Page 97 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

Mia and Zoe exchange glances. “We got a message last night.”

“It wasn’t the nicest,” Mia adds.

Zoe continues. “Basically, she told us that you weren’t interested in being friends with us anymore because you prefer a different crowd. And she never expected to get a little sibling like this.”

I grit my teeth together. “She said it like that? Just announced it and you had to figure it out?”

Zoe nods. “Well, I knew. Sorry, Mia. But I knew, so I tried to smooth the announcement out so there wasn’t a lot of guessing. I tried to calm Aurora down too, but nothing would do that.”

I shake my head, feeling the urge to cry come out of nowhere. Instead, I bite into my sandwich. “So, what do I do? Aurora hates me, and I’m pregnant. And it’s not something I planned. Ethan and I decided we weren’t going to hide our relationship anymore. I thought that would make things easier, but now, I’m not so sure.”

“With Aurora, there’s never an easy way.” Mia shrugs. “Sorry, but it’s true.”

“But what do I do? I mean, things won’t be the same if she and I can’t be in the same room again. It’s like you guys can be friends with both of us but not at the same time.”

“It’s not quite like that.”

“What’s it like then?”

Zoe takes a bite of her food and chews thoughtfully for a few moments. “You just have to keep showing Aurora that you care about her. I think she’s acting like this because she feels like you both made a huge decision without including her.”

“But it’sourlives!” I set my food aside as a sudden waveof nausea rolls through me. I lean forward, putting my head between my legs to try to calm the nausea.

“I get that, but she’s involved too. To her, it probably feels like she’s losing a lot of people important to her.”

I understand what Zoe is saying, but…I can’t make my decisions based on what Aurora wants me to do.

Mia sits next to me and rubs my back. I sit there like that for a few minutes until Samson sticks his head under my hand and his wet nose right in my face. I wipe my face off and smile at him. “Samson, chill. I’m fine. Please don’t give me kisses right now.”

I pat his head, but I can feel Mia and Zoe watching me. “So, what do I do? It feels like I have to choose between someone who makes me happy and my friend. She’s been my friend for a long time.”

“But…she’s being controlling right now,” Mia points out.

Zoe agrees. “You don’t have to do what she wants just because she’s upset at you. I would say you can only keep reaching out. Show her that just because you’re with her dad and pregnant and…everything, that you’re not planning on abandoning her. I think that’s what she’s really worried about, that you and her dad will be so excited about this new baby that she won’t have anyone.”

“She has all of you guys!” I understand what Zoe is saying, but it still seems like Aurora is being extra dramatic.

“Well, we all know that you two have been friends longer than all of us. And I think it’s normal for her to take time to process things. Give her that time, but don’t stop reaching out to her.”

I pick at my lunch, not hungry anymore. Zoe has a good point.

“And I think she’ll come around. Besides, it’s ababy.” Mia rubs my back excitedly. “Who can’t love a baby?”

“Apparently, Aurora. Anyway, thanks, guys. I know you have things you have to do, and…I’m just trying to stay calm and accept that Aurora may never forgive me for not getting her approval on my life choices.” My voice is filled with venom, but I can’t help it. I’m bitter about Aurora’s anger.

That’s not how someone would expect their best friend to act, but then again, I clearly haven’t made all the best decisions either.

Zoe stands and gives me a hug. “We love you, and she does too. Just keep reaching out. Anyway, I’d love to stay, but I need to get back to work. Mia, do you want a ride?”

“I’ll walk. It feels good out today.”

I hug Mia too, then watch them leave. Now, the house feels quieter than ever, but they’ve given me a lot to think about.

47

ETHAN

As I pullup in front of Madison’s house, the familiar sounds of barking reach me even before I’ve stepped out of the truck. Her place is never quiet with all the dogs. I kind of like how alive it feels, though I know she gets tired of them following her around like a pack leader all day.

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