Chapter 30

Steven

“Oh, my God!” Lexi exclaims as she claps her hands over her mouth.

“A-are you sure?” Kayla asks.

“Yeah, the doctor confirmed it.” Hazel mumbles, as she sets her water down on the floor. All three girls are sitting on the couch, with Hazel in the middle. “I’m pregnant.”

Hazel looks directly at me with a tear-streaked face, and I want nothing more than to hug this young woman and make all her pain go away. The tan girl looks terrible; torn shirt, no bra, matted hair, body shaking as she clutches some cash tightly in her fist. Various scenarios run through my head, each worse than the last.

At the same time, the implications of what Hazel says is echoing throughout my mind. Hazel is pregnant. Am I the father? I might have another child in less than a year. I’m in shock. I stand in place, staring at Hazel in wonder and not speaking.

“And your parents kicked you out?” Lexi wonders.

“Yes! My dad called me a whore!” Hazel screeches as she buries her head in her hands and starts sobbing again. “And he’s right!”

“Shh, you’re okay.” I coo as I reach out and rub the back of the young woman who very well may be carrying my child. “You’re safe.”

“What were you doing at that cheap motel?” Lexi asks. “And why are you holding on to all that cash?”

“Not now, Lexi.” Kayla admonishes.

“I’m sure your parents will welcome you back once they’ve calmed down.” I say soothingly.

“No!” Hazel shouts. “I can never go back! They’re so religious, they believe sex is only for married people. I always knew they’d disown me if they ever found out I was bi. I never expected this.”

“Oh, Hazel!” Lexi exclaims.

“It’s okay, you can stay here.” I assure the poor girl.

“Maybe you should take a shower before we continue?” Kayla suggests.

“Why?” Hazel asks in a sad voice.

“Hazel,” Kayla begins carefully as she points to the side of Hazel’s head, “you’ve got a little, um, you know, in your hair...”

Hazel frowns in confusion, still holding a wad of cash in one hand. Her free hand starts to run through her long brown hair. She soon finds the large spot that is matted and stuck together with dry semen. Holding her hair out, Hazel inspects it, and is able to figure out exactly what is stuck to it. She bursts into tears yet again as her lower lip quivers.

“I am a whore!” Hazel screeches.

“No, you’re not.” I insist. “And, as much as I hate to bring this up, there’s something we need to know before you shower.”

“W-what?” Hazel asks.

“Hazel,” I say as I place my hands on her shoulders and look her in the eye, “were you raped?”

“Shit!” Kayla exclaims. “I didn’t think of that! Washing away evidence!”

“Exactly.” I nod, still holding Hazel’s shoulders. “Say the word, and we’ll get you to the hospital.”

“N-no.” Hazel mumbles as she shakes her head. “He was really rough, but I wasn’t raped.”

“Are you sure?” Lexi asks. “If you didn’t consent to rough sex, that’s still rape.”

“She’s right, Hazel.” I agree.

“I’m sure.” Hazel nods. “He didn’t rape me. Kayla’s right, I just wanna take a shower. Please.”

“If you’re sure...” I trail off. I’m worried I’m about to make a huge mistake. “Head down the hall, there’s a full bathroom on the right. There should be a robe you can put on after.”

“Thank you.” Hazel mumbles as she slowly rises to her feet.

Hazel stumbles a little, and I help keep her standing as she walks toward the hall. I notice she’s still clutching the wad of cash tightly in her fist. I wonder, yet again, why she’s doing this. A sigh escapes my lips as Hazel disappears around the corner.

“What the fuck?!” Lexi hisses after a minute of silence.

“Are we sure letting her shower is a good idea?” Kayla wonders.

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m afraid she’s in denial, and she really was raped.”

“We could still stop her.” Lexi suggests.

“It’s tempting, but no.” I sigh. “She’s going through enough. She wants to shower, let her shower. Let’s just hope we’re wrong.”

“Why do you think she has all that money?” Kayla asks.

“I don’t know.” I answer honestly. “Maybe her parents gave it to her when they threw her out? She wanted a motel room, and that’s all she could afford?”

“Then why try and start her car and leave at 2:00AM?” Lexi brings up.

“True.” I agree. “We’ll have to wait for Hazel to come back to get answers. If she’s up to talking.”

“I still can’t believe she’s pregnant.” Kayla says as she picks Hazel’s purse up off the floor and sets it on the table. “I mean, she’s on the pill! What are the odds?”

“Pretty slim.” I reply.

“Hey, what’s that?” Lexi asks as she points to Hazel’s purse.

The three of us look at the purse and notice that there is a small card sticking out of it. With a frown, Kayla reaches over and plucks the card out. She then stares at it with an expression of shock and confusion.

“X-Star Entertainment?” Kayla frowns.

“I’ve heard of them.” I speak up. “They make porn.”

“Familiar with their work?” Lexi asks slyly.

“Oh, shut up.” I roll my eyes. “I was single for a long time.”

“Y-you don’t think...?” Kayla trails off.

“That Hazel made a porno and is holding on to her pay?” Lexi completes the thought.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions.” I state firmly. “We don’t know anything for sure.”

“I should just put this back.” Kayla suggests as she puts the card back in Hazel’s purse.

“What do we do now?” Lexi asks.

“We wait for Hazel.” I respond.

So, we wait. Kayla and Lexi are sitting on the couch, with the space in the middle open for Hazel. Both girls appear to be lost in thought, various expressions crossing their pretty faces. For my part, I’m pacing back and forth in the middle of the room, occasionally glancing at the girls. What a Friday night.

Finally, after almost an hour, Hazel returns. She’s barefoot, and wearing one of the robes we keep in the bathrooms throughout the house. Her long brown hair is back in its usual ponytail. She’s once again holding onto the wad of cash. The distraught girl shuffles back to the couch and sits back down between Lexi and Kayla.

“I found an unopened toothbrush in the bathroom and used it.” Hazel says, looking at me. “I hope that’s okay?”

“Of course, that’s fine.” I smile.

“I just, I just wanted to get the taste of cum out of my mouth.” Hazel explains.

“You don’t have to explain.” I assure the tan girl.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Lexi asks carefully.

“Or, do you wanna go to bed?” Kayla suggests. “It’s after 4:00AM now.”

“I-I can talk.” Hazel nods.

“Would you mind telling us what happened?” I inquire.

“O-okay.” Hazel mumbles, her lower lip quivering again. “I’ve felt off for a while, but I didn’t know why. For some reason my body just felt different. In retrospect, I understand, but back then? I had no idea. I went to a party last Friday to try and take my mind off it.”

“A frat party?” Lexi wonders.

“Yes.” Hazel nods in confirmation. “I ran into Brittney. She was with an older guy named Peter.”

“Brittney is a friend of yours?” I ask. I know Peter is the name of the guy on the card Hazel has, but I don’t want to bring that up.

“Yeah, I went to parties with her when I was spiraling after my rape.” Kayla explains. “You’ve met Brittney before. She was at my birthday pool party.”

“Oh, okay.” I say, nodding. I don’t remember her. “Please continue, Hazel.”

“I ended up in a bedroom with Peter and Brittney.” Hazel sighs. “We had a threesome.”

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Lexi asks in concern.

“No.” Hazel shakes her head. “He gave me his card after, and offered to put me in porn. Brittney tried to convince me to do it. She said she’s already made a few videos.”

“Brittney is in porn?!” Kayla exclaims.

“Apparently.” Hazel nods.

“I knew I recognized that girl!” I interject.

“What girl?” Lexi asks.

“Is Brittney blonde?” I inquire.

“Yes.” Kayla responds.

“Seriously, what girl?” Lexi wonders with a frown.

“I was watching porn in my office and was sure I recognized the girl.” I admit with a cough.

“When were you watching porn in your office?” Lexi asks with a giggle.

“We hadn’t had sex in a few days, and I’m used to multiple times a day, and, well, a man has needs!” I reason in embarrassment.

“Oh.” Lexi giggles.

“Want me to introduce you to Brittney?” Kayla offers teasingly.

“I’m good, thanks.” I roll my eyes. Actually, that does sound nice. “What happened next, Hazel?”

“I told them I couldn’t be in porn, but agreed to keep the card.” Hazel continues. “I actually felt really hot and wanted. I fell asleep happy Friday night. Then I spent Saturday relaxing, since my mom was actually home for once.

“Sunday, I still felt off. Finally, the thought that I might be pregnant entered my head. I panicked. I offered to take my baby brother, Michael shopping as an excuse to get out of the house. He’s eight, he wasn’t even paying attention to what I bought at the drug store. It was a pregnancy test.”

“Which came back positive.” I say.

“Yes!” Hazel wails.

“I don’t understand, how can you be pregnant?” Lexi wonders. “You’re on the pill, the chances are just so astronomical.”

“Yeah...” Hazel trails off, looking guilty.

“Hazel,” I state firmly, “have you been taking your pills responsibly?”

“Um, well...” the tan girl winces.

“Oh, Hazel!” Kayla says loudly.

“I know, I know!” Hazel buries her head in her hands again. “I’m such an idiot!”

“No, you’re not,” I insist, “But didn’t your doctor emphasize how important it is to not miss a day?”

“Yes.” Hazel nods. “She also said that it was possible to take two the next day to make up for a missed day! And I didn’t miss that many! I never got my period, so I thought, I thought ... I thought I was safe!”

“Shit.” Lexi curses, shaking her head.

“It’s okay, what’s done is done. We can’t go back and change it now.” I say. “And making Hazel feel even worse isn’t helping.”

“Keep going, Hazel.” Kayla instructs. “You know, if you feel up to it.”

“Monday, during lunch, I made two phone calls.” Hazel says nervously. “One to my doctor, and one to Peter.”

“The porn guy?” Lexi asks with wide eyes.

“Yeah...” Hazel guiltily admits. “I told him I needed the money. He was really excited. He said he’d get back to me with a time and place. I also made an appointment with my doctor to confirm the pregnancy. Fortunately, she was able to squeeze me in that afternoon.”

“And your doctor confirmed the pregnancy?” I ask.

“Yes.” Hazel whispers as fresh tears leak out of the corners of her eyes. “S-she said it was lucky I got one of those early detection tests, because I’m not far along at all.”

“How far along are you?” Kayla inquires.

“I got pregnant in Bermuda.” Hazel answers. “So, there are four different guys who could be the father.”

“The guys from the house beside ours!” Lexi exclaims.

“I let Ken, Ryan, and John cum in my pussy.” Hazel gives us a look of shame as she lets out a breath. “And you, of course, Steven.”

“So, it really could be any of them.” Kayla sighs.

“Yes.” Hazel nods.

“Do you want me to call Jason, the PI?” I offer. “I’m sure it won’t be hard to track the guys down, since we know the address. Then we can get paternity tests and know for sure.”

“No!” Hazel screams, making us all jump. “I, I don’t want them involved!”

“Okay, it was just a suggestion.” I say.

“Um, Hazel?” Lexi asks nervously as she takes the taller girl’s hand.

“Yeah?” Hazel mumbles.

“A-are you keeping the baby?” Lexi broaches the topic we’re all wondering about. “You know you don’t have to.”

“My doctor said the same thing. She was very supportive.” Hazel says, not answering the question.

“We can take you back there to, you know, get the procedure done.” Kayla offers. “Only if that’s what you really want. We support you either way!”

Hazel bites her lower lip. She then pulls her right hand out of Kayla’s and presses it to her lower stomach. Looking down at her hand, Hazel rubs her womb affectionately. For the first time, a small smile crosses the distraught girl’s face. Then she looks up at me.

“I’m keeping the baby.” Hazel says in a firm voice.

“Then there’s only one thing to do.” I reply.

“What?” Hazel asks.

“I’ll raise the baby with you.” I vow. “Even if I’m not the biological father, I’ll treat the baby the same.”

“I love you, Steven.” Lexi whispers.

“You’re not mad?” I ask Lexi.

“About you fathering a child? No.” Lexi shakes her head. “I said I was okay with you fucking around, in the back of my mind I had to accept that this could happen. Plus, it’s Hazel. My Slut-sister.”

“I’m gonna have a new brother or sister!” Kayla crows.

“I can’t ask you to do that, Steven.” Hazel finally speaks up. “I’m an independent girl. I helped raise my brothers. I don’t need charity.”

“I really could be the father, though.” I reason. “I have to be responsible.”

“I guess, and I want my baby to have a dad. Who better than you?” Hazel acquiesces. “Still, I can’t accept charity. I have to be able to support my baby.”

“Is this refusal to accept what you call charity how you ended up at that shitty motel?” Lexi wonders with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, yeah...” Hazel reluctantly admits.

“Okay, we don’t have to make any decisions about the baby tonight.” I insist. “What’s important right now is that Hazel is safe.”

“That’s right.” Kayla nods.

“Do you mind finishing your story, Hazel?” Lexi requests.

“O-okay.” Hazel whispers before taking a deep breath and continuing. “Peter called me back Monday night and suggested meeting up for a shoot on Friday, as in, a few hours ago. I was really nervous, but he promised it would just be him, a cameraman, and a woman to help me get ready for the shoot. I agreed.

“I was a wreck for the rest of the week. I know everyone noticed that I was barely talking. I’m sorry about that! I stopped taking my pills, because they could hurt the baby. Anyway, Friday evening, before the shoot, my parents came home. I was so overwhelmed, I needed someone to confide in. Plus, they’re my parents! I just walked up to them and announced I was pregnant. Fuck, I’m an idiot!”

“No, you’re not.” Lexi assures Hazel while rubbing her back.

“My dad called me a whore!” Hazel shrieks as she shakes with renewed sobs.

“Then they kicked you out?” Kayla asks.

“They asked who the father was.” Hazel explains. “W-when I admitted I didn’t know, my dad, my own father, he, he, he slapped me!”

“Oh, my God!” Lexi gasps.

“I see.” I say, anger boiling inside of me.

“My mom kept screaming at me to get out of her house. So, I threw everything I had into garbage bags and carried them out to the car. The last bag burst open as my mom was chasing me out for the last time.” Hazel cries. “So, I scooped up as much as I could and threw it in the back seat before driving to the address Peter gave me.”

“A-and then you did the scene?” Kayla asks, swallowing weakly.

“No.” Hazel sighs, shaking her head before explaining. “I felt like such a whore, shooting porn in a cheap motel. The fuckers couldn’t even spring for a nice location to shoot me getting fucked. I walked into the room to see those three people, and I, I couldn’t do it.”

“You didn’t do the film?” Lexi asks.

“No, I didn’t.” Hazel confirms. “Peter was annoyed, but he said girls back out all the time. I left.”

“Then what?” Kayla gently prods after a minute of silence.

“I had nowhere else to go, no money for a room, so I just went to that crappy bar on the first floor of the motel.” Hazel answers. “I had enough money to buy a drink, but before I took the first sip, I remembered that I’m pregnant, so I pushed the drink away.

“Some guy who was probably in his early thirties came up to me and asked if I didn’t like my drink. I just lied and said someone bought it for me, but I don’t drink. He laughed and asked why I was in a bar if I don’t drink. I gave him a fake smile and told him that I was looking for some company.

“He told me his name was Ted. We talked for a little while, and he said he had a room. I agreed to come with him to his room. I figured if I put out, he’d give me a place to stay the night.”

“Oh, Hazel!” I groan. “Why didn’t you come here?”

“I told you, I don’t need charity!” Hazel hisses.

“It’s not charity to let a friend spend the night.” Kayla interjects.

“She’s right.” Lexi nods. “You aren’t acting rationally right now.”

“Anyway,” Hazel continues, ignoring the girls, “we got up to his room and I went to kiss him. He pushed my face away and said he doesn’t kiss whores. I should have understood then, but I didn’t. Next thing I know, I’m on my knees with his cock in my mouth.

“Ted fucked my face for a few minutes, ripping out my hair elastic and making me gag. Then he started pulling at my shirt. That’s how it got torn. I eventually got off his cock long enough to take my shirt off, but it was already ruined. I took my bra off next, and he mauled my tits while I blew him.

“When he was done using my mouth, Ted dragged me by the hair over to the bed. He had me bend over. He yanked my pants and underwear down. I remember feeling my jeans stretched around my thighs as he pushed inside me.

“He was rough. Very rough. He spanked me. Not in the way I like, he did it like he was trying to hurt me. He kept calling me names, like ‘bitch’ and ‘whore’ while pulling my hair. It didn’t feel good. I just pretended to enjoy it so he would get off and I’d be able to go to sleep.

“Finally, he said he was ready to cum and yelled at me to get on my knees. He held my head back by the hair while telling me to beg for it. I said whatever I could to make him cum. I lied and told him how badly I wanted it. He started cumming. It got all over my face and in my hair. Then he had me clean his cock with my mouth.

“I took off my pants and underwear before going to the bathroom to clean up. When I got back, he was half-asleep on the bed. I curled up beside him naked and figured I’d be able to at least spend the night in peace.”

“We should report him for rape!” Lexi insists vehemently.

“It might be a good idea, Hazel.” Kayla adds.

“No!” Hazel screeches. “He was rough, but I let him do it. I begged him to cum on my face, I willingly sucked him off, I chose to bend over and spread my legs!”

“Hazel...” I whisper.

“NO!” the tan girl screams.

“Okay, okay. Sorry.” I stammer, my hands in the air.

“I was wrong.” Hazel sniffles. “I didn’t get to sleep in peace. He woke up and asked me why the fuck I was still there. I just laid there in shock, unable to say anything. Then he said he remembered. He got his wallet and threw some money at me. Then he dragged me by the hair toward the door.

“I screamed that I needed my clothes. He tossed them out after me. That’s how I lost my bra, he never threw it outside. I was standing in the hallway of that shitty motel, naked and holding onto my clothes and some money. The door behind me opened, and some old guy got a nice look at my ass.

“He asked me how much for an hour, and I burst into tears. Then I quickly got dressed in what clothes I had while he leered at me. I ran out to my car. I had no idea where I was gonna go, I just knew I couldn’t stay there. My car wouldn’t start!”

Hazel breaks down again, and loses the ability to keep speaking. We know the rest, anyway. Lexi and Kayla each hold one of Hazel’s hands as they also rub her back. When it at last seems like Hazel is calming down, she notices the money still in her hand and starts crying so hard she’s hyperventilating.

“Hazel? Hazel! Breathe, you need to relax.” Kayla coos softly.

“You’re okay, you’re safe.” Lexi reassures her.

“Everything’s fine, we’re here for you.” I add.

“No, it’s not!” Hazel wails as she waves the money. “I’m a whore!”

“Listen to me.” I state firmly as I place my hand on her cheek and look into her tear-filled eyes. “You are not a whore.”

“Yes, I am!” Hazel moans.

“Maybe you should get some rest, Hazel.” Kayla suggests.

“Yeah, the sun is coming up and you haven’t slept.” Lexi agrees.

“We’ll get a new battery for your car later on today, and we’ll talk about where we go from here.” I say, being practical, as always.

“W-will this pay for it?” Hazel asks, holding out the cash. “It’s all I have.”

“It’s fine, I’ll cover it.” I say.

“I’m not a charity case!” Hazel hisses before more tears pour fourth. “B-besides, I-I don’t want this money around anymore.”

“Okay, I’ll take it.” I say as I accept the money from Hazel and put it in my pocket.

“A-are you sure it’s okay that I spend the night?” Hazel asks.

“Of course it is!” I say with a strong smile.

“Hazel, I don’t understand this.” Lexi says. “You had no problem accepting a free vacation from Steven, you accept when Kayla pays for our meals. Why is it such a problem to let him help you out?”

“Because!” Hazel snaps. “Because, I always help out at home. I pull my own weight! I-I don’t want to end up living off someone else. That was a vacation, you were going anyway. I mean, yeah, he paid for my flight, but, but, but it’s different!”

“We’ll talk about this later.” I say soothingly. “For now, how about you get some sleep?”

“Okay.” Hazel nods.

“The bedroom next to mine is all made up.” Kayla suggests.

“That’s perfect.” I reply.

This house is huge. There are a number of bedrooms in the hallway with the master bedroom. However, since I only have one child, only the master bedroom and Kayla’s room are occupied. The others are simple, but thankfully, they’re kept made up in case we have guests.

I reach out my hands and take Hazel’s so I can help her to her feet. Then the four of us make our way to the hallway with all the bedrooms. Only the master bedroom and Kayla’s room have a private bathroom, so Hazel will have to use the bathroom down the hall.

“Goodnight, Hazel.” I say, giving her a hug.

“Thank you for letting me stay here.” Hazel replies, hugging me back.

“You’re always welcome.” I say sincerely.

“Night, Hazel.” Lexi smiles, giving the tan girl a kiss on the cheek.

“Sweet dreams!” Kayla adds.

Hazel heads into the bedroom and shuts the door. Then Kayla goes into her room. Finally, Lexi and I enter the master bedroom and strip down to our underwear. My girlfriend and I hold each other close as we process everything.

“Ready to be a dad again?” Lexi asks, her head resting on my chest.

“I never imagined I’d have more children.” I begin. “Then I met you, and thought it might be possible.”

“It is!” Lexi chirps. “We’ll have babies someday!”

“I’m glad.” I smile as I run my fingers through Lexi’s auburn hair.

“Do you think you’re really the father?” Lexi asks.

“Biologically? I have no idea. It’s possible.” I answer carefully. “Are you sure you’re not upset?”

“I’m fine!” Lexi insists. “I’m just worried about Hazel. I mean, yeah, I wanna have your babies, but not just yet. Maybe in a couple years.”

“It’s still okay to be upset that another woman might be having my baby.” I say.

“Do you want me to be upset?” Lexi asks with a raised eyebrow.

“No! Of course not!” I quickly assure her.

“Okay, then. Stop whining!” Lexi admonishes. “She’s not just ‘another woman’, you know, Hazel is my Slut-sister. I’d be pissed if you got Stacey pregnant. Hell, I’d be pissed if you touched her at all.”

“Now, I understand.” I nod. “You still have the same fears of losing me to someone like Stacey, but not a Slut-sister. This is your dream of all of us living together as one big, happy family.”

“Exactly!” Lexi chirps. “One step closer!”

“I don’t know about that.” I say cautiously. “Hazel is very independent.”

“Well, she’s gonna have to get over that.” Lexi states. “She’s gonna need help if she wants to keep the baby.”

“You’re right about that.” I agree. “She doesn’t even have a high school diploma yet. Still, that doesn’t make a relationship.”

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.” Lexi muses.

“Like always.” I say.

“Should we report that guy for rape?” Lexi wonders.

“That’s Hazel’s decision.” I remind Lexi. “And she doesn’t want to.”

“I just hate how she was treated.” she says sadly.

“I know, so do I.” I say. “Just be her friend. She needs you right now.”

“I will.” Lexi nods.

“Anyway, we should go to bed.” I reply.

“Sleep well, Baby!” Lexi says as she kisses me.

“Goodnight, Gorgeous.” I reply, kissing her back.

Stacey

“Good morning, Sir.” I say politely to Steven as he walks by my desk Friday morning.

“Good morning, Stacey.” Steven replies as he nods his head in my direction.

A moment later, he’s gone. In his office, and out of my reach. I want nothing more than to march up to his desk, bend over, and beg him to stick it in me. But, I can’t. He’s taken. His girlfriend knows I’m in love with him and is too insecure to even let Steven do me.

Still, do I even want that anymore? I want a relationship with Steven, not a fling. Continuing to have sex with him will likely just make my feelings even stronger. Feelings for a handsome man I can’t have. A perfect man.

With a sigh, I start my work day. I respond to emails and answer phone calls. I do see Steven for a few minutes when I remind him of golfing on Sunday. While organizing some financial statements, I feel my phone go off in my pocket. Taking it out, I realize the text is from my best friend and college roommate, April.

April: Ready to talk about it?

April doesn’t know what’s wrong. She just knows that something is bothering me. She also knows I have a thing for Steven, but doesn’t know about us sleeping together. I feel bad; best friends are supposed to talk about everything! April and I just aren’t as close now as we used to be. We only talk occasionally these days. I don’t even know what’s going on in her life! I text her back, which leads to a conversation that continues throughout the workday.

Stacey: Not really, no.

April: Is it about a guy? Did you meet a guy?

Stacey: I didn’t meet a guy.

April: Then it’s about your boss.

Stacey: April...

April: It is about your boss! I knew it!

Stacey: I said I don’t want to talk about it.

April: C’mon! We’ve been best friends since Freshman year! We never talk anymore.

Stacey: I know, and I feel bad that we’ve started to grow apart.

April: Then let’s fix it! Come out for drinks with me tonight.

Stacey: That does sound like fun...

April: Okay, see you at 7:00PM?

Stacey: Done!

April: Great! And you and I are gonna have a serious talk. Whether you like it or not! ;)

Stacey: Fine, fine.

April: :D

The rest of my work day goes by normally. I have lunch with Steven, which is awkward and uncomfortable. I try to smile and be friendly, but I just want to cry. I want him to hold me and make everything better. He won’t. He can’t.

Steven and I end up leaving work at the same time. He smiles as he waves goodbye to me. I smile back and wave cutely. Please, just hug me. Fuck! He’s gone. I leave the building and get into my car, then pull out onto the street.

I don’t have a lot of time before I have to meet April, so I head straight back to my apartment for dinner. I heat up and eat my prepared meal. After eating, I change into comfortable clothes to go out in. Then I order a ride and head outside to wait for it. It isn’t long before I’m entering the bar April and I agree on.

“Hey! Stacey!” a familiar bubbly voice calls out as I walk into the bar.

I turn to see a tiny blonde waving at me from a nearby stool while holding a cocktail. April is an incredibly petite woman. She’s just under five feet tall, and weighs less than ninety pounds. April has wavy blonde hair, light skin, and small breasts. On her face she has a pair of nice glasses. She’s currently wearing a cute white top and a green skirt.

“April! Hi!” I reply after walking over and sitting down on the bar stool beside her.

“It’s been too long!” April says as she leans forward and wraps her arms around me.

“It has!” I agree as I hug her back.

“What can I get for you?” the bartender asks, walking over to us after our hug breaks.

“I’ll have a vodka tonic.” I order.

“Coming right up.” the bartender smiles.

“So?” April asks in her adorable, little voice.

“So, what?” I reply with a giggle as my drink arrives.

“You know what!” April rolls her eyes. “What’s been going on with you?”

“Nothing much.” I answer before taking a sip. “Just working.”

“Right.” April states evenly. “Your amazing job that led to you abandoning me.”