PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

This is like courting death! But what can I do? The guy who is now leisurely enjoying his meal won’t give me a break for even a moment. My phone has been ringing, I don’t know how many times, which made me finally give in and answer it. I was under the threat of a sarcastic look from Naomi and Dona.

“Just turn it off! It’s so annoying!” Dona grumbled.

If only that were possible, I would have done it since his name appeared on my phone’s screen. I’m not that heartless to keep ignoring him. Besides, I excused myself earlier to take a shower. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know what Henry might say.

That’s what made me finally agree to his invitation. Tonight’s dinner, Henry finally made it happen. Although my two friends didn’t approve, I promised I wouldn’t stay out late, and, well, I let them follow me.

“We don’t believe that pregnant women always act sensibly. Who knows, you might run off to a hotel and have an affair with an ex.”

I did end up telling them about Henry in the end. Naomi was the least excited. She said it’s no longer relevant to the past. What I should focus on is the baby and Cedric. Also, our life as a family of three and how we plan it. Yes, Dona was right, but still…

Oh well. The cat’s out of the bag. I’m already sitting in front of Henry feeling all chaotic.

“Let it be, Nao. If he acts up, we’ll drag you back,” Dona finally said as we walked towards the lobby when Henry said he was already waiting there. I didn’t allow him to come up and visit. It’s for the greater good. If Henry were to come up, I’m not sure these two loudmouths would still consider him a friend.

“Oh, Naomi and Doni are here,” Henry greeted, looking somewhat surprised to see the three of us.

“Yeah, Sir. It’s a shame, Anya’s going on a date. She was really into her drama series too.”

Henry looked grimacingly in my direction, probably asking for help. I just shrugged it off. If I spoke up, I knew they would start teasing even more. Especially from the corner of my eye, I saw Naomi intentionally turn the car keys, a sign that they were serious about their words.

“Sorry, I’m intruding.” That’s all Henry said, but he immediately put his arm around me as if we were very close recently. “We’ll leave first, Naomi, Doni.”

Neither of them responded at all. The air of hostility was evident. Instead of letting them argue, and well… I really wanted to avoid being the center of attention, so I just followed Henry wherever he took me. I hoped he wouldn’t do anything reckless. Hopefully.

“Are you spacing out?” Henry asked.

I blinked slowly. My daydream suddenly vanished. “Uh, sorry.”

Henry put down his utensils, wiping the corners of his lips with the napkin. Back when we were dating in high school, Henry used to be messy when eating. I often cleaned up the traces on his lips. Not using my lips, of course, just using a tissue. I’m not that much of a tease. Seeing Henry so neat in his eating habits now made me feel even more distant from being by his side.

Not that I wanted to get closer. Not at all. I’m self-aware, and again, I don’t know if there have been any changes in his behavior or personality. Time and age can change everything, right? Just like me.

“You must be thinking about those two friends of yours, right?”

I just grinned.

“And you’re so hard to get to go out. You’re always busy.”

I chose to cut the meat that I had been neglecting since earlier. Slowly, because I have no appetite, even though it looks delicious.

“I was serious with what I said, Anya. Is it possible?”

My hand slowed down in cutting the meat. This is what I feared when talking to Henry. Talking about a relationship that ended years ago. Maybe if my life wasn’t invaded by Cedric’s presence, I would gladly throw myself into Henry’s arms at his invitation. Rebuilding what we once had because of our fervent dreams of a better future.

When that future was finally realized, I’m not hiding the fact that sometimes, I miss the days with Henry. Sweet and carefree, even though there was an abyss in front of us. Until we merged, in a mistake that I will remember for a lifetime. I did it consciously, and I felt that Henry truly loved me with all his heart.

But it was just that our circumstances didn’t allow us to be together. At that time.

Now? This man is right in front of me. Already together, stepping into a future that he probably wants, while I have my own achievements. There’s nothing that makes me more proud than being independent through my own hard work and sweat. I’m not one to beg or rely on others, not because it’s impossible, but because I don’t like it.

“How can it be?” I finally responded as it seemed like Henry was waiting. His eyes blinked, puzzled, looking at me. Then the smile that used to fill my gray days appeared on the corner of his lips. Still the same. Sweet and mischievous, just like Henry’s personality back then. A bit naughty but cool at the same time. And now, he looks neat, with a firm face and a jaw adorned with some stubble. Not to mention I feel that Henry’s eyebrows are thicker now.

Henry surrounded by many girls? No. He was cold and indifferent to pretty girls in our school. Only I had his attention. I even remember the nickname “twin seed” was directed at our relationship back then.

“You understand what I mean, Anya,” he said with a slow breath. We locked eyes after that. In the depth of his firm gaze, I felt the sincerity of Henry’s feelings for me.

“Maybe next week, we’ll meet my parents, Joice. Are you willing? Not for a hasty marriage, of course. I know. Just for an introduction. Will you?”

I shook my head hard and stood up. I’m still remember what Cedric say last night. “I need to go to the restroom first, Henry,” I said, trying to hold back the sudden surge of emotions. Why did Cedric’s image, speaking with a smile-which made me irritated because he was so carefree in his words-suddenly appear so clearly?

Intentionally, I stayed in the restroom for a while, luckily it wasn’t crowded. There weren’t many customers at Naomi Steak. Maybe because the place is quite exclusive or something, I don’t know. My stomach was actually hungry, and I wanted to eat, but not this steak. It tasted different from the ones Cedric usually brings. I had tasted a bit of the sauce with the tip of my fork.

My phone’s ringing interrupted my hair-fixing activity. I glanced at it, and Cedric’s ID caller appeared on the screen. I’ve never been this happy to receive a call from Cedric.

“Yeah?” I answered reluctantly, although I was enthusiastic. Just to avoid becoming conceited, I missed his cologne.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Where are you?”

I blinked slightly. His tone was cold and dominating. “Why?” I tried my best not to be influenced by Cedric this time, even though my heart was full of question marks.

“Where are you?” Cedric repeated.

I don’t know why, but something feels strange here.

“Outside.”

“With whom?”

Should I be honest? “Henry.”

“You’re going out with him? Wasn’t my message clear? You need to rest, Anya!” Cedric was still using a different tone of voice. As if I couldn’t argue and instantly shrunk. Maybe if he were in front of me right now, I’m sure I would’ve received his glare. Those black eyes wouldn’t be aimed anywhere else but to make me smaller in front of him.

“Just having dinner, that’s all. I’ll go home after this,” I said softly. Seriously, I usually would’ve been able to respond with a loud voice. Like my usual habit, right? I don’t know why, even though it’s just a phone call, I feel so guilty.

“One hour from now, I’ll wait in the lobby.”

“But, Cedric… I’m wo-”

“Time goes by, Joice. I’m not a patient person when it comes to waiting. Should I come and-”

“FINE!”

I should be the one to hang up the phone rudely, but Cedric did it! Cedric!!! He’s never been rude to me before!

Oh my God! What’s wrong with him?