Page 37 of Follow Me to Your Heart
“Because I felt like you replaced me with Taylor. I noticed how quickly the two of you got close, and I was jealous. The only thing I could do was push myself away to avoid being hurt. Regardless, it didn’t give me the right to treat you how I’ve been treating you or anyone else, but . . .” Sienna’s voice trailed off as she opened her phone and slid it over to me.
I almost choked on my coffee. If my mouth hung open any lower, it would be on the ground. “When did you find out, Sienna?”
“A week ago. I’ve been trying to process it since.”
Her hands covered her face, and Sienna broke down. I scooted my chair closer to hers and engulfed her trembling body in my arms. “Being pregnant isn’t going to stop you from doing anything you’ve set your mind to. Life doesn’t stop because you’re bringing a baby into the world.”
“Then why does it feel like it?”
“Because you’re still in shock and can’t see the path ahead. That’s perfectly fine too. Have you told your parents?”
“Yes. They’re extremely disappointed in me, but they told me giving up on school wasn’t an option. They’re going to help me.”
“See. I will too, Sienna. You know it. What about the child’s father?”
Sienna straightened her posture and wiped her face with a napkin. “He’s on board as well. I’m just stunned, Korren. I didn’t imagine my life being like this, and it’s been even harder not having you. When I said I was sorry, I truly meant that. I was wrong for leaving you, but I was mad because of Taylor.”
“What is it about Taylor that you don’t like?”
“Truthfully, I like her. I think that’s the problem. I don’t want to like her because I feel like she’s taking you from me, but I know she’s good for you.”
“She is, and she could be good for you too.”
“Give me time. I’ll get there with her.”
The air around us felt lighter. Sienna kept apologizing and asking how I was. She was worried about me just like I was about her. It started to feel like old times, and I was happy to have my friend back.
Since we were in the city, we all decided to go to the mall. I could see Sienna trying with Taylor by including her in on the conversations. It was a nice change of pace. The day had gotten better, but it quickly changed when we were leaving out the food court and someone approached me.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the little bitch who took my man.”
“Who the fuck are you calling a bitch?” Taylor interrogated Lorie, stepping up to her and sizing her up. I pulled her back and mugged the girl who I despised with every fiber of my being.
“Don’t even waste your energy on her, Taylor. She’s always been bitter, but I don’t pay her any mind,” I expressed and turned to walk away.
“I figured your scary ass would walk away. Your mouth isn’t as slick in person, Korren. You got big balls when you’re around Cage. Show them to me now.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose and snickered. Lorie was really trying me. I spun around with my lips drawn upward into a smirk. “Why would I waste energy on you, Lorie? I need all my energy to fuck onmyman later.”
All the color drained from Lorie’s face. She trailed her tongue along the inside of her mouth and snarled her nose. “We both know Cage always comes back to me. It’s only a matter of time before he does and breaks your heart. He’ll show you that you’re not as special as you think you are.”
“Wouldn’t you love for that to happen? Difference between us is that you’re willing to allow him to treat you like the slut you are, only coming around when he wants to fuck. I’d hate to be in your shoes, but if that’s what keeps you walking, then keep stepping. Move from around me with that though.”
I walked away from Lorie, letting her words hit my back. She didn’t faze me. She wanted me to be miserable like her, and I refused to stoop down to her level.
Two months later . . .
I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive, but thankfully, I did. My first semester of college was officially over, and all I desired to do was sleep for a week and spend some time with Cage.
It was getting close to midnight, and I was trying my hardest to stay up and wait for Cage. He promised me he would stop by before going to his place. I checked his location to see that he was still on the north side which meant he was still doingwhatever. After the week I had, my body was begging me to rest, but I wanted to check in with him first.
“I haven’t forgotten about you, baby,” Cage assured me when he answered the phone. The background noise was obnoxiously loud until he must’ve walked away. “I’m trying to finish up here, then I’ll be there.”
“You said that two hours ago, Cage. I’m tired, but I want to see you.”
“I know. We’ve just been getting tied up in shit at each house, but you know I never break my promises to you, KoKo.”
I sank deeper into my coach and pouted. “I miss you, babe.”
