sunday morning.

I pull the door open.

"Sorry," Damien says apologetically.

I place my hands on my waist with a scowl. "What’s your crisis? Why are you thumping on my door this early?"

"It’s 10 am. Anyway, go change into something presentable. I’ll wait right here," he says, urging me back into the room.

"Why? What’s going on?" I ask, feeling anxious.

"Shiloh, just go and change and you will know in a few minutes," he says with a suspicious smile as he closes the door. I stare at the closed door, confused.

"Hurry up, Shiloh," he yells from behind the door.

"Okay," I mutter.

I do my daily routine and put on a black tank top and grey-black leggings, leaving my hair in a ponytail.

"Okay, I am ready," I announce, closing the door behind me.

"It took you long enough," he replies before pulling me by the wrist.

"What’s going on, Damien?" I ask as he pulls me by my wrist to the living room. "You are really getting on my last nerve."

"Surprise!" When we enter the living room, everyone I know jumps out. The living room is decorated with blue and red ribbons. Elaina, Emma, Louis, Summer, and Shane are all here.

I stare at everyone, confused about the sudden event.

"What’s going on? Are we celebrating something?" I ask curiously.

"You really don't remember what day it is today?" Louis facepalms as he shows me the calendar on his phone.

I can't believe it. Today is my birthday and I actually forgot the most important day of my existence.

Today is so important because I get to spend all day with my family. No matter how busy they are, they make me feel loved and cherished today.

"Thanks, everyone," I say, grinning widely and giving everyone a hug. They repeatedly wish me a happy birthday and give me gifts that include baby clothes and accessories.

Emma plays Rather Be by Clean Bandit and Jess Gynn while we chat, eat, and watch TV.

I keep checking my phone for any birthday wishes from Chance, Sylvia, or my parents, but nothing. Not even a phone call from them. It makes me want to cry.

The doorbell rings and I rush to the door before anyone can get it. Maybe it's Mum or Sylvia. With that in mind, I smile as I open the door.

My excitement quickly disappears. "I have a package for Shiloh Malia Sante," a delivery guy says, holding a package.

"That’s me."

"Okay, just sign here and here," he says, giving me a notepad.

After taking the package, I close the door. “Who was that?" Emma asks, seeing me walk into the dining room.

"It’s just a package for me," I say, placing the package on the dinner table before ripping it open.

"It's a baby gift set and it looks expensive," Summer says, watching me open up the package. A note is placed on the baby gift set neatly.

Unfolding the paper, I read the message. "I hope you are having a remarkable birthday. I won't be able to make it to the celebration, but I hope this little gift is enough. I know you love your baby so much, so I got a baby gift set. Once again enjoy your day.

From, your brother-in-law."

"That’s a nice baby set," Elaina asks, coming into the dining room.

"It’s from Garrett."

"Shiloh, I would like to have a word with you before leaving," Elaina says, sounding serious.

"Okay. Emma, please help me take these to my room," I say, pointing at the baby set.

Emma takes the baby set with her while Summer walks into the living room where the boys are, leaving me and Elaina to talk.

She takes a seat beside me. "Shiloh, I know you are sad because this is your first birthday without your family, but you don't have to be. You have people around you who are here today," she says mildly with a smile.

"I understand," I say before remembering I have something to tell her. “Elaina, I made plans that will help me in my career."

"What are those plans?" she asks curiously.

"Umm…I can't tell you right now," I say nervously.

"That’s alright, but remember I am always here to support you," she says sincerely.

"Thanks so much for coming even with your busy schedule," I say with a wide grin.

After everyone left, Damien, Emma, Louis, and I decided to spend some time together. "Louis, could you please bring the last slice of cake from the fridge?" I say, lying on the couch while Emma sits cross-legged on the floor, resting her back against Damien. His hands wrap around her body. Louis sits on the settee.

"Go get it yourself. You have legs," he says, groaning.

I could definitely get it myself but I’m too lazy right now. "Okay, why don't I get it myself then trip on an invisible rug in the kitchen," I say, making a move to get up from the couch.

"I’m going already, no need for the exaggeration," he says, going into the kitchen.

Shane baked a strawberry banana cake and some pastries for my birthday that were so delicious.

"You ate almost half the cake, and you still want more," Damien says with amusement.

"The cake is delicious. Besides, it’s not every day you get free cakes and pastries."

"Like when I brought you yellow butter cake with chocolate frosting just last Friday," Emma says, turning towards me.

"Just let me have this one." I throw a pillow at her as Louis walks in with the cake and places it on the glass table.

"Thank you," I say, grinning widely as I sit up. "To thank you all for a wonderful birthday, you may all join me in eating this wonderful dessert," I announce.

"I am really not..." Damien starts, but seeing the look on my face, he laughs nervously and takes a bite.

"My birthday is coming up next, so make sure to buy me a nice gift too," Emma says seriously.

We continue chatting the night away until we go to bed.

I’m happy because I got to spend my birthday with friends who really care. Friends who are with me during hard times and will be with me during good times.

~~~~~~~~~~

I wake up early the next day because I have an appointment with Dr. Anna. After my morning routine, I go to the kitchen for breakfast.

"What are you doing?" I ask when I see Emma in the kitchen dishing out two plates of waffles.

"I prepared breakfast," she says, taking a seat.

"Thanks!"

"What are your plans today?" she asks as she cuts off a bite.

"I have an appointment with the doctor. After that, I am going shopping with Elaina."

"Okay. Do you need a ride to the hospital?" she offers.

"No, I am driving myself today," I say before stuffing my mouth with waffles.

After eating, Emma puts our empty plate in the dishwasher. "So, were you able to tell Elaina your plans?" she asks as she cleans the mess on the table.

I take a sip of water before speaking. "No, not yet, but after everything is out, I will let her know about my decision."

"Okay, that is a plan," she says, nodding.

"You won't believe who I ran into the other day. I met Blake Jackson at the bus stop, and he gave me a lift to the park," I say.

"Blake, the class nerd?" she asks curiously.

"Yeah, but he looks nothing like he did back in high school."

"Maybe I can track him down just to take a pic," she says thoughtfully. I give her a look. "Calm down. I'm only joking. But seriously, I need to see his transformation."

"What will you be doing all day?" I question, changing the subject.

"I will just be lazy around the house," she shrugs. "You really don't need me to drop you off?"

"No, I will be fine," I say.

I reach the hospital in record time and enter the hospital to go to Dr. Anna's office. After checking my weight and the baby’s weight, she left the room to get the results from my last appointment.

I lie on the bed for a few minutes before hearing someone walk in. Thinking she’s back, I sit up only to discover someone I never expected to see again.

"What are you doing here?" I ask harshly.