When I got to my room, I placed my hand on my chest, feeling a rollercoaster of emotions just from seeing this stranger.
It felt strange and wrong at the same time. Trying to shake off the feelings, I unpacked my bag.
I noticed there were some beauty essentials and toiletries I needed, so I bought them earlier.
I took them out and arranged them where they should be. I also bought a new SIM card so I could communicate more easily.
Feeling hungry, I went back downstairs, relieved to see that the handsome stranger had left.
“Syd,” I called out.
“I’m here,” as I followed her voice to a room and knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
I walked in and was in awe of her luxurious bedroom.
The room was stunning, with a large, plush bed draped in soft, expensive-looking linens.
“Wow, you’re living a princess kind of life,” as I took it all in. “How come I haven’t met your parents?”
“Oh, my parents,” they’re on vacation. They were once divorced, but then my dad realized he couldn’t live without my mom, so he chased her back. Now, they’re touring the world together.”
“Wow, that sounds like something straight out of a romance story.”
She turned to me sharply, teasing, “Don’t tell me you’re still reading those unrealistic stories.”
“Oh, come on, Sydney! They’re real. If they weren’t, those authors wouldn’t write about them. And now, look-you’re telling me about a real-life experience of your parents!”
She rolled her eyes and continued applying beauty products to her face.
“Oh, come on, Sydney, don’t be a killjoy. I know you’re a realist when it comes to matters of the heart, but I believe love will find you someday.”
“Whatever, Nadine,” she replied with a smirk.
“Sydney, can I talk to you about something?”
That caught her attention. She turned to me, her protective instincts kicking in. “Sure, Nadine. What is it?”
I felt nervous, unsure if Sydney would agree with my idea, but I knew I needed to do something. I couldn’t just rely on her for everything.
Taking a deep breath, “Sydney, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I don’t want to just sit around and depend on you for everything. I’ve been thinking about getting a job.”
Sydney looked at me with a mix of surprise and concern. “A job? Nadine, you’ve been through a lot. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
“I am. I need to do something for myself, to feel like I’m in control of my life again. I have some savings from a business I invested in, but I still want to work.”
Sydney nodded slowly, understanding where I was coming from. “I get it. But don’t feel like you have to rush into anything. Take your time to figure out what you want to do.”
“That’s just it, I saw a job vacancy at a flower shop just down the street. I’m thinking of applying, hoping I’ll get picked for the job.”
She smiled broadly. “That’s a wonderful idea!”
I felt relieved that she was supportive. The last thing I wanted was for things to become awkward between us.
“You know, I’ve never been in support of you working from home, at least now you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful weather.”
“It wasn’t my idea, Sydney. Logan twisted things around so much that he managed to convince me to work from home.”
“What was his reason?” she asked, carefully watching my reaction as if making sure she hadn’t crossed a line.
“His reason was that he’s a dangerous man, and people are hunting him. Anyone associated with him is in grave danger too.”
Sydney gasped, “Oh my goodness, Nadine, I didn’t know he was that dangerous.”
“Yes, he is, Syd. I wasn’t thinking straight when I made that contract with the devil himself,” I replied, shaking my head.
“I’m just glad you’re out,” she said with relief. “He could’ve messed with your mind so much that you’d start thinking and acting like him.”
“True, Syd. I was beginning to lose my mind in that house. I didn’t even know what I needed anymore,” I admitted, thinking about my time there.
Suddenly, I felt a wave of nausea. I didn’t want to tell Sydney right away that I was pregnant. I knew she saw me as a sister and wouldn’t mind, but I worried about how she’d react once she found out.
“Are you alright?”
I tried to brush it off, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold back the nausea much longer. I noticed a door that looked like it might lead to a bathroom.
Without answering her, I dashed through the door. Thankfully, it was a bathroom. I rushed to the toilet and emptied my stomach.
I sat on the bathroom floor for a moment, catching my breath. The nausea had passed, but I still felt shaky. I heard Sydney’s worried voice from the other side of the door.
I didn’t know how to face Sydney. She was there, soothing my back and holding my hair up.
I slowly got up and looked at her. “I’m sorry, Syd.”
“Why are you sorry?”
“I came here to your room to throw up.”
She shook her head. “Nadine, it could happen to anyone. Stop making a fuss about it.”
I looked at her in awe. How did I get so lucky to have such a kind friend? Even though Sydney is surrounded by wealth and is an only child, she’s still incredibly sweet.
Sydney helped me up and guided me to the sink, where I washed my face.
Afterward, we went back to the main room, and Sydney suggested we sit down and relax for a bit. I took a seat on the couch.
“Why, Syd? Why?”
She looked at me, puzzled. “Why what?”
“Why do you love me so much? I know I don’t deserve it, especially since I’ve pushed you away before.”
She smiled and handed me a bottle of water so I could sip and rinse my mouth.
“Thanks,” I muttered, uncapping the bottle and drinking some water.
“When I came to New York, I tried hard to blend in and be like everyone else. But I was ignored by those bimbos. You were the only one who reached out to me. In just two weeks, you made me feel like I belonged, and I didn’t feel out of place thanks to your constant help.”
I looked surprised. “I didn’t know you felt that way. I just saw you as a friend and wanted to help.”
Sydney sat down next to me. “Nadine, you’re my friend. No matter what’s happened, I care about you because you’re important to me. Everyone deserves support, even if they don’t always see it.”
“I’m grateful, your kindness has made a big difference for me. It’s not just about being in a new city; it’s about feeling like I have someone who genuinely cares.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, and then Sydney asked, “But I have to ask-are you pregnant?”