Lost Me Gained Regret

Christine blurted it out, and I was momentarily dazed. “What dinner?”

She raised an eyebrow, “The meals Bryant bought you in the cafeteria. Forgotten already?” No, that was unforgettable. I fell for Bryant because of those meals.

After  my parents passed away early, my aunt took me into her home. She meant well, but there was also my uncle and cousin.

I started working part-time in middle school, and in college, I was self-reliant, paying my way through tuition and living expenses.

Once, after paying an unexpected fee, I was left short on cash. Suffering from malnutrition, I once fainted at school and was taken to the campus clinic by Bryant.

When I woke up, he was there like a figure bathed in sunlight, seemingly glowing. I was stunned at first sight.

He didn’t say much, just, “Awake? The doctor says you’re not eating well. You’ve gotta take better care of yourself..”

I was grateful. “Thanks, you are…”

“No need. I’ve got to go.” Bryant said.

Our conversation was as distant and cold as he seemed. Yet, afterward, in the cafeteria, he or his friends would place a tray filled with food in front of me. Their excuses were flimsy but saved my pride.

Christine abruptly asked, “Tell me, was it all about those meals? Or was it love at first sight?”

“Both, I guess.” I couldn’t deny it. My affection for Bryant wasn’t just about the meals. It was about him. It was only natural for someone who’d walked in darkness to long for the light.

Christine saw right through it. “I’ve never supported you and Bryant being together. He seems proud and collected on the surface, but that only means he’s indifferent. Deep down, he’s cold and unpredictable. You can’t easily win him over.”

It wasn’t the first time Christine had said something like that.

But back then, my marriage to Bryant seemed harmonious, so I had argued with Christine

a few times.

She continued, and her brows furrowed. “But, Bryant’s smart. Why would he give you ten

percent of his shares to make you happy? I couldn’t quite understand him. Maybe three years of marriage did develop some feelings?”

I was just as confused. The more I thought about it, the more it puzzled me.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

As we talked, the car slowly stopped in front of a bar.

I sighed, “I can’t drink.”

“Why, on antibiotics?” Christine asked.

I gestured toward my stomach, feeling a sudden softness. “Christine, I’m pregnant.”

“What, I’m going to be a godmother?” Christine’s eyes widened in shock and joy, and she fumbled before carefully placing her hand on my stomach.

“When did you find out? How far along? Are you feeling okay? Any morning sickness?” she bombarded me with questions while touching my belly.

the joy of

I answered her with a smile. Since finding out was pregnant, I finally felt sharing good news. I realized that others were looking forward to this new life.

It wasn’t until my phone started ringing that Christine snapped out of it. She didn’t answer, pulling me out of the car and waving at Steven, who was running out of the bar. “You’re a real nag, calling and texting.”

Christine was beautiful and friendly, fitting in well with Steven and the gang.

“Been ages since I saw you. Missed you like crazy.” Steven joked around and then noticed me, surprised. “Jane? Weren’t you supposed to go and celebrate the holiday with Timothy tonight? Where’s Bryant?”

Christine was quick to deflect. “Still have the nerve to ask. You guys are all the same a good one among you. I’m warning you. Don’t tip off Bryant about Jane being here

“Who says? I’m quite the ‘good’ one,” Steven shot back.