“So how did it go?” Old Evan asked as Nica stepped into the store for work. Nica cleared her throat, hesitating to tell him about the report.
When she remained silent, Old Evan sighed. “Leave and come back with the report.”
What?!
“Sir, I…” Her words faltered as the man raised an eyebrow at her.
“I was serious, Nica. I’m not a cold person; I care about my employees’ health. Your health matters, and that’s why I’m doing this…”
“I went to the hospital three days ago,” she cut in, and Old Evan waited for her to finish. “It’s… it’s confidential, sir.”
Telling Old Evan about her pregnancy might make him look at her differently, especially since she planned to terminate it.
“Okay, step in… today will be quite busy, so I’ll do my best to help,” the man said, and Nica smiled. Old Evan might be strict, but he was the best when you got to know his kind side.
“Whatever happens, Nica, just make sure you’re doing the right thing,” he said, and her face paled as his words hit her hard. He glanced at his watch.
“I better go check my toasts,” he said, leaving her standing there with swirling thoughts in her head.
Nica glanced down at her stomach. Her mind drifted to the future. What if she managed to give birth? What kind of person would he or she be?
Poor thing; it was never its fault, and yet she wanted to get rid of it?
Tears pooled in her eyes as she caressed her belly. “I’m sorry, little one… sorry for thinking I could stop you.”
She reached for her phone to call the doctor and cancel her abortion appointment, but instead, her phone rang, displaying the doctor’s name.
Sniffling and clearing her throat, she answered. “Hello?”
“Hello, Miss Nica Hanson. This is Swedish Medical Center. We are calling to inform you about the test results,” the doctor began.
“Yeah, I was about to call too. It’s not necessary anymore,” Nica mumbled.
“You can’t do it,” the doctor said, and Nica frowned slightly.
“What?”
“The abortion. You can’t proceed with it. Your body is too weak for such a procedure, and I advise against it; it could risk or even end your life.”
Nica’s face turned pale. Though she had decided against the abortion, hearing this from the doctor made her feel emotional.
“Alright, doctor. I’ll keep it,” Nica muttered, her voice barely audible.
“Good. I wish you a safe delivery.”
As the call ended, Nica took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
_
Rhea’s eyes darted around the subway, wondering if she’d gotten the place right. She halted when she spotted the familiar band but saw no sign of Valerie.
“Hi,” she greeted the guy with dark red hair and a rough look but a pretty smile. He was talking to his friend, but his gray eyes shifted to her.
“Hi,” he replied.
“I’m looking for Valerie?” Rhea asked, swallowing at the strong smell of cigarettes that scorched her nostrils.
“Vee? Who are you?” the guy asked, his friends also turning their curious gazes on her.
“I’m her friend,” she answered quickly.
“Oh… we haven’t seen her for a while either. Not a sign of her,” the guy shrugged.
“uh, thanks. I’ll leave then.” Rhea bowed slightly and quickly left.
Valerie, who had been hiding nearby, watched Rhea speaking to Jace, one of her crew members, and then retreating. She emerged from her hiding spot, pulling down her black jean jacket and slinging it over her shoulder. Only her crop top remained as she picked up her guitar and walked toward the crew.
“I never thought she’d actually come looking for me,” she muttered. “It’s better we don’t see each other, Rhea.”
She reached her crew and dropped her guitar beside her. “What did you tell her?” she asked Jace.
“What you told me to say,” Jace shrugged. “That you’re never around,” he quickly added, hoping to stop her glare.
Without a word, Valerie crouched down, signaling one of them for a cigarette.
“Why are you avoiding her though? Who is she?” Jace asked.
“Someone,” she replied, lighting the cigarette and taking a drag before puffing out smoke.
“Just someone?” Jace clicked his tongue. Valerie hummed in response, trying to drift her thoughts away from Rhea.
“Right… I guess I have a shot with her. She is pre-” Jace didn’t get to finish his sentence before Valerie swung her hand holding the cigarette, the red-burning tip coming dangerously close to Jace’s neck. He immediately froze.
Valerie might have been a lady, but she was stronger than most men. And downright crazy when angry.
“Don’t you fucking dare,” she warned, her voice cold. The other crew members exchanged uneasy glances.
—
Rhea sighed as she stepped out of the place, the cold wind hitting her skin.
“Rhea,” Thane called from a distance, approaching her with a smile. “Remember we had a movie to watch?”
“Yeah, I do. I thought we could go with Valerie, but I couldn’t find her. I wonder what she’s up to these days,” Rhea murmured, glancing back.
“It’s fine. We can just go alone,” Thane said with a sweet smile. His white baggy top, joggers, and disheveled brown hair made him look effortlessly handsome.
“Alright,” Rhea agreed and followed him.
—
Morticia sat at her desk, studying in her dorm. Exams would start immediately after the school party, and with the timetable out, she was close to covering all the material.
A knock broke the silence and her concentration. She stood, walking to the door, and opened it to find Klaus standing there.
“Klaus?” she blinked, unsure if it was really him.
“Can I come in?” he asked. His voice and features looked tired and she wondered what had happened to him. Morticia stepped aside to let him in.
“How have you been?” he asked, his eyes locking with hers.
She crossed her arms and raised a brow at him.
“I know you’re mad at me, but I’ve been really busy. I mean, extra busy,” he said, and she kept staring at him in silence. “Sorry,” he added.
“What were you doing?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Klaus said, walking to sit on her bed. His hands ran through his hair. Morticia recalled the last time he’d looked this tired-when she’d watched a horror movie and run to him for comfort.
“Why shouldn’t I worry? You just ghosted me for days and now tell me not to worry?”
“And I said I’m sorry.” his voice rose slightly.
“Then tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I could-”
“You don’t have to know everything, Bunnie. Just let it go,” he almost snapped.
Klaus had been out on one of Simon’s ridiculous missions. He hadn’t wanted to do it, but that asshole had reminded him of the threats binding both him and Vincent to the clan. This time, it had been a mission to retrieve stolen goods belonging to someone called Void.
“Klaus…”
“Bunnie, don’t push it,” he said, keeping his gaze low. He’d missed her, which was why he was here. He was glad she didn’t press further and went back to her table, resuming her studies.
Klaus looked up at her back, wishing now that she’d keep talking.
“I miss you,” he said loud enough for her to hear.
Morticia sighed. Here he was again, with his on-and-off mood-acting sweet one moment and snapping the next. But instead of getting mad, she turned to face him, spreading her arms wide.
“Well? Do you want it or not? My arms are starting to ache,” she mumbled, raising a brow.
Klaus stared at her, stunned, clearly not expecting her reaction.
In a swift movement, he reached out and hugged her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. He inhaled her scent, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief.
His tense nerves that was driving him crazy and over to the edge, slowly calmed in her embrace.
One moment, the world seems not to let him breath and then another, in her soft hold, he felt comfort…
It was as if this was all he needed. He shut his eyes.
He muttered. “What would I ever do without you?… Bunnie”