♫ Lemon ♫
We haven’t seen each other for two months since the last time we all gathered at the studio. As we are planning to open our own company, everyone was given a task to complete.
Kellen was busy helping Kip, Homme, Roj, and Drew in designing the exterior and interior of the building. It was owned by Kip and Kellen’s family, but Uncle Rigo allowed us to rent-to-own the property.
Kevz, Kale, and I were tasked to process the papers needed, such as registration and permits. “Partner, are you ok?” Kevz asked worriedly while holding my elbow.
“I’m fine, Partner. I just felt dizzy all of a sudden.”
He then pulled me towards the waiting area, “You sit here first and we’ll line up for the last one. We’re done after this anyway.”
After we were done with the documents we need, we headed straight to the studio. “Gosh! I can’t believe we’re opening next month!” Kale announced excitedly while driving.
We’re in my car but Kevz didn’t allow me to drive because of what happened earlier. When we got to the studio, all the boys are there, preparing for lunch.
“Where is Kellen?” I asked.
“She dropped by McDonald's to buy our food,” Homme replied.
I stood up from the couch and went out to the veranda. I called Kellen to ask her to buy me something before going back in, sitting next to Kevz.
“Are you ok now?” he asked in a low tone and I smiled and nodded.
Kip turned to us with his forehead creased, “Why? What happened?”
“She got dizzy earlier,” Kevz informed me and all their attention turned to me.
“I’m fine. I think it’s because I’m hungry, I didn’t eat breakfast before we left,” I grinned.
After a while, Homme stood up and went out. When he came back, Kellen was already with him and they both have brown paper bags in their hands.
Kellen handed me a plastic bag and Homme creased his forehead when he saw it. “Mango?”
“I’m craving,” I shrugged.
“You have your period?” Kellen chuckled and something popped in my head. I haven’t had my period for a month now and my world stopped for a few seconds.
“Yes!” I responded to my cousin to change the topic. Kevz was just looking at me so I smiled at him. Hopefully, we’re not thinking the same thing.
After talking while having lunch, everyone decided to go home as we were all exhausted. Drew and I don’t talk but I can see him looking at me at times.
When I reached my unit, I took out my phone to see if there was an OB-GYN nearby and when I found one, I decided to visit it tomorrow. We’re meeting in the afternoon anyway so I’d still have time to drop by the clinic.
The next day, I readied early even if my body feels heavy and I’m too lazy to move. I was surprised though to see the doctor as she looks familiar. She’s my mom’s friend and I’m sure of that.
“Hi Leslie Monica!” she greeted as she look from her organizer to me.
"Hi Doc, good morning!"
"You’re Tori's daughter, right?" and I nodded since there’s no reason to lie to her.
I went out of the clinic as soon as my check-up’s done and I got the result. While waiting for a cab, an awfully familiar car stopped in front of me. “Partner?” it was Kevz and he even looked at the clinic behind me.
“Hi, Partner! You’re on your way to the studio?” I asked in my most neutral tone to hide my nervousness.
“What were you doing there?” he asked when I got in his car.
“I just had a check-up. I have my period remember?” and he nodded. “I was having cramps last night so mom suggested I drop by the clinic.” I was relieved when he didn’t ask again until we reach the studio.
Everyone was already there when we got to the studio. When I saw Drew, I wanted to talk to him about what I found out this morning but he seems busy, as he was not taking his eyes off of his phone so I didn't bother.
After several minutes, our lunch arrived. I have only eaten half of my meal when my stomach suddenly feels sour.
I rushed to the restroom and threw up. “Cuz, are you ok?” Kellen asked when I came out and I nodded while wiping my mouth.
“Sit here, you look pale,” Kevz pats the space next to him. “I thought the doctor said you’re ok?” he asked and our friends all looked at me.
“Doctor? Why Lem? Are you sick?” Homme asked worriedly so I told them everything I told Kevz earlier. They seemed to have bought the lie I tried to sell so I was relieved.
When everyone was done eating, I laid down on the couch to rest. Before my back touched the couch, my phone started ringing. It was Pete so I picked up my phone and headed upstairs to answer the call.
When I turned around to go downstairs, I saw Drew standing behind me. “Les, are you sick?” he asked worriedly.
I smiled and shook my head at him, “I'm fine Drew, thanks for asking” then I pat his shoulder.
I walked past him but he held my wrist, “Les, even if you’re with Pete now, don’t forget that I’ll still worry and care for you,” he said, almost in a whisper then he pulled me for a hug which I returned, even resting my head on his shoulder.
“I know that,” I told him then we went downstairs together.
I laid down on the couch, resting my head on Kevz’s legs. Not sure how long it’s been but I woke up to the sound of someone screaming.
When I opened my eyes, my stomach turned. It was Nica and she was trying to get inside the studio with Kale and Kevz blocking her way.
Seconds after, Drew, Homme, Kip, and Roj came down. Nica then pushed Kale and Kevz out of the way and rushed toward Drew.
Kellen sat on the armchair of the couch so I stood up. She moved next to me while Kevz sat where she left.
“I thought we’re ok Drew? We’ve talked, right? Why aren’t you answering my calls again?” she yelled.
“What are you talking about?” Drew sneered. “I’m not obliged to answer your calls!”
Nica’s eyes were flaming with anger and she keeps clenching her fists. She was furious and she doesn’t look like she was in her normal state of mind.
She looks like she’s high on drugs, as she keeps whispering after Drew responded to her. Then she would laugh and cry alternately while pacing back and forth.
I can feel my stomach turning sour as seconds go by. I stood up to head to the kitchen but someone pulled me.
It was forceful and out of fear, I placed a hand over my navel for protection. I even felt a slight pain when my lower back hit Kevz’s knee.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Kip yelled before pulling her. She accidentally let go of me but she was quick to grab me again.
“What if I kill her?” she told Drew.
I felt scared when she said that, not for myself but my baby. She keeps pulling and shaking me and when I can’t hold it in anymore, I threw up on her.