Page 61 of Loyalty, Lust, Love
“You don’t have to thank me. Did you think I’d let you go through this alone?”
“I wasn’t sure. Your classes and internship are your priority and?—”
“You’re my priority, Bunny. Don’t you ever think anything different. Obviously, you didn’t listen to any of my voicemails or read any of my texts.”
Lynx planned to complete a large number of internship hours and work at his part-time job during his spring break, but he didn’t hesitate to change his plans once Fateema shared her decision. The plane ticket put a dent in his savings, but he would never let his best friend go through this situation alone, especially considering it was his baby too.
“Once I made my decision, I was afraid of what you might say.”
“I told you I’d support whatever decision you made. This is the longest we’ve ever gone without communicating, and I almost lost my mind. Don’t ever ignore me like that again.”
“Where’d you get the money to?—”
“Bunny, don’t worry about that. I’ll be here for as long as you need me.”
“I’ll always need you, but you can’t stay forever.”
He chuckled. “No, physically, I can’t be here forever, but I’m always in your heart and a phone call away.” He kissed herforehead and pulled her deeper into his chest. “How do you feel?”
“Physically, I’m fine. I don’t think I’ll be okay emotionally or mentally for a while. This was a hard decision.”
“I know. There was so much to consider. We’re young, broke, and have goals we want to achieve. I understand why you made this decision.”
“You’re not mad?”
“No, I’m not mad. The thought of seeing a little me or you running around was exciting, but I’m not mad.”
They remained silent for a few minutes, deep in their thoughts and questioning whether the right decision had been made.
“I took the first pill at the doctor’s office, and the second pill once I got here and settled. She said I could take the others up to forty-eight hours afterward. Since you’re here, I’ll take the others.”
“What happens when you take those?”
“Bleeding and cramping.”
“Do you have pain meds?”
“Yes, but hopefully, it won’t be too bad.”
Unfortunately, it was worse than she expected. Fateema couldn’t imagine what giving birth to a full-grown baby would feel like because the pain she felt had her in the fetal position, weeping uncontrollably. She took the pain meds every four to six hours, used a heating pad, and Lynx rubbed her back to help ease the pain. By the end of day two, she felt better physically, but her emotions were still all over the place.
That week, the strength of their friendship got them through the most trying time of their young lives. In the days following, something shifted between them. If asked, neither could say what it was, but both knew things were different, and it would play out soon enough.
Chapter 20
Present Day
“Do you remember the promise we made to each other in eighth grade?” Lynx asked.
He arrived at her apartment over an hour ago. After confessing the feelings they’d harbored for way too long, they talked and reminisced. They found it interesting how differently they remembered some of their experiences together, but they agreed they wished they had talked more about certain things.
“I do.”
“We’ll be thirty in a month.”
“I know.”
“Do you still want to marry me?”
