Past- 20th August 2032
I was sitting in the chapel of my church, distantly watching the pastor speak. Words flowing through one ear are being spat by the other. Usually, I would be listening to my pastor's sermon. However, I have been feeling nauseous for a while. I mean, it has been going away, which is good. But I have been gaining weight. I'm not one to watch my diet, but out of all the times for my stomach to look more bloated, it is when I am in a relationship.
Stan and I have been going quite steady. We always see each other whenever we have time. And each time, we are drawn closer than ever before. I'm kind of afraid as to how fast our relationship is moving. But I can't help it. Being with him feels so natural. We don't always have to have a conversation, but when we do, we never stop. We never have to act like different types of people.
I have no idea why I feel like this. But honestly, I don't want it to stop.
"Christine" The pastor's voice brought me back to reality. It was then that I realized that almost everyone has left. The pastor smiled at me and down next to me.
"Okay, Christine, what has you distracted?" I smiled at the pastor. A man that was always there for me.
"I'm sorry, Pastor Henry. I have been very sick. I am just not in the best state of mind" The pastor nodded before he saw something on the back of my neck. Almost immediately, he held a grin on his face. It was a bit creepy, to be honest.
"Christine, the Lord, has a reason for everything. So do not worry, everything will be alright." I smiled at the pastor and saw him stand up and leave. Maybe, this was just because of guilt. I mean, Johnathan and Jessica left me. But waiting for them to run back to me and apologize was ridiculous. I just had to be the bigger person and forgive.
I walked inside the car and drove off. I was on my way to Johnathan's house. The last time that we saw each other was when we went to the club together. Still upset about how he left me, I parked in front of his apartment and stayed inside the car.
I kept having to remind myself that he wasn't Jessica. He didn't leave because of spite or "revenge." John left because he said that he ran into an old friend. Besides, he was a more direct kind of person; he would never do something out of spite.
It's for me to stop being petty. I got out of my car, walked up the flight of stairs, and knocked on his door. As I waited, I kept hearing muffles on the other side. When the door swung open, I was surprised to see that it was a shirtless stranger.
"Abdullah, who is at the door?" I stood there, still stunned as John approached the front door. When he saw that it was me, he quickly grabbed my hand and led me into his apartment. In the corner of my eye, I saw the stranger go inside Johnathan's room. John took me down to the living room, sat me down, and proceeded to bombard me with questions.
"Christine, what happened? Jessica came into my place. She started crying, going on about how she betrayed you. Did something bad between you and Jessica occur while I left?" I took a deep sigh. Of course, Jessica would run her big mouth to John without letting me explain. That was another thing that I didn't like about Jessica. She always had to make sure that other people had to know about it.
I then proceeded to give Johnathan my side of the story. The rude text Jessica gave me, my failed one-night stand, and the argument we had in my house. I also explained how I am dating that failed one-night stand. Johnathan just sat there with an unreadable face. When I finally finished, he took a deep breath. What he said shocked me.
"Both you and Jessica are in the wrong. But I can understand why you both are angry with each other. Jessica is just looking out for you. She has more experience with this type of thing and doesn't want you to get hurt.
However, she executed this poorly, and it is annoying that she doesn't try and use some sort of filter.
But please be careful. This guy sounds sketchy, and in terms of your decision to date him, I am on Jessica's side." Johnathan said that he thought that Jessica was right. Knowing that was very upsetting, but I tried not to let it get to my head.
"So you're telling me that you agree with-" Johnathan interrupted me before I could even finish my sentence.
"You know that I didn't mean it like that. I don't agree with either of you. But you need to be a bit more careful," I nodded my head, trying to understand his perspective.
The same stranger came out of Jonathan's room. This time, he was wearing a green t-shirt with black shorts. He was quite handsome and seemed to be Middle Eastern.
"John, I don't want to seem rude, but who is the handsome stranger?" My question seemed to be funny because he just started laughing. I felt my cheeks heat up as he continued to laugh.
As his laughter died down, he motioned the stranger to come. The stranger smiled and sat next to Johnathan.
"I forgot to introduce you to each other. Abdullah, this is my best friend, Christine. And Christine, this is Abdullah, my fiance."
What? I didn't even know that John was dating someone, let alone about to be married.
"I know that I haven't told you about him at all. It was only because of how much time we've been apart.
Abdullah and I have known each other since middle school. Then, our actual relationship started in high school. However, we broke up after our second year of college. This was because he got a scholarship to study abroad.
When I went to the bathroom in the club, I encountered Abdullah. It also turns out that he is the same physiatrist who transferred to my workplace. He and I found each other at the club, we rekindled, and now we know that we want to be together for the rest of our lives."
I smiled as I saw genuine displays of affection that they showed to each other. Coming to John's place wasn't a mistake. I said goodbye to them and drove to my house. On my way, nausea that came from before started to arise.
I quickly stopped my car on the side. Suddenly, I puked for what was the second time today.
Now I know that it couldn't be guilt. I had an assumption, but I didn't want it to be true. I quickly drove to Walmart and parked. I rushed in there, grabbing the object and promptly purchasing it. When I sat in my car, my hands felt clammy as I gripped the steering wheel.
I could feel the pregnancy test stare at me on the trip home. I parked my car in front of my house and stared back at the object. The information that the stick held was going to determine my future.
Holding the test in my hands, I walked inside the house. Walking into the bathroom, I read the instructions and did as such. I watched in horror as I saw the two red lines slowly emerge. My assumption has been correct.
I was pregnant with Stan's child.
Past- 19th September 2032 I woke up feeling more tired than I did before I went to sleep. It has been twenty-nine days, five hours, and twenty minutes since I found out that I was pregnant. I haven't even told Stan, John, Calvin, or Jessica yet. The guilt, as well as the bump, has been growing with every day going by. The bump doesn't show until the second trimester, but I can still see every change in my body. How can I be a mother when I cannot even keep myself in check? I have always wanted children. And I know that I'm completely prepared to have them. I have enough money to raise my child and I love taking care of another child. But I only want them with my future husband once I settle down. What about Stan? We've never had the discussion about him wanting children or not. I didn't even have the chance to ask about settling down. Does he even want to get married? Or is it that he would rather be with someone that isn't me. I sin
Past- September 30th, 2032 It has been ten days since I told Stan about our unborn child. And for a man who doesn't want kids, he's bearing the responsibility very well. I do have my doubts. But he is quick to reassure me when I need it. However, I did not tell the people closest to me about my pregnancy yet. And they deserve to know, especially Calvin. I tell him everything. So, he'll be the first person to know about this child. The fall season is settling in quite nicely. The once green leaves are transforming into an array of reds, yellows, and oranges. The crisp, cool air feels so nice with every breath I take. I am sitting on a park bench watching people live their lives. My tranquility doesn't last long when somebody's hands cover my face. I smile as I hear the familiar voice. "How are you doing, Christine?" Calvin asks behind me. He moves his hands and sits beside me with a goofy smile.
Past- 21st October 2032Jessica is sitting across from meinsidethe coffee shop.A month had gone by since I told Stan about the baby.And I now feel like I am ready to tell my best friends.I'm deciding to tell Jessica first and then Johnathan.I feel like she will not take this as well as Johnathan.Jessica is still in her ballet dancewear because she recently finished teaching her class."Why did you invite me here, Christine?" Jessica asks in curiosity.I try acting offended at her question.She rolls her eyes and chuckles at my childish behavior."What are you talking about, Jessica?Can't I treat my best friend in th
Past- 5th November 2032 "Faith. Faith is the complete devotion or trust in something or someone. As children of God, we must be able to give our faith to the Lord," I listened to the pastor's words in concentration. In the corner of my eye, I noticed that Calvin wasn't as focused. "In Acts 4:12(NIV) it states 'Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.' We cannot be able to find redemption by any other means except through the Lord Jesus Christ. By giving our all to the Lord, we shall continue to experience his everlasting love. And all of the sins that we have committed shallbe removed. Let us pray," I quickly bowed my head and closed my eyes as the pastor began to pray. "๐๐ฅ, ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ณ๐ข๐ซ๐ฉ๐ถ ๐ฃ๐๐ฑ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ. ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ข๐ฐ ๐ข๐ณ๐ข๐ฏ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ซ๐ค๐ฑ๐ฅ๐๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ฌ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐๐ณ๐ข ๐ช?
Past- November 25th, 2032"For the last time Christine. You don't have to help," Abdullah insists. I pout as I reluctantly place the salad down. This side of Abdullah is different from the one that I'm used to. John sees me act sad and pats my shoulder. He then lets out a little chuckle. I glare at him with squinted eyes. I don't know what's so funny to him."Don't be so glum, Christine. When it comes to cooking in Thanksgiving, Abdullah loves his space," I nod at Johnathan's explanation. but it doesn't help the guilt within me.Today marks the twentieth day since I asked for a place to stay. And I am thankful for every minute.I almost expected them to say no. I mean, they have jobs. And they don't need a pregnant woman knocking on their door. But they said yes and I was very grateful. They have given me nothing but hospitality. So during my stay, I did anything I could to help them, despite their protests.&nbs
Past- December 12th, 2032 I am lying on the single-sized bed that Johnathan laid for me. It has been a month since I came into his house, asking for a place to stay. Thankfully, he and Abdullah said yes. Because, honestly, they were my only real option. And they are great. They are kind, sweet, and accepting. we have formed a good dynamic and it's very liberating. But today was different. I broke down for the first time. And I started spewing out my insecurities about Stan and Jessica with tears streaming down my face. The secrecy was getting to me, and I NEEDED answers. I can blame today's incident on my hormones. But actually, it was frustration building up. It's already ten o'clock and the tears have dried. And yet I can't sleep. If sleeping isn't an option, then I'll talk with the man downstairs. I smile as I lay my right hand on my bump. My baby responded with a kick, telling me that he is still
Past- December 25th, 2034I am standing in front of Jessica's house. Vittorio is behind me, holding the food that I have prepared for a Christmas dinner. Jessica is going through a lot, and I wanted her to know that I am here for her. Unfortunately, John and Abdullah decided not to come, stating that Jessica needs to have her space.Both of them do have a point; Jessica does need space to grow. However, it's Christmas, and it is the time to give to others. I quickly knock on the door. The door opened, and my heart ached at the sight of Jessica.Jessica's usual vibrant skin looks pale. She is wearing a black, large t-shirt that's covered in stains. Her green eyes were void of any emotion, and the worst part was that the puffy eyes indicated she had been crying. I quickly wrap my arms around her; she stood still for a moment before relaxing her head onto my shoulder.A few seconds pass, and I break the hug.
Past- January 12th, 2033Johnathan, Jessica, and I are going shopping for our babies. I cannot believe that in just a few months, Jessica and my baby will be born. It was exciting but scary at the same time. Jessica, Johnathan, and I were first going to the Little Canadian. Then we are going to Walmart, before finally going to another Walmart.We all agree that we'll meet in front of Little Canadian at noon. It's now eleven forty-eight, and I'm already inside. This may sound typical, but this is a big deal. I am usually very late when it comes to meeting my friends outside of my house. But this time it's different.Vittorio has given me a budget of three thousand dollars to spend on baby things. I don't need that much money. But he insists that I take it anyways. So I'm going to buy Jessica's stuff for her. Her favorite color is yellow, and she's expecting a baby girl, so I'm quickly browsing around the store. I'm also making sure that