“What? I was not sleeping. I was just feeling a little dizzy.” he said softly
“If you were feeling sick then you should go back to bed. I have to cook breakfast and you wouldn’t be cozy with me moving around in the background.”
“Sit down. It is still too early to prepare breakfast. We can have breakfast late today since we don’t have school.” he said
“Do you want me to make you anything? Maybe to help you sober up. Coffee?”
“No, I am good with the cold water. I was craving something cold,” he answered
“I think I have some ice cream on the fridge or I can make you some iced coffee or tea.”
“Ice cream please,” he said faintly
I handed him ice cream and watched him eat slowly. I was itching to ask him why he got drunk last night but I don’t want to be nosy. I wanted him to share on his own.
“Do you have any hardships lately that you would like to talk about?” I asked
“What? What is this? Counseling?” he laughed
“I am asking in case you want to talk about something. We haven’t talked to each other for a long time. I forgot to ask you how you were. How has life been treating you?”
“How has life been treating me?” he laughed bitterly
“I am still your friend. You can share it with me if it is too heavy for you.” I smiled
“You must be curious about why I am here getting drunk.”
I didn’t say a word and waited for him to open up. He stood up and got more cold water from the fridge before looking at me. I am not sure if I saw things but I saw a fear flash in his eyes for a moment.
“I got someone pregnant,” he said faintly
“You got? What? Pregnant? I don’t understand.” I asked confused
“It was the reason why I have been drinking. What should I do? I am still young even if I am two years older than you.”
“Is this a serious conversation? This is real right?” I said pinching myself
He nodded his head and looked at me. I can see how worried he was as it was painted on his face. I must have been too focused on how I felt because I hadn’t noticed that he looks older and worn out.
“How did this happen? I am still confused. We haven’t seen each other for more than 6 months and this happened.”
“I’m afraid. What will I do? It just happened once when we were drunk. It was an accident.” he said
“Do you want a shoulder to cry on? Come here, I will lend you mine. Let us talk more about what you need to do once you are all sobered up.” I said standing up and hugging him tightly
“Go back to bed and let us talk more later,” I said tapping him on the back after 5 minutes
I sat in the kitchen alone while tapping my fingers on the table, which signifies that I am anxious. I don’t know how to comfort him or what kind of advice I should give him.
“Why are you so out of yourself? Did something happen? Are you trying to drink air?” Vladimir said
“What?” I asked looking back
“You have an empty glass. Should I make you more tea?”
“I’m fine. Just make your own.”
“What was that about?” he asked
“What? What do you mean?”
He put down his tea and then came near me before giving me a very tight hug. I was too stunned to say or do anything. I was even more confused because of what he did.
“What are you doing? Let me go. Are you trying to kill me? I cannot breathe properly.” I pushed him
“I was just trying to reenact what you were doing with Allyson.”
“What is wrong with you? Are trying to make an issue here? He is having a hard time and that is a friendly hug.” I explained
“If you say so,” he said
- - - - - - - - - -
“So how many months is that already?” I asked while sitting in front of these two people
“Three months.” the girl replied
“What is your decision? Have you told your parents or guardians?” I asked again
“No, you know what is going to happen if I will inform my aunt. We just found out that she is pregnant a week ago,” Allyson whispered
“I think you should talk to her parents first. I understand why you opted to tell me in the first place but it shouldn’t be that way.” I said
“I’m not going to abandon them. I will do my best to support them.” Allyson said
“It’s good that you feel that way. You should accompany your girlfriend in breaking the news to her parents. I will always be here if you need me.” I smiled at him
- - - - - - - - -
“Who’s that? Are you expecting someone this late at night? Am I hearing things? I think a baby is crying.” Nana asked while we were watching TV in the living room
“I think someone is knocking on the door,” I said as I stood up to check since I cannot hear it properly due to the loud rain outside
“What are you doing here?! Come in!” I shrieked in horror when I saw Allyson standing outside while cuddling a baby in his arms
“Why? What is happening?” Nana said who peeked to check
“You are all wet! Did something happen? Why did you run here when there is a storm outside?” I scolded him
“Why is there a baby? Oh my goodness! Whose baby is that?” Nana said when she noticed
Allyson and I froze in our spot and don’t know what to say. Nana stared at us waiting for an answer when the baby cried.
“Both of you have a lot of explaining to do but you should go and settle first in the guest room. Change your clothes and I will wait for you in the living room.” Nana said pointing at Allyson
She glared at me before bringing the baby into the living room. She kept throwing me glances as she checked if the baby was okay or if he was wet. I and Allyson sat with our heads bowed while Nana stood in front of us feeding the baby.
“What are you waiting for? Why is no one speaking yet? I know how close you two are but this is not the time for that.”
“He is my son,” Allyson said faintly
“Your son? What do you mean by that? Like your real son? How did this happen?” Nana asked again
“Why would you ask how it happened? It just happened.” I answered
“Stop being sarcastic with me. You both knew quite well what I am talking about. Why have you kept this secret from me when you share with me everything that happens in your life.” Nana said
“Why would I share that with you when it is not my personal life?” I said
“This is a serious topic. Be thankful that I am carrying the baby or else I will.” Nana paused
“Okay, okay. Relax. I am just trying to make the atmosphere lighter.” I grinned
“Again, this is not the time for that. I need to know what is happening here. I’ll go and put the baby down in my room so you better prepare your explanation.”
“What happened? Why did you come here with the baby when there is a storm outside?” I asked Allyson
“I don’t have anywhere to go. I tried my best to work it out with his mother but it wasn’t easy. Her family was against our relationship and I cannot do anything about it.” he said crying
I opened my arms again to offer him a hug because watching him cry was so heart wrecking. I cannot express how I wanted to comfort him so a hug was the only thing that I can do. I feel sorry for him and the baby and as much as I tried to help him, I cannot do anything since I was still a student.
“It’s okay. Everything will be all right but for now, I think you need to go and take a rest first. You might collapse because of exhaustion. I will do the explaining to Nana and take care of the baby. Don’t worry.” I said tapping his back
“Are you sure you can take care of him? I am embarrassed to be a nuisance to you and your grandmother.” he sighed
“I will be fine. You should take a rest now. It would be a bigger problem if you get sick. We will figure out something tomorrow so don’t worry.”
I accompanied him to the guest room and watched him go to bed to make sure that he will take a rest.